Christ Presbyterian Church

05/28/2026

When Christ Presbyterian (then First Presbyterian) was getting organized in 1851, there were three movers and shakers who played a major role in getting off the ground. Their stories – an educator, a journalist/builder, and an historian - are fascinating in their own right.

This week’s exploration of our history dives in the lives of John Sterling, John Yost Smith, and Daniel Durrie. They each had an impact on the University of Wisconsin, the early Madison community, and the Wisconsin Historical Society in addition to shaping the development of our congregation. Read more about CPC's Founding Trio below!

Sterling, Yost, and Durrie guided the beginnings

05/24/2026

05/21/2026

There were 17 of them. They gathered on a Friday night in May of 1851 to lay the groundwork for a congregation that would last for 175 years. Wisconsin had become a state only three years earlier and Madison was not yet a city.

That small group pledged $49 “for the purpose of fitting up Mr. Lewis’ Hall for public worship.” Mr. Lewis’ Hall was where the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church stands now at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and East Johnson Street.

It took a few months to determine if this idea could work, but then on a Saturday evening – Oct. 4, 1851 – seven people gathered along with a visiting minister and two representatives of the Presbytery to make that dream from May into a reality.

Read more about the beginnings of CPC below. Thanks to Phil Haslanger for the thorough research and beautiful writing on these substacks, which we will be featuring weekly as we celebrate our 175th Anniversary in October.

Wisconsin had just become a state and Madison was not yet a city and had only 1.500 residents when a few Presbyterians decided they would like to have their own congregation.

05/14/2026

in June for our next American Red Cross blood drive! All donors will receive a $15 gift card. Sign up now at redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=CPCMadison.

05/14/2026

Friendly reminder that we begin our summer worship schedule this Sunday!

05/12/2026

Such JOY in these pictures! Great coverage by the The Capital Times on such a genesis of a moment for our community.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19t6bR6Yqn/

05/12/2026

Leaders from around the state will be coming together to create a shared strategic plan with hopes of shifting Wisconsin's political climate and strengthening our organizational infrastructure. It takes place here at CPC! Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBs-PWIF7V2kUn_aD71xPMxP-KlKmXoJ9XLlnuly4gcPE36g/viewform.

Register here....https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBs-PWIF7V2kUn_aD71xPMxP-KlKmXoJ9XLlnuly4gcPE36g/viewform

05/11/2026

A big goal of our capital campaign will be to replace our current HVAC system to a more sustainable alternative, as well as installing solar awnings on our roof to reduce our carbon footprint. Thanks to Rob Striker for explaining this part of the campaign. To learn all about our Energizing Mission Capital Campaign, visit cpcmadison.org/capital-campaign. Commitment Sunday is May 17!

05/11/2026

Our new art exhibit opened this past weekend for 's Gallery Night. Come check it out during our office hours (M-TH 9-2) or on Sunday mornings!