about first presbyterian church of lewiston
Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston! We invite you to join us in giving thanks and praise to God at our Sunday worship services. We’re proud to serve the Lewiston and greater Niagara communities through worship, fellowship, teaching, and community outreach.
our history
As the oldest church in the village, First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston has a long and faithful history. Established as an official congregation on June 12, 1817, our first Communion was celebrated with just 11 members, growing to 26 by 1820 while Sunday School welcomed 75 children. The first brick of our church was laid in 1830, with services held in the completed building by 1835, and after purchasing the property in 1839, the congregation demonstrated remarkable faith by repurchasing it for $101 following financial hardship.
With support from the Holland Land Company between 1846 and 1848, the church expanded to include its iconic cupola, Doric columns, and a new organ, and in 1906 a basement was added for Sunday School and gatherings.
From these humble beginnings, several neighboring Presbyterian churches—including those in Niagara Falls, Youngstown, and Lockport—grew out of our early ministry. In more recent years, a larger sanctuary was built in 1965, our Nursery School/Pre-K opened in 1966, and in 1982 we founded HART (Home Assistance Referral Team) to serve seniors across Niagara County.
Our church has long been a gathering place for the wider community, hosting groups such as the Boy Scouts, AA, and the Red Cross. Today, we are blessed with two sanctuaries—the historic Old Stone Church, used in spring and fall, and a newer air-conditioned space for summer worship—as we continue to be a welcoming, caring congregation with deep roots and open hearts, committed for more than 200 years to worshiping God, growing in faith, and serving others in Christ’s name.
what to expect on a Sunday
At First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, our Sunday worship service blends meaningful tradition with a welcoming, approachable atmosphere. Rooted in a rich history of faith in our community, our services typically include music, prayer, Scripture, and a thoughtful message centered on God’s Word.
Whether you’ve attended church your whole life or are simply exploring, you’ll find a place where you can engage at your own pace and feel at home. Our gatherings are designed to help you connect with God and with others in a genuine way—much like many modern churches, you can expect a service that is both reflective and relevant to everyday life.
We encourage you to come as you are—some choose to dress up, while others prefer something more casual—and focus on being present rather than what you’re wearing. Families are always welcome, with opportunities for children to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment during the service.
pastor’s welcome
It is a joy to welcome you to First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston. I am deeply grateful for the faithful staff, volunteers, and visiting clergy who care for this congregation and help sustain its life and ministry.
At First Pres, we are a community committed to growing in faith together—through worship, learning, and meaningful connection. Whether through Sunday services, our Book Club, or everyday moments of fellowship, we seek to deepen our understanding of Scripture and live out our faith in practical ways.
No matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here. I look forward to worshiping, learning, and growing together in the days ahead.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Carly Beard