First Presbyterian Church (Washington, Pennsylvania)
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The First Presbyterian Church 1793, alternatively known as the First Presbyterian Church, is a Presbyterian church in Washington, Pennsylvania. It has been the de facto college church for Washington & Jefferson College since the early 19th century.[1] It is under the Washington Presbytery.
| First Presbyterian Church | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Presbyterian |
| Status | active |
| Location | |
| Location | Washington, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. |
| Materials | stone |
It was founded in 1793 under the auspices of the Presbytery of Redstone.[2] Matthew Brown, who was President of Washington Academy at the time, was the first pastor.[2] The congregation first met in the stone academy building of the Washington Academy.[2][3]
Then, the congregation worshipped at the second courthouse, where the pastor would stand in the judge's bench and preach to the congregation.[3] The congregation acquired its first building in 1806.[3] As Washington progressed beyond the pioneer stage, the townsfolk began to partake in more leisurely activities, including the playing of cards and attending dances.[3] Reverend Matthew Brown gave a rebuke to this immorality in a famous sermon known as the Serpent Sermon.[3]
A second building, in the Greek Revival Architecture style, was built in 1851.[2] It had severe structural flaws and was demolished in 1868.[2]
James I. Brownson, who also served as President Pro Tempore of Washington & Jefferson College, was pastor for over 50 years.[4]
The church operates the Matthew Brown Fellowship, a faith-based program that selects several Washington & Jefferson College students with local charitable organizations.[5] In addition to the charity work, Matthew Brown Fellows attend monthly study groups with other Fellows.[5] The program encompasses the Matthew Brown Music Scholars program, which selects two student-musicians to practice and perform with the First Presbyterian Church's choir.[5]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to First Presbyterian Church (Washington, Pennsylvania).
- Brownson, James (1889). "Washington, First". History of the Presbytery of Washington. Philadelphia: Jas. B. Rodgers Printing Co. pp. 306–313.
- Presbyterianism in Washington, Penn'a: the proceedings at the centennial celebration of the organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington. Washington, Pennsylvania: Observer Book and Job Rooms. 1993.
- Years of our Lord 1893-1993, First Presbyterian Church, Washington, Pennsylvania: bicentennial history, the second hundred years. 1893.
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