Our History
Celebrating Over 100 Years in the Community
The first records of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sullivan, Missouri dated back to November 1892, but the first roll of members was received into the Church in the neighboring congregations of Meramec Congregation of Stanton, Cave Spring, and Ridge Congregation at Sullivan, as early as 1854. One of the earliest ministers was the Rev. Jacob Clark of Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The Historic Restoration of the Clark Family Cemetery
The Mt. Helicon Art Fair was a success! A joint endeavor between First Presbyterian Church of Sullivan and Show Me Artists, has kicked off a promising restoration project for the Clark Family Cemetery. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the historical site hidden away by time. The removal of overgrowth and debris and the cleaning of weathered gravestones has marked significant progress already. However, there is much to be done as we strive to preserve and transform it into a recognizable landmark along Route 66.
Rev. Jacob Clark (1810-1857) was one of the town’s original founders. He named this place and the first post office here Mt. Helicon in reference to the beautiful and inspirational mountain in ancient Greece where the Nine Muses played, representing the foundation of art and the humanities. When the Clark family settled here the excitement of the American Dream was alive and well. At a time before this area was developed, its natural beauty was unaltered. The springs, caves, gentle mountains, lush forests and abundant wildlife was an exciting opportunity for pioneers to find their place in paradise.
Clark passed away shortly before the town of Sullivan was established, named after Steven Sullivan for donating land for the railroad to be built. It is said that Jacob thought well of Steven and reserved a space for him and his wife in the Clark Family Cemetery. Later, Sullivan requested to be buried at the highest point in the area where he rests now.
The story of Mt. Helicon and Clark’s vision have been lost in time and left in ruins. As travelers drive through present day Sullivan on Route 66 there was no clue that this story was here. A huge thank you goes out to visitors that bought local art and donated towards the cemetery restoration project, to First Presbyterian Church of Sullivan for hosting the event, and committing to preserve this unique and rich history in our community, and to members of the local DAR Chapter and Franklin County Cemetery Society for going above and beyond with clearing brush and cleaning headstones. Now that we have rediscovered Mt. Helicon, a sense of purpose is rekindled. It’s through art and community that we hope to inspire others and preserve this story and Clark’s legacy for everyone to enjoy. The Mt. Helicon Art Fair will be a recurring event that we hope to grow locally.
