First Westminster Presbyterian Church’s history began in 1798.  Rev. Smiley Hughes began preaching in a grove on Market Street between Seventh and Eighth streets.  In the winter months, the log Court House was used.  The first building was donated by Mr. Bezaleel Wells (founder of Steubenville).  A new church was built under the direction of Rev. Dr. Charles C. Beatty in 1828.  The First Presbyterian Church was the first church organization in Steubenville. 


Over the years, the Presbyterian Church has gone through many mergers and transformations.  A Presbyterian Female Seminary in Steubenville trained hundreds for ministry, and Rev. R. A. McKinley, the second cousin of President William McKinley was known as one of the ablest theologians and most eloquent pulpit orators in the city. 

In 1914, Westminster Presbyterian was built at 235 North Fourth Street.  The nationally acclaimed evangelist Billy Sunday laid the cornerstone and preached to a huge crowd on its inaugural Sunday in 1914. 

In the late 1980's, a merger occurred between Westminster Presbyterian Church and the former First United Presbyterian Church (formerly located just one block away in the 200 block of North 5th Street).  This merger created what is now known as First Westminster Presbyterian Church.

In 2008, First West began a rebuilding process.  Our congregation has added hundreds and hundreds of new members.  Many renovations have preserved this beautiful church building and at the same time brought it into the 21st century.  All of the work is for the glory of God as we continue to follow our mission “Love God and Love Others.”