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 Our History

In the fall of 1825, the Presbyterian light first shined in Tecumseh. The Reverend Noah M. Wells conducted the first worship service held in the newly created town.

During the next twelve months the Reverend Frontis, a home missionary stationed at Monroe, conducted services here occasionally.

In the fall of 1826, The Reverend Alanson Darwin began to preach here regularly and soon worshippers sought to formally organize into a church congregation. This arrangement was made with the Presbyterian Home Missionary Board and on Sunday, April 6, 1828, a religious society was incorporated with the title "The First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh."

In 1833 work began on a frame building called the Session House, to be used for worship and church school. It continued until completed and dedicated in 1837, the same year Michigan reached statehood. This building was located on Maumee Street, just to the rear of the present city hall, and was used until the completion of the new church building. It was then sold to the Friends Society and used by that congregation for sixty years. Having been converted to a private residence, it can now be seen at 402 Adrian Street, the first house south of the railroad tracks on the east side of the street.

The same year the Session House, was dedicated, work was begun on a new church This was a frame building, painted white, located on the same site as the Session House and facing Chicago Boulevard. This building had two aisles and sixty-seven pews, with seating for the choir in the rear of the sanctuary. The capacity of the building was about 400. It was dedicated September 24,1840.

On the 10^th of November1863, a committee was formed to canvass for a suitable site on which to build a new church. On March 15, 1864, the Society purchased a piece of property on the northeast corner of Maiden Lane and Chicago Boulevard. It was about 150 feet in front on Chicago and200 feet deep on Maiden Lane.

In 1865 $15,000 was raised by subscription for a new church building. The construction continued in 1866 after raising an additional $23,400 that year. At the end of 1866 the walls were up, the roof on, and the monies were exhausted. A new subscription was held in 1868, and $8,000 was raised. Early in 1869, $11,000 more was raised and work continued toward completion. On Wednesday, March 31, at 10:30 am the new building was dedicated to the glory of God.

In 1872 the bell that now rings was purchased after the failed attempt to bring the old bell form the white-framed meeting house. (It was cracked). The unit on the rear of the building was completed in1878.

In 1889 the steeple was slated, the roof shingled, new cushions for seats were bought, and windows were repaired. Also, in1889 M. S. Strong, who had been the choir director for 50 years, donated a pipe organ. It was hand pumped by two boys.

For a period of 50 years there were two rows of sheds on church property. Probably about where the rear parking lot is now. The stalls in the sheds were rented to members who felt better knowing their horses and carriages were safe from the weather. These were gradually torn down, as the automobile became more popular. The last mention of these stalls in the session notes was in 1918.

In 1932 the churches financial situation was at an all time low because of the depression. The congregation feared the church would have to close, but God saw the church through the hard time.

In1942 the St. Andrews choir was started, this choir continues to sing each Sunday at the 11 am worship service. New hymnals and choir robes were purchased, and the steeple was repaired and repainted this year as well. In 1944 a new pipe organ was bought.

Around 1945 a group of teenagers had an idea for a basement in the church. They were told it was impossible. But they continued their efforts and with the help of Mr. and Mrs. John Saling they earned over $200. They used the money to hire architects from Detroit who decided their dream for the church could come true. Eventually a large multi-purpose room, kitchen and a stage were built under the sanctuary. This area was named the Fellowship Center and was dedicated on October 13, 1949.

In 1950 an office was created for the minister in the north east corner of the old kitchen. The rest of the old kitchen and dinning room was turned into Sunday school rooms. Also in this year a new Hammond organ was purchased.

In 1960 the choir loft was remodeled and a new pulpit was donated. The lots east of the church, which included two homes and the Methodist Church, were bought this year.

A half ton, 22 inch think carving of the Lords Supper was dedicated on October 21, 1962. It is made of Obeece wood from Africa. The large carving was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Herrick. The artist was Mr. LeoJungblut, a native of the Netherlands. He was 69 years old and this was his last carving before he went blind.

In 1970 the houses and the Methodist church east of the building were torn down to make room for the Christian education wing. This was finished in 1971. The new wing is 9,630 square feet and contains classrooms and offices, a mechanical room, and a parlor.

The old minister’s office and Sunday school rooms have since been turned into a library, choir room, and youth lounge.

In 2002 the new  air conditioned East Wing was added. It includes a basement with 5 class rooms. The main floor has a large fellowship area (Knox Hall), and kitchenette. The second floor has 5 class rooms and a coffee nook for adult Sunday School rooms. The  education wing that was added in 1970 was extensively remodeled. Anew  large rear main entrance with a with a covered unloading area was completed.