History

For nearly two centuries, First United Presbyterian Church has been a place of worship, faith, and community in Edinboro. Long before the town became the thriving community it is today, faithful believers gathered to worship God, laying the foundation for a congregation that continues to serve today.

The Presbyterian presence in the Edinboro area began before the church was formally organized. Prior to 1819, worship services were held under the leadership of Rev. Mathews, providing spiritual care for families settling on Pennsylvania's western frontier. Between 1821 and 1824, Rev. Bradford Marcy regularly traveled from Crawford County to preach in Edinboro, making the journey approximately once every four weeks to minister to the growing congregation.

In 1829, the congregation was officially organized by Rev. Samuel Tait and Rev. Pierce Chamberlain, making First United Presbyterian Church one of the oldest organized churches in Edinboro. As the village grew from William Culbertson's settlement into a borough, the church became one of the community's earliest and most enduring institutions. Alongside other early congregations, it provided not only a place of worship but also a center for fellowship, encouragement, and service.

As the congregation grew, members recognized the need for a permanent place to gather. In 1836, they constructed the first church building in the village of Edinboro, a significant milestone that reflected both the growth of the congregation and its commitment to the future.

Like many Presbyterian churches across the nation, the Edinboro congregation experienced the denominational division between the Old School and New School branches during the mid-1800s. The New School congregation built a sanctuary in 1854, while the Old School congregation constructed its own church in 1855. Following the Civil War, the two congregations reunited in 1865, restoring their shared ministry and demonstrating a commitment to unity that has remained a hallmark of the church's life.

Throughout its history, First United Presbyterian Church has been blessed by faithful pastors and dedicated members who have proclaimed the Gospel, nurtured disciples, and served both the congregation and the surrounding community. Their commitment established a legacy that continues to shape the church today.

Today, First United Presbyterian Church remains an active congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Lake Erie Presbytery. Located at 4281 Route 6N in Edinboro, the church continues its long tradition of worship, Christian education, outreach, and mission. Through ministries that include community partnerships, local outreach like our Garden of Edin community garden, Fill-the-Back ministry, Sunday Cool kids program, and global missions. The congregation seeks to share Christ's love in practical and meaningful ways.

As we look toward the future, we remain grateful for the generations of faithful believers who have gone before us. Their legacy inspires us to continue our mission of worshiping God, growing in faith, serving our neighbors, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with the Edinboro community and beyond.s sapien lacinia egestas. Nullam sit amet nisi condimentum erat iaculis auctor. Quisque congue porttitor ullamcorper. Quisque congue porttitor ullamcorper.