Our History

In the early 1880’s, the village of Houstonville lay at the junction of Chartiers and Little Chartiers Creeks. It had no church except for a little group of the Seceder denomination, meeting occasionally in a small brick building, which stood on the side of the present Templeton Feed Mill. About 1884 the citizens felt they would like to have a church, and in May of that year a committee met with Chartiers Presbytery to present a request for organization of a United Presbyterian Church. The request was granted and a commission of three was appointed. However, after canvassing the community, it was decided that a church could not be supported.

In 1888 the people of the town again expressed the desire to organize a church, and the Presbytery was petitioned for that permission. A list of 82 names of people interested was submitted. Permission was granted and a second commission appointed. The committee held its first meeting on October 9, 1888, in the new Town Hall. At this meeting A. T. Haft, S.W. Berry and James W. Pollock were chosen as elders and they were installed on November 15, 1888. Pulpit supplies were sent to the new congregation, and on October 28, 1888, Mr. E. E. Douglass, a young seminary student preached. The following Sabbath, he again preached, and on December 8, 1888, a call was extended to him. He was ordained and installed May 7, 1889.

For five years the people worshipped in Town Hall, hoping and planning for the time when they would have a church home. Then in 1891, Mr. William B. Houston donated the ground on which to erect a building, and a committee began to canvass for funds. It was decided that when $7000 was raised, ground should be broken. This was accomplished in August of 1893. The new church was completed and dedicated on May 4, 1894. Cost of the building with furnishings was about $12,000.

From 1900 to 1920 the church membership greatly increased, the debt was liquidated, and the church basement enlarged – providing much needed room for Sunday School and social activities. In 1922 a pipe organ was installed, and in 1928 the building facilities were almost doubled with the addition of a Christian Education wing. In 1935 all indebtedness of the church was removed when the mortgage was burned. In the 1940’s and early 50’s, plans were made to again expand the building and in 1959, a chapel, modern kitchen, Fellowship Hall, Family Room, and additional Sunday School rooms were dedicated.

From 1959 to 1977 a gradual growth in membership was evidenced, as well as a sense of Christian outreach. The church sponsored a library, a radio program, became the home base of the area Meals-On-Wheels program, and established the valuable weekday “Open Door Nursery.” Members of the church developed a "Building Communities of Caring Program" for the elderly. A number of the congregation were heavily involved in that project.

Now, over 125 years later, our church supports Sunday School classes for all ages, youth groups, prayer and Bible study groups, music groups, women's organizations, and other fellowship organizations. We also hold annual events such as Vacation Bible School, the church picnic, family fun night, the women’s tea, and the mother-daughter banquet. One time events such as dinners, plays, and youth events occur throughout the year. We also provide members of our congregation with scholarships and donate time and money to various charities both locally and worldwide. Without a doubt, First United Presbyterian Church has grown to be an active community for worship and fellowship.