About us
In the heart of downtown Edmonton since 1881
First Church's strengths lie in mission at home and abroad, pastoral care in the church and community, a Food Bank outlet and refugee support.
Our mission
We do not exist for ourselves
The church's strength comes from God and from the willingness of God's people to work together. We will respond to God's call for us to be a worshipping, studying, praying people who nurture and support each other so that we may come to experience the presence of God in our lives.
We do not exist for ourselves. We will actively communicate the caring presence of God in our lives and share our resources and talents with others in the larger community, thus following Christ's example of service to all.
Our minister
Rev. Dr. Mark Chiang
Called by the congregation in 2026, after preaching for the call on May 24. He teaches at the University of Alberta, and preaches, writes and speaks widely beyond this congregation.
For pastoral needs or church business, contact the office at info@firstpresbyterian.ca, or the Clerk of Session at clerk@firstpresbyterian.ca.
Our history
One hundred and forty-five years
The first Presbyterian service held in Edmonton, or in what is now the Province of Alberta, was conducted here on November 6, 1881.
The organizational meeting is held on November 3 in Jimmy McDonald's carpentry shop. Three days later, on November 6, Rev. Andrew Baird conducts the first Presbyterian service ever held in Edmonton, or indeed in what is now the Province of Alberta.
A permanent home is completed in November at 104 Street and 99 Avenue: a wood structure, 50 feet by 30, seating 200, at a total cost of $2,286.
Rev. David George McQueen arrives from Knox College and begins a ministry of 43 years, guiding the formation of numerous congregations across the region.
The second building is dedicated in July at Jasper Avenue and 103 Street.
The Jasper Avenue property is sold for $195,000 and three lots are bought on 105 Street. The cornerstone is laid into the bell tower on July 26.
The first service in the present building is conducted on March 3, and the dedication follows on June 2. Designed by Arthur G. Wilson and D. Easton Herrald, it seats 1,280 and cost $172,450.
John A. McDougall, an Edmonton pioneer and entrepreneur, gives the carillon chimes at the top of the tower.
Two-thirds of Canadian Presbyterians enter the new United Church. McQueen opposes union, and First Church becomes the seat of the rebellion that keeps a third of the denomination Presbyterian.
The building is designated a Provincial Historic Resource in September.
A plaque is unveiled granting historic designation by the City of Edmonton.
The fall marks the 125th anniversary of the beginnings of Presbyterian witness in the city and province.
Rev. Dr. Mark Chiang preaches for the call on May 24 and is called as Minister of Word and Sacrament, in the congregation's 145th year. Rev. John Dowds, who served as Interim Moderator through the vacancy, concludes his ministry with the congregation.
Annual tour
Heritage Week, every July
Please join us in July for our annual historical tour in conjunction with Heritage Week. The tour culminates in a recital on the 1909 Casavant organ. Check the Edmonton & District Historical Society webpage for dates.
The Casavant organ
Built 1909, restored 2007
The organ in First Church was originally built in 1909 by Casavant.
In 1951 it was revised to include a new console, and stop additions were made at that time. Fundraising for a $300,000 renovation began in 2004, and by the summer of 2007 the work was complete, carried out under the direction of Stephen Miller of Casavant. The rebuilt organ serves worship and has made the sanctuary a room that performing groups across the city ask to use.
The building
1912 sanctuary
Late Victorian Gothic Revival by Arthur G. Wilson and D. Easton Herrald, with a transept and a 114-foot corner bell tower. It seats 1,280, and the carillon chimes have hung at the top of the tower since 1913.
Denomination
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
In 1925, when two-thirds of Canadian Presbyterians entered the United Church, this congregation continued as Presbyterian under Rev. D. G. McQueen. It has done so ever since.
Visit us
10025 105 Street NW
Easily reached from all parts of the city. An elevator off the parking lot reaches every floor. Sunday worship at 11:00 a.m., doors open at 10:30.