We, members of the First Presbyterian Church, are a people of God with a variety of gifts, who support, accept and love one another. We seek to be a steadfast and familiar sign of God’s presence in our community, embracing and welcoming all into our church family, wherever they are on their faith journey. We strive to be faithful followers of Christ, developing strong and caring relationships by serving our neighbors down the street, in our community, and around the world. We are rooted in the traditions and history of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), yet we embrace a rich blend of traditional and contemporary worship, music, and church life. We accept Jesus’ command to love our neighbor as ourselves.
We believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ and seek to bear witness to his good news in our daily lives.
Maintain and strengthen liturgy & music, education, and mission SO THAT… our efforts beyond our current activity have a well founded and maintained foundation for growth.
Reach out to the disadvantaged in our communities SO THAT… we meet our Biblical call to love our neighbor and work for social justice that improves their daily lives.
Develop part of our land for community use SO THAT… we share one of our best resources (our land) with the wider community.
The Presbyterian Church in Oregon was established in 1845. Our congregation was the first church in what was then called Rome, and later became the Village of Oregon. After holding services in the district schoolhouse for ten years, the church building was built at 172 North Main Street. The church facilities went through a number of remodeling projects, and included tearing down the manse (parsonage) to build a Christian Education building in 1989.
In 2011, our new building at 408 North Bergamont Boulevard was completed, which allowed for greater accessibility, parking, and space for future growth. Our former home on Main Street is now the home of Oregon Daycare, Inc., which purchased the building and expanded its program offerings with the opportunities provided by the additional space. Our new building is currently used by our congregation, community groups, and much of our space is rented to Academy of Sound through the week.
In 2020 we celebrated 175 years of ministry in this community. We were unable to hold our planned celebration event, but that has not stopped us from looking forward to the ways in which we will continue to grow, following God’s guidance as we seek to serve our neighbors, and extend God’s love and welcome.
We are part of the Presbyterian Church USA, a national denomination. Presbyterians are rooted in the Reformed Tradition coming out of the Protestant Reformation. We are unique in that we are governed by Ruling Elders, who are elected by the congregation and ordained into their role as leaders in the church. Pastors, or Teaching Elders, are also ordained into the specific work of teaching and leading the congregation in worship and Pastoral Care.
The PCUSA affirms that all people are beloved children of God and seeks to not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any of the other ways in which our society often divides. We welcome all forms of families in our community and embrace those who may feel unwelcome in other worshiping communities.
To learn more about what Presbyterians believe, click here.
For a concise overview of the PC (USA), click here.
If you want more information about us, check out the FAQs page.
