A Magnet for Ministry

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"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you."
-I Timothy 1:5.

Risen from the mud, to serve God in the city

First Presbyterian Church was founded in 1847, one year after Iowa was admitted to the Union and two years before Cedar Rapids was incorporated.

Originally located in "Little Muddy," a thatch building located on Third Street and Second Avenue SE, where the Witwer Senior Center now stands, the church grew—even though its walls melted with every rain. The first pastor, Williston Jones, founded Coe College in 1851, with 16 students preparing for the ministry. In 1869 the pioneering families dedicated the Prairie Gothic sanctuary in which we now worship.

In 1961, the church dedicated a new Christian Education building, having earlier decided to remain a downtown landmark "in the heart of the city." For over 150 years, through worship, service, education, and fellowship we have served young and old, wealthy, poor, and "in between" from all four quadrants of Cedar Rapids.

First Pres takes pride in a citywide ministry, with members providing leadership in many civic, philanthropic, and service organizations.

In 2003, we renewed our commitment to downtown and are currently raising funds to renovate our facilities, renew our sanctuary, and strengthen ourselves as a "Magnet for Ministry" for decades to come.

First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids
310 Fifth Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: 319-364-6148
E-mail: info@fpccr.org