First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church was organized in 1854, just 3 years after Portland was incorporated as a city. As a congregation, FPC has been served by many well-loved heads of staff over the course of its 150+ years. They have walked with us through great missions and important work for God. The most precious and productive leaders have been those who led with vision and fortitude and who have inspired congregants to do God’s work in our community and around the world.

Since it was first organized, First Church has been ministering outside its doors with a strong sense of purpose and in so doing has brought the world into its midst. From the beginning, First Church members were keenly aware of the needs of the surrounding neighborhoods and the greater world and found ways to be of help. Previous pastors and members were responsible for the first missionary work with Native Americans in the Northwest as well as the Chinese in downtown Portland. First Church was responsible for the organization of 21 Presbyterian churches in Oregon in its early years.

Photo 193, Sept 2006