Our History

A Church Growing with El Paso

First Pres was established in El Paso in 1882. Its first home was on Myrtle Avenue, followed by a location on Yandell Boulevard. As the congregation grew, the church moved to its current home on Murchison Drive.

At one point, church membership numbered approximately 1,400. Over the years, First Pres has also been a welcoming community for many military families who have made El Paso their home.

Art, Architecture, and Worship

Our sanctuary was designed in 1960 with the involvement of renowned Southwestern artist Tom Lea. Its architecture and stained glass remain an important part of the church’s identity and the worship experience.

Faith Across Generations

The First Pres preschool was established in 1981, extending the church’s commitment to nurturing children and families.

On April 16, 1982, First Pres celebrated its centennial with a dinner at the El Paso Civic Center attended by more than 500 people, including community leaders. Around this period, a generous anonymous donor helped make the dream of a small chapel possible.

Learning, Community, and Service

In 2020, First Pres opened its elementary school, continuing the church’s long-standing commitment to education. Today, the church and school share a campus and a desire to serve El Paso through worship, learning, the arts, and relationships with neighbors.