First Presbyterian Church has called three buildings home during her long history. Pictured at left is the second of these; it was our worship home from 1843 to 1876. Located at the corner of Third and Washington Streets, facing Washington, this was the First Presbyterian Church that the Lincoln family knew well. (Sadly, this building was sold and later torn down.)





In 1876 First Presbyterian Church purchased the present building from Third Presbyterian Church. Pictured on the right, the current building can be seen with the original steeples. The first Tiffany Window, Angel of Resurrection was installed in 1895. Six more Tiffany windows followed. Later, other styles of memorial glass were added, all of which share stories of courage and of faith.

For a sum unknown, the Lincoln's paid a fee for pew number 20 in the Washington and Third Street church sanctuary. Mrs. Lincoln's attachment to this particular pew is indicated by a letter she wrote to a Springfield friend, Mrs. Samuel Melvin, two months after reaching Washington. Part of this letter is quoted below.

I had intended requesting Mr. Melvin to have given me a promise that on our return to S— we would be able to secure our particular pew to which I was very much attached and which we occupied some ten years. May I hope he will be able to do so.

The pew number is visibly stamped on the left side under the armrest. This pew, pictured below, was purchased in 1912 and placed in our current building by Mr. John W. Bunn.It holds a cherished place in our oral and written history. More about the Lincoln Family and First Church . . .



Where in the nation is the "other" Lincoln Pew? Read about the Lincoln family and the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington DC here.