Worshiping, Connecting, Educating, Serving
The Historic Meeting House on the Square is where deep roots are nourished and growing branches are celebrated in Christ’s name. Through God’s love and power revealed in Jesus Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit, we are called into a community of lively faith. Honored with a rich Presbyterian heritage, and committed to an enduring Christian witness, we respond to God’s grace through ministries of celebration, fellowship, spiritual enrichment and outreach.
Our Life Together
We date our history from 1734 when a small group of sturdy Scots Irish settlers built a log meeting house at Meeting House Springs, two miles from our present location. In 1757, the congregation moved to the new city of Carlisle and erected its first public building. The old log church has long ago disappeared but we have restored Meeting House Springs Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in Cumberland County and have special services there several times each year. Pictures of Meeting House Springs and historic re-enactments are in the Photo Gallery. More Information…
At First Presbyterian you can join a small group of people who have fun, study, or serve. We have Presbyterian Women, a men’s group who meets for breakfast, and study groups such as “Space for God.” Others visit home bound people and serve meals at the Salvation Army. There are opportunities to work in our yard and go on fall hikes. There is a book club that meets once a month to share in the delight of reading. Book lovers participate in our on-going used book sale that funds the “Books for Babies” program. And, we enjoy dinners, picnics, and coffee hour after Sunday worship. More…
The first impression of our church is one of history and stability. However, it is the children that you notice during a worship service. Children are an integral part of worship through meaningful children time. The older youth participate in the service during special Sundays. There is a special training session for toddlers to prepare them for church, a Super kids program on Sunday afternoons, and youth work days at Camp Krislund.
We invite you to come and experience First Church. We have prepared a photo gallery to share our church life. There are pictures that feature our time together as a church family. Others show our pride in our church history through our historic programs and reenactments. Please enjoy the beauty of Meeting House Springs Cemetery and some of the artifacts that we treasure. We will continue to add pictures to the gallery so please return to view the new photos.