Consider this: What if a church could be a haven and a launchpad for community support? That’s the story of John Calvin Presbyterian Church. This church stands as a testament to faith and service. It is more than just a place of worship.
Presbyterians trace their roots back to 16th-century Protestant Reformation. Much of their beliefs stem from John Calvin a French lawyer. He crystallized Reformed thinking. Calvin did much of his work in Geneva Switzerland. From there the Reformed movement spread. It went to other parts of Europe and the British Isles.
The Presbyterian Church’s theological beliefs center on core principles. These principles were articulated by John Calvin. They include the sovereignty of God. Also they include the authority of scripture. Justification comes through grace and faith. It also includes the priesthood of all believers. God is the supreme authority. The Bible reveals God’s purpose for humanity through Jesus Christ. Salvation is God’s generous gift. Sharing the Good News is everyone’s job. The church is governed by clergy and laity. Men and women alike participate.
First Presbyterian Church in Dallas was founded in 1856. It was the first U.S. Southern Presbyterian Church in Dallas. It is the mother church for many other Presbyterian churches in the area.
Initially the church lacked a formal worship space. Members met in homes blacksmith shops and even a lumber yard. In 1873 the congregation built its first building. It was at Elm and Ervay streets. A second home followed in 1882. It was at Harwood and Main streets. This was the first brick church in Dallas.
The present sanctuary opened on March 2 1913. The Greek Revival design came from C. D. Hill & Company. The Corinthian columns at the entrance were the first monolithic ones in Dallas. Each column arrived by flatcar from Indiana. The art glass windows came from Kansas City. The interior follows a modified Akron Plan. This design promotes movement between worship and Sunday School.
Since its early days First Presbyterian has provided social services. A home for orphans started at Annex and Bryan Streets. This led to the Presbyterian Children’s Home and Service Agency in Itasca. Children’s Medical Center began as a clinic in the church basement in 1921. It was the first free clinic in the Southwest.
The Stewpot ministry began in 1975. It serves the homeless and disadvantaged. It has received national recognition. First Presbyterian partnered with Dallas to move the Stewpot’s meal service. It went to The Bridge. There they serve three meals a day seven days a week.
Northpark Presbyterian Church sponsors Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse. It is a not-for-profit venue for live music. It presents concerts nearly every Friday night. The goal is to provide a listening room free of smoke and alcohol.
Uncle Calvin’s donates to local charities. These charities include New Beginnings Center and North Dallas Shared Ministries. They also include Stewpot and Arts for People.
John Calvin Presbyterian Church demonstrates faith in action. It continues to uphold the values of its namesake. The church serves as a beacon of hope. It is a center for community support in Dallas.