Our Story
Federated Through the Years | 1872 – Present
Roots in a Frontier Village
In 1872, Fergus Falls was a village of only 150 people. Amidst grasshopper plagues and the arrival of the railroad, two distinct congregations—the Presbyterian and the Congregationlists—began a journey that would eventually lead to a historic union.
Presbyterian & Congregationalist Roots
On May 10, 25 families organized The First Presbyterian Church. A few months later, Dr. Goodale raised $1,500 to build a mission church funded by a church in New York. Meanwhile, The Congregational Church was organized in a hall over a general store.
A Growing Population
The arrival of the railroad brought a boom to business and population. In 1888, the Congregationalists dedicated a fine brick church with electric lights and a pipe organ—far ahead of anything else in the region.
Joining Congregations
In 1911, the two churches agreed to a trial federation. Despite the devastation of a massive cyclone in 1919 that destroyed the church building, the congregation voted to make the federation permanent.
"We are blazing a path comparatively untraveled and new... making church history." — R.J. Angus, 1923
The Van Dyken Legacy
Rev. William J. Van Dyken served for 35 years—the longest tenure in our history. A committed pacifist and mentor, he led the church through global conflicts and brought a "breath of fresh air" to the community.
Expanding Our Reach
The congregation expanded the building, adding the Christian Education annex and renovating the sanctuary. In 1962, the church broke new ground by electing women to the Board of Deacons & Elders.
The Federated Church Today
Heritage
A joint ministry of the PC(USA) and the United Church of Christ for over 100 years.
Youth
Continuing the legacy of Miss Featherstone through strong children and youth programs.
Mission
From water buffaloes in Thailand to "Nothing but Nets," our mission reach is global.
"May we all cooperate to make it such a single success that the generations to follow us may say, ‘They built better than they knew.’" — R.J. Angus, 1923