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Our History

The First Presbyterian Church of Mishawaka has been in existence for 160 years.

It was founded as the First Presbyterian Trinitarian Society on July 25, 1834 with ten "pilgrims of the faith" meeting in the home of Philo Hurd. Reverend Noah M. Wells was its first pastor.

The first church (1837-1845) was a small frame building constructed with donated materials and labor. The second church was built in 1846 at Lincolnway and Mill Streets. It was destroyed by the famous Mishawaka fire of 1872. A new brick church was opened January 5, 1883, replacing the destroyed building.

The present church building is the fourth structure to serve this congregation. It was dedicated March 30, 1911. A Christian Education wing was added in 1960. The church building, now 84 years old, has been maintained in good condition through the efforts of a dedicated and knowledgeable board of trustees. Major repairs have been necessary from time to time. Looking to the future, long range plans are being proposed to ensure this sanctuary will remain beautiful and structurally sound.

Eighteen ministers have served the congregation, the Reverend John H. Meengs holding the longest pastorate, 1940-1967.

The Reverend Franklin W May was installed as pastor in April 1968 and led this congregation until his retirement in 1985. He has since been named Pastor Emeritus.

The decade of the 90's began with the search for another pastor. A dedicated and diverse group of church members made up the search committee and at long last a call was issued to the Reverend Ronald P. Miller of Westminster Church, Bay City, Michigan. He was installed October 28, 1990.

Reverend Miller has broadened the church's vision by encouraging increased outreach into the community.

First Presbyterian Church is known as a mission oriented congregation. Much good work has been accomplished through the generosity of its members in support of local missions and also world mission through the connectional church, PCUSA. The Presbyterian Women's organization has played a major role in mission work.

In 1994 the First Presbyterian Church of Mishawaka celebrated its 160th year. A new mission study was completed. What would our focus be in the years to come? How can we preserve the heritage that means so much to us? This is our Mission Statement:

The Presbyterian Church of Mishawaka is a welcoming congregation engaged in the dynamic worship of God and outreach for Jesus Christ. The church encourages continuing Christian education and spiritual growth for all. The congregation serves the church, the community and the world through strong mission leadership.

(revised and adopted by Session, 8/95)

OUR CHURCH AND MEMORIALS - Part I

We are in our fourth church building in Mishawaka. The first church was built with donated labor and barter. It was occupied in the Fall of 1837. The name used by the group was "The First Trinitarian Society of the Village of the St. Joseph Iron Works, Inc."

The growth of the congregation and the village caused the Society to begin a second church in 1844, and they moved into it in 1864. It was located on the southeast corner of Lincolnway and Mill Streets. This building was destroyed by the "great Mishawaka fire."

One week after the fire, subscriptions began for rebuilding with brick upon the old foundation. Services were held in this third building exactly four months later, January 5, 1873.

As the fiftieth anniversary date approached, members tried to complete church furnishings with gifts. Mrs. Julie Badger gave a silver baptismal font; in 1876, Robert Montgomery gave the bell that has called Mishawaka Presbyterians to worship for over 115 years. These were the first of our memorials.