Who We Are

Our Mission is to:

Connect with God and each other through worship, prayer, and fellowship, building a faith community where everyone is welcome. 

Serve our neighbors locally and globally, putting our faith into action by building relationships, caring for those in need, and working for justice. 

Grow in our relationship with Christ, continually learning and maturing as disciples, so that we can share the hope and love of God with the world.

1883

In 1883, thirteen Presbyterians were busy organizing the First Presbyterian Church of Sioux Falls, Dakota Territory. They met once each Sabbath in the afternoon in a Methodist Church building. 

1884

In 1884, an original First Presbyterian Church building was constructed on the northeast intersection of 9th Street and Minnesota Avenue. By the turn of the century, a livery barn adjacent to the church created such noisy and smelly conditions that the original building was moved to the southeast corner of 10th and Minnesota. In 1889, South Dakota gained statehood.

1916

By 1916, the congregation had grown to the point where new and enlarged facilities were needed. A lovely brick church was built on 10th and Spring. This served as the church home for a dedicated and growing congregation for over 40 years, through the great depression and two World Wars.

1958

On November 23, 1958, First Presbyterian Church began a new chapter of ministry with the dedication of our current building. Our mid-century modern brick building was designed by Spitznagel Architecture. The tent-shaped nave seats 500. The Chancel wall features a ceramic mosaic by Palmer Eide (Augustana). The mosaic’s symbols depict events in the life of Christ. The design of our building won a Merit Award in 1960 from the National Council of Churches of Christ.

1987

First Presbyterian Church has a historical commitment to discipleship and learning. In 1987, the Bethel Bible Series was introduced. This program stimulated a commitment to discipleship that substantially transformed the congregation. Under the leadership of Rev. Bill Meyer, the adult education program became the Academy of the Laity, a premier program of learning and discipleship opportunities for adults that featured expert instructors from within the congregation, from the seminary and local colleges, and from the Sioux Falls community. Our adult education program continues to offer engaging lectures and conversations on diverse topics, led by local experts.

Our congregation has a history of recognizing new needs or opportunities, then finding effective ways to address them. Decades ago, FPC developed an after-school program in partnership with nearby Edison Middle School. This program, now administered by Volunteers of America, subsequently became the model for similar after-school programs throughout the city. First Presbyterian Church was also the first in Sioux Falls to employ a parish nurse, a position partially funded through a dedicated endowment. The endowment continues to support congregational care activities in our church.

1990

In the last half-century or more of its history, First Presbyterian Church has been an active, visible participant in mission work. Two other Presbyterian churches in Sioux Falls (Wildflower and Westminster Presbyterian Churches) were nurtured through substantial support from First Presbyterian Church. In May 1990, a sister church relationship was formed with Ta’An Presbyterian Church in Taipei, Taiwan. More recently, communities in Honduras and Guatemala have become a focus of our international mission and ministry efforts. Members of First Presbyterian Church were instrumental in founding The Banquet (a local meal ministry) and the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. In addition, many local organizations that minister to persons in crisis and need continue to receive substantial support—through financial and volunteer assistance—from First Presbyterian Church and its members.

Unchanged Values

Throughout the history of First Presbyterian Church, our values have remained unchanged. We seek to connect, serve, and grow with God and others. We welcome all with open minds and open hearts. We are committed to mission: local, regional, national, and global.

We believe in quality education to equip our members for service in the name and spirit of Jesus. And we continue to look to the future with hope, trusting in the grace of God and prayerfully discerning God’s direction for our family of faith.

In Jesus Christ, God calls people to faith and to membership in the Church, the body of Christ. Baptism is the visible sign of that call and claim on a human life and of entrance into the membership of the church. Thus, the triune God, incarnate in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, gives to the Church not only its mission but also its understanding of membership.

We welcome new members through a public profession of faith following instruction about the meaning and responsibilities of membership.  

About FPC

First Presbyterian Church has approximately 500 members and an average weekly worship attendance of 180-200.

We are a connected Church, part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, and the Presbytery of South Dakota. The PC(USA) is made up of more than 8000 congregations and around 1 million members nationwide.

To Join FPC

We have new member fellowship several times a year. Click here to learn more about joining FPC.