In April of 1819, a petition to establish a church from Middletown, Ohio to the Miami Presbytery was granted and the Rev. Francis Monfort of New Jersey Church of Carlisle with three of his elders came in 1820 to receive the first new members. Five came from the old Dick's Creek Church at Blue Ball, four from the Mt. Pleasant Church of Kentucky, and three joined upon confession of faith. Thus we have a heritage from the New Jersey Church at Carlisle and the Blue Ball Church, both of whom are still strong and active. Our own Session records go back to those early days and from those and other records, a card file was developed of members and families from those early days to the 1920's, when a numerical and alphabetical list of membership was maintained in an orderly fashion.

Church members first met in the school, but in 1829, the small congregation felt the need for their own building, and with dedicated efforts, if was finished in 1832 at a cost of $1,100.

The successive church buildings where our ancestors worshiped give evidence of a gradual but steady growth under the succession of ministers. Our next church home, completed in 1856, was built on the corner of Main Street and First Avenue and the same site was used for the gray stone structure built in 1895, which later was torn down in 1950. Many of our present members have roots and memories from there.

In 1944 during the pastorate of the Rev. Rueben Field Pieters (1940-1949), committees began plans for our present building which seems an enormous undertaking. After multiple time consuming meetings with prayer for God's guidance, groundbreaking ceremonies were held February 11, 1950 and actual construction was the pastorate of the Rev. Russell Galloway (1950-1965). At the dedication service on March 23, 1952, the emphasis was "We are the Church, and today we dedicate ourselves, together with our building, to the worship and work of Christ our Lord."

We recognize our heritage is from many dedicated Christians who were united in their missionary efforts, their community involvement, and the study and teaching of God's Word. Buildings do not make a church, but may be a pleasure of its congregational zeal and life. In 2001, we opened a new addition to the 1952 structure, including a new youth area, music are, gathering area for the congregation, and administrative offices.

First Presbyterian Church is justifiably proud of its heritage but more important is our direction for the future, for we must not be content to be inheritors; we must seek to be builders for we want our children and grandchildren, as well as the community, to look upon this congregation now and in the days to come, and be proud of what we stand for.