The History of

First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids

Grand Traverse area Presbyterianism had its beginnings with the missionary work of The Rev. Peter Dougherty in the 1830's.  His school for the Indians was started in Elk Rapids.  A few months later it was moved to Old Mission Peninsula, eventually to be relocated in Omena.  Later, a Presbyterian Church was established at Yuba, known as East Bay Presbyterian Church.  The Rev. Joshua B. Hall, a native of New York began work with a nucleus of Elk Rapids residents in 1870 as well as serving the Yuba church as its pastor.

Under the leadership of Rev. Hall and his wife Eugenia, those first Session members and parishioners, who demonstrated an intense determination and focused commitment, began the work in July 1873 of constructing and crafting the place of worship that generations of Elk Rapids Presbyterians have so much enjoyed and treasured.

By July 1873, our present church building at 404 Spruce Street was under construction, only to be stopped by the Panic of 1873.  On June 18, 1874, the Presbytery of Grand Rapids, meeting in the Court House in Elk Rapids, authorized the official beginning of our church,.  It was called the First Presbyterian Society of Elk Rapids.  Work was resumed in 1877 and our church building was completed and dedicated in September of 1878.

Over the years, many improvements and changes have been made by this congregation of faith to enhance our mission and purpose of worshipping God and ministering to others in His name.  As our church continued to grow, it became necessary to provide more space for education and fellowship.  Again, as in 1874, our people rose to the challenge and, in 1969, the new addition was put into service , being dedicated to the loving memory of the Reverend Dr. H. M. Markley.

It was in 1988, after much prayer, study, and discussion, that many dedicated members and friends of First Presbyterian Church's growing and expanding congregation felt the leading of God to step out by fair to provide more room for worship and community ministry.

In the ensuing years, as our congregation and ministry has continued to grow, our church family has encouraged and faithfully supported the addition of a Director of Christian Education, a Director of Youth Ministries, an Associate Pastor and the purchase of The Lighthouse.  By God's grace we will continue praying, working and worshipping together to proclaim the Good News of salvation and abundant life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.