1834-Present
The first meeting of settlers from Potsdam, New York was at Sangamo Town with the Reverend Bergen from the First Church in Springfield. They met again on Sunday, January 12, 1834 to organize the Farmington Presbyterian Church. The theme of the message was "Thy Kingdom Come." In the spring, the colony moved west to an open area around Prairie Creek.
A building was erected near the northwest corner of Farmington cemetery. In the spring of 1836, the Rev. Thomas Galt was ordained and installed as the first pastor. This pastorship continued for several years, however a controversy between the new school and the old school became so great that some church members pulled away and formed Center Presbyterian Church. This church was erected south of Farmingdale. The first anti-slavery meeting in Sangamon County was at Center Church.
In 1859, a new church was built on the location of the former building. The two churches, Farmington and Center, were united in 1865. The ravages of the Civil War and financial problems proved to be too demanding for the two churches. They were united under the leadership of a young Rev. James Kerr.
Progressive social and economic issues were happening during this period. Slavery was abolished and railroads were being built, labor unions formed, the prohibition party was formed and Sunday schools were being established. Farmington Church was very involved in the Sunday school movement. About five pastors served during this period.
In 1907, the church was renamed Farmingdale Presbyterian and renovated with a bell tower and a large Sunday school room to accommodate social events. In the early twenties, the bell tower was removed due to a severe leak. This building served many years.
In September 1979, a decision was made to build a new church building on land northwest of the then present church. Dedication was in September 1980. During the 1990's our church received a grant from Great Rivers Presbytery to remodel the basement. With this grant Sunday school rooms and a meeting room were built, a second stairway was constructed, two bathrooms were built, and a lift was installed.
From 2000 to 2003 renovation work was completed on the church. New siding was put up, a new sub-floor was put down, and new tile was laid in the Fellowship hall, kitchen, and hallway. A new front door, a kitchen door, a cry room was built and a new sound system for the sanctuary was installed. In 2004 the manse was completely renovated.
At the present time as in times past, our country is again involved in a war. Every Sunday and during the week we pray for twelve young men and women who are serving overseas. In this Internet age we can get in touch with the Presbyterian Churches in Iraq. This world we inhabit is indeed a small world - created and loved by God.
We have an active mission program. We support through the giving of our time, money and other gifts: our Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly, Kumler Neighborhood Ministries, One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost Offering, Peacemaking Offering, the Crop Walk, Blanket Sunday, St. John's Breadline, Joy Offering, the PWA Thank Offering, the Salvation Army, and Kemmerer Village. Different people may sit in the pews now. However our mission remains the same as it was 170 years ago. We gather to worship and pray, we seek God's Word and we minister to each other, the community and the world.
