Our History

 

 

On April 30, 1980, a small group of people with the desire to establish a Presbyterian congregation in the Port Clinton area, met with representatives of Maumee Valley Presbytery.  The first service was held on September 21, 1980, under the leadership of the Rev. Alfred Murschel, a retired pastor. We worshipped in the fellowship hall of Catawba Union Chapel on Porter Road, Catawba, until October of 1982. The Rev. Ellen McGormley served as state supply pastor from July 1981 to August 1982.

 

The Holy Spirit's presence and Christ's love was always evident among us, and with the Lord's leading, we were chartered as Firelands Presbyterian Church on Pentecost, May 30, 1982.

 

In October of 1982, we rented and renovated a remodeled barn on Sloan Road, Catawba. The Rev. Barbara Anderson and the Rev. Mark Smutney, a clergy couple, were appointed interim co-pastors from October 1982 through September 1983.

 

In October 1983, the Rev. Robert E. Butcher was appointed state supply pastor.  In January of 1984, he was called by the congregation to be its first installed pastor. At about the same time, we began to move forward on our building program. We vacated the barn in September of 1985, and on January 12, 1986, we worshipped for the first time in our permanent church home at 2626 East Harbor Road.

 

In 1997, led by the inspiration of a generous memorial the congregation began to plan for an addition that would double the size of the church facilities. After a successful building fund campaign, the project was begun in the summer of 1998.  The new addition was completed and dedicated in the spring of 1999.

 

Firelands continues to build and grow in mission and program. New members continue to come into our fellowship and our goals and horizons continue to expand. We continue to give thanks to God for all that we are, and yet will be. To Him belongs the glory.

Catawba Union Chapel 1980

The "Barn" 1983

A place of our own 1986

Today