About

First Pres was founded in 1795. Its mission and ministry have had a profound and positive impact both in Elmira as well as throughout the world. In the course of its history, six other churches here in Chemung County were founded by members of First Pres. The founding of Elmira College can also be traced back to members of First Pres. Missionary activities have included the sending of Sarah Smith to Sapporo, Japan, where in 1887, she founded Hokusei Girls' School, which today is part of a Christian institution serving 7,000 students.

We have enjoyed a glorious history, strongly believing that God is leading us to live and serve vibrantly in the present. Our mission is to teach, preach and reach out to all persons that they may walk with God each day and serve Jesus in all ways.