Diverse with a dynamic and ever-changing path towards the future.
The history of our church spans nearly 150 years and is entwined with the history of Elgin. From its humble beginnings, worshipping in the homes of local Presbyterians, the First Presbyterian Church of Elgin has grown into a multi-generational congregation and a centerpiece of the community.
Early History
The first Presbyterians in Elgin worshiped at the home of the city’s founders, the Gifford family. As of 1836, six Presbyterian families and six Congregational families in the city typically worshipped together. A Presbyterian church was built on Center Street after a split with the Congregational church in 1856, and around that time, national Presbyterians split into Reformed and Non-Reformed denominations.
In Elgin, a second Presbyterian church was built, but in the 1860’s the two churches melded into one. A new church was built in 1872, but unfortunately, burned down less than 6 months after its dedication. A replacement building was built and served the congregation for about 13 years before debt forced the Presbyterians to dissolve and sell the building to pay off the debt.
A New House of Worship
In 1890, the Presbytery sent a minister to Elgin to begin reorganizing the church. The House of Hope Presbyterian church was built in 1892, and is the building our church still worships in today. The church’s name was changed to First United Presbyterian Church in the 1960’s, before finally becoming First Presbyterian Church in the early 1970’s.
The Church Today
First Presbyterian Church of Elgin celebrated its 125th anniversary in our current location in 2017. We are proud to be a community center, including partnering with Food for Greater Elgin, P.A.D.S. of Elgin, Community Crisis Center, CWS/CROP Walk and actively supporting the efforts of Centro de Información, a local non-profit agency that provides advocacy for thousands of immigrants every year. We also support numerous global ministries, including One Great Hour of Sharing and Church World Service.
We are proud of our history, and the new chapters we write every day. Our services are alive with music, fellowship, the wisdom of our elders and the laughter of our children!
