Descendants of former governor Thomas C. McRae unveil the historical marker at the former First Presbyterian Church in Prescott.

The threat of rain didn't keep guests away as the Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony took place outside the former First Presbyterian Church in Prescott today. The atmosphere was sunny and jovial as many gathered to share stories and celebrate a piece of Prescott history. Judge Duncan Culpepper provided words of welcome to the crowd and introduced the event's guest speakers, Truman Warren, Ashley Sides, and Rex Nelson, as well as the guest pipers from Lion College who played a few hymns for the audience.

Warren, a former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, is who began the process of getting the historical marker for the church. He spoke to the crowd about the importance of the church's history, as well as that of former Governor Thomas C. McRae, who donated the land for the building. Sides, from the Arkansas Department of Heritage, shared with guests the necessity of preserving history. He also expressed appreciation for those who made today's ceremony happen and said that the dedication of citizens is what makes the Historical Marker Program a success.

Rex Nelson, broadcaster, writer, editor, and Arkansas historian, expressed his thoughts on how churches such as this one have an integral role in Arkansas history, especially in regard to rural towns who relied on churches to provide essential functions in a community like education and more. "Not only did these churches bring religion, but also civilization," Nelson said.

In the audience were guests from surrounding states, including descendants of Thomas C. McRae, who were called upon for the unveiling of the historical marker. At the close of the ceremony, all were invited to the Nevada County Library to partake in refreshments and share more stories about the church. As the participants departed the lawn of the church to head over to the library and continue their pleasant afternoon, one guest could be overheard saying, "this feels just like a family reunion." The celebration of local history having the atmosphere of a family function is a fitting description of the charm that small-town life holds for its citizens, as well as the essential role the community's churches hold in the day-to-day.