KOREAN CONGREGATION

Serving the Church

History of the First Presbyterian Church of Muncie, Indiana
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Muncie First was created in 1828 with a membership of nine people. The city of

Muncie was called Munsey town and had a population of 200 at the time.

In the following year after an evangelistic meeting, thirteen new members were received. Among them was a Mrs. Thomas Kirby. Her husband donated three lots for a building site for a church in honor of his wife. The three lots valued at $300 were in the very heart of downtown Muncie.

The first building was a 16 X 16 ft. wooden structure. It wasn't long before the congregation outgrew this building and in 1857 a new brick structure was built. This was a building reputed to be one of the largest and finest in the city, with a bell tower and an organ and a growing congregation.

                       Lewis Weber Gishler

                Sanctuary of Downtown Church



                  Meeting Room of Downtown Church


                           From The Muncie Star, April 14, 1954

The Rev., Dr. Ronald Naylor






Within another 35 years, the congregation needed more space and a third building, this one of stone was built on site. The congregation remained at this site for 63 years. When the need for expansion of the building and parking space became a necessity, a committee was appointed to find a new location. The committee chose 12 acres at the edge of town, adjacent to the Ball State College.

Taking a radical turn from the architectural style of the past, a Georgian style building was built in 1955. Our red brick colonnaded building with its steeple and church bells soon became a landmark in the neighborhood and to the nearby college community.

A number of Pastors served the congregation and community. In 1942, a young Pastor from Canada was chosen to lead the church. Dr. Lewis Weber Gishler served as Pastor from 1942 until his retirement in 1972.

In 1962, thirty families from this church volunteered to help in the formation of St Andrew Presbyterian Church of Muncie.

In 1985, the congregation elected The Rev. Dr. Ronald Naylor to serve as Head of Staff. He has served this church honorably and well for the past 21 years. His leadership brought back the enthusiasm and growth that had lagged after Dr. Gishler-retired. His dedication to mission has led the church to participate in many local, national, and international missions. His tireless efforts for evangelism have brought about many community involvements for the church with many ecumenical endeavors.

A unique part of Muncie First is the Korean Congregation, comprised of Korean and international students. The Rev. Dr. MyungKu Lee has led the congregation for the past 13 years.

Muncie First is a living, vibrant church. Activities for every age fill our schedule each week. Our sanctuary houses contemporary and traditional services. All in the community are invited to worship here.


From The Muncie Star

There was standing room only last Sunday at the first worship services conducted in the Presbyterian Church, under construction on Riverside Avenue.
It was an Easter sunrise service at 6 o'clock for men only and more than 400 overflowed 30 rows of two by six inch boards that rested on upended cementblocks. Each row had seating capacity of 10. They Listened attentively to the Easter message of the Rev. Lewis Weber Gishler, Their heads bared to the chilling cold. There was little if any protection against the weather during the hour-long service in the church naive. The picture was taken while the congregation remained standing at the minister's request after he had pronounced the benediction and suggested they wear their hats. It will be sealed in the cornerstone of the church with the scroll that each man signed.
                                               Photo By Folger Brown


Garden Services are held here in the Summer months.

Back in 1838 when our church was founded Robert Irwin moved from Camden, Ohio to Munseytown, and he came to establish the Presbyterian Church in this pioneer community beginning with only nine members he overcame difficulties, dreamed dreams, and labored for 12 years.
In 1907-1920 the Rev. Benjamin Nyce was instrumental in evangelistic efforts and led people to a deeper commitment in mission.
The ministry of Dr. Lewis Weber Gishler, who served this church over 30 years as its pastor, saw the construction of the facility in which we presently worship on Riverside Avenue. Lew had a vision, and the congregation along with him, of the growth of Muncie around the university. Our church today is situated in the premier location for ministering and reaching out to the university community. During the Gishler years the church grew in numbers. It was truly a time of great excitement for the leadership and members of First Presbyterian Church.
Since the 70s, First Presbyterian Church has deepened its mission commitments to our community and neighbors and redefined First Presbyterian as an outpost of Christian compassion, justice, and tangible assistance. In recent years we have expanded our ministry far beyond our own borders to Mexico, Honduras, and we now have partnerships as far away as Korea.