About Arlington Hills Presbyterian
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Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church began as a mission Sunday School on February 16, 1885 under the sponsorship of East Presbyterian Church. Nineteen persons gathered in a private home on Jessamine Street near Payne Avenue with teachers supplied by East Presbyterian Church.
The church soon out grew its quarters and a home at 611 Jenks Street was dedicated as a chapel on the third Sunday of August, 1886. Five persons were present at this first service.
The Rev. J. P. Dysant of East Church served as part-time preacher with the help of a student from Macalester College. The young people of East Church continued the Sunday School teaching.
On May 20, 1888 the Rev. J. B. Freeman, an assigned field pastor, preached his first sermon at the chapel at an evening service. By June he was preaching two sermons on the Sabbath.
On October 12, 1888 a petition to organize as a church was signed by 65 persons and on December 9, 1888 the church received 25 persons as members. On December 20, 1888 the Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church was incorporated. The new church would operate under the guidance of the Central Presbyterian Church of St. Paul. To help the church financially, Elder R. P. Lewis of Central Church pledged $25 per month. This pledge continued until January, 1889.
With continued growth, land was purchased and the cornerstone for a building at Case and Edgerton Streets was laid on August 13, 1902. During this period, the membership of East Church was declining with the two churches sharing a pastor. In 1928 the two churches merged as the Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church. Under a number of pastors the church continues to grow. Land for the present site was purchased and dedicated at a service held in 1958.
