History of Sidney First

Serving God and Sidney since 1825!

Since 1825, even before Sidney was an organized village, people have been worshipping at the First Presbyterian Church. We are proud of our history, that ours was the first organized church in Sidney, where people of faith met to worship God in a log building that served as the Shelby county seat, courthouse, jail, and even "the church."
The first building for the First Presbyterian Church, was built in 1833. We are now in the third building the congregation has built on this site in downtown Sidney. Our history is one of a congregation reaching out to those in need in times of community and personal crisis, and faithfully preaching and presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • 1825
    First Presbyterian is Formed
    Eight people of the 5-year old Sidney community were fortunate that the circuit Rev. Joseph Stephenson of Bellefontaine was willing to mount his horse and ride to Sidney to help organize the First Church of Sidney on September 4, 1825. It was the first church in a Sidney that was not even a village yet, with probably no more than 100 people residing there. Developer Charles Starrett set aside lot #109 for the church when the town was plotted. However, with no money, they worshipped near the courthouse for almost 10 years.
  • 1833
    First Building Completed
    The small congregation built the first building was completed in 1833 on the designated lot on the corner of North Miami and North Street. The building cost $900.00. It is believed that after the completetion of the building, the Presbyterian Cemetery was opened on the church campus.
  • 1842
    First Regular Pastor
    After a series of temporary preachers, Rev. W.B. Spence was installed as the first pastor of Sidney First.
  • 1847
    Second Building Erected
    Growth in membership required the congregation to build a larger building in front of the first building at a cost of $5,575.00. A horse and buggy parking field was made and the building had wood stove heat, kerosene lighting, and the custodian salary was $75 per year.
  • 1850
    First Building Sold
    The first building used by the congregation that remained on the lot was sold and moved. It later was destroyed by fire.
  • 1857
    Salaries Increase
    Minister's salary increase to $800 per year and an adjacent lot was purchased for $120 for a potential manse to be built for clergy.
  • 1865
    Community gathers at FPC
    Following the assasination of President Lincoln, Sidney is at a standstill. The community gathers at the small brick Presbyterian church to mourn the tragic news.
  • 1876
    New Women's Ministries
    Two groups form; Missionary Group to study, contribute to missions; Ladies Aid to study, make money, to be in charge of church housekeeping. Mrs. Robert McCaslin, minister's wife, president until 1897.
  • 1879
    New Plans
    Plans approved for a larger church.
  • 1880-1881
    Transitional Period
    With new plans approved, the second building was demolished to make way for a new church and the congregation held worship services in the Monumental Building downtown.
  • 1882
    Third and Current Building Erected
    The church building as we know it was constructed in 1882. A beautiful and eleborate victorian style building with extesive stained glass windows was completed at a cost of $25,074.00. During construction, worship was held at the Monument Building.
  • 1882-1900
    Manse Built
    Shortly after the new buildng was completed, the Manse was constructed to the North side of the Sacntuary to house clergy of the congregation.
  • 1900
    Major Upgrades
    All light fixtures were converted from gas to electric and the Parlor and rear balcony of the Sanctuary were also added. Sidneyite Myra Black elected Lima Presbyterial president.
  • 1911
    Presbyterian Cemetery Relocated
    Athough no persons were buried in the cemetery since 1867 by village ordinance, graves remained there untill 1911 when they were all moved to Graceland Cemetery.
  • 1913
    New Minister and Neighbor
    Rev. Wilbert Blake Love installed in October, succeeding Rev. Charlton. Socialite Julia Lamb wills the land adjacent to the church to the Sidney Schools Board of Education; to revert land back to the church if the space is not used for a public athletic field.
  • 1920
    Basement Improvements
    A large scale kitchen and serving area are added to the church basement.
  • 1921
    The Death of Dorothy Love
    In 1921 while coming home to the Manse during lunch, Dorothy Love, the daughter of presiding Minister Rev. W.B. Love and his wife, was struck by a vehicle and killed on North Street.
  • 1922
    Homes in honor of Dorothy
    Elder Moses Russell and sisters Elizabeth and Martha, offer the Synod a 294-acre farm in memory of Dorothy Love. The Ohio Presbyterian Synod approves establishment of homes for the aged and children on the tract. These homes are the forerunner of the Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services communities, now known as Ohio Living.
  • 1924
    Russell Hall begins construction
    The cornerstone for Russell Hall is laid at Dorothy Love Presbyterian Home. Rev. Love and Gov. Donahey participate.
  • 1925
    First Church Celebrates our Centennial
    September 1-6, 1925 was a joyous time for the church as they celebrated their 100th Anniversary. A two day pageant was held at the fairgrounds where thousands attended the celebrations. The key address was offered by Presbyterian Minsiter and President of The Ohio State University, Dr. William M. Thompson.
  • 1926
    Education Wing Added
    The Education Wing was added onto the east side of the building with two floors, along with basement remodeling and a conversion to steam heating from coal. The minister's office was also built.
  • 1929
    The End of an Era
    The ministry of Rev. W.B. Love comes to an end. He is succeeded by The Rev. Guy E. Morrris in 1930.
  • 1934
    New Organ for Worship
    A Theater Organ was installed in the sanctuary, starting a long period of remodeling in the sanctuary.
  • 1942
    Dedications for New Looks
    After the completion of the balcony and the choir loft being remodeled, the "new" sanctuary was dedicaed to the Glory of God.
  • 1949
    Record breaking budget, joint worship with our neighbors.
    Annual budget reaches $15,640. Presbyterians and Methodists exhange July and August worship sites. Ministers join together to teach Bible Study classes.
  • 1950
    First celebrates 125th
    The church celebrates it's 125th Anniversary. Rev. Meister's Ministry concludes and Rev. Calvin Leonard is installed. Guilds are formed, named for Christian reformers Calvin, Feral, and Knox.
  • 1954
    New Minister
    Rev. Dr. Malcom Thompson is installed, succeeding Rev. Leonard.
  • 1957
    New Organ Dedicated
    A new Allen Electric Organ was dedicated in the sanctuary with a concert featuring Paul Ray Jones.
  • 1960
    Thompson & Castle make history
    In 1967, Martha Thompson and Sally Benjamin Castle make church history as being the first females to be ordained as Edlers.The Presbyterian Church at large first ordained women as Elders in 1930 and Ministers in 1956.
  • 1971
    Thompson Resigns
    Rev. Dr. Thompson ends his ministry and legacy at First Presbyterian. He is succeeded by The Rev. Guy McIver.
  • 1975
    Sesquicentennial Celebrated
    During September 9-4, three former pastors return to Sidney to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the church. Rev. Duff, Rev. Leonard, and Rev. Dr. Thompson. Mirriam Meister returns to represen her late husband, The Rev. John Meister. A concert was dedicated to all choirs directors and new robes were given as a memorial to honor Margaret Milligan.
  • 1984
    Supporting Local
    The congregation begins contnued support of Sidney's Alpha Center.
  • 1992
    Manse Repurposed
    The Victorian Manse was converted into the Gateway Arts Council Desingers' Showcase.
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