We’ve been around for a while – since 1893, in fact! Westminster Presbyterian Church was formed in that year as a Spanish speaking congregation by a group of people desiring to spread the Gospel among the Hispanic population in the Santa Fe area. Presbyterianism had arrived in northern New Mexico 25 years earlier and had taken hold in Las Vegas and Santa Fe through the efforts of ministers and missionaries who established schools and churches. The Presbytery of Santa Fe authorized formation of the new church, originally named La Iglesia Segunda Presbyteriana de Santa Fe, on April 11, 1893. The new congregation celebrated its first communion service on January 5, 1894. All worship services, classes, bibles, and other materials were in Spanish.

Did you know we had an early connection to First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe? The original 12 members of Westminster, 10 of whom were women, transferred into the new church from First Presbyterian. Although the new congregation met in various locations from 1893 – 1955, most of its worship services and activities were held at First Presbyterian Church. Our partnership and connections with our sister congregation endure today.

When did the church move into its current location? The congregation agreed to purchase property lots on West Manhattan Avenue in November 1952, and ground was broken for the new church building on Palm Sunday 1955. Dedication services for the new building occurred on December 4, 1955. We’ve been there ever since.

When did the name of the church change? In January 1951, when the congregation voted to change its name to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Did you know our church bell is older than the creation of our church? The bell dates back to at least 1884, when it was hung at the opening of a new Spanish Presbyterian church in Buena Vista, Mora County, New Mexico. It was moved once more to a different church in Mora County before finally making its way to a permanent home at Westminster Presbyterian.

What makes WPC unique in its history? In addition to being an all-Spanish speaking Presbyterian church in Santa Fe, we were among the first churches to break the glass ceiling for women as Elders! We elected and ordained two women to be Elders in 1937, just seven years after the denomination changed our Book of Order. (In early twentieth century Presbyterianism, seven years was very fast indeed!)

What is constant about our history? We have made mission and social justice work a priority for congregational activity, dating back to the early 1900s and continuing through today. We eagerly accept and advocate for people of all cultures and lifestyles, and we reach out to all those in need.

Are the worship services still in Spanish? What began as a Spanish church is now a multi-racial, multi-cultural church. While our worship services, bible readings and hymn singing are largely in English now, a portion of the liturgy and hymns are in Spanish as a reminder of our origins.