The First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti traces its history back to 1829 when the Rev. William Page organized a group of twelve people who formed the nucleus of what would become the First Presbyterian Church. In 1830, a religious society was organized with the name First Congregational Society of Ypsilanti. In 1832, there was discussion whether the government of this new church would follow a Presbyterian or Congregational model. The members elected to adopt the Presbyterian form and the church was formally known as the First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti. From its founding, the church had included a few Congregationalists. As there numbers grew, a demand arose for a distinct Congregational organization. That organization took effect October 4, 1881 with the Congregationalists forming a separate First Congregational Society of Ypsilanti. The division of the church was made amicably.
From the guide to the First United Presbyterian Church (Ypsilanti, Mich.) records, 1829-1979, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)
