The Roxbury Presbyterian Church (RPC) is located on the corner or Warren and Woodbine Streets in Roxbury, Massachusetts.  Situated in one of the most socially volatile areas of the City of Boston, RPC is often called upon to respond to various community needs.  Some of the issues impacting the area include violence, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, illiteracy, dysfunctional relationships, hopelessness, and other concerns that plague youth and adults in the neighborhood. 

Organizing quickly to address community needs is nothing new to RPC members.  A group, led by Robert and John Gilchrist, desiring to establish a Presbyterian Church in Roxbury, founded the congregation in 1886.  Less than a year after the group’s initial meeting, the Presbytery of Boston was petitioned to organize a formal church.  The reception of a church in the community was excellent.  On September 28, 1886, eighty-two people joined the Church and the name Roxbury Presbyterian Church became official.  In 1887, the first Pastor, Reverend Frederick Campbell was chosen and during his short stay of three years, he began the process of constructing a new church building. 

The completion of the task of developing the building layout fell to the Reverend Martin Kneeland.  A permit to build a wood frame building with stone walls was granted on May 12, 1891.  The building was to be approximately 10,000 square feet and rest on a stone foundation.  The cornerstone of the building was laid on July 17, 1891, and the first worship service was held on April 6, 1892. 

During the 1960’s RPC became one of the centers for the alternative schools, and held breakfast and lunch programs for neighborhood children.  The Reverend Francis D.S. Miller served the church for the longest period, 25 years.  It was during his tenure that the church was used to support numerous community activities including Freedom Schools at the height of the civil rights movement. 

RPC became the home of one of the largest, predominantly, African American Alcoholics Anonymous groups in Boston.  The activism of the church, in support of a more wholesome community was the catalyst, targeting the Church for arson.   The Church, just after being redecorated, was fire bombed in 1972.  Reverend Miller’s leadership was a stabilizing force during those turbulent times.  In 1985, Reverend Miller was appointed Pastor Emeritus in appreciation for his great contributions and personal sacrifices for the Roxbury Presbyterian Church. 

Pastor Rick and Toby Gillespie Mobley continued efforts to support a more spiritually wholesome community both, inside and outside the church walls.  The Mobley’s laid the foundation for spiritual revitalization, which is now occurring at Roxbury Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Reverend Hurmon E. Hamilton.