First Presbyterian Church has a strong commitment to helping those less fortunate. In many ways both small and large this congregation reaches out to those in need.

There are several community missions that First Presbyterian Church support.  They are:

Salvation Army

As part of its mission responsibility, First Presbyterian has played an important part in helping both financially and materially to help the Salvation Army.
 
The personal touch is supplied by more than a dozen women from First Presbyterian Church who give many hours each year to Salvation Army projects through the work of the Auxiliary.  Today the new quarters of the Salvation Army are at 1675 East Main Street, where the offices, church services, emergency shelter and programs are located.

Telford YMCA

Telford Community Center, later to become the Telford YMCA has a long and varied history in the Richmond Community.  The First Presbyterian Church has played a vital role in this history and still does to this day.

The Telford Community Center was opened in 1938.  The center was named for the late Robert L. Telford who had done outstanding work in the community, particularly for children in need.  The center was devoted to the civic, religious, social, cultural and educational welfare of this area of town.  By 1971, an average of 100 children were coming to the center daily.

As the center outgrew its space, it was decided to purchase the old Richmond City School building on East Main Street.  A big change in the 1980’s was the decision to become affiliated with the national YMCA.  Expanded programming brought about the need to enlarge the facility again.  A capital campaign was conducted in 1990 to raise funds for an indoor pool, racquetball and basketball courts. 

Habitat for Humanity of Madison County

Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that accepted the goal of providing affordable home ownership for those less fortunate who have the need, financial resources, motivation and enthusiasm necessary to pay the mortgage and maintain the home. A Habitat for Humanity affiliate was established in Madison County in 1992 and First Presbyterian Church of Richmond has been actively involved since the beginning.

Many members of First Presbyterian have worked in a variety of capacities on Habitat homes. Presbyterians have served on the Board of Directors,  supplied laborers for siding, worked as general construction laborers, coordinated the construction of several houses, painted and supplied many meals, especially during the “building on faith” blitz builds.