Our History

First Presbyterian Church was officially founded on Sunday, February 27, 1870 through the combined efforts of the Reverend Sheldon Jackson and four pioneer families. Rev. Jackson went on to found 100 Presbyterian churches between Colorado and Alaska, but we are proud to claim First Presbyterian Pueblo as Rev. Jackson’s first church to found.

The first meeting place for services of worship was in an adobe school building located at 11th and Court.  One year later this group moved to the Court House which was on the same site as the present Court House.  The first church owned building was at Ninth and Court. It had a small bell tower in which an 800 lb. bell was installed.  The bell arrived in 1876 from Troy, New York, and was among the first freight brought to Pueblo by the Santa Fe Railroad. Because of growing numbers, the Trustees purchased property on Tenth and Court and began construction of a new church of red sandstone with a steeple rising 140 feet.  The bell was moved to the new building which was dedicated on September 7, 1890. 

In 1925 a high-quality Kimball pipe organ was placed in the sanctuary.  A year later, three stained glass windows were installed.  The north window was designed by Tiffany Studios of New York,  the west wall window was designed in St. Louis and the third window by the Bavarian Art Works of Germany.  An Educational Building was added in 1926 which included a gymnasium, stage, meeting rooms and a new kitchen.  In 1954 the two-story gym was converted into two floors to make more room for the Church School attendance.  In 1964 the Sanctuary was remodeled with the inclusion of new pews and furnishings.
Extensive remodeling in 1987 updated the Sanctuary and much of the first floor, adding a new East entrance and landscaping.  The heating and air conditioning systems were completely replaced in 2002 and more updating started in 2007.  This includes all new carpet, electronic fire alarm and an elevator for our seniors. The official designation as an Historical Building will help us maintain the distinctive red sandstone exterior.  We are committed to being good stewards of a structure that serves not only our congregation but the community at large.
First Presbyterian remains a vibrant church with about 750 members, the second largest in Pueblo Presbytery.