Grand Rapids First Presbyterian Church

Mission Statement

We are a place where friends can meet, as if by a fireside. We are a place of action, a place of Grace, a place of recharging, and a place of maturing. We are a place where all who enter fit in. We are a light on a hill receiving, giving and guiding by God's grace.

ABOUT OUR CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

An Ohio Historical Marker, placed on the church grounds by the Grand Rapids Historical Society, announces to passers-by that the church has been in the same location for more than 150 years.

Grand Rapids, or Gilead as the village was first known, was a mere fifteen years old when First Presbyterian was organized. The first Communicants had worshipped as Presbyterians since 1841 under the leadership of Reverend Philip Condit, a Presbyterian missionary. During the summer of 1848 it was decided to organize into a church. On September 18, 1848 eleven people pledged their faith by signing the charter.

A little white frame church was constructed on a hill near the comer of Second and Beaver Streets by the Methodist Episcopal and the First Presbyterians. Joint Sunday School services were held but church services were conducted by each denomination on alternate Sundays. In 1880 the Methodist withdrew and constructed their own church at the top of hill on Second Street. In 1927 it was agreed to build the present church, a brick colonial design. A Dedication service was held March 28, 1928.

The education unit was added in 1961 which includes 7 classrooms and a minister's office. There is also a kitchen and a large social room which seats about 125. Our sanctuary was remodeled and redecorated which created a more effective seating configuration in 1968. Ceiling fans were added in 1986 and an electronic carillon was installed in 1985. In 1998 the sanctuary and social room was redecorated. In 2001 we started a campaign to purchase a new furnace and an organ. We were able to accomplish this project without borrowing the money.

The manse, a two-story frame house with basement, is next to the church. There are four bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining room, kitchen, and family room. There is also a porch, patio, and 2-car attached garage.

Our church is very active in community service. We run a food pantry and provide for those in need in the Otsego school district. We take part in a variety of ecumenical activities with Calvary United Methodist, Hosanna Lutheran, Wesleyan and St. Patrick's Catholic Churches: Vacation Bible School, Easter Sunrise Service, Good Friday Service, Salvation Army Christmas Baskets, and an annual community church choir "Singspiration". Cheer boxes are packed the Deacons and distributed at Christmas time to area shut-ins. The church is also available for use by local groups.

Grand Rapids is a small, rural community situated on the Maumee River. We are approximately 15 miles from three cities; Bowling Green, Napoleon, and Toledo. Grand Rapids is just 100 miles from Detroit, Cleveland and Columbus.

Two universities and three technical schools are in the area: Bowling Green State University, The University of Toledo, Owens Community College, Penta County Vocational School and Four County Vocational School. There are three hospitals nearby, St. Luke's, Wood County, and Henry County. Cultural and recreational activities are abundant and available at me universities, me Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Zoo, COSI, sport teams-Mudhens and Toledo Storm, area parks, boat marina, and local theater groups.

Grand Rapids offers a grocery, hardware, pharmacy, library, swimming pool, bank, two gas stations, several restaurants, and many antique and specialty shops. The area is served by seven churches: Methodist, Wesleyan, Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist, a non-denominational Fellowship and Presbyterian. Several parks surround the area: Mary Jane Thurstin State Park provides access to the river through a marina and Providence Metro Park has a working mill and a canal boat that travels through the canal and lock.

The school district is called Otsego which serves the communities of Grand Rapids, Haskins, Weston and Tontogany. Between 100 and 125 pupils are enrolled in each grade level. There are three elementary schools located in Grand Rapids, Weston, and Haskins. The Otsego Middle School is located in Grand Rapids and the Otsego High School is located in Tontogany. Most Otsego graduates pursue higher education and are well-prepared.

In July, the community celebrates its birthday during Rapids Rally Day with a musical, chicken barbecue, and ice cream social. The second Sunday in October over 50,000 people converge on Grand Rapids for the Applebutter Festival. The festival features juried arts and crafts, colonial demonstrations, musical groups, food, fun and of course, applebutter being cooked in 55 gallon copper kettles over an open fire. Churches in the community are responsible for parking incoming visitors the day of the festival and last year we handed out free water with the other MRCC churches to thirsty people enjoying the festival. Over 1000 bottles were distributed.