About Us

We are Judeo-Christian
We believe in one God who alone is creator of all things, this God calls us into holy lives therefore we are part of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

We are Christian
We believe we know the one Holy Living God in the Holy Trinity Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That humanity created sinless fell from that blessed state and finds itself separated from God through sin. God’s mission of reconciliation is to restore the divine human relationship. That reconciliation has been accomplished through Lord Jesus the perfect God – Man. Therefore we are part of the Christian Faith.

We are Protestant
We believe that we are saved by grace alone, God’s free gift of salvation won for us through Jesus on the Cross. We are saved through faith alone, a faith enabled by the work of the Holy Spirit. We know of this salvation through scripture alone, the Bible that is made up of the New and Old Testaments and that the Bible contains all that is necessary for salvation and alone is our rule of belief and action. Therefore we are part of the protestant family of believers.

We are Reformed
We believe in a sovereign and loving God and that it is God who takes the initiative in the saving act. From Genesis to Revelation we see the truth of God’s love for us. It is God who calls, God who saves, and God who preserves us in the faith. Therefore it is God and God alone who deserves all glory for our salvation and Christian growth. We are called to serve God by loving Him and neighbor living out the ancient call to be a blessing as we have been blessed. Therefore we are part of the Reformed Tradition.

We are Presbyterian
We believe that the church is the Body of Christ and continues Christ’s ministry of reconciliation. That Jesus Christ alone is the Head of the Church and believers are called to live out their faith in covenantal communities of worship, fellowship, discipleship, service and outreach governed by elders. That this ministry is best carried out in relationship and accountability with others with a unity of belief and mission. This mission is local, regional, national and international caring out our Savior’s command to witness to God’s love to the ends of the earth. Believing that we are saved and live by grace we acknowledge that we are not perfect people but are forgiven and desire to live more holy and joy-filled lives.

Are we you?
We invite you to join us in our journey of faith and discovery as we travel to the celestial city of God.

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Since 1873 Presbyterians of this congregation have been giving witness to Jesus Christ in Walla Walla. Since our beginnings we have been an active, alive and vital congregation. Together we have embraced our mission to this valley and around the world, as we seek to make Christ known and minister to the physical needs in our community and world.

We focus our faith in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who came into the world to be our Savior and Lord. He took upon himself our sin and died upon the cross so that we might through the power of the Holy Spirit experience his resurrected power and life both now and for all eternity. We believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God.

The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word which means “elder.” Presbyterian Church denotes a denomination governed or ruled by “elders” rather than clergy. The Session is the governing body of a local congregation. The Session is comprised of “elders” elected by the congregation and it is moderated by the Pastor.

For a list of our current Session members please click here

Calendar

Click here for full calendar

For detailed info click on an event or visit the Upcoming Events page.

Coming Up

History

There were two predecessor churches to our current church:

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized in January 1873 and built the church seen at the right in 1876 on the corner of Third and Poplar.

A second Presbyterian church was organized in November 1877 under the auspices of the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions.

In 1883, the second church built the “Brick Church” on the site of the current YWCA on First and Birch.

In 1907 the two churches merged when the Cumberland Church brought its members into the Presbyterian Brick church which was just a little larger.

It soon became evident that the Brick church was too small and construction on our current church building started in 1912.

The first services in the current church were in the fall of 1913, but the church was not dedicated until 1915 when the pipe organ was installed and operational.

The Christian Education wing was dedicated in 1970 and was the last major addition.

In 2004 the First Presbyterian Church celebrates 131 years of being a congregation and 90 years in this building. In those 131 years, 33 ministers have been called to serve the Lord in our midst.



Recent Renovations

A recent one million dollar capital campaign provided for a major overhaul of the sanctuary and to provide central heat and air through much of the 1912 structure. The historic nature of the sanctuary was retained with the use of historic colors and preservation of the dramatic architectural lines. At the same time the sanctuary was updated and now has the ability to utilize modern technology.

This generational improvement is the first part of a two-part plan. Upon the completion of the financial obligations related to the sanctuary project phase Ia of the master plan will begin. That phase will provide for total handicapped access with elevator and central navigation in an expanded entryway.

An unexpected turn was taken the Sunday after Easter in 2009 when the church suffered an arson fire. The fire resulted in one million dollars of damage and the work is currently taking place. At the completion of the work the entire three floors of the 1912 building will have been repainted and much of the flooring replaced.

A separate challenge took place earlier in the year when in December of 2008 the building experienced flooding due to ice dams that were created in the downspouts. Over 150 thousand dollars of water damage was the result. This has precipitated many of the walls and ceilings needing new sheet rock, plaster and paint.

While the extensive restoration work is being done the congregation is worshiping in the fellowship hall and the education and fellowship activities are relocated as well. Check this website for updates on activities and locations.

