The First Presbyterian Church in Lewiston, New York was incorporated and made official the County on June 13, 1817.  Previous to that date Rev. Miles Squier, a missionary from Buffalo, met in homes and worshiped with the Indians on the Reservation.  On April 6, 1817 the first communion service was held with 11 members.

          In 1820 membership was 26 and the First Sunday School was started with a registration of 75.  In 1826, a building committee was formed and in 1827 plans for the building were drawn.  In 1830 the cornerstone was purchased for $1.50 from the Queenston Quarry.  In 1834, the first funeral was held in the uncompleted church.  Mourners sat on planks and barrels under the open sky.  During 1835 the first Annual Meeting was held in the church, complete with new pews.  These were sold at auction to pay the minister.  Later they were rented—still for the minister’s salary: $100 front, $15.00 in the back.  Membership at this time was 30.  From 1828-1836 there was not a settled minister, a series of missionaries from Upper Canada and the Presbytery conducted services.

          Clear title to the lands was obtained in April of 1839 and deed of property executed in 1840.  1844 was a time of financial difficulties.  The Church was sold for its mortgage of $664.69.  The building was auctioned off for $100.00 from the steps of the Frontier House on June 12^th.  It was immediately sold back to the Church for $101.00. (This fact appears in Ripley’s Believe It or Not.)  From 1846-48 the Holland Land Company granted the Church Society 100 acres of land that was in turn sold to raise money for repairs and redecorating was done.  The cupola and the Doric Columns were added.  In 1885 $1000,00 was raised to purchase straight pew and a new organ.  From 1906-08 the basement was excavated.  This made room for Sunday School rooms, a tiny kitchen and a coal bin.  On June 12, 1917 a Centennial Celebration was held.

          From our humble beginnings many churches in the area have been formed: Niagara Fall, Youngstown, and Lockport Presbyterian Churches.

          In 1964 ground breaking was held for the addition of the larger sanctuary, social hall, and Sunday School and meeting rooms. 

    In September 1965 the cornerstone was laid with a 7^th generation descendent of Robert Nicols (who laid the first cornerstone) assisting.

          1966 bought about the establishment of our Nursery School that is still going today.

          During the 1960’s many missionaries were support by the church and in 1982 Home Assistance Referral Team (HART) was established. The program has now evolved to encompass all of Niagara County.

          We welcome all visitors to our Church, and encourage them to be part of the ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston.