A Brief History of First Presbyterian Church
Saint Cloud, Minnesota

First Presbyterian Church was founded on November 19, 1864 by Reverend Elgy Vanvoorhis Campbell and ten charter members. At this time there was no church building so a rented building was used. On January 7, 1865, a small church called the "Presbyterian Warehouse" was dedicated on Sixth Avenue South. Later this building was moved to Fifth Avenue, remodeled, and enlarged in the 1870's.

 

On October 25, 1916, construction began on a new church on Fourth Avenue. This building was dedicated on Sunday, February 24, 1918.

Reverend Campbell, center, holding the book, officiates at the
laying of the cornerstone of the new church.

In 1922, after fifty-eight years of service, Dr. Campbell went into semi-retirement until he passed away December 23, 1929. Reverend Harold H. Baldwin succeeded Dr. Campbell and moved the parish into modern Presbyterianism. In 1937, Reverend Baldwin accepted a position with the Synod and was replaced by Reverend William J. Slosser who introduced the concept of the "Hymn of the Month" to the congregation.

In 1943, Reverend Slosser left to fight in World War II and Dr. W.F. Dickens-Lewis filled the vacancy. In 1944, Dr. Dickens-Lewis was pleased to burn the mortgage to the church building. He retired on October 31, 1950 and was succeeded by Reverend Harry S. Dodgson. During his pastorate, the church was renovated and a new wing was added in 1957.

Reverend Dodgson retired in 1965 and Reverend Charles F. (Moe) Stevens began his service in 1966. Like Dr. Campbell, he became known as "Pastor of St. Cloud." He also oversaw the purchase of additional land and the installation of an elevator. When Reverend Stevens left St. Cloud in 1986, Reverend David Allan Reiter, took his place and served faithfully for 16 years.

In 2003, following an Interim period, the Reverend Stacey Steck, formerly an Associate Pastor at FPC, became Stated Supply Pastor as the church searched for a new permanent Senior Pastor.

The Reverend Dr. Paul Soderquist served as Interim Pastor from September 2005 until November 2006.

The Reverend Dr. C. Edward Morgan began his ministry at First Presbyterian Church on June 4, 2007.

First Presbyterian Church prior to  addition of the new education wing.