Our First 150th Years - 2023 Highlighted
events & celebration

Highlights of how we reflected upon and celebrated our 150th Anniversary include:

 

February 2023

The Hawthorne trees along the Polk St. parking strip were planted in 1873 by the Rev. James Crawford, who brought them back from a visit to his birthplace in Northern Ireland

In February 2023 the Rev. Paul Heins dedicated the planting of a planting Birch Tree overlooking the memorial garden and labyrinth as he challenged the 150-year-young congregation to have a “Pine Cone Faith” regarding stewardship for our future.

March 2023

We celebrated the 150th year of our Charter from the Oregon Presbytery, officially opening the first 150 years of mission and ministry at FPCPT

April 2023

2023 Victorian Heritage Festival

"If These Walls Could Talk"

View the video recording

We traveled through 150 years of history and happenings as seen through the Victorian pews of First Presbyterian Church. This 60-minute multi-media presentation followed the journey of the seven women chartering the church, on March 8, 1873, and the $250 in gold coin raised to purchase the lot at the corner of Franklin & Polk from Capt. E.S. Fowler. We hear Tom Stahl masterfully playing various pieces on the Whalley & Genung tracker organ, the oldest organ in Washington State still in its original location.

Hawthorn Trees and Rainbow fence - photo by Lawrence Marcus, May 2021

Growing towards the next 150 years

After the original stone sanctuary was out-grown, the current larger wooden building, designed by Port Townsend’s major architectural firm, Whiteway and Schroeder, incorporated three styles of the period: Gothic, Queen Anne, and Stick, was dedicated on March 16, 1880.

Join us as we continue to grow and - prayerfully - be a blessing to our community and world for the next 150 years.

June 2023

“Women: A Driving Force Throughout the Church's History”

Margie Gormly and others shared 150 years of Presbyterian women's insights.

November 2023

“On the home front… The war years in Port Townsend”

Debbie Reid and others shared a rich history of global conflict impacts upon Port Townsend and FPCPT throughout the years.

December 2023

FPCPT was the focus of - Parts 1 & 2 - KPTZ Radio Port Townsend's "Our Town" radio shows

with Steve Shively reflecting on the first 150 years of history

150th Celebration Weekend,
Nov. 11 & 12, 2023

Throughout our church history the theme of, “The service begins when the worship ends” has been our guide. We know that we are called to be an active part of our local community and the broader globe.

We enjoyed a series of occasions where we mixed looking back with our continued commitment to lead into the future. Examples:

  • We lifted up the indigenous voices long silenced, acknowledging that the land we now use for worship and service is on the traditional homeland of the S’Klallam and the Chimakum People.

  • Tom Stahl entertained us, on Saturday, Nov. 11, with a wonderful organ concert on the historic 1890 Whalley & Genung tracker organ. Featuring 692 pipes, ranging from 2 inches to 16 feet. Watch

  • November 12 - Special Speaker, Rev. Tim Dolan, (pastor 1980-1998), preached for Sunday’s Service. Watch Video

  • including a special 150th Anniversary Quilt Presentation, Watch Video

  • Worship was followed by a proper Victorian “Afternoon Tea” was enjoyed by all.