First Presbyterian Church Kirkwood

What First Presbyterian Church Kirkwood does

First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood is a private nonprofit religious organization founded in 1854 in Kirkwood, Missouri, operating as part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination within the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The church serves 800+ congregation members through three primary worship formats: a 10:00 AM Traditional Service in the Sanctuary, an 8:30 AM Arise! Contemporary Service in the Chapel, and a YouTube livestream for remote participants. Beyond worship, it operates an extensive music ministry including the Chancel Choir (with an international performance history at Carnegie Hall and European cathedrals), handbell programs, the Con Spirito Concert Series, and the Notes@9 summer concert series.

The organization runs age-tiered educational programming including Logos midweek program, Sunday School using the PC(USA) Growing in Grace and Gratitude curriculum, Senior High Work Camp mission trips, and the First Pres Children's Center preschool. Community outreach is anchored by the Matthew 25 PC(USA) initiative, with 17+ active partnerships addressing food insecurity (Kirk Care), homelessness (Room at the Inn, HomeFirst STL), refugee resettlement (Afghan families since 2021), and poverty eradication (St. Joseph Housing Initiative, Bridge Bread, St. Patrick's Center).

The technology stack is consumer-grade: a Wix-hosted website, YouTube livestreaming, an onRealm online giving portal with text-to-give, Facebook, and a biweekly email newsletter. Revenue is generated entirely through voluntary member contributions via tithes, online giving, annual stewardship pledges (most recent: "All In: Living Generously, Serving Boldly" 2026 campaign), Qualified Charitable Distributions, stock gifts, and planned giving/legacy arrangements. The church is governed by an elected Session of elders with the Senior Pastor as moderator; there is no parent-subsidiary corporate structure, only a denominational affiliation. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

First Presbyterian Church Kirkwood

Legal name

First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood

Website

https://kirkwoodpres.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1854

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood is a 170-year-old PC(USA) congregation in Kirkwood, Missouri, serving 800+ members through traditional and contemporary worship, music ministries, children/youth programs, and community outreach under the Matthew 25 initiative.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Services / House of Worship

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Faith-Based Early Learning Academies (EDACADAH)

Keywords

• Worship services
• Religious education
• Community outreach
• Music ministry
• Faith formation

Headquarters

HQ city

St Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tithes and Offerings: Traditional tithes and offerings collected during Sunday worship services, representing the primary revenue stream for sustaining church operations and outreach programs
2. Online Giving: One-time or recurring donations through the onRealm online giving portal, including options for memorial gifts
3. Stewardship Campaign: Annual pledge campaigns (e.g., 2026 Stewardship Campaign 'All In: Living Generously, Serving Boldly') for planned giving commitments
4. Qualified Charitable Distribution: IRA charitable distributions for donors 70 1/2 or older, fulfilling RMD requirements
5. Stock and Securities Gifts: Donations of appreciated stock, providing tax advantages and charitable deduction for donors
6. Planned Giving / Legacy Partners: Estate planning and planned giving arrangements for long-term congregation support

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood operates a congregational religious ministry centered on weekly Protestant worship services (Traditional, Arise! Contemporary, and YouTube livestream formats), age-based faith formation and music ministries (Children/Youth programs, Chancel Choir, handbell choirs, Concert Series), pastoral services (weddings, counseling), an early childhood preschool (First Pres Children's Center), and community outreach through the Matthew 25 initiative addressing racial justice, poverty, and refugee resettlement. The church sustains operations entirely through voluntary member donations, online giving, stewardship pledges, and planned/legacy giving.

Product overview

First Presbyterian Church Kirkwood offers a comprehensive suite of worship, educational, and community service programs. The church operates multiple worship service formats (Traditional, Arise! Contemporary, and Livestream), extensive music ministries (Chancel Choir, Hand Bell Programs, Con Spirito and Notes@9 Concert Series), and age-based educational programs for children and youth (Logos, Sunday Morning Learning, Work Camp). Community outreach is driven by the Matthew 25 initiative focusing on congregational vitality, racial justice, and poverty eradication. Additional services include pastoral care (weddings, counseling), a children's preschool, and an online giving platform through Realm.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Con Spirito Concert Series: A concert series that strengthens the church's mission to lift up the minds and hearts of people to God through high-quality musical programming featuring ensembles, composers, conductors, and soloists from local and worldwide artistic communities.
• First Pres Preschool

