James McChord

James McChord or M'Chord (March 29, 1785 – May 26, 1820) to Isabella and John McChord. He was christened on April 13, 1785. but soon changed course and began studying for the ministry. McChord relocated to New York City to attend the Associate Reformed Theological Seminary, Originally resolving to leave Lexington as a result, his congregation rallied to keep this from happening. On July 30, 1815, McChord dedicated a new church, the Market Street Church, with himself as pastor and with a congregation of fifteen. On March 4, 1820, he was elected by the Board of Trustees to serve as the first president of Centre College,

Death and legacy Before he was able to formally assume the presidency, McChord died suddenly on May 26, 1820. He was buried in a vault in front of the pulpit of his church in Lexington. in his honor, but the name was changed again in 1828 to Second Presbyterian Church (a name it still retains), as some felt it was improper to name a church after an individual.

Samuel Finley was appointed president pro tempore in 1822, filling the vacancy created by McChord's death, and Jeremiah Chamberlain was elected president on a permanent basis in December of that year.