God has had his hand on First Presbyterian Church since our very beginning in 1878, when Visalia was a sleepy valley town of only a few thousand. Originally we were known as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and our first meeting place was on Main street right where the Picnic Sandwich Shop is now located.

In 1886 we moved to our current location on the corner of Oak and Locust, purchasing these vacant lots for the tidy sum of $500! A cement block building was constructed on this site, facing Locust Street. In 1958, our current sanctuary building was completed that is not only a landmark in downtown Visalia—our steeple chimes resound throughout downtown—but is classic in beauty and craftsmanship seldom seen in contemporary church structures.

In 1988, we made the decision to remain a downtown church and “bloom where we are planted.” Many wonderful missional opportunities have flowed from this decision—we have never regretted it!!

We celebrated our 125th Anniversary in 2003 with a three year capital campaign that budgeted half of all proceeds to mission (about $600,000).

In 2005, we acquired the former Bogart and Lulu’s bar at 210 Center Street adjoining our property. The following year, we greatly enlarged our courtyard to include the alley that had divided our properties and connected the entire church campus to the 210 building. The 210 building is now completed and is a community venue primarily for youth and young adults.  Details and events at 210 are available at www.210life.com.

During 2008-2009 we celebrated our 130th anniversary with a ministry campaign to become effective witnesses for Christ. Our goal is to be transformed into Christ-followers who are confident telling others the difference Jesus has made in our lives.