On Grand River Avenue in Howell, First Presbyterian Church is known for a 10 a.m. Sunday gathering that pairs traditional hymns with modern praise songs and for a history stretching more than 180 years, from a pioneer schoolhouse to a limestone church completed in 1915.
From a Pioneer Schoolhouse to Limestone
The congregation's three early churches stood within walking distance of Howell's town center. Its first services were held in a pioneer schoolhouse on Gregory Street, between Sibley and Washington Streets. By 1839, the church had 42 members. The next meeting house stood between Walnut and Sibley Streets, and a brick church near Sibley and Court Streets served the congregation for 60 years.
The present limestone structure was completed in 1915. A Christian Education wing followed in 1968, and another expansion in 2009 improved accessibility. Together, those buildings trace a church whose worship has moved from a pioneer-era gathering place to its longstanding home on Grand River Avenue.
Sunday at Ten: A Warm Welcome and Mixed Worship
At 10 a.m. Sunday, visitors enter the sanctuary, receive a warm greeting and are given a service bulletin. The parking lot is behind the church building. People dress anywhere from casual clothing to Sunday best, so everyone is invited to come as they are. Elders and deacons wear name tags and can answer questions or simply offer conversation. The congregation prays, sings and hears the gospel together.
Music joins both heritage and the present: the service includes traditional hymns and modern praise songs. The Sunday gathering is also livestreamed through the church's Facebook Watch Live presentation.
Children Join Worship, Then Head to Class
A children's sermon is part of the service. Children are then dismissed to the nursery or Sunday School for grades K through 4, while older children are encouraged to remain for worship. After the service, parents go with their children to the Sunday School rooms, and everyone is invited to social time downstairs.
Sunday Nights with Community Prayer
The Community Prayer Organization gathers each Sunday at 7 p.m. to pray for a specific group within the community. The gathering makes room to lift people up, seek guidance and support through shared faith, and continue prayer as a vital part of the church's identity as God's people.
Biblical Teaching and Lifelong Music
Alexander Haines has served as pastor since 2019. As a teaching elder, he teaches the Bible and leads alongside the church's other elders. Organist and accompanist Linda Herington has played church organ and piano for more than 50 years and has been part of this congregation on and off for more than 30 years. She studied at Sherwood School of Music and spent two years studying music at Schoolcraft College.
Donations Sustain the Church's Work
Virtually all of the church's financial support comes from donations. Most gifts are pledged money directed to the general operating fund, which the elected Session disburses according to the congregation's will. A donor may designate all or part of a gift for a specific purpose. In addition to giving online, the church offers Electronic Funds Transfer giving for automatic payments from a bank account.
Trust in Christ, Welcoming All
First Presbyterian Church is a congregation of believers of all ages, with diverse gifts and backgrounds united in trust in Jesus Christ. It affirms God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as creator of the universe and the Bible as the inspired, uniquely authoritative Word of God and guide in faith and life. Jesus is affirmed as God's only Son, fully human and fully divine, who died, was buried and was raised, with eternal salvation offered through God's grace.
The church understands itself as God's visible family on earth and affirms the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit. Its vision is to worship where hope abounds and love is alive, while its mission is to share Christ's love, spread hope and serve. These commitments include care for neighbors locally and globally, ongoing learning, encouragement, comfort and prayer for the community, the church and the world. At the center are the Great Commandments to love God with heart, soul and mind and to love one's neighbor as oneself.