The Archives
The Archives section is located on the Third Floor of the Case Building, occupying six rooms on the south side of the hall. Anyone is welcome to visit on Wednesdays, between 9 a.m. and noon. Special tours may be arranged with the Archivist.
The Archives at First Presbyterian Church came into being in 1970 at the time of the 100th Anniversary of the chartering of the church. Many church members contributed memorabilia for various displays. After the celebration was over, they decided to leave the artifacts with the church. At that time, the Archives was established and organized under the leadership of Gail Carpenter.
Upon Mr. Carpenter’s retirement, Al Witherspoon succeeded him. He served as Archivist until his death in 2002. His successor was Gary M. Huffman, who is the current Archivist. The Archivist is assisted by several volunteers who come in weekly to keep up various aspects of the collection and is also supported by an Archives Board which assists as needed.
What You Will Find in the Archives
- Historical church records from 1870
- Clippings about the church and its members
- Records concerning each minister’s tenure as pastor
- Art collection donated to the church by various members and groups
- Photographs of church boards and committees, activities, and celebrations
- Audio-visual recordings of church services
- Original architectural drawings of the Stone Church, Case Building, and Church Camp
- Books on many topics, some written by former pastors
- Church hymnal and gospel music collection
- Bound church bulletins and newsletter
- The Wichita Light, the weekly newsletter from 1949-1972
- Cornerstone boxes from the Red Brick Church
- Special collections given in memory of church members
More information and building photographs can be found in the Wichita Business Journal, which ran the feature, "My Favorite Building: First Presbyterian Church 'lifts one upward.'"
Click on the link below to our 150th Annivesary Documentary.