First Presbyterian Church (Washington, Pennsylvania)

The First Presbyterian Church 1793, alternatively known as the First Presbyterian Church, is a Presbyterian church in Washington, Pennsylvania. It has been the de facto college church for Washington & Jefferson College since the early 19th century.[1] It is under the Washington Presbytery.

First Presbyterian Church
Religion
AffiliationPresbyterian
Statusactive
Location
LocationWashington, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Materialsstone

History

It was founded in 1793 under the auspices of the Presbytery of Redstone.[2] Matthew Brown, who was President of Washington Academy at the time, was the first pastor.[2] The congregation first met in the stone academy building of the Washington Academy.[2][3]

Then, the congregation worshipped at the second courthouse, where the pastor would stand in the judge's bench and preach to the congregation.[3] The congregation acquired its first building in 1806.[3] As Washington progressed beyond the pioneer stage, the townsfolk began to partake in more leisurely activities, including the playing of cards and attending dances.[3] Reverend Matthew Brown gave a rebuke to this immorality in a famous sermon known as the Serpent Sermon.[3]

A second building, in the Greek Revival Architecture style, was built in 1851.[2] It had severe structural flaws and was demolished in 1868.[2]

James I. Brownson, who also served as President Pro Tempore of Washington & Jefferson College, was pastor for over 50 years.[4]

Ministry

The church operates the Matthew Brown Fellowship, a faith-based program that selects several Washington & Jefferson College students with local charitable organizations.[5] In addition to the charity work, Matthew Brown Fellows attend monthly study groups with other Fellows.[5] The program encompasses the Matthew Brown Music Scholars program, which selects two student-musicians to practice and perform with the First Presbyterian Church's choir.[5]

Graphical timeline showing the development of Presbyterian Churches in Washington, Pennsylvania.

See also

Bibliography
  • Brownson, James (1889). "Washington, First". History of the Presbytery of Washington. Philadelphia: Jas. B. Rodgers Printing Co. pp. 306–313.
  • Presbyterianism in Washington, Penn'a: the proceedings at the centennial celebration of the organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington. Washington, Pennsylvania: Observer Book and Job Rooms. 1993.
  • Years of our Lord 1893-1993, First Presbyterian Church, Washington, Pennsylvania: bicentennial history, the second hundred years. 1893.

References
  1. Coleman, Helen Turnbull Waite (1956). Banners in the Wilderness: The Early Years of Washington and Jefferson College. University of Pittsburgh Press. p. 104. OCLC 2191890.
  2. "First Presbyterian Church - History". Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
  3. Coleman, Helen Turnbull Waite (1956). Banners in the Wilderness: The Early Years of Washington and Jefferson College. University of Pittsburgh Press. pp. 102–107. OCLC 2191890.
  4. "Fifty Years a Minister; The Reverend J.I. Brownson's Golden Jubilee to be Celebrated". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. 1891-11-25.
  5. "College Ministry: Matthew Brown Fellowship". First Presbyterian Church 1793. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2010-06-05.

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