Church History

First Presbyterian Church was organized in 1841 with the Reverend James Montgomery as our the first pastor.  During his time as pastor, several successful revivals were held and by the time he resigned, there were 105 members, the church's finances were well established and there was "perfect harmony among the members."

In 1844, the town of Clarion had over 700 people.  A church building committee was appointed and soon work began on the first church building at 10 Grant Street, behind what is now Memorial Park.  Money was not plentiful among the church members.  Some were hired for work while others pledged their services. The stone was found locally and cut for 20 cents a foot.  The brick was also made locally and fired at the location of our present church.  Some of the committee members hauled sand from the Clarion river and cut timber for scaffolding from the woods. In the end, the church still owed $1,500 and was in danger of losing the building by a sheriff's sale.  Reverand Montgomery was pursuaded to go on a "begging" trip and happily, he returned with the necessary funds and a communion set.

Membership grew in the new church through the pastorship of our second minister, the Reverend James Elder.   In 1894, ground was broken for a new church at the location of the brickyard for the original church. The church would cost a total of $30,000 for the building and furnishings. When the first worship service took place in the new church 2 years later, it included music from the first pipe organ installed in Clarion County.

Since that time, First Presbyterian has grown to include many more members, the addition of a Christian Education wing and several renovations.  The congregation continues to be active in mission work within our church, within our community and within our world. Our current Pastor, called in 2016, is the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Scanlon.