Historical Review
Sunday Services: 10:30am
Sunday School: 9:15am
"Come as you are": 3rd Sunday of the month 5:30-7:00pm
Prayer Group: Wednesdays 11:00am
Phone:(517) 265-2168
E-Mail: ymfirstpres@tc3net.com

Before 1832 there were no actual church buildings in Adrian, Michigan. Fifteen Presbyterian
and Congregationalists met in N.D. Skeel’s home to form a Church Society that became the First
Presbyterian Church of Adrian. The congregation met in their first small church on Church
Street for ten years. In 1842 they moved to a new, larger church on East Maumee Street and
have been there ever since.
Because the church was right downtown, many Adrian residents contributed toward the
purchase of the bell for the church’s bell tower in 1846.

The church building has been added on to and modernized many times over the years. In 1869
stained glass windows were shipped to the church from Italy. A Sunday school chapel was added
in 1884. The small chapel, restrooms, library and church offices that are still used today, were
built in 1968.
Recent projects in the sanctuary include refurbishing the beautiful pipe organ, pew
renovations, new carpeting and air conditioning. Plans continue to make the entire church
barrier free.

Since the establishment of the Mission Society in 1887, funding and supporting missions has
been an important element of our church life. In addition to Presbyterian missions, assistance,
both monetary and hands on, and to many local agencies and causes has been provided through
the years.

Times of fellowship were an important part of the church from the beginning. In 1888 Mrs. A.L.
Millard started a tradition of 10-cent dinners that lasted for many years. Today many
fellowship gatherings also include food, such as: coffee hours following the church service,
Mother Daughter banquets, progressive dinners, Men’s Palm Sunday Breakfast, and the potluck
to meet the Presbyterian International Peacemakers.

Music has had, and continues to have, an important place in the worship service. The pipe organ
was installed in the late 1800’s and continues to inspire everyone who hears it today. Today in
addition to the pipe organ and grand piano in the sanctuary, the congregation enjoys listening
to an adult choir, youth choir, and adult handbell choir and children’s Glory Bells.

On September 16, 2007, the church celebrated its 175th anniversary. Four previous pastors of
the church, community members, previous church members, and current members attended
the celebration. A DVD was made about the history of the church, another DVD was made of the
service that day, a book was bound that reviewed the church’s history and a booklet was made of
historically important details of the church. All of the church’s choirs performed for the special
service and a dinner were served afterward. It was a significant celebration, which was enjoyed
by everyone.