History

The histories of Champaign-Urbana, the University of Illinois, and First Presbyterian Church Champaign are interlinked. While it is possible to tell the story of one without the others, it is an incomplete tale.

FirstChurch Champaign came into existence 17 years prior to the charter of the University of Illinois. At that time Champaign was little more than a swamp know as West Urbana.

In 1867, one hundred thirty-seven visionary Presbyterians erected our current sanctuary. Our distinctive "Upper Room" is a testament to their vision. In the same year the State of Illinois chartered the Illinois Industrial University (which later came to be known as the University of Illinois).

Driving through Champaign you will find further testaments to the dedication of members of FirstChurch Champaign. Streets and parks in Champaign are named for former members and speak to the involvement of our members in the community.

We are proud of our heritage and marvel at the vision of our forefathers. In 2000 we celebrated their legacy in a year long series of events.

While we are proud of our past, we are mindful of the role FirstChurch Champaign will play in the next 150 years. Even though we are the oldest church in Champaign, we do not live in the past. We cannot know what the future holds for us, but neither did those eight settlers so long ago. We, like they, trust in where God is leading us.

A brief timeline of FirstChurch Champaign

1850: Eight settlers form First Presbyterian Church of Champaign

1854: First church building erected at the current site of FPCC

1867: 137 members construct an "Upper Room" brick church

1907: Additions to the church facility

1933: Basement added to the church

1951: Mae Chapin elected as first woman to serve as an elder

1960: Christian Education Building built next to the church

1962: Go & Serve mission trips begin

2000: FirstChurch Champaign celebrates their first 150 years

2003: Reverend Rick Snyder is called as the 13th head pastor of FPCC

2007: FirstChurch launches their southwest campus