Our Story
In 1851, the year Christ Presbyterian Church was founded, Wisconsin had only been a state for three years (that happened in 1848) and Madison was still a village (it did not become a city until 1856. The city only had about 1,500 residents, but some of them wanted to create a Presbyterian church here.
John Sterling, who had founded Carroll College in Waukesha in 1846, came to Madison in 1849 as one of only two professors and was such a leader over the next decade or two that he is known as the “father of the university.” He, along with Daniel S. Durrie, the secretary of the new State Historical Society, and John Yost Smith, who supervised the construction of the first capitol building, were key figures in launching this new congregation. The vote to start the congregation happened on Oct. 4, 1851, and the first worship service was the next day.
Physically, we have occupied several sites. Spiritually, have nourished people across many generations. Socially, we have served our community – and the world – in a wide variety of ways.
Christ Presbyterian was originally known as First Presbyterian Church. It’s original building was at the corner of East Johnson Street and Wisconsin Avenue where the Masonic Center now stands. That served the congregation from 1853 until 1892, when the congregation moved into a new building on East Dayton Street and Wisconsin Avenue where the Concourse Hotel now stands. The congregation changed its name to Christ Presbyterian Church in 1891 as it was making plans for the new building.
The third big move for the congregation came in 1963, when we moved into our current building on East Gorham Street. There have been two major renovations since then – one in 1986, the other in 2014.
But the life of a congregation involves much more that the buildings. This congregation has not shied away from addressing controversial issues, from serving not only its members but people in need. We welcomed refugees after World War II, after the Vietnam War and again in recent years. We have been a haven for international residents of the Madison area, we have reached out to projects in Rwanda, Egypt, Mexico and Palestine. We have been a long-time center of music and art. And we have been a place willing to delve into what faith means in every era.
During this 175th anniversary year, many stories, photos and videos will be posted here as we explore our heritage. There will be a number of activities, culminating with a potluck celebration on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 3, and a time of joyful worship on Sunday, Oct. 4. We are glad you are with us on this journey.
