About First Church
Welcome From the Senior Pastor

In America's greatest city, First Presbyterian Church is a great city church. Rich in history dating to 1716, it was called “The Church of the Patriots” during the struggle for American independence. Throughout its long and remarkable history, First Church has been a church known for its inspiring worship, powerful preaching, glorious music, and progressive ministries reaching out to the city and its people. Previous pastors have included Jonathan Edwards, Harry Emerson Fosdick, and most recently, J. Barrie Shepherd.

As it enters its fourth century of Christian witness, First Church is a strong congregation of roughly 900 members and, by God's grace, growing all the time. Its members come from the Greenwich Village area of which it is a part, as well as all of New York City. Some of our members live in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Westchester County, and visitors from around the world are here every Sunday.

The church buildings are located on Fifth Avenue at Twelfth Street (near the campuses of NYU and the New School University). Worship services are held every Sunday at 11:00 AM with infant care and church school provided. Visitors are always welcome. When you come, you will find a wonderful array of God's children, rich and poor, gay and straight, people from every walk of life with a joyful blend of ethnic heritages. Together we are trying to respond to the call of God in our lives, seeking spiritual answers to our deepest questions and finding hope in the enduring message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As you explore our Website, I hope you will catch the spirit of this great city church, and then come and visit in person.

Dr. Jon M. Walton
Senior Pastor