The History of the Reid Center

East Elevation, Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, circa 1916

The Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church was commissioned in 1904 by Daniel G. Reid. Reid was a financier, industrialist, and benefactor known as the “Tinplate King”. He constructed this building in memory of his parents, Daniel Reid and Anna Gray Reid. Its bell tower and Tiffany windows were an immediate and impressive testament to Reid’s generosity.

Born and raised in Richmond, Reid rose from messenger boy to bank president and made a fortune in the early tinplate industry, ultimately becoming a New York City financier, though never forgetting his hometown.

In addition to commissioning the construction of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, he also gave funds to build Reid Memorial Hospital, both of which still carry the family name.

He also lavished funds on other Richmond institutions, including the YMCA, the Richmond Art Association, and Earlham College.