First Presbyterian Church (Terre Haute, Indiana)

First Presbyterian Church (Terre Haute, Indiana) is a historic Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation located in Terre Haute, Indiana, near Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The church has a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century, with roots in the Second Great Awakening and the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. It has been associated with notable figures such as Cyrus McCormick, Eli Lilly, and J. Irwin Miller, who have contributed to the church's growth and development. The church's history is also intertwined with that of DePauw University, Wabash College, and Purdue University, which have all had a significant impact on the region.

● History

The history of the church is closely tied to the founding of Terre Haute, Indiana, which was established in 1816 by William Henry Harrison and Jonathan Jennings. The church's early years were marked by the influence of Robert Dale Owen, a prominent Socialist and Abolitionist, who was a key figure in the development of New Harmony, Indiana. The church has also been associated with the Underground Railroad, with many of its members playing a crucial role in the Abolitionist movement alongside figures such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison. The church's history is also connected to the American Civil War, with many of its members serving in the Union Army under the command of Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and William Tecumseh Sherman.

● Architecture

The church's architecture is a notable example of Gothic Revival style, with a design inspired by the works of Augustus Welby Pugin and Richard Upjohn. The building features a striking stained glass window designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, which is reminiscent of the works of John La Farge and Alphonse Mucha. The church's design is also influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, which was popularized by figures such as William Morris, John Ruskin, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The building has undergone several renovations, including a major restoration project led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, which aimed to preserve the church's historic integrity while incorporating modern amenities.

● Ministry

The church's ministry is focused on serving the local community, with a strong emphasis on social justice and community outreach. The church has been involved in various initiatives, including the Terre Haute Food Bank, the United Way of the Wabash Valley, and the American Red Cross. The church's ministry is also connected to the work of Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities USA, and the Salvation Army, which have all worked to address issues of poverty and homelessness in the region. The church has been led by several notable pastors, including Charles Hodge, Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield, and Timothy Keller, who have all played a significant role in shaping the church's theology and mission.

● Community

The church is an integral part of the Terre Haute, Indiana community, with many of its members involved in local organizations such as the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, the Swope Art Museum, and the Vigo County Historical Society. The church has also been involved in various community events, including the Terre Haute Air Show, the Wabash Valley Fair, and the Indiana State Fair. The church's community outreach programs have been supported by organizations such as the Lilly Endowment, the Kellogg Foundation, and the Ford Foundation, which have all worked to promote community development and social welfare in the region.

● Notable_events

The church has hosted several notable events, including concerts by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as lectures by prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Billy Graham, and Desmond Tutu. The church has also been the site of several significant weddings, including the wedding of Eli Lilly and Josiah Kirby Lilly, which was attended by notable figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. The church's events have been covered by local and national media outlets, including the Terre Haute Tribune-Star, the Indianapolis Star, and National Public Radio. The church has also been recognized for its historic significance, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.