The history of First Presbyterian Church

SANDUSKY — First Presbyterian Church's history dates back to the city of Sandusky's founding.In 1819, Congregationalist and Presbyterian missionaries came to the area to establish churches. After years of disagreements, 26 people broke away from the Sandusky Congregational Church to form the First Presbyterian Church in 1852 with the first organizational meeting in January 1853, according to the church's website."The rear portion of our present building 'the Chapel' was erected and first occupied in November 1853," the website states. "The lower level was used for worship. The upper level was used for Sunday school classes. In more contemporary times, the lower level was used as a 'lounge area' as it is today for fellowship gatherings and the upper level serves as our choir room."By 1855, the church's sanctuary was ready to be used."While there has been some remodeling and configuring of space, it remains very much as it did when first used in 1855," the website states.Before setting up its current outreach services to community members, it showed hospitality to Sandusky's youngest residents. "On Tuesday, December 21, 1926, the Sandusky Kiwanis Club hosted a party for 45 children from the Erie County Children's Home," according to Sandusky History blog. "The festivities took place at the chapel of the First Presbyterian Church. Each club member was responsible for one of the youngsters' gifts. J. F. Starkey, dressed as Santa Claus, gave each child a gift of candy, nuts, and oranges. Christmas carols were sung by all. Heenan Elliott entertained the children by doing impersonations. At the end of the luncheon, the children sang a song of thanks to the Kiwanians."A Christmas dinner hosted by First Presbyterian Church on Dec. 21, 1926.First Presbyterian's church building grew in 1969 as it bought the former Pony Tail teen dance club and added an educational wing in 1970.Care and Share now occupies the lower floor with the Sandusky Mission Outreach Center on the upper level.Today, the church offers a worship service 10 a.m. Sunday mornings and offers several outreach services.First Presbyterian Church at 265 Jackston Street in 1911.