​A Timeline of the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville

1788 - ​Meadville is founded at the confluence of French Creek and Cussewago Creek, on what was then America's western frontier	1965 - Rebecca Borthwick becomes the church's first full-time Director of Music, faithfully serving until her retirement in 2006
1800 - The First Presbyterian Church of Meadville is organized, with Joseph Stockton as its first pastor​	1970 - A fire of unknown origin destroys the Christian Education building and causes severe damage to the sanctuary
​1818  - After nearly two decades of meeting in members' homes, the congregation erects a building on a lot bounded by Liberty St, East Center St, East Cherry St, and Chancery Lane	1972 - The new classroom/office wing is dedicated, along with a new three-manual pipe organ built by the Schlicker Organ Company of Buffalo, NY
1839 - As a result of the "Old School" vs. "New School" controversy within American Presbyterianism, dissenters from First Church leave to form the Second (later called Central) Presbyterian Church of Meadville	1983 - The United Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in the United States merge, forming the Presbyterian Church (USA); First Presbyterian joins the new denomination
1873 - The 1818 church building is demolished and the site prepared for new construction	1989 - The 8:30 service is added to the worship schedule
1875 - The present church building is completed at a cost of $43,000 (about $1.3 million today)	1991 - The church begins broadcasting worship services via local cable television
1903 - Central Presbyterian disbands and its members rejoin First	2000 - The congregation celebrates its 200th anniversary with the dedication of the chapel/choir room addition
1924 - The Tellers-Kent company of Erie installs a four-manual pipe organ	2020 - In response to the COVID pandemic, the church begins livestreaming services
1932 - The original clear windows are replaced by stained glass	2024 - The Rev. Benjamin Black accepts the call to be the church's Senior Pastor
1948 - The organ screen is installed as a memorial to the young men of the congregation killed in wartime action	Today - First Presbyterian continues its worship and ministry in the heart of Meadville