Welcome
Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara. It is my joy and honor to serve as pastor here, and it is important to me that everyone who enters our space, whether in person or online, experiences Christ-like hospitality and a true sense of welcome and inclusion.
Most of all, I want you to know that this is a place to belong. We are a congregation where everyone is welcome, no matter who you are or where you are on your faith journey. Because we seek to follow in the Way of Jesus Christ and strive first for God’s realm, we value and affirm all people. We invite the full belonging of people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, ages, abilities, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, life experience, educational level, and church background into the life and leadership of our congregation. This is a place and a people with whom you can explore questions about faith, grow in your faith, and learn to live out your faith in the world.
First Presbyterian is a congregation that cares about and is active in our community. We helped start many organizations and ministries that continue to serve vulnerable populations here in Santa Barbara, and we remain committed to serving, volunteering, and guiding those efforts today.
My prayer is that as you worship and learn with us, you will experience God’s deep and abiding love for you in hopes that you will then extend that same love out into the world. I’d love to meet you and tell you more about our mission and ministries
-Pastor Ann
Our Vision
Our church continually prays about and carefully discerns how God calls us to worship and serve.
Our church vision statement is a means to guide our faith and life together as we make decisions about our church and its many ministries.
We hope you enjoy it, and that you sense God’s call on your life as you join in the ministry of our faith community!
Vision Statement
God calls us to worship faithfully.
God calls us to serve lovingly.
God calls us into community:
sharing grace unconditionally,
seeing Christ in all people.
Statement of Inclusivity
We invite the full belonging of people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, ages, abilities, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, life experience, educational level, and church background into the life and leadership of our congregation.
Presbyterian Church (USA)
First Presbyterian enthusiastically embraces the continuing and continually reforming community of faith that is the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Since 1869 we have journeyed together with our denomination as we strive to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and in our world.
Visit the Presbyterian Church (USA) Website for more information and a host of resources on how our connectional church engages with the needs of the world while sharing the love of God poured out for all in Jesus Christ.
Our History
On June 21 in 1869 in the adobe County Court House, 19 charter members were received into the First Presbyterian Church by The Reverend Thomas Fraser, the Presbyterian Synodical Missionary for the Pacific Coast. These first members were seeking worship and learning experiences in keeping with their reformed Presbyterian faith. A young seminarian, Rev. H.H. Dobbins, served the first two years, followed by eleven temporary pastors. The first installed pastor was Rev. Dr. Augusts Carrier in 1886.
Connection Opportunities
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