A History of Service

The First Presbyterian Church of Florence, South Carolina was officially organized on March 23, 1861.  Dr. Thomas R. English served the Florence Church as it’s first pastor with thirty-four members, twenty-one white and thirteen black. The Harmony Presbytery had decided the small town of Florence was a favorable location for this new church because it was halfway between Darlington and Hopewell.
 
The first building was dedicated to the glory of God in December of 1860 and was located near the railroad passenger station on Church Street.   After a period of growth the church moved in 1905 to a second location on East Evans Street between Dargan and Church streets.  Between 1905 and 1953 the church grew and participated in the organization of three other Presbyterian churches in the area.  Then again in 1953 the church decided to move out of town to the “kite flying field” on Cherokee.  The current sanctuary was completed late in the winter of 1959 and the congregation moved in and held the first service in the Park Avenue sanctuary on Easter Sunday, March 29.

In the mid 1970’s, the church experienced a significant renewal that impacted much of the Florence community as well as many Presbyterian churches around the country.  Key lay leaders led spiritual renewal events where many came to the Lord or rededicated their lives to Christ.  Many in our church today speak of how God used those days in their own lives.

First Presbyterian Church has become a congregation committed to mission, sending approximately 30% of its budget to works that promote the Lordship of Christ locally and abroad. Church members in recent years have been personally involved in the creation of mission efforts locally such as the Mercy Medicine, the Lighthouse ministry, Manna House and the Area Rescue Mission.  In addition Church members have traveled abroad to mission efforts in such places as Mexico, Bolivia, Romania, Jamaica.  And the church supports over 25 missionaries or missions on almost every continent of the world.

The church has a passion to care for its membership as evidenced by a strong children’s ministry and small group ministry, by it’s varied and generous support of the Presbyterian Community (where many of our members reside) and a Keenager ministry (for our retired folk) that boasts a membership of almost 100.

First Presbyterian would like to have you as a part of its history. A dozen pastors since its inception, many other support staff as well as 100’s of lay people have made this congregation a place within which to grow and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Please prayerfully consider joining us.