renovations

Capital Campaign - Why and How

Dear Church Family, 

Since 1851 First Presbyterian Church has been a vital Christian presence in the Roanoke Valley. Throughout our history our ministry has been at the forefront of Christian service to the community. Nine Presbyterian churches were colonized by this congregation. Pre-school ministry was first offered here. The first local worship services broadcast to the Roanoke valley over the radio were those of Dr. Lapsley in the 1940s. The first prototype of a "Christian Life Center" was ours in 1929 when a gymnasium was created as a tool for ministry. We were among the founding congregations of the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Our members provide more volunteer hours to the Presbyterian Community Center than any other congregation. The list goes on and on. 

Of course, all of those accomplishments wouldn't have been possible had it not been for the faithful Presbyterians who came before us. Their willingness to make sacrifices and to endure hardships in the late 18 century led to the eventual establishment of Salem Presbyterian Church from which First Presbyterian would be born twenty years later.

Every generation of believers stands upon the shoulders of those who have gone before them. That is so important for us to remember because the generation that follows us will rely upon our faithfulness today.

The leadership of First Church believes that the time has come for us to renovate and expand our current facility. Our historic edifice is in need of a serious facelift and remodeling. The Master Plan that has been developed is a two-phase project that will address our immediate needs as well as offer a solution to the expansion needs of the church of tomorrow.

The information below offers insight into the plans that have been developed as well as the 'why' and the 'how' of accomplishing this next phase of our historic ministry. I hope and trust that you will take some time to acquaint yourselves with the plans and the vision that we have for our future development.

Please take time as a family to prayerfully consider the role that you will play in building upon the foundation that has been laid. Ask God to provide you with clarity and a willing heart so that together we might build the church of tomorrow.

May God continue to bless us as we seek to remain faithful to Him.

Through Christ,

Robert D. Smith
Pastor