ABOUT US

Home for every generation

 

WHO WE ARE

At First Pres Wheaton, we gather as a Christ-centered community where people of all ages and backgrounds are invited to encounter God’s presence, experience dynamic ministries, and share life together. Rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to worship, grow, and serve in community. 

Whether you are exploring faith or looking for a church home, we warmly welcome you into a place where Jesus’ love is at the center of all we do. We hope to see you this Sunday!

OUR MISSION

Inviting all generations into a growing life with Jesus Christ.

OUR VISION

Our values characterize everything we do:

ABUNDANT COMPASSION

We are moved to express deep love for others modeled by Jesus’ ministry.

When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. -Matthew 14:14

JOYFUL GENEROSITY

We are willing to give of ourselves knowing every gift comes from God.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. -James 1:17

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

We are focused on growing our relationship with Jesus Christ and seeking a greater understanding of God’s Kingdom.

Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature. -Romans 12:2

DEVOTED COMMUNITY

We are committed to sharing life and ministry together.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. -Acts 2:42

THE CHURCH HISTORY

Our Beginning

First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton is a historic Presbyterian congregation in Wheaton with roots connected to the early Christian and educational development of the city. The church traces its beginnings to divisions within the original “First Church of Christ in Wheaton,” founded in 1861 by Jonathan Blanchard, which later became known as College Church. Over time, theological and denominational differences led to the formation of what became First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton.

 

Today, the church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is located at 715 North Carlton Street in Wheaton. The congregation emphasizes Christ-centered worship, biblical teaching, discipleship, missions, and ministry for all generations.

 

The church has remained an active part of the Wheaton community for many decades, serving families, students, and local ministries while continuing its mission of “inviting all generations into a growing life with Jesus Christ.”

OUR STAFF AND ELDERS

Dr. Kellen Smith

Senior Pastor

630-668-5147 x 131 • email

Kellen has served as Senior Pastor at First Pres Wheaton since 2017. He brings a passion for preaching, faithfulness in leading, and compassion in caring for all people.

Pastor Kat Hatting

Associate Pastor

630-668-5147 x 113 • email

Kat is passionate about helping people discover God’s purposes for their lives, rooted in their identity in Christ. She also loves learning and teaching.

Pastor Donté Ford

Minister of Music and Worship

630-668-5147 x 122 • email

Donté Alexander Ford is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and enjoys serving First Pres Wheaton as Minister of Music and Worship. He is also Asst. Professor of Music and Asso. Chaplain.

Dr. Greg Anderson

Parish Associate

630-668-5147 • email

Debbie Veal

Office Manager

630-668-5147 x 119 • email

Stacey Chvatal

Director of Kids Ministry

630-668-5147 x 120 • email

Hannah Curry

Student Ministry Director

630-668-5147 x 120 • email

Mellisa Coyne

Director of Preschool

630-668-5147 x133 • email

Miguel Barrera

Facility Coordinator

630-668-5147 x 111 • email

Beth Spiegel

Financil Manager

630-668-5147 x 118 • email

Caryn Andrews

Communications Coordinator

630-668-5147 x 114 • email

ELDERS

Elders are chosen by the congregation and serve on the session with the pastors to lead, govern and provide for worship, working to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation.

DR. KELLEN SMITH - Moderator

REV. KAT HATTING - Associate Pastor

MATT STREMEL - Clerk of Session

RACHEL ABBOTT

MONICA HOLMES

SUE MASSARO

CHRIS NICKELL

KATHRYN PINTO

DIANE ROUTSON

JOHN RUTLEDGE

NICK SMITH

STEVE STEPHENSON

DAVE TRUMPY

LINDA WISCHNOWSKI

CHRIS YENCHEK

GROWING LIFE WITH JESUS CHRIST!