OUR STORY
A Century of Faith in Hot Springs
The story of our church began in 1913 when Presbyterian missionary Reverend Arthur W. Smith came to the area to establish places of worship throughout the surrounding communities. In 1914, he moved to Hot Springs, where the congregation gathered to establish a permanent church. The First Presbyterian Church of Hot Springs was officially organized on July 11, 1914, and the first communion service was held on January 31, 1915, with its founding members.
From its earliest days, the church was built through the generosity, hard work, and faith of the local community. The congregation continued to grow, and a new church building was dedicated in 1943. Over the years, the church became connected with several neighboring congregations, including Lonepine and Dayton.
In 1965, the Hot Springs and Lonepine congregations formally joined together. Their buildings were eventually combined in 1971, creating the church building that continues to serve the congregation today. The church has continued to honor its history while adapting to the changing needs of the community.
Another important chapter began in 2008 when Lutherans and Presbyterians in Hot Springs began worshiping together. In 2010, the two congregations officially became the Joint Lutheran and Presbyterian Congregation, and in 2013, First Presbyterian Church became the congregation’s permanent worship home.
For more than a century, this church has been a place of worship, fellowship, service, and community. Today, we continue that legacy by seeking to love God, follow Christ, and live compassionately, welcoming others to grow with us in faith and discover new life in Christ.
A Legacy Worth Remembering
Our church’s history is filled with stories of faith, sacrifice, generosity, and people working together to serve God and their community. We are grateful for those who came before us and look forward to continuing the ministry they began more than 100 years ago.
Want to learn more?
Explore our church history book to discover more stories, people, and milestones from the past century.
MISSION STATEMENT
Love God - Follow Christ - Live Compassionately
Love God
Matthew 22:37-39 NKJ
37 Jesus said to him, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 “This is the first and great commandment. 39 “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
The Greatest Commandment: It is like the Chief End of Mankind which is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. It is to find the true meaning of life.
Follow Christ
John 14:6 · Luke 9:23 NKJ
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
It is an extension of Loving God by receiving Christ as Savior and Lord and giving Him His rightful place in and with our lives. It is how we make a difference in our world.
Live Compassionately
Mark 6:34 KJV · Matthew 14:14 NKJ
Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things.
Matthew 14:14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitute; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
This means being aware of the hurting people in our world who need to see the love of God and seeking to meet their needs in tangible ways in the love of God.
WE BELIEVE
The Apostles' Creed
“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
OUR PASTOR
Pastor Al and Mary Beth DeHaven
Relief Pastors · Hot Springs United Church
Pastor Al DeHaven was born in Baltimore, Maryland. When he was 4 ½ he was paralyzed from just below his diaphragm with polio. His parents were told that he would never walk again. However, over the course of time his body was restored and only his left leg was affected.
His parents moved from Baltimore to Portland, Oregon where he grew up. He attended Whitworth University, in Spokane, and then graduated from Portland State University.
After three years as a speech therapist, he felt the call of God and attended Louisville Presbyterian Seminary from which he graduated.
He has served churches in Washington, Montana, California, and Scotland. He and his wife of 42 years, Mary Beth have spoken all over the world. They have 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.
They have been serving as relief pastors at Lutheran and Presbyterian United Church since 2022. They have found it to be a very welcoming and friendly group and are delighted to be a part of this ministry. They count it a privilege to lead this group of believers into a bright future!
COUNCIL ELDERS
Meet Our Board
Scott Fredrickson
Council Chair
Roy Merritt
Council Vice Chair
Position is open!
Clerk of Council
Traci Salmi
Co-Treasurer
Janet Bras
Co-Treasurer
Donna Johnson
Secretary
Janet Fredrickson
Jeannine Woods
THE FUTURE
Faith in Action
Our church is more than a place to worship on Sunday. Through Bible studies, children’s programs, mission work, community events, and opportunities to serve, we seek to share God’s love and make a difference in the lives of those around us. Discover how we worship, serve, and grow together.
We'd love to meet you!
Join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM and experience a place where you belong!