Who We Are
Our mission is to make and mature disciples for Jesus Christ. That means we care about Jesus Christ more than anything else. First Presbyterian is a family of individuals that have found hope and abundance in Jesus, and simply want as many people as possible to experience that exact same hope and abundance.
Where We've Been
First Presbyterian was established on March 7, 1885. The first of what is now four church buildings was built in May 1885 on South Tennessee Avenue between Main and Lemon Streets. With growing membership, a second building was needed and built in September 1919. This one was on South Massachusetts Avenue overlooking Lake Mirror. Lakeland population at the time was about 7,000 people. Thirty-six years later, with a vision of “more adequate and more beautiful facilities,” a third church, also on South Massachusetts, was built on March 13, 1955. Finally, on Christmas Eve 1978, the first worship service was held in the current sanctuary at the Lake Hollingsworth location. The Rev. Dr. Henry Dahlberg spoke the first words uttered from the pulpit: “Jesus Is Lord.” That phrase captures well the entire history of the church.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED
What's the bottom line? More than ever, First Presbyterian is committed to fostering a family built around hope. Hope for the future. Hope for better. Hope for progress. Hope in Jesus. And as we move forward as a church family, inclusion and belonging remain at the center of who we are as followers of Christ.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
What does this mean for you? Most importantly, you're always welcome at First Presbyterian. We're saving a seat for you. Wherever you're at in your faith journey, you'll always be accepted as part of the First Presbyterian family.
If you want to learn more about our beliefs as a church, click here. Or if you'd simply like to get in touch with a person at the church directly, click the button below.