140 years of welcome in Colby, Kansas
From three charter members meeting at the Thomas County Court House in 1886, to a Bedford-stone sanctuary that still stands watch over 4th Street — this is the story of First Presbyterian Church of Colby.
Celebrating our 140th anniversary — November 1, 2026
Pastor Shelly and the congregation are gathering photos, memories, and materials to mark 140 years of ministry in Colby. This page will keep growing as that anniversary approaches — check back, or come celebrate with us in person.
Organized November 7, 1886
Rev. J.W. Van Eman, representing Osborne Presbytery, organized First Presbyterian Church of Colby on November 7, 1886. Three charter members and eighteen letters of faith from the remaining charter members gathered at the Thomas County Court House — the congregation's very first meeting place. Articles of Corporation were filed with the Kansas Secretary of State on July 16, 1887, making the church's standing official.
An original Queen Anne–style building was completed soon after, giving this young frontier congregation its first true home.
First Presbyterian Church of Colby organized by Rev. J.W. Van Eman, Osborne Presbytery, at the Thomas County Court House.
Articles of Corporation filed with the Kansas Secretary of State, July 16.
Ground broken May 5 on the lot east of the original building for a larger sanctuary.
New sanctuary dedicated June 23 — Romanesque architecture trimmed in white Bedford stone.
140th anniversary of the congregation, celebrated November 1.
One of the Eight Wonders of Thomas County
Ground was broken May 5, 1921 on the lot east of the church's original building, and the new sanctuary was dedicated June 23, 1923. Built in the Romanesque style and trimmed in white Bedford stone, it still looks much the same today as it did over a century ago — a landmark the community has honored by naming it one of the “Eight Wonders of Thomas County.”
The bell that hangs outside our sanctuary holds its own distinction: it was the first church bell ever rung in Thomas County, and it still calls Colby to worship today.
Two congregations, one shared life
First Presbyterian Colby shares its pastor, Rev. Shelly Holle, with Faith Lutheran Church of Oberlin, Kansas — a partnership that shapes our rhythm of worship. Each September, we join our sister congregation Hoxie Presbyterian Church for outdoor worship at Lake Atwood in Rawlins County. Each Father's Day, we gather for worship at the historic Lone Star Church, preserved at the Prairie Museum of Art and History right here in Colby.
Our Earth Care Pledge
As part of caring for God's creation, our Session has adopted the PC(USA) Earth Care Pledge. In practice, that means recycling (including electronics), tending a butterfly garden on our grounds, and working to limit paper and Styrofoam use around the church — small, steady habits that reflect a bigger commitment.