ABOUT US
First Presbyterian Church is a Christ-centered, multi-generational,
downtown church that has been serving Rapid City, SD,
the surrounding community and the world for over 125 years.
​First Presbyterian is affiliated with Presbyterian Church (USA).
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Core Values
With the help of God, at FPCRC, we:
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DEMONSTRATE RESILIENT FAITHFULNESS
In life's challenges, God is faithful so no mountain is too high.
Galatians 5:22-25 & Philippians 4:13
EMPOWER KIDS
Kids have a crucial role to play in God's redemptive work in the world.
Matthew 21:15-16 & Mark 9:36-37
HEAR YOU
Words give life and so does listening. Having heard the life-giving words of the gospel, we'll be brave enough to truly listen to others and seek understanding.
Proverbs 20:12 & Romans 12:1
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FIND JOY IN SERVICE
Joyful service becomes an act of worship when done for God's glory.
1 Peter 4:10-12 & Romans 12:1
EXPRESS BEAUTY IN WORSHIP
God is beautiful in the deepest sense and we desire to be transformed in worship.
Psalm 27:4 & Ecclesiastes 3:11
STILL MAKE MEMORIES
The journey of faith takes lots of remembering. Memories honor and emphasize God's faithfulness through transitions in our lives.
Psalm 100:5 & Deuteronomy 4:9
Meet Pastor Adam
and his family
Our pastor, Adam Knudson, came to Rapid City, SD in 2022 with his wife Andrea, and their four children, Jeremiah, Samuel, Alexandra, and Olivia. Prior to moving to South Dakota, Adam and his family lived all their lives in the central valley of California. Adam grew up attending University Presbyterian Church in Fresno, CA. He met his wife Andrea while working together at Calvin Crest Camp near Yosemite National Park. For undergraduate studies, Adam attended Whitworth College in Spokane, WA, earning a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature (2001). Adam, returned to Fresno after college, and he and Andrea married. Adam pursued his theological education at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary connected to Fresno Pacific University, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree with a diploma in Presbyterian Studies (2005). Following seminary studies, Adam was ordained by the San Joaquin Presbytery. He worked and served in several capacities including more than twelve years as youth pastor at an ELCA (Lutheran) church in Fresno, before being called to FPCRC. When not at church, you can find Adam cheering on his children in any of their many activities, enjoying a round of disc golf at a local park, or refereeing youth soccer in the community. Adam and his family are grateful to serve alongside the members of FPCRC and feel blessed to journey together in this season of life.
RULING ELDERS
CLASS OF 2024
Glenna Books
Chair for Congregational Care
Linda Carpenter
Chair for Worship & Music
Tammy Ludeman
Dottie Pugsley
Chair for Outreach
CLASS OF 2025
Glendora Estacion
Chair for Congregation Life & Learning
Lois Huisman
Chair for Personnel
Al Johnson
Chair for Administration ​
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Patsy True
Chair for Nominating
CLASS OF 2026
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Sarah Berg
Chair for Congregation Life & Learning
Brad Bargmann
Chair for Personnel
Darwin Buus​
Chair for Property & Grounds
John TerBeest
Chair for Nominating