HISTORY OF
THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
On January 1, 1995, two churches, namely, the First Presbyterian Church of Wood River (organized in 1921) and the First Presbyterian Church of Roxana (organized in 1921) merged, forming The United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Dr. Linda Shugert was the first Interim Pastor.
After the forming of The United Presbyterian Church, the two buildings were sold -- Wood River building was sold April 1995 and Roxana building on September 1995. Now without a church, arrangements were made for the congregation to meet at the Methodist Church of South Roxana. On October 20, 1996, the Ground Breaking Ceremony was held at the new church site on Rock Hill Road.
On July 13, 1997, Pamela S. Laing was ordained and installed as pastor. The first sermon in the new church was held on July 12, 1998, entitled, Take Off Your Shoes, You Are Standing On Holy Ground, based on Exodus 3:1-15. There were 252 people present. The building was dedicated September 13, 1998.
