First Presbyterian Church Celebrates 150th Anniversary

On September 26, 1869, thirteen people gathered to form the First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael. They met in a small wooden building at the corner of Fifth and B streets. The village of San Rafael had a population of 800 and horse drawn carriages were the only source of transportation.

150 years later on September 22, 2019, over 170 people gathered around tables in the sanctuary on the corner of 5th and E on Sunday morning to worship and celebrate decades of serving the community and the world. This past year of events culminated in an exciting service of musical offerings, multi-media presentations, and stories from the congregation’s history.

Church member, Erin Berta, played “The Lone Wild Bird” on the bagpipes, linking the church’s historical connection to Falkirk, Scotland and John Knox who was a Scottish minister during the Reformation and the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

The Chancel Choir and Sounds A’Pealing Handbell Choir presented “150 Years: Faith Marches On.” It was written by church musician and composer John Steiner to honor the church’s 150th anniversary. First Presbyterian Church has a long history of large choirs and concerts for the community.

Using symbols of the past, present and future, Rev. Cynthia Cochran-Carney, current pastor of the congregation, preached a sermon entitled “Scrapbooks and Binoculars.” She invited the congregation to remember where they had been as they also looked forward to new visions and programs that will meet the needs of the larger community.

Following the worship service, over 140 people stayed for a catered luncheon and entertaining program. Ann Walker Catering of San Anselmo provided a buffet lunch of chicken and pasta salad. Jesse Boggs Band of Santa Rosa played songs from different eras, including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

Some of the members of the congregation dressed in costume of people from the church’s past, including Capt. Robert Dollar and Rev. John Jefferson Canoles. Dollar, a lumberman and the captain of a local steamship company Dollar Steamship Co., built the mansion near the church that now houses the Falkirk Cultural Center. A major supporter of the church and mission projects that offered education for Chinese immigrants, he also donated the bells that now stand in front of the church and a set of bells to First Presbyterian Church in Falkirk, Scotland.

“The 150th anniversary has been an opportunity to reflect on our unique history and remember how this history shapes us to move into the next chapter of ministry, service, and social justice,” according to Rev. Cochran-Carney. “The church is deeply committed to advocating for shelter for people who find themselves homeless, and affordable housing; providing opportunities to discuss challenging topics such as racism and white privilege; and providing enrichment classes for children at underfunded Short Elementary School.”

For more information about the church and ongoing service opportunities, see the church website www.fpcsr.org. First Presbyterian Church is located at 1510 Fifth Ave in San Rafael.