First Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater was founded in 1849 and constructed its first church in 1851. The congregation constructed its second church at Third and Myrtle streets in 1857. The second church was used until 1883, when the congregation built the surviving brick structure, its last location in downtown Stillwater. The previous 1857 church was moved across Myrtle Street to serve as the city armory.

In 1909, local historian A.B. Easton wrote:

The Pint Presbyterian Church, located on the comer of Third and Myrtle streets, is a handsome structure and conveniently located. Its organization dates back to December 8, 1849, nearly sixty years ago. Stillwater was then a small, but very ambitious village, and Minnesota had just become a territory.

The first place of worship was dedicated in August, 1851. The first pastor was Rev. Henry M. Nichols, who served as stated supply for two years, and was installed pastor, January 4, 1855, remaining until the spring of 1860.

The Rev. J. S. Howell officiated as pastor of this church three years. For three years previous be had been in charge of the Second Presbyterian Church, located on the comer of Pine and Fourth streets, generally spoken of in the early days as the "Holcombe church," from the fact that [resident and Lt. Gov. William Holcombe] was the founder of the institution and principal manager. Rev. Mr. Howell severed his connection with the church because he could not be prevailed upon to change—outwardly, at least, his political convictions. He left Stillwater in 1866, going to Lake City, where be remained two years; thence to Chatfield, Minn., for three years. In 1869 his wife and young child died. He then located in Bloomington, this state, where his favorite daughter was accidently killed in a runaway. On May 5, 1875, he voluntarily put an end to his existence. A son is still living.

On the evening of June 25, 1866, following a day of remarkable sultriness, a storm of thunder, lightning and rain swept down upon the city from the southwest, and besides inflicting much damage to buildings, trees, etc., in various localities, the fierce winds beat upon the steeple of the Myrtle street church—(known by that name then)—until it finally yielded to the fury of the tempest and came crashing down into the street, and was smashed into a thousand pieces. The damage was estimated at a thousand dollars.

Mr. Howell was succeeded by Rev. E. B. Wright, who remained until 1873.

Rev. I. N. Otis came next, acting as stated supply for two years, when he was installed as regular pastor June 2, 1874, and remained until November, 1877, when Rev. A. A. Kiehle became pastor. He was called away to a higher field June 11, 1881, and was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Carroll.

During bis pastorate the old church was removed and a new and handsome structure took its place, the third church building erected by the society. At Mr. Carroll's death in November, 1887, Rev. W. H. Albright took charge until 1890. Then came Rev. L. H. Morey until 1892, Rev. L. G. Danner from 1892 to 1897, and Rev. S. J. Kennedy until 1908. The present pastor is Rev. John McCoy.^[1]

The First Presbyterian congregation used this 1883 brick church until it relocated to a new site on the south edge of Stillwater in approximately 1969. The old church was subsequently converted to condominiums.^[2]