Our Heritage

As a church blessed by God’s grace and for His glory, under the leadership of the Drs. Frank M. Barker, Jr. and Harry L. Reeder III, Briarwood has been “the Flagship Church” of the PCA and is continuing to become an “Epicenter Church” for the Kingdom of God.

Click here to visit our History Room and Guest Reception.

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Click here to hear Frank and Barbara Barker’s testimony about Briarwood’s history.

SUMMER 1960
Frank M. Barker, Jr., agreed to help the Birmingham Presbytery start a church in Cahaba Heights.

JUNE 5, 1960
First worship service held in the Cahaba Heights Shopping Center.

SEPTEMBER 25, 1960
Briarwood Presbyterian Church officially chartered.

SEPTEMBER 29, 1963
First worship service in Highway 280 facility.

1965
Briarwood Christian School organized.

1966
Briarwood’s first World Missions Conference.

1972
Birmingham Theological Seminary organized.

DECEMBER 4, 1973
First General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America [PCA] held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

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1977
Construction of Briarwood South (Highway 119).

JANUARY 1988
First Worship Service at I-459/Acton Road location.

OCTOBER 1998
Election of pulpit committee to recommend new Senior Pastor to replace the Rev. Frank M. Barker, Jr., upon retirement.jubilee_web

MAY 1999
Calling of Harry L. Reeder III as new Senior Pastor.

2000
Debt of Acton Road facility retired.

2010
Briarwood’s 50th Anniversary, The Year of Jubilee is celebrated

2011
“For Coming Generations” campaign begun for youth and children’s expansion projects.

May 11, 2012
The Barn opens for Youth Ministries.

March 31, 2013
The Children’s Auditorium addition to the main campus opens.