History
1809
On May 11, Rev. Solomon Allan organizes the Second Congregational Church with 10 members. The earliest services are held in the home of Glover Perrin or at the log meeting house constructed on the Rochester Road opposite the cemetery.
1816
The first church building, a frame building, is constructed one mile south of the village's four corners near today's Mile Post School.
1826
A Greek Revival edifice (60 feet x 40 feet) is constructed of limestone at the present site and known as the Cobblestone Church or the Stone Church. There are 50 pews on the ground floor and seating in the "gallery" on three sides. The church has a melodeon. During the first 50 years the membership of the church is led in worship by neighboring ministers, transient preachers, and 14 installed ministers.
1861
The Stone Church is consumed by fire on November 16. A marble tablet and bell parts are all that remained.
1863
The new enlarged building is dedicated on January 13 with a membership of 129.
1869
The church becomes fully Presbyterian in July. For the first sixty years it had been a Congregational Church connected to the Presbytery.
1890
A pipe organ is secured for the church with Andrew Carnegie contributing half the funds.
1925
Lightning strikes the church building twice in July and September. Membership is less than 300.
1935
In October, Rev. Bortle is called as pastor and served until his death in August 1953.
1952
Renovations include construction of a new Sunday School addition, creation of the rear parking lot, installation of vestibule coat racks, and illumination of the stained glass windows. Membership is 423.
1954
Rev. Richard Kesel is called in February, beginning 34 years of beloved and fruitful leadership. Membership is 521.
1957
In October, a building committee recommends increasing the capacity of the sanctuary. Ultimately a major remodeling is undertaken and a new electric organ manual is added to the pipe organ.
A service from the early ‘60s
1962
The Guetersloh house is purchased and the first floor converted into offices.
1967
Church membership surpasses 1800. A building committee presents plans for expanding the sanctuary with the reversal of congregational seating, addition of a balcony, and construction of a Fellowship Hall and educational facility. Services are held in Fellowship Hall while the sanctuary is remodeled.
1977
Harold McAulliffe begins his 21 year career as Music Director.
1989
Rev. Earl Johnson is called as Pastor in June. He serves until October 1998.
1991
Major renovation incorporates 21 Church Street as a wing of the church and a new library is added.
2001
Rev. Bruce Boak is called as Pastor.
2002
Rev. Carrie Mitchell is called as Associate Pastor.
2003
Dr. James Douthit begins as Music Director.
2004
Lightning strikes the church on May 20 and the sanctuary is consumed by fire.
2005
The congregation moves back into the newly rebuilt sanctuary in December, with the dedication on January 29, 2006.
2008
The Taylor and Boody Tannenburg style pipe organ is installed and dedicated in June.
2009
The church celebrates its 200th anniversary.
2010
Dr. Bruce Frank begins as Organist.
2017
The retirement of the Reverend Bruce Boak. The Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Weenink begins Interim Ministry. Rev. Carrie Mitchell earns her Doctorate of Ministry. Dr. Bruce Frank becomes the Interim Director of Music.
2018
Dr. Jared Chase begins as Music Director. Dr. Bruce Frank becomes Associate Director of Music and Organist.
2019
Rev. Dr. Carrie Mitchell leaves her ministry at FPC.
2020
Rev. Aaron Neff is called as Pastor.
