In July, 1851, the first official meeting of the group that was to become First Presbyterian Church was held in what was then known as Gilman’s Saloon on Main Street. Before moving to its present location, First Presbyterian Church of Hartford had three homes. After a brief stay at Gilman’s Saloon, the fellowship moved to the Washington Temperance Hall and from there to old South Baptist Church located on the corner of Main and Sheldon Streets. In 1868, the chapel (now Hodge Hall) was built at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Clinton Street. In 1870, the current church sanctuary was built. Designed by Renwick and Sands of New York City, the building is of Vermont granite with a trim of Portland brownstone in a blending of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. An office wing was added in 1930.
The congregation has always served the immigrant community of Hartford. Its original members were Scottish immigrants to New England. In the 1940's, it welcomed an influx of immigrants from Jamaica. Nearly one-third of its current membership consists of African immigrants. It has hosted a new church that starts among Korean and Latino immigrants across the years. It supports the work of Presbyterian Promise, which works for the inclusion of LBGT people in the church and society.