Products and services

• Traditional Worship Service In-person worship service held at 10 AM in the Sanctuary, featuring traditional hymns, organ music, and scripture-based sermons connecting faith to daily life. Open to all without charge.
• Arise! Contemporary Worship Contemporary praise band service at 8:30 AM in the Chapel (August schedule), featuring electric guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion, and vocalists performing modern Christian music.
• Livestream Worship Online worship broadcast via YouTube at 10 AM, allowing virtual attendance with downloadable bulletin and hymn materials for remote participants.
• Chancel Choir Principal choir providing music at Sunday services, with international performances including Carnegie Hall and cathedrals in Scotland and England.
• Hand Bell Programs Multi-tier handbell program including Chancel Ringers (advanced, 5 octaves), Carillon Ringers (intermediate), and Middle School Ringers (beginners) with regular performances.
• Con Spirito Concert Series Concert series featuring local and international ensembles, soloists, and composers in the church's acoustic facilities, supporting community outreach through music.
• Notes@9 Concert Series Summer concert series featuring local musicians before worship services in July, including performances by Clarion Brass and church musicians.
• Logos Midweek Program Wednesday afternoon program (4–7 PM) for students during the school year, including Bible study, music, recreation, and family-style meals.
• Sunday Morning Learning Sunday school program (September–April) using the PC(USA) Growing in Grace and Gratitude curriculum for Preschool through 8th grade.
• Senior High Work Camp Two-week mission trip for high school students partnering with local organizations to serve communities in need.
• Community Outreach Programs Matthew 25 initiative encompassing refugee support, food drives, disaster recovery, and advocacy focused on congregational vitality, dismantling racism, and eradicating poverty.
• Wedding Services Wedding ceremonies conducted by church pastors, open to all regardless of membership, including same-sex marriages.
• Online Giving Platform Digital tithing system via onrealm.org supporting one-time and recurring donations, text-to-give, stock donations, and planned giving options.
• First Pres Children's Center Preschool and kids' day out programs providing safe, nurturing early childhood education through the church-affiliated Children's Center.
• Faith Formation Groups Spiritual growth programs for adults including book clubs, women's circles, adult Sunday school, and Christian Concerns class covering theology and current issues.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving refugee families since 2021 with two Afghan families supported
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Presbytery of Giddings-LovejoycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional council of approximately 80 Presbyterian churches serving the St. Louis area, extending east into Illinois, south to Cape Girardeau, and west to Crystal City. Oversees and resources the ministry of local churches with mission to equip vibrant congregations and dynamic leaders.
• Kirk Care Food PantrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKirkwood's food pantry and utility assistance organization. First Presbyterian has provided food donations for years and sponsors regular food drives during July. Supports neighbors in need through food deliveries, utility bill assistance, school supplies, and more within the Kirkwood R-7 school district.
• Room at the InncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides shelter and support to homeless women and families. Currently transitioning to expanding facilities and seeking volunteers. Church provides volunteer support for this regional ministry.
• Welcome Neighbor STLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps immigrants settle into the St. Louis community through education, training, social interaction, and resources for recently located immigrants.
• HomeFirst STLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBreaks the cycle of poverty and homelessness in St. Louis by providing safe housing and support services.
• St. Joseph Housing InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSJHI restores homes in south St. Louis and places first-time home buyers into these homes, providing resources for successful home ownership and community building.
• First Pres Preschool ScholarshipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's Center providing kids' day out and preschool programs for children, offering a safe and nurturing environment. Church provides scholarship support.
• Kirkwood YMCA Club 44minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSummer day camp programs serving the Meacham Park community.
• Mound Ridge Outdoor MinistryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional ministry providing opportunities for connection to God, nature, and fellowship.
• DoorwaysminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides housing and supportive services to improve the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS and other illnesses.
• Presbyterian Children's Homes and ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers safe and nurturing environments for children who cannot be with their families.
• St. Andrews ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports seniors and their caregivers through various levels of care and assistance.
• Presbyterian Mission AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational denomination agency that inspires, equips, and connects Presbyterians to serve Christ and nurture disciples.
• Marion Medical MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResponds to Christ's call by working with African communities, emphasizing self-help and sustainability in water and development projects.
• Presbyterian Disaster AssistancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides emergency and refugee support funded through donations. Supported Western Kentucky tornado recovery with Habitat for Humanity builds.
• Hunger Action CongregationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational recognition program for churches working to alleviate hunger and end its causes.
• Bridge BreadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit bakery in St. Louis providing employment to people without housing. Church supports through purchases and donations.
• St. Patrick's CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides self-sufficiency and dignity to those who are homeless or at risk. Church prepares and donates breakfast casseroles.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy: The regional PC(USA) governing body that includes First Pres Kirkwood among its approximately 80 member churches across eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. Functions as both a denominational peer and the direct oversight/resource partner for the church's ministry operations.
• Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church: A PC(USA) congregation in the affluent St. Louis suburb of Ladue with comparable traditional worship, music programming, and adult faith formation. Comparable as a same-denomination peer in the St. Louis metro with similar program breadth.
• First Congregational Church of St. Louis (UCC): An open and affirming mainline Protestant congregation in the St. Louis metro affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Comparable as a theologically progressive mainline peer with similar community engagement and progressive social stance.
• Second Presbyterian Church, St. Louis: Another large PC(USA) congregation in the St. Louis metro area serving a similar member demographic with comparable traditional/contemporary worship, music ministry, and community outreach programs. Most directly comparable peer based on denomination, size, and region.
• Webster Groves Presbyterian Church: A nearby PC(USA) congregation in the inner-ring St. Louis suburb of Webster Groves, serving a similar suburban demographic with traditional worship, Christian education, and mission-focused outreach. Directly comparable as a same-denomination peer in adjacent geography.
• St. John's Episcopal Church, St. Louis: A historic mainline Protestant congregation in St. Louis offering comparable traditional worship, choral music, community outreach, and progressive theological positioning. Directly comparable as a mainline peer with overlapping worship and music ministry offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): The national PC(USA) denomination of which First Pres Kirkwood is a member church. Provides denominational resources, theological positioning, and the Matthew 25 framework that defines the church's mission focus. Operates broadly as the parent denomination across the U.S.

Regional players

• Christ Church Episcopal (Webster Groves): An Episcopal congregation in nearby Webster Groves offering traditional liturgy, music programs, and outreach ministries to a similar suburban demographic. Comparable as a neighboring mainline peer competing for similar members.
• Kirkwood Baptist Church: A large Baptist congregation located in the same Kirkwood community as First Pres, competing for similar suburban families and worshippers. Comparable as a local main competitor in the same geographic market with similar program offerings (worship, youth, missions).

Others

• Bridge Bread: A St. Louis nonprofit bakery employing people without housing, which First Pres Kirkwood supports through purchases and donations. Listed as a community partner; relevant as an ecosystem peer rather than a direct competitor in religious services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_qmjI1p9ntKH_81nKgmibw
• Facebookfacebook.com/FPCKirkwood/?ref=page_internal

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about First Presbyterian Church Kirkwood