While we are honored to be the recipients of a Godly heritage a church is not an historical entity alone it is the living active body of Christ. Dr. Thomas Gillespie while president of Princeton Theological seminary put it this way: Traditionalism is the dead faith of people now living; while
tradition is the living faith of people now dead. We seek to be a living tradition committed to knowing Christ and making Him known.

Employment

First Presbyterian Church of Walla Walla is a growing and thriving congregation. Our membership, church attendance, youth attendance and budget have all increased in ranges of 30%-200%. We believe and see evidence of the spirit working in the life of this church for a greater purpose; to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ so that through Him all might have eternal life and live life abundantly. Just as God has breathed life back into our community, we believe that we are called to share that Good News with our community and the world

Positions available:
There are currently no positions available- please check back in the future.

Contact & Location

First Presbyterian Church
325 South 1st Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362
click for full map

Phone: (509) 525-1093
Fax: (509) 525-1099
Email: info@wwpcusa.org

Please visit the Staff page for additional contact information.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(closed 12 – 1 for lunch)

Media

Audio (Sermons)
click here for past sermon posts
click here to subscribe in iTunes podcast directory (coming soon)

Video
click here for past video posts
YouTube (All Church)
YouTube (Youth)

Photos
click here for past photo posts
Shutterfly (All Church)
Shutterfly (Youth)

Staff

Albert Gillin
Pastor
gillin@wwpcusa.org
Visit the Pastor's Page

I am first and foremost a child of our heavenly Father by my union with God through Jesus Christ in the power of His Holy Spirit. In short I am a whosoever look it up- John 3:16.

I am married to my beautiful, delightful and faithful wife Lori and I am the father of two busy, growing and wonderful boys.

I was blessed to grow up in a believing home with parents who loved me and two brothers who helped me learn much about life some of it worthwhile! Growing up in Lewiston Idaho I graduated from Lewiston High School in 1983 and Lewis-Clark State College in 1988 (B.S.), Princeton Theological Seminary in 1992 (M.Div.) and am currently enrolled at Columbia Theological Seminary D.Min.

I have served churches in Grandview and Spokane Washington, Dallas and Lubbock Texas, and Los Angeles (Hollywood) California. I am currently honored to be serving First Chuch in Walla Walla.

In the community I have enjoyed being a part of the Exchange Club, the Friends of Children, United Way, SOS Clinic board, as well as coaching Youth Football, YMCA Basketball and Little League Baseball.

At the end of my life I hope to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Nate Dreesmann
Associate Pastor
nate@wwpcusa.org
Visit the Associate Pastor's Page

Laura Erwin
Director of Children’s Ministries

Co-Director of The Rock
merwin@charter.net

I am married to my amazing and supportive husband, Matt, and I am the mother of three busy and ever changing children; Drue, Max and Colin.

I came to First Presbyterian as a member of the congregation in 2000, and have had the opportunity to volunteer in many children’s programs, including Sunday school, Jr. Church, and VBS. In 2008, knowing that my calling was to work with children, I accepted the job of Children’s Ministry Director, the best job in the world!

As Director of Children’s Ministry, I work with children aged kindergarten through 5th grade – leading with our awesome and committed volunteers. Our first priority is to make every effort to think and live like Jesus. It is so exciting to have the opportunity to see children grow in their faith.

You can contact me about anything having to do with children, including chess club, or the Rock or even just to talk (preferably over a good cup of coffee!).

Favorite verse: Colossians 2:2-4

Mary Bundy
Office Secretary
bundy@wwpcusa.org

Mary Stanton
Membership Secretary
stanton@wwpcusa.org

Julie Dandrea
Comptroller
comptroller@wwpcusa.org

Sarah Thomson
Director of Early Childhood Ministries

Co-Director of The Rock

Eric Aeschliman
Director of Music
eric@wwpcusa.org

Eric double-majored in Church Music and Applied Voice at Northwest Nazarene University where he studied with Dr. Judy Marlett. He has been seen on stage there, and in previous years at Little Theatre and Walla Walla Amphitheater. He sings with the Walla Walla Chorale Society and is the Director of Music here at First Presbyterian Church of Walla Walla. In his spare time he plays with his nephew, works at Macy’s, plays the guitar, and occasionally sleeps.

Ben VanDonge
Associate Director of Music
ratherbeworshipping@gmail.com

Ben is a native Walla Wallan and was hired as the 9:01 Praise Team leader in November of 2007. He has enjoyed playing with many different worship bands since 1999. To him, worship and music go hand and hand. Ben also has a passion for children and is a volunteer youth leader at the church.

If you have any interest in joining the 9:01 praise team or would like more information please get in touch.

Rolling Calendar
Walla Walla Drums

Richard Scott
Organist

Bill Lewis
Caretaker

Mark VanDonge
Webmaster
wwpcusa@gmail.com


For a list of our current Session members please click here