OUR HISTORY
In April of 1831, The Rev. William A. Stevens was assigned as organizing Pastor for a group of Chester County citizens of Presbyterian Ancestry. The cornerstone for this new church was laid on July 3, 1832. However, the building went on more slowly than was expected and it was not covered until the summer of 1833. Not until January 1834 was it in a condition to be occupied for public worship. A Sabbath School Society was organized on July 22, 1832. Public worship was held in the church for the first time on January 7, 1834 with 52 original members.
On January 15, 1834, the charter was obtained from the Supreme Court of the United States incorporating the program as “The First Presbyterian Church of the Borough of West Chester.” The church design was the first commission of Thomas U. Walter, America’s preeminent Greek revival architect, who later designed the dome of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
In the 1840’s the small congregation began to grow and reach out. Things went so well that by 1861-62, the church was overflowing and an addition was added during the ministry of Rev. William E. Moore. The old Sunday School Chapel was constructed in 1893, where our educational facilities now stand. In 1905 a much larger pipe organ was constructed and new stained glass windows were added. The organ was electrified in 1934.
Additional property was purchased from 1955-57 to add the present educational facility where the old Chapel had stood. In 1962 the Kell Memorial Organ was installed in memory of a beloved pastor, the Rev. J. Garrett Kell, and changes were made in the Chancel area. New pews were added in 1966.
The church continued to grow, stretching all existing facilities for education and ministering. The church undertook a major renovation program in 1986 connecting the original sanctuary to the education building. The congregation undertook a similar renovation and expansion in 1995, adding an elevator, classroom space, air-conditioning and remodeling throughout the building. The strengths of the congregation are worship and music, mission outreach, education, ministry to its youth and families, and its preschool program.
The building now known as The First Presbyterian Church has continued to grow and meet the religious needs of the surrounding communities. There are currently three full-time pastors serving our 1,300+ members, who call this church their home.
OUR BIBLICAL STORY
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:8-11 (NRSV)
LOCAL MISSION
First Pres is honored to partner with a wide variety of organizations serving the people of Chester County. From hunger to homelessness, legal aid to medical assistance, these non-profit and faith-based groups are God's hands and feet in the community. Our congregation supports their service through volunteer hours and financial assistance.
NATIONAL MISSION
First Presbyterian supports the national mission efforts of the PC(USA) through gifts to disaster relief agencies and organizations promoting peace and justice in our country and abroad.
GLOBAL MISSION
From rural medical care, anti-human trafficking efforts, and clean water initiatives to education for girls living in poverty, the mission-workers and international organizations supported by First Pres are serving people on three continents and in dozens of countries across the world. Through partnerships with local communities, these groups and individuals serve God by working for justice, healthcare access, and educational opportunities for all.
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In April of 1831, The Rev. William A. Stevens was assigned as organizing Pastor for a group of Chester County citizens of Presbyterian Ancestry. The cornerstone for this new church was laid on July 3, 1832. However, the building went on more slowly than was expected and it was not covered until the summer of 1833. Not until January 1834 was it in a condition to be occupied for public worship. A Sabbath School Society was organized on July 22, 1832. Public worship was held in the church for the first time on January 7, 1834 with 52 original members.
On January 15, 1834, the charter was obtained from the Supreme Court of the United States incorporating the program as “The First Presbyterian Church of the Borough of West Chester.” The church design was the first commission of Thomas U. Walter, America’s preeminent Greek revival architect, who later designed the dome of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
In the 1840’s the small congregation began to grow and reach out. Things went so well that by 1861-62, the church was overflowing and an addition was added during the ministry of Rev. William E. Moore. The old Sunday School Chapel was constructed in 1893, where our educational facilities now stand. In 1905 a much larger pipe organ was constructed and new stained glass windows were added. The organ was electrified in 1934.
Additional property was purchased from 1955-57 to add the present educational facility where the old Chapel had stood. In 1962 the Kell Memorial Organ was installed in memory of a beloved pastor, the Rev. J. Garrett Kell, and changes were made in the Chancel area. New pews were added in 1966.
The church continued to grow, stretching all existing facilities for education and ministering. The church undertook a major renovation program in 1986 connecting the original sanctuary to the education building. The congregation undertook a similar renovation and expansion in 1995, adding an elevator, classroom space, air-conditioning and remodeling throughout the building. The strengths of the congregation are worship and music, mission outreach, education, ministry to its youth and families, and its preschool program.
The building now known as The First Presbyterian Church has continued to grow and meet the religious needs of the surrounding communities. There are currently three full-time pastors serving our 1,300+ members, who call this church their home.
OUR BIBLICAL STORY
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:8-11 (NRSV)
LOCAL MISSION
First Pres is honored to partner with a wide variety of organizations serving the people of Chester County. From hunger to homelessness, legal aid to medical assistance, these non-profit and faith-based groups are God's hands and feet in the community. Our congregation supports their service through volunteer hours and financial assistance.
NATIONAL MISSION
First Presbyterian supports the national mission efforts of the PC(USA) through gifts to disaster relief agencies and organizations promoting peace and justice in our country and abroad.
GLOBAL MISSION
From rural medical care, anti-human trafficking efforts, and clean water initiatives to education for girls living in poverty, the mission-workers and international organizations supported by First Pres are serving people on three continents and in dozens of countries across the world. Through partnerships with local communities, these groups and individuals serve God by working for justice, healthcare access, and educational opportunities for all.