5 Surprising Facts About First Presbyterian Church Fargo ND: The $175,000 Grant And A 40-Year Scottish Tradition
The First Presbyterian Church in Fargo, North Dakota, is far more than just a historic place of worship; it is a critical anchor in the community, currently undergoing a major revitalization. As of December 26, 2025, the downtown Fargo congregation is making headlines after being selected as a recipient of a prestigious $175,000 matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a pivotal development set to secure its legacy for future generations.
This grant, part of a nationwide effort to preserve and strengthen historic houses of faith, underscores the church’s profound historical significance in the Red River Valley and its enduring commitment to both spiritual and community service. From its humble beginnings in the North Dakota Territory to its current role as a vibrant center for worship and outreach, the First Presbyterian Church continues to evolve while honoring nearly 150 years of faith.
Leadership and Core Information
The First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, ND, is an integral part of the city’s historical and spiritual landscape. Below is a summary of its key biographical and structural information, reflecting its current status and leadership.
- Official Name: First Presbyterian Church of Fargo
- Location: 650 2nd Ave. N., Fargo, ND 58102
- Founding Year: 1877
- Denomination: Presbyterian (USA)
- Current Senior Pastor: Pastor Sarah Bigwood
- Worship Service Times: Sunday at 10:30 am (In-person and online live stream)
- Architectural Style (Current Building): English Gothic Revival (for the 1918 structure)
- Historical Context: Chartered in 1877, tracing its origins back to the historical development of the Northern Great Plains and the Red River Valley.
- Recent Major Development: Recipient of a $175,000 matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places (Project slated for completion by Fall 2026).
- Notable Traditions: Annual Kirkin' o' the Tartans service, celebrating Scottish heritage.
- Former Key Staff: Pastor Mary (retired after 33 years of service); Former Pastor Paul Lang (served since 2013).
The $175,000 Grant: Securing a Legacy for Downtown Fargo
One of the most significant pieces of recent news for the First Presbyterian Church is its selection as a recipient of a substantial $175,000 matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places. This prestigious program, a collaboration between Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, recognizes the critical role historic churches play in their communities, both as spiritual centers and as irreplaceable architectural landmarks.
The grant is not merely for cosmetic repairs; it represents a strategic investment in the long-term viability of the congregation and its extensive outreach ministries. Being chosen as one of only 24 congregations nationwide highlights the church’s historical importance in Cass County and its ongoing commitment to public service. The matching nature of the grant means the church will be undertaking a major capital campaign to meet the required funds, demonstrating a collective commitment from the congregation and the wider Fargo community.
This ambitious project, which is scheduled for completion by the fall of 2026, is designed to strengthen the church’s infrastructure, ensuring that the historic English Gothic Revival structure can continue to serve the community for decades to come. The preservation effort is a powerful statement about the value of physical, historic spaces in an increasingly digital world, allowing the church to continue its legacy of faith and community engagement.
A Deep Dive into History: From Shack to Gothic Revival Masterpiece
The history of the First Presbyterian Church is inextricably tied to the development of Fargo itself. Founded in 1877, just as the North Dakota Territory was beginning its rapid expansion, the church was established by a small, dedicated congregation of only nine people. Their initial place of worship was a modest wooden shack, a testament to the rugged pioneer spirit that characterized the early Red River Valley settlers.
As Fargo grew, so did the congregation. By 1925, the church had seen its membership triple since the construction of its second building in 1918. This structure, the third and current iteration, was designed by the Minneapolis-based architecture firm Lang, Raugland and Lewis and is celebrated for its distinctive English Gothic Revival architecture. This style, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large windows, gives the downtown building a majestic and enduring presence.
The church’s historical journey illuminates the complex saga of U.S. development in the Northern Great Plains. Its deep roots in Presbyterianism, introduced to the region by missionary pastors like Rev. O. H. Elmer as early as 1871, establish it as a foundational institution in the spiritual life of North Dakota.
The Kirkin' o' the Tartans: A Celebration of Scottish Heritage
Beyond its impressive architecture and grant-funded future, the First Presbyterian Church is perhaps best known locally for its annual "Kirkin' o' the Tartans" service. This cherished tradition, which the church has proudly hosted for over 40 years, is a vibrant celebration of the congregation's deep Scottish roots and Presbyterian heritage.
The term "Kirkin'" is Scots for "churching," and the ceremony itself is a blend of Scottish patriotism and Christian faithfulness. The service is a powerful and colorful spectacle, featuring the skirling of pipers as various family and clan tartans are carried down the aisle of the Sanctuary. The hymns, prayers, and even the floral arrangements are carefully chosen to reflect the rich cultural history of Scotland, making it a unique and moving event for both the congregation and the wider community.
Historically, the Kirkin' tradition dates back to a time when Scots were forbidden to wear their tartans by the British Crown following the Battle of Culloden. Worshipers would secretly touch a hidden piece of tartan cloth during a church service while a minister offered a blessing—a quiet act of defiance and cultural preservation. Today, the Fargo church’s annual event is a jubilant, public expression of that enduring heritage, drawing attendees from across the region every fall.
A Hub for Community and Current Ministry
Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Sarah Bigwood, the First Presbyterian Church remains a dynamic center for ministry. The church provides regular Sunday worship services at 10:30 am, which are accessible both in-person and via live stream, ensuring the message reaches a broad audience. Educational opportunities are also a core focus, with Sunday school programming available for children before the main worship service.
The church’s commitment to its people is evident in recent staff transitions, including the celebration of Pastor Mary’s retirement after 33 years of faithful service, and the mention of former Pastor Paul Lang, who served as Head of Staff since 2013. These events underscore the deep, long-standing relationships between the pastoral staff and the congregation.
Ultimately, the $175,000 grant, the enduring Gothic Revival architecture, the colorful Kirkin' tradition, and the dedicated leadership all combine to make the First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, ND, a beacon of faith and history in the heart of the city. Its revitalization project promises to secure its place as a sacred and civic treasure for decades to come.
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