Our Church History

One hundred and seventy six years ago the Presbytery of Chicago sent Rev. R.G. Thompson to Rockford, Illinois, to preach a sermon to a handful of people. Twenty years later the Presbyterian Church of Rockford was organized by thirty-eight people all seeking what we seek today in our First Presbyterian Church of modern Rockford – prayer, the true meaning of Christianity, fellowship with believing Christians, and our Lord’s Grace.

Our church building is one hundred and five years old now. None of us were here when the cornerstone was laid in 1905, but a few of our fathers and mothers were. On each Sunday, and on days in between, we gather together as they did, to renew our faith in the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Look about you and feel the souls of thousands of our predecessors, all applauding what we with God’s help are now doing to carry on the work that they started all those years ago.

Each Sunday, we offer to one another God’s precious peace. All about the world, millions of people are doing the same, hoping desperately that one day enough of us will clasp hands and make that peace a reality.

The Sesquicentennial celebration just five years ago brought us together to mark all of the purposes of our many ministries. We are indeed prepared for the future, and our many activities since that Sesquicentennial celebration are living proof that our church is moving on. Our short term goals will be achieved. Our long term goal – God’s peace – is just the corner if we look for it together.