How it all started...
First Presbyterian Church was founded in 1896. Wednesday night prayer meetings began in August, a tradition the church continues to this day with our Wednesday night fellowship. On October 23rd, the church was officially organized with 32 charter members.
In July 1897, the church constructed its first building, a humble chapel that took only 12 days to build. In 1907, the church constructed the building, which still serves as our home to this day.
In July 1897, the church constructed its first building, a humble chapel that took only 12 days to build. In 1907, the church constructed the building, which still serves as our home to this day.
A growing church
From 1896 to 1956, eight pastors served First Presbyterian Church. In 1956, Pastor William Allen became the 9th pastor and began a period of growth for the church, both in attendance and in building. The first addition was a one story Sunday school building completed in October 1960. Over the next 15 years, the church continued to build onto its building and purchase houses on the block.
Standing firm
Praise God for faithful pastors! From 1956 to 2023, First Pres was faithfully served by two men. Pastors William Allen and John Sheldon kept the church firmly grounded in God's word as their denomination (PCUSA) continued to compromise its historical convictions.
A New Beginning
After Pastor John retired in October 2023, First Pres began its journey to its new denominational home. After a year of careful considering and prayer, the church unanimously voted to leave the PC(USA) and join the PCA (Presbyterian Church in America). While the decision to leave the PC(USA) was costly, the church knew that faithfulness to God's word was worth it. On October 20th, 2024, First Presbyterian Church left its historical denomination to join the PCA.
On July 19th, 2025, Pastor Luke Bert was officially called to serve as the 11th pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Today, First Pres is dedicated to being a reformed, biblical, and confessional church that loves God and loves people.
On July 19th, 2025, Pastor Luke Bert was officially called to serve as the 11th pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Today, First Pres is dedicated to being a reformed, biblical, and confessional church that loves God and loves people.
