On July 12, 1869, thirteen Presbyterians
met in a basement room of Normal's First Methodist Church to form
a church.
The first church building was constructed on the corner of Cherry
and Linden in 1871. Survival was difficult but membership grew
to 180. The small church building became cramped and a new building
was constructed on Ash Street in 1884.
First Presbyterian Church of Normal (1914-1995)
In 1910, the Normal Congregational
Church experienced financial problems. Rather than disband,
members proposed a union with First Presbyterian Church. The
Congregational Church property located at the corner of Fell
and Mulberry was transferred to the Presbyterians for $1.
The year 1914 brought a new building which
was completely free of debt. Membership totaled 250 people.
In the 1980's and 1990's First Presbyterian had to
decide whether to move to a new location or attempt to renovate
a building that was in need of much repair and was lacking in space.
A decision was made to purchase the present property at 2000 East
College and to build a new facility. Worship in our present structure
began in 1995 with a dedication service on May 14, 1995. The congregation
continues to grow and is hoping to add additional
space in the near future.
First Presbyterian Church of Normal (present location)
First Presbyterian Church, Normal, IL • Web
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