Our History
This isn't our building. This isn't our space. This is a place for all God's people.
This isn't our building. This isn't our space. This is a place for all God's people.
1878
Pioneer missionary Sheldon Jackson, in route to Alaska, preached the first Presbyterian sermon on July 15, 1877, in bustling Boise City, population 1100. Before 1870, the only Presbyterian Churches were of the Nez Perce tribe in Northern Idaho.
February 24, 1878, Rev. H. W. Stratton organized the First Presbyterian Church of Boise, which held worship in the Baptist Church at 9th & Idaho. Charter members included 3 men and 14 women, including Miss Elvina Moulton, Boise's only pioneer black woman who remained a faithful member until her death. Men served as elders, as women were not to be ordained until 1953.
J.F. Knowles and A. McFarlane served as supply ministers for the budding church until they could build their own church at 9th and State, where the Idanha Hotel later stood.
Rev. Sheldon Jackson, Presbyterian Missionary
First Presbyterian Church at 9th and State St.
Rev. and Mrs. Stratton In buggy, 1878.
1885
In 1885, J.H. Barton with his wife Eva Craig Barton, became the first regular pastor. The dwindling church had just 10 members. Their 8-year effort grew the congregation and began the first graded Sunday School. Dr. Barton held the first services at the Territorial Penitentiary, and they established the first State Christian Endeavor Society in 1889 and Missionary Society in 1892. Mrs. Barton organized women's organizations and a reading room for wayfarers and the homeless, a forerunner of the Boise Public Library.
Miss Elvina Moulton, Charter Member, 1878
1890
1890's Boise boasted 4,000 residents and so grew the FPC congregation-creating the need for yet a larger space. The new Sanctuary on 9th and State Street was an impressive structure seating 305 with magnificent windows and woodwork at a cost of $15,000. The panic of 1893 forced the release of all laborers. The National Church Board loaned the funds while contractors C.B. Little and J.E Tourtellotte completed the building, mostly by themselves. It was dedicated May 6th, 1894.
New Church, 10th and Main, Boise
Church Dedication, May 6, 1894
Stunning windows and craftsmanship
1903
Dr. R. A. McKinley (cousin of President McKinley) highlighted his 1903-1907 term with the installation of a pipe organ through generous donors, including Andrew Carnegie. Parking was needed for the 300+ members. 1905 records show a purchase of a hitching rack for $26.50. A bell was desired but never purchased. The spire atop the belfry was salvaged and still on display today.
Pipe Organ, 1907
1929
Robust Sunday School programs fueled the addition of a 3-story building under the leadership of Dr. Jesse Baird and Dr. W.C. Ross. Dedicated January 13, 1929, it was considered one of the finest education facilities in the Northwest. Still in use, it remains the oldest original FPC building!
Three Story Education Building
1937
Dr. Marcus E. Lindsay (1937) led the church for 14 years in a time of robust growth. Boise boasted 56,000 residents and by 1949 the church had 1000 members. Mission efforts also grew after World War II to bring uprooted families to Boise to support getting them back on their feet. To this day, feeding and housing our neighbors is central to our life. Douglas Tiffany followed growth under Dr. Lindsay and completed a vision for an 800 capacity Sanctuary and 90 person Chapel, dedicated September 21, 1954.
Reverend Dr. Marcus Lindsay, 1937
Annual Roll Call, 1941
Annual Budget, 1941-1942
1958
During the 10-year leadership of Dr. Frank Rearick, beginning in 1958, the old sanctuary on 9th and State Street was replaced with Lindsay Hall as a third stand-alone building on FPC's campus, giving the church a much-needed multi-use space and a fully equipped kitchen.
Kitchen Crew, 1950s
Construction 10th and State Street Sanctuary
1970-2010
The 1970's were a tumultuous decade felt keenly at FPC in a church divided over the charismatic movement. In 1976, the church called the Rev. Richard (Dick) Terry as a stated supply and later installed as pastor to lead a time of healing and revitalization over the next 12 years. This work was continued in September of 1989 with the call of Rev. Mark Davis who would serve for 21 years- the longest at FPC. Under his leadership, the church combined the 3 separate buildings - Sanctuary, Education Building, and Lindsay Hall - into the one building you see today. In 2010 the Footsteps Capital Campaign funded the complete renovation of Lindsay Hall, the kitchen, and education rooms as well as mission grants to support community projects aligned with FPC's mission values around the corner, and around the world.
Rev. Mark Davis
Rose Window over Balcony
2012-2019
Rev. Dr. Andrew Kukla was called as pastor in the fall of 2012 and led the congregation in taking the "Next Step" with the goal of making the church campus a place of "Radical Hospitality". The Sanctuary was renovated and rededicated on October 8th, 2019. Particular attention was given to acoustics and making all our spaces agile to serve not only the congregation but also our larger community, becoming a meeting space and fine arts venue for everyone.
Rev. Dr. Andrew Kukla
Current Sanctuary
Our Future
Today our labyrInth-like bullding bears the look of the community that has built and connected it over the years. It Is diverse and wandering but united by God for the sake of community worship, fellowship, music, education, and mission. At our heart is the desire to be a vital presence of abundant life in the downtown Boise Community!
Children’s Learning Group 1950s
LOGOS Children’s Learning Group
Friendship Dinner in Lindsay Hall