History

On February 8, 1874 – fourteen years before the incorporation of the City of Orange (then known as “Richland”) - fifteen dedicated people came together to form the First Presbyterian Church of Orange. The church is one of the oldest established churches in this historic area of California, and was the third church of this denomination to be chartered in Orange County.

As the city grew and flourished, so did the church. Over the years, our nation’s events shaped the patterns and programs of the First Presbyterian Church. The church became the spiritual backbone of the community through the nation’s good times and bad, through wars and peacetime, in times of abundance and scarcity.

As the world stands on the threshold of a new century, we celebrate the church’s rich tapestry of love and devotion to God, carefully woven by its forefathers. The dedicated spirit of those who have gone before, and that of present members will carry the First Presbyterian Church of Orange into the next millennium, providing spiritual guidance to many generations yet to come.

Vision

 The First Presbyterian Church of Orange will be a dynamic and effective force in helping its members and the unchurched to discover, accept and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His teaching as a way of life.

Mission

 The First Presbyterian Church of Orange will offer a broad range of programs which will address the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and outreach needs of the members and the changing community, and which will actively develop enthusiastic love and service to Jesus Christ and His church.