About Us
Chatham Presbyterian Church has been a cherished part of the Chatham community since its founding. In June 1835, Chatham Presbyterian Church was founded in the home of William Thorton. The church’s charter members included 16 individuals who had made the journey west from Potsdam, New York. Just five months later, in November 1835, Luther Ransom and his family joined the congregation, and Ransom took on the role of Clerk of Session. Shortly thereafter, Ransom purchased 2,100 acres of land located ten miles south of Springfield. In 1836, he laid out a new town, naming it Chatham after the local Presbyterian church.
For many years, the congregation met in the homes of its members. In June 1851, Martin Thayer donated land at the southwest corner of Market and Mulberry Streets, where Chatham Presbyterian Church built its first church building – a white wood frame structure. Over the next 120 years, the building underwent various additions and expansions. In 1971, when the old church was no longer structurally sound, the church purchased a new facility on East Chestnut Street, where they worshiped until 1987 when they moved to their present location on the corner of Walnut Street and Gordon Drive.
Chatham Presbyterian Church has faithfully served our community since its inception and our roots are firmly planted here in this central Illinois community.
Our Vision
At Chatham Presbyterian Church, we aim to live the word of God and Jesus Christ through caring, compassion and connection with each other and the world around us. We strive to build a community of people who are seeking and growing in faith and willing to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. Whether you are brand new to Chatham, or a long-time resident, we want to welcome you to CPC.
Our Values
Our Vision is guided by core values:
Caring: God calls each of us to care for each other and the world around us as Jesus cares for us.
Compassion: God calls us to be compassionate and share His love with all.
Connection: God calls us to connect through worship, fellowship and service to our neighbors, our community, the nation, and the world.
Members of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
As a member church of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we are not alone, but part of a larger body of Presbyterian Christians in nationwide church efforts of mission and evangelism. Read the PC(USA) statement of faith here.
The PC(USA) supports our church and pastors locally through the Presbytery of the Great Rivers and the Synod of the Lincoln Trails.
Our Staff
Meet Chatham Presbyterians Church's Staff
Interim
Pastor
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Tech
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Church Admin
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Organist
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Musical
Director
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Communications Coordinator
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Our Session
Here are our Meet of Session members
