The Presbytery of Winnebago
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| Time and history are marked by the events that change and shape them. But the true measure of history is the response to those events. At the First Presbyterian Church of Fond du Lac, history is measured by the response of its members to the events that have occurred over the last 150 years. As the congregation celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary in 2005, it looked back at the pioneering, resilient, and spiritual path that created today’s enthusiastic and faithful congregation.
In 1869 First Presbyterian found its home on the corner of Sheboygan and Marr Streets. A fire in 1909 destroyed several buildings in Fond du Lac, but First Presbyterian suffered only minor damage to the tower because of the efforts of several young members. A new church was built in 1915, and fire destroyed the sanctuary and offices in 1996. The congregation came together to plan and build a new church. Out of this devastating fire came a stronger, more dedicated, and more faithful congregation. The church has always made an effort to reach out into the community. The Hope Mission was established and church school services for African Americans were held in 1879. The Men’s Club reached out to all men in the community between 1921 and 1937 and at one point had a membership of 1,000. The Deborah Society, the Women’s Society, and Presbyterian Women have been working to provide financial assistance to the church and the community. The Fond du Lac church’s commitment to mission continues today through its Heart to Hearth dinner to support Habitat for Humanity, as Sunday school students collect items to be sent to children in sister churches in Croatia, and as the church markets products from SERRV and the Presbyterian Coffee Project. First Presbyterian encourages members to support Church World Service programs in addition to the traditional Presbyterian offerings. First Presbyterian looks forward to another 150 years of rising to the challenges of events and continues to walk the walk of Jesus with a continued commitment to local and world mission. The Presbytery of Winnebago has 8,434 members and 40 churches. |
 Presbytery Staff Rev. Dr. Lucille K. Rupe, executive presbyter Rev. Sarah Moore-Nokes, associate executive presbyter Rev. Dr. Michael B. Lukens, stated clerk Elder Nancy Barczak, associate for administration PC(USA) General Assembly Staff Rita Singleton, DEDO Edna M. Sinnock, DEDO Eileen Meyer Sklar, OGA |
 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations (Ps. 90:1). |
 Ps. 63, 90, 125, 149 Nah. 3:8–19 Rev. 13:11–18; Luke 12:32–48 |
