Sesquicentennial Events

Plaque honoring 150th Anniversary | Synod of Alaska NW recognition | Commemorative gifts
Help celebrate our heritage | Church history published

Sesquicentennial Celebration Brunch

Sunday, April 25th, 2004

At The Governor Hotel Following Worship

Celebrate the next 150 years of FPC at this Special Brunch Buffet

Greetings, Music, FPC Historic Video, Future Plans

Tickets on sale beginning March 28th In Geneva Hall following worship
or may be ordered by mailing your check to the church

Adults $16.50 each Youth 4-11 $7.50 each

Children under four years of age are free
(childcare will be provided)

Donations over or above cost are gratefully received

Plaque honoring 150th anniversary
When Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, was here on January 4, he presented FPC with a plaque which reads:

The Presbyterian Historical Society
and
The Office of the General Assembly
of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
honor the
150th Anniversary
of the
First Presbyterian Church
Portland, Oregon
May this memorable occasion bring a deep appreciation
for those who have served your congregation in the past
and lead your people in new ways of service
to the Lord Jesus Christ and to His world.
The 4th day of January
in the year of our Lord 2004

Synod of Alaska NW recognizes FPC ministry and mission
Dr. Robert Nicholson was with us on the day of our Sesquicentennial Service and Luncheon and made the following presentation during worship:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Congratulations on your 150 years of ministry and mission. You have been an example, source of encouragement and leadership, for all of us in the Presbyterian Church (USA) from your earliest days, starting the work in Alaska through Amanda McFarland, until today.

On behalf of the Moderator of our Synod of Alaska NW, Elder Alma-Jean Marion, and our Synod Executive, the Rev. Douglas Kelly, you have our thanks, continued prayers and congratulations.

Today, in our Synod of Alaska NW, we build on missional foundations you laid at Ft. Wrangel in 1877 when Amanda McFarland and Sheldon Jackson arrived. Today our mission partnership continues with Wrangel and 15 other SE Alaskan congregations through the Presbytery of Alaska. As a token, please accept this Centennial cup from our Synod and this Loaves and Fishes lapel pin.

Gratefully yours in Christ,
The Rev. Dr. Robert D. Nicholson
Communications Chair, Synod of Alaska NW

Sesquicentennial commemorative gifts
Give yourself or someone you love a gift to celebrate our congregation's 150 years of faith and service. Among the items now available in the HOME Center in Geneva Hall are a beautiful commemorative plate, a sterling silver cross that incorporates the finial atop the church spire, and a hand-cast bronze bell. Orders are being taken for the bell, the cross, and the plate. Purchase of these commemorative pieces helps to underwrite the expenses associated with our year of celebration.

The Sesquicentennial commemorative spire bell has been very popular with members and friends. Due to increased foundry costs for casting, however, the current $50.00 price will by necessity be increased to $60.00 each. There are a few bells still available at the $50.00 price, and you are encouraged to visit the HOME Center downstairs in Geneva Hall to see the bell as well as the beautiful church plate and the artistically crafted sterling silver cross designed to resemble the Gothic symbol atop our landmark spire. Other items are also available for timely and meaningful gifts.

Help honor our heritage
An opportunity for fellowship groups and individuals
As we take this year to celebrate what we have accomplished in our 150 years of service, help us commemorate the amazing gift to us by the congregation of 1889--our sanctuary--a landmark in Portland and the Northwest since the days the doors opened.

The U.S. Department of the Interior added our sanctuary to the National Historic Registry in 1974 for its architectural and historical importance to our country. But, if you were to pass by the church on any given day, you wouldn't know that fact.

The Sesquicentennial Committee has proposed and developed plans for an architecturally appropriate plaque to be created and mounted by the door of one of the main entrances.

We are looking for a group or an individual to sponsor the plaque to offset the costs for production and engraving. The group's name could be included. Help us honor our heritage and bring this part of our story into public view.

Church history published
>A Legacy of Faith: First Presbyterian Church, 1854-2004, written by Pastor Dudley Weaver, was published in late 2004. The book contains the story of the church not only in words but also through the inclusion of numerous photos from the First Church historical archives. To order your copy of this book, please contact Mary Barrett in the church office. The cost of the book is $29.95. A portion of the proceeds from the book will be used to maintain the historical archives of First Church.