First Presbyterian Church of Allentown was founded in 1831 and is a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a Protestant denomination. Presbyterianism grew out of the Reformation movement of the 16th century in Europe and takes its name from the Greek word presbuteros, which means “elder.” Our name reflects our form of government, which stresses the concept of representative rule by the elected elders of the congregation under the authority of Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. Numbering over 2.5 million members in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Presbyterians are committed to proclaiming the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, education, fellowship, and service to the community and around the world.