Who We Are
Founded in 1772, and then “reborn” in 1949, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House is today an active and vibrant congregation of more than 1,000 members.
Our Mission
The Old Presbyterian Meeting House exists in response to God’s grace, comforted and challenged by the Gospel of Christ, enlivened and led by the fresh insights of the Holy Spirit to glorify God by recruiting new disciples, renewing the faith of existing disciples, and reaching out in love and service to the world God so loves. In so doing, we challenge people to think with the mind of Christ, love with the heart of Christ, and serve with the hands of Christ in every aspect of their lives.
We gather in worship and mission celebrating our differences as we praise God with dignity, laughter, and joy. We also work with Christians and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as well as other Christian churches to respond to the good news of salvation and work toward God’s reign in all life and to be a telling presence of God’s goodness and grace.
Our Vision
We will create an environment where people are welcome to:
- Think with the mind of Christ, love with the heart of Christ, and serve with the hands of Christ
- Work locally and beyond with other Christians and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the larger Christian church
- Be a telling presence of God's goodness
To accomplish this Vision we will:
- Provide a vigorous program of regular worship services that are theologically based, friendly, welcoming, and varied
- Provide a thoughtful and challenging program of Christian Education for children, youth, and adults
- Provide care and comfort for our fellow members and others in their hour of need with caring and supporting notes, telephone calls, visitations and counseling
- Embrace active service to the community and the world through mission work camps, emergency support, and organizations and initiatives identified through the local and national / global committees
- Offer a welcoming, warm, and friendly place for all who come within our midst through sharing of the peace, coffee hours, intergenerational dinners, and new member sponsors
- Celebrate and give thanks for God's grace and many gifts through prayer, donations, tithing, and caring for others
- Teach and encourage all members to help others follow Christ's way and pursue social justice through word and deed using sermons, bulletins, flyers, newsletter, educational courses, web page, and by everyday example
- Recognize and honor the value of diversity in people and opinions by welcoming all
- Honor and respect our unique heritage by maintaining our buildings, protecting our historic records, teaching all who are interested, displaying artifacts, and holding special services and programs
Our Pastors
Rev. James Sledge
Before entering seminary at age 35, Rev. James Sledge worked as a corporate pilot. After graduating from Union Theological Seminary
Katherine A. Stanford
Rev. Stanford was called to serve the Meeting House in 2014. She grew up in Northern California, received a B.A.
Ann Herlin
Rev. Herlin came to the Meeting House in 2001 after receiving her Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological