History - First United Presbyterian Church of Pekin, Illinois

The first church was organized in 1836 as the Pekin Sand Prairie Presbyterian Church. This church was short lived as most of the churches in those pioneer days. At the same time a Sabbath School was organized and remained as the only school for several years.

In 1843, members of the disbanded Presbyterian Church met to organize another church. This time it would be called the Dutch Reformed Church of North America, located on Sabella and North Second Streets.

This church lasted until 1873, when the need for a larger and newer church seemed evident. A large lot on South Fourth Street was purchased for $1200 and the building of the church was started. The corner stone was laid July 24, 1873. The church was dedicated in 1875 as the Dutch Reformed Church. In 1906, the congregation resolved to withdraw from the Dutch Reformed Church and become the American Reformed Church.

In 1914, the congregation voted to withdraw from the American Reformed Church and once again become a Presbyterian Church. It is interesting to note that in 78 years the church (same congregation) was first Presbyterian, then Dutch Reformed, then American Reformed and then back to Presbyterian.

In March 1961, a congregational meeting was called for the purpose of deciding whether to stay at the South Fourth site or relocate. The vote was in favor to relocate.

On October 29, 1962, the Session recommended to the congregation that the church property on South Fourth be sold to the Pekin Public Library. The congregation approved.

The property in Sunset Hills was purchased and our present building was built and dedicated on April 24, 1966.

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