First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma

Since its creation in 1883, First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma has endeavored to make a positive impact on the lives of the people of Sonoma County. We are a congregation committed to prayer, worship and service, with a sincere desire to set people free from human oppression and injustice. Today, the church is comprised of over 300 members, whose lengths of membership range from under one year to almost 70 years. First Presbyterian has always been a church body that focused on efforts to help and care for others. During WWI, First Presbyterian joined with local Christian and Congregational churches for union worship services twice a week. Later, the church provided ongoing outreach and assistance to families experiencing hardship in the Petaluma area through organizations such as the W.C.T.A. and Ladies Aid Society. During WWII, the church was turned into a prayer center for the local community, where vigils for victory and peace were held and a portion of the tithe received was sent to assist in the country's war efforts. At the same time, First Presbyterian assisted other church and community agencies in making military personnel and refugees in the Petaluma area lives easier. Women have taken an active role in First Presbyterian throughout its long history. Beginning in 1909, a women's organization within the church entitled the "Ladies of Philethea" served as ushers. The first woman elder was elected in 1941, and many more women elders and deacons have served, sometimes repeatedly, ever since.