Our Core Values
Relevance
We are committed to sharing the unchanging Gospel in fresh and up-to-date ways to an ever-changing culture.
We are committed to sharing the unchanging Gospel in fresh and up-to-date ways to an ever-changing culture.
Transformation
We are convinced that change happens in the heart of an individual as a result of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Scripture
We believe in the centrality of the Bible in our daily life.
Worship
We believe that worship is an integral part of the Christian life.
Evangelism
We joyfully fulfill Christ’s call to share the Gospel message to a hurting world in need of God.
Prayer
We believe that prayer is the essential ingredient in shaping personal and communal relationships with God.
Service
Mission (local and international) as commanded by Jesus is an integral part of our purpose as a church.
Spiritual Development
We are committed to helping people develop their faith at all stages in life.
Community
We strongly believe that our Christian faith is best shared and nurtured in community.
Worship Life
Spiritual growth and maturity are the goals for young and old at FPC. Jesus transforms the lives of his followers, so we believe we can never stand still when it comes to learning to walk with Jesus and sharing his love with others. As Minister, seminary professor and author Terry Wardle observes, “Too many Christians are over-informed, yet are under-transformed.” We are not those Christians.
First Presbyterian Church is a member congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Our congregation has existed for 190 years.
So naturally, our building looks very traditional. And, truth be told, we do value our traditions. Within our walls, however, the atmosphere is one of peace, authenticity, and acceptance. Many of us dress casually, because we not only believe that Jesus changes the world one heart at a time but that He isn’t overly concerned with outward appearances.
Our musical ministry is vitally important to us. We use the pipe organ as well as modern instruments, and each service contains a mix of praise songs and hymns. Our choir treats us to an anthem, while a talented group of musicians, our Praise Team, adds keyboard, guitar, flute and drums to the mix.
Our Sunday School leaves mid service, following Children’s Time, for age-appropriate classes featuring stories, scripture and the importance of faith. As we adhere to the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s policy Leading With Care, there are two adults supervising at all times.
As our services are livestreamed on YouTube, you can also join us from home or catch up on any you missed.
Pastoral Care
We may not worship together the other six days of the week, but we do keep one another in mind. Pastoral concerns can either be phoned in during Office hours or emailed after hours. (Since we are no longer notified when congregants are admitted to hospital, someone will need to let us know.)
Calls, visits, appointments with ministry staff: We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Pastoral Care is one of the important ministries in any church. Jesus teaches us to love one another, and so we firmly believe that one of the greatest benefits of being part of a Christian community is the love and care we give to one another.
Our Pastoral Care Team is made up of congregants who call or visit people in need of support: at home, in assisted living facilities, during hospital stays. We also bring communion to them twice a year.
Pastoral concerns can either be phoned in during office hours or emailed after hours. Since we are no longer notified when congregants are admitted to hospital, be sure to have someone let us know.
First Church engages in many ministries on a regular basis. If you have a heart for mission, there is certainly a place for you here. Our primary projects are the Saturday Morning Breakfast (offered year round) and the Backyard Mission (every August).
Finished in 1893, First Presbyterian Church is a stately brick structure located in the heart of downtown Chatham. Its stained glass windows and impressive architecture add to the beauty of the downtown core. First Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Our sanctuary is an impressive place of worship. Beautiful stained glass windows, solid oak pews, and three balconies enhance the worshipful quality of the sanctuary. The acoustics in the sanctuary are first rate, and the sound of organ, instruments and voices carries clearly.
Behind the main sanctuary are our Meeting Hall, offices, Jean Thompson Lounge and choir room. Our Sunday School is on the floor above.
The Lower Hall holds 150-200 people and is used most frequently for pancake suppers and our weekly free Saturday Breakfast. It also houses our nursery and Toddlers Room.
In preparation for our 100-Year Anniversary, a major restoration project was undertaken. This project included replacing the original slate roof with new slate, copper eaves, exterior paint window repair and pigeon control.
In 1998, the congregation gave its approval for the installation of an elevator, upgrading of washrooms, parking lot, doors, addition of ramps and other work necessary to make the church fully accessible.
In 2005, work began to repair the brick exterior of the building which had suffered the ravages of over 100 years of weather and an extensive and very loyal pigeon population! This renovation project is not merely a facelift; it is undertaken with the understanding that we are not just maintaining our building, but are equally committed to rethinking how we do church today and in the future.
In 2009, we undertook a major project to redesign the front of the sanctuary. The pulpit and choir loft were replaced with a semicircular hardwood platform. In 2013, a new sound system and audiovisual screens completed the project. In 2022, more audiovisual equipment was installed, including a video camera which allows us to livestream our services.
If you would like to know more about our building and past doings as a congregation, we published our history in 2000. To purchase a copy, please contact the Office.