About

Perhaps the best way to get to know First Presbyterian Church is to visit and hear from the people who call it home. In the meantime, we hope this page gives you a feel for our church community.

Our mission

First Pres has been called by God and organized to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, inviting people into deep faith in Christ and meaningful relationships within the body of Christ, ministering to the needs of members of the congregation, loving our neighbors and serving our community and the world.
 
Pastor Beth talking to kids in the front row of the sanctuary.
 
 
 

Our vision is to be ..

… a growing, multi-generational church,
honoring both our long-term members and dramatically strengthening our children, youth, and family ministries
… a multi-cultural church,
a house of worship, prayer, and support for those of diverse backgrounds
… a servant-missional church
seeking to have a measurable impact on our neighborhood, city, and world for Jesus Christ
… located at the heart of the city,
serving a revitalized downtown, the larger C-U area, and wherever God calls us to go.
Pastor Beth shakes a congregation member's hand during the passing of the peace.

We are a Matthew 25 Congregation

Matthew 25 CongregationRooted in Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25:31-46, this movement has three core pillars:
  • Building congregational vitality
  • Dismantling structural racism, and
  • Eradicating systemic poverty
We are proud to be a Matthew 25 Congregation. Read more about the movement on the PC(USA) website. »

Our leadership

2026 CHURCH OFFICERS

Session Elders

  • Moderator: Joe Lundy
  • Members
      • Dick Arnould — HR
      • Darrell Carlson — Building and Grounds
      • Soo Choi — Worship
      • Carol Ann Green — Nurture
      • Bob Kirby — Outreach
      • Audry Kukosama — Building and Grounds
      • Carol Miles — Worship
      • John Muirhead — Missions
      • Margaret Noonan — Spiritual Formation
      • Trenna Thomas — Clerk
      • Ann Webbink — Finance
Sign outside of church that says, "you are now entering the mission field."

Community Mission Deacons

  • Moderator:
  • Members
      • Marty Carlson
      • Sallie Hutton
      • Sarah Laufenberg
      • Holly Nordheden
      • Kurt Ruthmansdorfer
      • Kathy Schoeffmann
      • Linda Tauber-Olson
      • Nancy Whitford

Congregational Care Deacons

  • Moderator: Linda Sandquist
  • Members
      • Carol Arnould
      • Jack and Camille James
      • Pam Knox
      • Marilyn Lamkin
      • Terry Noonan
      • Linda Peterson
      • Gwen Pollard
      • Linda Sandquist
      • Skip Pickering

Our history

First Presbyterian Church recently celebrated its 175th anniversary, a joyful milestone in a long and faithful history.
 
Founded in 1850, the congregation first gathered in homes until a church was built on our current site in 1867. Parts of that original wooden building are still visible today. Because nearby West Side Park was then a swamp, the church was raised several feet above ground level, with the sanctuary placed on the second floor to protect it from flooding. Visitors can still see the original support beams and pulpit furnishings that connect us to those early years.
 
A roof fire in 1909 led to major renovations that expanded the church and gave it the brick facade seen today. In the 1930s, a full basement was added beneath the church, creating even more space for ministry and community life. In the 1960s, a second building was added just south of the church to provide offices and room for Christian education. Most recently, solar panels and a new elevator were installed in the church building in 2025, reflecting an ongoing commitment to accessibility and care for the future.
 
Through it all, faithful generations have made this church a beloved home, carrying it forward with hope and vision.