First Presbyterian Church
647 East Market Street
Akron, Ohio 44304-1684
330-434-5183

Our History

Where we've been ...

We are proud of our rich heritage! First Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest congregations in the Akron area. It was founded in December 1831 as the First Presbyterian Church of Middlebury in Portage Township (now Akron's 6th Ward). The first building was constructed at the intersection of East Market and Exchange Streets in 1833.

In 1843 the issue of slavery divided the church. First Presbyterian remained an antislavery congregation, while dissenters formed another church. In 1859, the two churches reunited under the name Union Church. In 1872, Middlebury became part of Akron, and in 1874, the church became First Presbyterian Church of Akron.

The present building was constructed in 1904 and was expanded during the 50's and 60's. While contributing to the formation of other new congregations in the Akron area over the years, First Presbyterian has remained as an anchor church in the downtown area...continuing a relationship with the neighborhood and the University of Akron.

In 1999, after a period of prayer and study, the congregation renewed its commitment to the location and the building, and has embarked on a program to restore and improve the current structure.

First Presbyterian Church received a 2000 Beautification Watch Award from the Keep Akron Beautiful organization. This award is given to residences and institutions that are litter-free and display well-maintained flowers and landscape.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)