The First Presbyterian Church of Maumee has a long and intertwining history with the city and the surrounding area. Many of our churches’ founding fathers were also leaders of our community. Reverend Joseph Badger, Reverend John Monteith (also first president of the University of Michigan), Dr. Horatio Conant, Levi Beebe, Samuel Spafford, Aurora Spafford to mention a few. There were eleven original charter members who organized the church in 1820 and met in the schoolhouse in Perrysburg or members’ homes. In 1837, the small frame church (our chapel today) was constructed with funds from the then 27 members.
The church continues to grow and adapt to the ever-changing needs of the community. Our very first record of mission was sent to the American Board in Christ for Foreign Ministries in May of 1837. In 1851 prayer vigils were held for all those willing to venture out during the cholera epidemic. In 1861, nine members joined the “War of the Rebellion”. “Funds for the Poor” as it was called in1871, continues to be a priority for our church.
The following is a continued brief history of First Pres Maumee:
- 1872 Monies were gathered for the Presbyterian Freed Men.
- 1906 Petition to the Mayor for the closing of Saloons on Sunday.
- 1914 WWI caused membership to dwindle as young men went to war
and our pastor resigned to become a Navy chaplain. - 1920 Under a new minister, the choir flourished with new membership and the chapel was refurbished and enlarged.
- 1944 Petition to the Mayor to prohibit slot machines.
- 1955 Both Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops were established with Deacon member support.
- 1956 Four families were adopted through the American Refugee Act and Migrant Workers were supported.
- 1957 An Assistant Pastor was acquired for the first time.
- 1958 The first two women were elected to Session.
- 1969 The new Sanctuary and organ were dedicated; extensive renovation to the chapel and the creation of the Canfield Room were completed.
- 1970 Alcoholics Anonymous started and continues with 5 groups, along with Al-Anon and Nar-anon.
- 1970 Community Nursery School started.
- 1975 Feed You Neighbor started.
- 1986 United with other churches to address Substance Abuse.
- 1999 First of seven Habitat for Humanity Houses completed.
In the 2000’s several renovations were completed for Fellowship Hall, Sunday School classrooms, church entry, and offices. A major renovation commenced for the Sanctuary in 2025. All funded by the generous support of the church members.
Also, during this time we began to partner with strategic ministers that continue to serve our community. Water for Ishmael, Grief Share, Love and Luggage, Young life, Hockey Ministries with the Walley, and Mosaic Ministries. Read and Relate, Music Outreach and Maumee School Music with Maumee City Schools. The Food Pantry, Compassion International, Bella Vita, The Program, Inc and the Outreach Foundation.