Our History
Macalester Plymouth United Church was established with that name in 1968, but its history goes back much farther.
Plymouth Congregational Church was founded in 1858, and as the neighborhood changed and their membership began to dwindle, they began merger conversations with Macalester Presbyterian Church, established in 1887. The two congregations merged in 1968 to become Macalester Plymouth United Church.
Merriam Park Presbyterian Church was founded in 1884 and they welcomed Lexington Parkway Presbyterian Church (est. 1911) in 1969 to become Merriam-Lexington Presbyterian Church.
Merriam-Lexington Presbyterian Church merged with Macalester Plymouth United Church in 2000, and we have been one united church ever since. Historically, it’s much more common to hear about churches dividing than uniting, so it is a gift to have so many unions in our history.
A Detailed History of Macalester Plymouth United Church
The history of Macalester Plymouth United Church, under that name, goes back to 1968. We are the result of mergers of four congregations – Plymouth Congregational (later UCC) Church, Macalester Presbyterian Church, Merriam Park Presbyterian Church and Lexington Parkway Presbyterian Church. There are long and interesting histories for each of the former congregations that make up our present Macalester Plymouth United Church. Click the links for brief summaries of the background that led up to our united congregation as it exists today.
The Taking of the Sacred Dakota Homeland on which Our Church Building Stands
A history of treaties with the Dakota people resulting in the unethical acquiring of their homeland to create St. Paul, Minnesota.
Plymouth Congregational Church (1858-1968)
A history of the church prior to the merger with Macalester Presbyterian Church in 1968.
Merriam Park Presbyterian Church (1884-1969)
A history of the church prior to merging with Lexington Parkway Presbyterian Church to become Merriam-Lexington Presbyterian Church.
Macalester Presbyterian Church (1887-1968)
A history of the church prior to the merger with Plymouth Congregational Church in 1968.
Lexington Parkway Presbyterian Church (1911-1969)
A history of the church prior to merging with Merriam Park Presbyterian Church to become Merriam-Lexington Presbyterian Church.
Macalester Plymouth United Church (1968)
Some history of the church since the merger of 1968.
History of Renovations to the Church Building
A discussion of renovations and changes to the current church building at 1658 Lincoln Ave.
History of Pastors
An incomplete list of pastors from Plymouth Congregational Church, Macalester Presbyterian Church, and Macalester Plymouth United Church since the merger of 1968, along with some known accomplishments under specific pastors.