First Presbyterian Church (Champaign, Illinois)

First Presbyterian Church is the oldest church in Champaign, Illinois.

The First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, Illinois is the oldest church in Champaign.

History

The history of Champaign, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and First Presbyterian Church are interlinked, even though First Presbyterian Church congregation organized 17 years prior to the University of Illinois receiving its charter. At that time, Champaign was little more than a swamp known as 'West Urbana'.

In 1867, a Presbyterian congregation of 137 erected the current sanctuary, the distinctive second floor "Upper Room" being considered a testament to their vision. In the same year the State of Illinois chartered the Illinois Industrial University (which later came to be known as the University of Illinois).

Stained glass in the Upper Room sanctuary

See also

• List of Presbyterian churches in the United States

References

External links

• First Presbyterian Church of Champaign Web Site
• City of Champaign Web Site
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Main Page
• City of Champaign Maps

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Coordinates: 40°07′08″N 88°14′50″W / 40.119006°N 88.247098°W / 40.119006; -88.247098