Two PC(USA) congregations receive historic preservation grants

First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, North Dakota, and First Presbyterian Church of Taos, New Mexico, are among the 24 churches selected nationwide

by Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service

First Presbyterian Church of Taos, New Mexico. (Photo courtesy of First Presbyterian Church of Taos)

LOUISVILLE — Two Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations — First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, North Dakota, and First Presbyterian Church of Taos, New Mexico — have been awarded matching grants from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Fargo church was awarded a $175,000 matching grant, which will be used to support critical preservation and restoration projects on the historic downtown Fargo building. Founded in 1871, FPC has been a cornerstone of Fargo’s spiritual and cultural heritage for more than 150 years. As one of the first churches established in the region, it holds a significant place in the history of the community and the broader Midwest. The grant will help the church address urgent structural and safety needs, ensuring its continued role as a gathering place for worship, outreach, and community activities.

“We are honored to receive this generous grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places,” said Rev. Sarah Bigwood, Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Fargo. “This funding will enable us to preserve the beauty and safety of our historic building while continuing to expand our outreach and mission in the community. First Presbyterian has always been a place where people find sanctuary and support, and these improvements will help ensure that our doors remain open to all for generations to come.”

The restoration projects include replacing the church’s deteriorating limestone front steps, repairing water damage around the entrance, and installing exterior lighting for safety and aesthetic purposes. Additionally, the grant will support the replacement of the outdated chiller system with a more efficient model, allowing the church to better serve its congregation and the Fargo-Moorhead community.

First Presbyterian Church of Fargo has a long history of community involvement, including partnerships with local organizations addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and veterans’ services. One of its most significant collaborations is with Heart N Soul Community Café, which operates out of the church’s kitchen and serves healthy, locally sourced meals on a pay-what-you-can basis. Programs like this, along with the church’s role in founding Churches United for the Homeless, demonstrate its deep commitment to serving Fargo’s most vulnerable residents.

First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo courtesy of First Presbyterian Church of Fargo)

The preservation work will begin in 2024, with the goal of completing the projects by fall 2025. First Presbyterian Church invites the community to join in supporting these efforts to preserve a treasured piece of Fargo’s history.

FPC of Taos will use its $92,500 matching grant to address key electrical, plumbing and exterior needs so that it can continue its ministry and mission in the community to address hunger, homelessness, local school support, 12 step recovery programs, medical debt relief and more. In the winter of 2022-23, the church opened its doors to serve as the emergency winter homeless shelter for Taos. 2024 marks the 150^th year of service since the church’s founding by followers of an excommunicated priest, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, following his death.

“Our church’s mission has always been to express God’s love in Taos,” said Pastor Virginia “Ginna” Bairby. “Our building is the central hub for our worship and service. Over the years it’s also been home to many community groups. In a world of hurt, we seek to offer hope.”

Founded in 1874, First Presbyterian Church of Taos is one of the oldest Protestant congregations in New Mexico, with 80 active members and 25 friends who live in Taos part-time. Architectural writer Bainbridge Bunting regarded the Taos church as one of John Gaw Meem’s most successful ecclesiastical structures, noting that its plain form produces “a truly monumental effect.”

About the national partners
Partners for Sacred Places helps congregations and others with a stake in older religious properties make the most of them as civic assets that serve the broader community. Principal funding for the Partners for Sacred Places comes from the Lilly Endowment Inc. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places and provides technical assistance to Sacred Places grantees.