The First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, Illinois is the oldest church in Champaign.
History The history of Champaign, the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and First Presbyterian Church are interlinked, even though First Presbyterian Church congregation organized 17 years prior to the University of Illinois receiving its charter. At that time, Champaign was little more than a swamp known as 'West Urbana'.
In 1867, a Presbyterian congregation of 137 erected the current sanctuary, the distinctive second floor "Upper Room" being considered a testament to their vision. In the same year the State of Illinois chartered the Illinois Industrial University (which later came to be known as the University of Illinois).
Denomination: Presbyterian Presbytery: Southeastern Illinois Synod: Lincoln Trails
A brief timeline of First Presbyterian Church 1850: Eight settlers form First Presbyterian Church 1854: First church building erected at the current site of FPCC 1867: 137 members construct an "Upper Room" brick church 1907: Additions to the church facility 1933: Basement added to the church 1962: Go & Serve mission trips begin 2006: Congregation calls for a second campus in Southwest Champaign at Barkstall school 2007: Southwest Campus launches as part of a 2 campuses, 1 church model 2012: First Presbyterian Church launches Copper Creek Church as a new church development
See also
List of Presbyterian churches in the United States
References
External links First Presbyterian Church of Champaign Web Site City of Champaign Web Site University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Main Page City of Champaign Maps