We exist to guide people toward becoming healthy followers of Jesus Christ

In the mid to late 1800's revival swept through Sweden and many believers wanted to diassociate themselves from the state run church. They were allowed to meet, but they were required to be registered and baptized by the state church. During this time many Swedes emigrated to the United States with most of them settling in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but a number of them came to McKeesport where they could find employment in their craft of iron working.

In early 1882, a young preacher from Sweden named Fred Edquist came to McKeesport and began holding meetings for the Swedes who had settled here. The group grew and in May of 1882 the church was organized and named the first Swedish Evangelical Free Church. It was the first Swedish church in Southwestern, Pennsylvania, and it was absolutely free and independent. The pastor preached salvation, called believers to live a separated life, and accepted the Bible as the final authority.

The church grew and in 1884, they dedicated a new building they had completed. The church continued to grow and the need for a larger church in a larger location was felt. In 1907 they moved up the street and dedicated another new building they had built themselves.

In the early 1940's, the church began to change from Swedish speaking services to English. Then in January 1946, with all the services conducted in English, the name of the church was changed to The First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport.

In 1950, the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) was formed with our church as a member. The EFCA is an association of free churches that provides missions, training, and seminary resources for its members.

In 1967, the church again moved and dedicated a new building in its current location. Then, in 1979, Pastor Jack Kelly was called to be the pastor and since that time the church has grown and added two large additions on to the building.