First Christian Church was organized March 18, 1904 in the building formerly used by Central Presbyterian, and which was purchased from them for $4,000, including the organ. Discouragement was so great in 1913 that there was talk of disbanding. However, new life appeared and the work began to grow. In 1927, the congregation became independent with no ties to any denominational organization.
In 1945, a committee was formed to raise $50,000 for the 50th Anniversary in 1954. In 1959, property was purchased for a new building site.
In 1960, a bond program was inaugurated that raised $100,000 for the new building. In 1961 ground was broken and the finished building was dedicated August 11, 1963 with 527 present. The addition toward the parking lot, named Shafer Hall, was completed in January of 1967.
In 1979, work was begun on a new fellowship and classroom building that in 1983 was dedicated as Heritage Hall.
Many capital improvements were made in 1994, including re-paving the parking lot and new carpet for the sanctuary, Heritage Hall, and most of the parsonage.
In July of 2004, First Christian Church celebrated their centennial with a picnic at the Crawford County fair grounds and a celebration service held at Shafer Auditorium at Allegheny College.
Many young people and adults have gone into specialized Christian work through the years. The success in Meadville has been the blessing and the power of God to whom we give all of the glory.