Our Story
For 140 years, Irvington Presbyterian Church has been a beacon of faith, hope, and love in the heart of Fremont.
Who We Are
Since 1886, we've been a part of the Irvington District Neighborhood. Our current site was bought in 1957 and the sanctuary opened in 1964.
We're your neighbors and friends.
We live love-spreading, difference-making lives.
- We are called to be blessers, not cursers.
- We are building the kingdom, not a church.
- We are hospitable, safe and accessible.
- We believe there is no such thing as scaring or bullying people into heaven.
- We believe you can't practice God's love alone.
- We lead by serving.
Now that we've introduced ourselves to you, come introduce yourself to us on a Sunday.
Our Story
Our story goes back to 1886 when a Disciples of Christ evangelist got off the train in Fremont and attended worship at the old Washington College Prep School in Irvington which no longer exists. He looked around and saw only students in this Christian school and few from the surrounding community. After a series of outdoor evangelistic meetings 19 people were baptized and joined his new church. Instructors from the College served as pastors of the church. When Washington College closed in 1914 supply pastors started coming from the Presbyterian seminary in San Francisco (San Anselmo). By 1924 Irvington Community Church decided to join the Presbyterian Church USA.
In 1956 the Presbyterian Church USA saw Fremont, California as a hot spot for church growth with the construction of a new General Motors plant. The denomination helped transform the little country church into a large suburban multi-staff church. Purchasing new land, building new facilities, growth of the church kept pace with the burgeoning Fremont community. Reaching a peak of over 1,300 members by 1969 we had come a long ways in 80 years.
In recent years Fremont has become an exciting hub for newly arriving immigrants from China and India as well as many other countries. The challenge for the church today is to learn how to serve people from widely different backgrounds. It's an exciting challenge but it's the same challenge as when it started. Reaching people for Jesus Christ and making fully devoted disciples has been and hopefully always will be this church's story.
Key Milestones
Founded
Established in the historic Irvington District of Fremont
Current Site
Property purchased at 4181 Irvington Ave
Sanctuary Opens
Iconic A-frame sanctuary built and dedicated
Pastor Ed Arrives
Rev. Ed Choa called as Senior Pastor
140 Years of Faith
Continuing to serve, love, and build community
What We Believe In
Blessers, Not Cursers
We believe there is no such thing as scaring or bullying people into heaven.
Building the Kingdom, Not a Church
Our focus is on God's work in the world, not growing an institution.
Hospitable, Safe, Accessible
Everyone deserves a place where they feel welcomed and valued.
Leading by Serving
True leadership looks like service — to each other and our community.
Together in Faith
You can't practice God's love alone. We do life together.
Our Team
Leadership Team
Our Session of Elders guides the ministry and mission of IPC.
Our Denomination
We belong to the Presbyterian Church USA. The Presbyterian Church was originally a part of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland when Roman Catholic Churches pulled away over the Catholic lack of emphasis on salvation by grace.
The Presbyterian Church USA is a large denomination of over 2 million members in all 50 states with missionaries scattered throughout the world. Each geographical region has its own district called a "presbytery." We belong to the Presbytery of San Francisco.
While this larger PCUSA family believes strongly in the Bible as the Word of God there is a fairly wide range of beliefs within as in any large family. Our local family in Irvington believes strongly in the historic creeds and traditional interpretations of the Bible. The Bible is always central to our teaching and salvation in Christ is always our focus. Check us out in person. You'll like our family.