September 12, 1840 – With the help of Chauncey & Dolly Swan, North Presbyterian Church – today’s First Presbyterian – becomes one of Iowa City’s first churches.

Under the leadership of Rev. Michael Hummer (above right), the little congregation, North Presbyterian Church officially formed on September 12, 1840. Fortunately, one of the church’s founding couples was Chauncey (above left) and Dolly Swan, who helped finance the The National Hotel, located directly north of Capitol Square. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Chauncey, in 1838, was appointed by the Iowa Territorial Legislature, meeting in Burlington, to head up the three-man commission that selected the new site for the territorial capital in Johnson County. Chauncey Swan had become very influential in Iowa City, and with his support, the church was given a primary plot of land, located just one block north of The National – which in 1842 became known as The Swan Hotel. That donated property on Market Street – eventually became the home of today’s Old Brick!

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