Perhaps the Book of Life, in the end, is the book one has lived. If one has lived nothing, one is not in the Book of Life.
What you will find when you visit
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A Community of Fellow Travelers on a Journey of Faith
We are a close-knit community who look out for each other. We practice a simple faith, one that seeks to deepen our love for God and for one another. And we strive to encourage one another to live fully, that our names may be written in the Book of Life!
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Traditional Worship
We love to sing hymns, and we love our organ. In a typical service you may experience a choral ensemble, ancient creeds recited, and the liturgical calendar celebrated. We desire to embrace the mysteries of our faith.
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Authentic Growth
We welcome everyone in our community. Our preaching ministry emphasizes love and grace. Our study groups work through books of the Bible as well various subjects. And we have prayer groups, AA meetings, and community outreach, to name a few, all designed to help you to take whatever your next step in life needs to be.
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Where we have been |
The First Presbyterian Church was organized in Roswell on September 3, 1899. The initial membership numbered twenty-two. The first worship service happened on October 22, 1899, in an adobe building on north Pennsylvania Avenue. "The building had two rows of seats--rough pine boards held up with three beer kegs to each board."
The Reverend M. Gardner served as missionary pastor until 1901, during which time land was purchased at the corner of Third and Pennsylvania for a building. The first service to be held in the new sanctuary, in March of 1901, was a dedication service with the Reverend R.M. Craig presiding.
Westminster Hall was built to the east of the main building with dedication of the structure held November 28, 1924. The Patterson home on the corner of Third and Kentucky was purchased in 1930 for use by church school and small group meetings. It was named the John Knox House.
On January 25, 1932, the original building at Third and Pennsylvania was totally destroyed by fire. The Women’s Club building was used for worship during the next five years. John Knox House was demolished on July 30, 1936. Dr. Leroy Thompson was the pastor of FPC at the time of the dedication of the present building on September 26, 1937. The art glass windows designed and built by Ludwg Von Gerichten were dedicated on December 10, 1937. The Christian Education wing was completed in September of 1953 while Dr. F. Homer Tegler was pastor.
In May of 1983 an expansion program was started which provided a larger sanctuary, new Fellowship Hall and parlor, modern and efficient offices, a library, thirteen new and refurbished classrooms, and a room for the music department. These facilities were dedicated on September 9, 1984.
This history is chiefly a story centering around the buildings. The real story of Roswell First Presbyterian is to be found in the lives of all the saints who have served and continue to serve Christ in this church.
Source: First Presbyterian Church 1899-1990: Our 100 Years of History (church archives)
The Reverend M. Gardner served as missionary pastor until 1901, during which time land was purchased at the corner of Third and Pennsylvania for a building. The first service to be held in the new sanctuary, in March of 1901, was a dedication service with the Reverend R.M. Craig presiding.
Westminster Hall was built to the east of the main building with dedication of the structure held November 28, 1924. The Patterson home on the corner of Third and Kentucky was purchased in 1930 for use by church school and small group meetings. It was named the John Knox House.
On January 25, 1932, the original building at Third and Pennsylvania was totally destroyed by fire. The Women’s Club building was used for worship during the next five years. John Knox House was demolished on July 30, 1936. Dr. Leroy Thompson was the pastor of FPC at the time of the dedication of the present building on September 26, 1937. The art glass windows designed and built by Ludwg Von Gerichten were dedicated on December 10, 1937. The Christian Education wing was completed in September of 1953 while Dr. F. Homer Tegler was pastor.
In May of 1983 an expansion program was started which provided a larger sanctuary, new Fellowship Hall and parlor, modern and efficient offices, a library, thirteen new and refurbished classrooms, and a room for the music department. These facilities were dedicated on September 9, 1984.
This history is chiefly a story centering around the buildings. The real story of Roswell First Presbyterian is to be found in the lives of all the saints who have served and continue to serve Christ in this church.
Source: First Presbyterian Church 1899-1990: Our 100 Years of History (church archives)
Where we are now
After Covid in 2020, the church struggled to find a pastor. Faithful leaders took on extra responsibilities to maintain the vital ministries of the church. Then, in 2025 the church entered an agreement with Family Resource Referral, Inc., to rent out a portion of the facilities for an after-school program. Major renovations were made and the office was moved closer to the sanctuary. Later in the year, the session and congregation invited Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott to be their pastor. In the press release, Dr. Pigott said, “As I’ve been meeting with the wonderful people at FPC, Roswell, I have come to the realization that I’m at home. I’m eager to get started as their pastor as we begin a new chapter, together."
Affiliations
First Presbyterian Church of Roswell, NM, is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca.