A Short History of First Presbyterian Church, Granite City, Illinois
In 1906 following a series of weekly meetings, twenty-five individuals met in the old Kinderhook School Building in Granite City to consider the possibility of organizing a Presbyterian church. On February 18, 1906, a call was given to Dr. Milton Page to serve as the first pastor. At the beginning of April, 112 charter members signed a petition and sent it to Alton Presbytery. Several weeks later on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1906, the First Presbyterian Church was officially organized. After the Niedringhaus Trustees donated the corner lot at 2160 Delmar, committees were formed to plan the building of the stone basement. While the basement was under construction, services continuing in Kinderhook. Once the basement was completed in 1907, services were there until the church proper was completed in 1916. At that time the stone basement was converted into a fellowship hall and dedication services took place. The pipe organ had been purchased as a used instrument and installed in 1913. In 1926 it was electrified and rebuilt by George Kilgen and Sons of St. Louis. The stained glass windows depict scenes in the life of Christ.
With the church's steady growth in membership, it became necessary to provide additional facilities for Christian Education classes, additional office space and a lady's parlor. The Educational Wing was added and dedication services were held in January 1930 for the new building
During the 1940's, 119 church members served in World War II. Emphasizing the importance of music to the church, the church organist and choir director became paid positions for the first time in 1942. In 1951 the pipe organ was enlarged and moved from the chancel to pipe chambers. Later, in 1968 an antiphonal organ and carillons were added.
After the war the Navigators club was formed. During the 1950's the
Presbyterian Women's Organization and the Seafarer's club were
formed. In 1960 a new manse was built at 30 Oaklawn Terrace.