Our Story

First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale

1911 and 1912 were active years along the banks of the tiny river community, known as the City of Fort Lauderdale. Many of the same active leaders incorporated the City in 1911 and founded First Presbyterian Church in 1912. Almost like twins, the two have been linked together in an active vision based on the prospect of ever growing future greatness.

Since First Church’s meager beginning in a small house downtown on Las Olas Boulevard, its growing membership has been active in every level of all major public, private and charitable organizations. The rich history of its membership has been hallmarked by Mayors, City Commissioners, County Commissioners, Elections Supervisors, Judges, Property Appraisers, Philanthropists, and State and National Representatives.

First Church’s growth has resulted from outstanding leadership and dedicated members who serve both the church and the community. Rapid early growth led to the eventual construction of the present church in 1942. This building is located downtown and remains a major spiritual force on the historic Las Olas Boulevard corridor which serves as the connector to the beach, the Las Olas Isles, the Cultural Arts district, and the downtown entertainment/business complex. Today there remain many third and fourth generation members of First Presbyterian Church providing a historical link between the past and the future of the church and the community.

The church’s Outreach Programs continue to strengthen that active Church/City partnership. The members have built a total of eighteen houses for Habitat for Humanity and plan on building one house per year on lots provided free of charge by the City. Other outreach involvements include hungry and homeless feeding and clothing programs, the Thanksgiving Project, which provides an average of 700 meals to needy members of the community each year, six annual blood drives, the “Angel Tree” Project which provides Christmas gifts and food to the children of inmates, and so many others planned and executed by the Women’s Ministry, the Men’s Ministry and the Deacons. Beyond the local community, First Church plans mission trips nationally and around the world.

The key words that describe First Presbyterian Church are “spiritually active”. Every person regardless of age can select among many activities and ministries in which to participate. There is literally something for everyone. From outstanding weekly education classes, to learning to ballroom dance, First Church provides a plethora of opportunities for all, regardless of age.

Since 1947, Happyland Day School, a pre-school for ages two to Kindergarten, has provided a quality Christian environment for the children of our community. Several of the children in Happyland have parents and grandparents who themselves are Happyland graduates.

The children and youth programs provide Christian activities which are fun, educational and spiritual. The children’s and middle school choirs bring many smiles to the congregation as they participate monthly in worship services. In addition, they have two full musical productions each year. The Kirk Singers, our high school choir, practice and participate weekly in Sunday worship services. For thirty nine years they have performed a full Broadway musical production in Fellowship Hall. The Kirk Singers also tour the US and other countries on their annual summer choir tour. The church youth groups (grades 6-12) stay very busy throughout the year. They meet for Sunday School (Bible Study), weekly Youth Group (a more casual environment focused mostly on fun) and they travel on several local and out-of-state mission trips each year.

The wealth of music in the history of First Church is epitomized by the Cathedral Choir, an integral link to the worship experience. Open to all who have a heart and desire to sing, this adult volunteer choir provides exquisite sacred musical offerings each week. The music department also brings music into our community by organizing and hosting a yearly Concert Series with varied programs appealing to all ages.

Of great pride to First Church is its College Scholarship program. From a small beginning in 1974 the fund has grown to over $1.2 million dollars, 37 years later. In 2011 the church provided 68 scholarships to deserving children of church members and minority students at a total cost of $116.000, with all funds taken from interest earned on principal.

The Adult Activity Center, a one of a kind program open to all senior citizens, serves the community with weekly Thursday lunches and entertainment. In addition, monthly bus trips to special Florida locations are offered and enjoyed by many.

First Church always looks to the future but never forgets its past and its Scottish heritage.
The tradition of the wearing of the tartans and the music of the bagpipe and drums stirs hearts and spirits as we worship the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow. We celebrate our Scottish heritage at both our Hanging of the Greens service and our annual Scottish Sunday.

The church’s rich history and continued enrichment, results from the work of many who have served the church long and well. From gifted Senior Pastors, to a rich and energetic staff, to hard working lay leaders and a vibrant congregation, the church continues to not only serve, but thrive.

Several books and articles have been written about the church and the City of Fort Lauderdale. Many of the same descriptive words appear in them. Unique, pioneers in the community, cooperative, impossible dreamers, involved, tolerant, and visionary. First Presbyterian Church and the City of Fort Lauderdale — born together, working together, and growing together with the Grace of God and helping to make Fort Lauderdale a good place in which to live.