First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church of Rensselaer, IN, is a theologically progressive congregation rooted in the Reformed tradition. Founded in 1847, the church has served the community for 178 years, offering Sunday worship at 9:30 am and hosting Alcoholics Anonymous meetings every Saturday night at 7 pm. Known for its welcoming environment and active outreach, the church supports local and global missions through programs like the Crisis Center and Heifer Project.

First Presbyterian Church of Rensselaer, Indiana, is a congregation with a long-standing commitment to community service and theological progressivism. Chartered in 1847, it is one of the oldest churches in Indiana, with a sanctuary built in 1895. The church is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and emphasizes love, service, and inclusivity in its mission.

Sunday worship services are held at 9:30 am, and the church hosts an open speaker Alcoholics Anonymous meeting every Saturday night at 7 pm as noted by visitors. The sanctuary is fully accessible, featuring a lift alongside the stairs and an HD live view camera for first-floor viewing. The church also participates in various outreach initiatives, including the Crisis Center, Good Samaritan Food Pantry, and the Heifer Project, supporting both local and global communities.

The church's staff includes Rev. Michelle J. Bartel, Ph.D., the pastor, and Bethany Dodge, the office manager, who joined in 2024. First Presbyterian is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, with visitors describing it as a place with a 'very caring community' and 'warm, friendly environment.'

For those interested in getting involved, the church offers Vacation Bible School in June and encourages participation in its mission work, both locally and internationally. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and contact information includes 219-866-7005 and churchoffice@firstpresrensselaer.org.

First Presbyterian Church in Rensselaer, IN, offers a welcoming and inclusive environment rooted in a 178-year history of community service. Visitors can expect a Reformed tradition with progressive values, Sunday worship at 9:30 am, and accessible facilities featuring a lift and HD viewing. The congregation emphasizes outreach through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and global mission support, fostering a warm, caring atmosphere described by visitors.

Pros

• Welcoming and inclusive community with a focus on care and friendship
• Clear Sunday worship schedule at 9:30 am and accessible sanctuary features
• Active outreach programs including Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and local/global missions
• Accessible facilities with a lift and first-floor viewing options
• Dedicated staff and clearly listed contact information for engagement
• Long-standing historical presence with a Reformed theological foundation

Cons

• Limited details provided for some events, such as the Art Event, which lacks description or recurrence information