First Presbyterian Church was organized as Villa Rica Presbyterian Church in 1855 with fourteen members. First services were held in the homes of the members. All early records were destroyed during the Civil War and services were suspended until 1867. In 1885 a white frame building for worship was constructed on Candler Street.

Mr. W. B. Candler was Clerk of Session from 1888 until 1921. After his death, his children donated his home property to the church.

In 1930 the frame building was moved to its present location on the donated property. It was bricked and a basement was added for Sunday school rooms. The mahogany pews, pulpit, and the stained glass windows were purchased from Old Wesley Memorial Church in Atlanta when it was torn down. The formula for the color in the windows has been lost, making them irreplaceable antiques.

Mr. Candler's home behind the church served as a manse for many years, and later for Sunday school rooms and fellowship activities. It was torn down in 1998, and a new fellowship building was erected. The sanctuary and basement underwent a major renovation during 2000-2001.

Also, the parking lot was paved and parking spaces were marked off. In 2002 the front steps of the church were replaced.

This early church of just fourteen members by 1925 had grown to sixty members, with a budget of $925. From 1930-1972 the church shared pastors at various times with Austell, Bremen, Douglasville, Oak Mountain, and Tallapoosa. Many of these were students from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia

In 1972 a new manse was built on Twin Lakes, and the first full-time pastor, Al Ruggles, was called. In1986 the church name was changed from Villa Rica Presbyterian Church to First Presbyterian Church of Villa Rica. In 1991 the church withdrew from the PCUSA and joined the PCA, a more conservative branch of the Presbyterian Church.

The church has increased to a membership of over 100, with a budget of over $100,000. First Presbyterian is a mission - minded church supporting a number of missionaries. Ministry opportunities abound for all age groups. First Presbyterian continues to grow steadily. And three generations of the Candler family continue to worship here.