A Brief History of
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church Portsmouth is rich in history. Officially organized in 1822, the cornerstone for the first Sanctuary was laid on August 15, 1851 on a lot at the northwest corner of Middle and London Streets. It was called The Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth.
That first building was destroyed by fire in 1871. A new building was erected on the same site and again burned in January 1877.
The church was rebuilt at its current location at Court & King Streets, and rededicated on September 26, 1877. In 1897, the name was changed to First Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth.
The first Sunday School building was erected in 1890 on a lot adjoining the current Sanctuary and was used until 1928 when a new building was constructed on the same site. Property behind the current Sanctuary was purchased in 1959-60. The current Education Building, Social Hall and Offices stand on that property in a building constructed in 1974.
In 1994, a member noticed some apparent structural damage to the Sanctuary. Closer inspection revealed a century of water damage that needed to be remedied immediately. The Session and congregation agreed that this was the time to give the Sanctuary a new lease on life and gave permission to completely refurbish the Sanctuary. A new slate roof that matched the 120 year old roof was installed. We had the exterior stucco completely replaced. We installed a new hydronic heating system. The original pews were disassembled, shipped away, stripped and re-stained, returned and reassembled in place. While the pews were removed, the floors were sanded, stained and finished and new carpet installed. The plaster walls were covered with modern wall board to hide the never-ending cracks. Wainscoting was stripped of dark paint and stained to match the choir rail. Walls and window mullions were painted to compliment the floors and wainscot. The projects were completed in 1997 and the results are what you see today.
A recent building project was the renovation of
Friendship Courtyard, the open space facing Court Street. The 2005
construction created an inviting retreat for congregation and community
alike. Friendship Courtyard is the home of our
Courtyard Concerts series.
First Presbyterian Church has been instrumental in the founding
of four other Presbyterian Churches in Portsmouth.
Prentis Park
Presbyterian Church was founded in 1916, Cradock Presbyterian
Church in 1920, Simonsdale Presbyterian Church was established
in 1943 and Green Acres was formed in the late 1950s. In
1967, the Sessions of First Presbyterian Church and Prentis Park
Presbyterian Church approved the merger of the two congregations
into FPC. The merger greatly strengthened the combined church by
adding many dedicated and capable leaders.
1922 brought the Centennial Observance of First Presbyterian Church. One of our elders at that time said that the success of the congregation was due to belief in the power of prayer, devotion to missions, observance of the Sabbath, generosity and unity.
Other celebrations took place on the anniversaries of the 150th and 175th year since our organization. We eagerly anticipate celebrating 200 years of Serving God by Serving Others in 2022.
