that seeks to grow in the love of Jesus Christ and to share that
love with the community and the world."
OUR 150 YEAR JOURNEY
Joseph Hancock, his wife, Maria, and daughter, Marilla, arrived in Red
Wing, Minnesota, after traveling five weeks by train, boat, horse and
wagon, and steamboat from the East. Hancock was sent by the American
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to serve as a teacher for the
native people of the area.
Hancock and his family were the first permanent settlers of European
descent in this area. When Indian treaties opened this area to settlement,
Hancock found his focus beginning to change. He attained his theology
credentials and also became instrumental in establishing the town of Red
Wing on the Mississippi River.
chartered with seven members. Pastor's Hancock's congregation met
in the mission house, a carpenter's shop, a summer shanty, and a
one-room schoolhouse. In 1857, the congregation erected the first
church building at a cost of $5,000. The structure was 38' x 66' with a
bell tower and 60 pews to seat 300 people. Over the years, 23 pastors
have served our members.
Many renovations helped First Presbyterian keep up with the times.
But on May 24, 2002, an electrical fire consumed the building which
had housed our congregation for 145 years. Drawing courage and
inspiration from those who had gone before us, and finding strength in
the grace of God, the membership planned and rebuilt a modern
facility. It was occupied May 23, 2004, almost two years to the day from
the destruction of the old church. A 23-rank Cassavant pipe organ was
installed in the sanctuary and dedicated on May 22, 2005.
a vision of knowing, living, and sharing the love of God. We will join
Jesus Christ in his ministry of compassion and care for all people. We
will be energized by the Holy Spirit to discover, discern, and do
ministry as God's people. We will affirm God's gift of unconditional
love by responding faithfully to the invitation to corporate worship, to
faith development opportunities, to generous sharing of our resources,
and to reaching out to the community and world with God's love.