ABOUT US

First Presbyterian Church of Leesburg is a historic church that is "reaching, growing and sending" in a rapidly changing world.

The official church was organized in 1869 by the Reverend John W. Montgomery, an evangelist from the Presbytery of Florida. He was a circuit rider who was part of the Sumter Church.

In 1872, The Reverend T.F. Montgomery was appointed to preach in Leesburg. The Presbyterians met in private homes, one of them being in the present Silver Lake area. Leesburg had the whopping population of 150 people in 1875 and 23% of them were members of the Presbyterian Church.

The location of the first building was at Perkins and Main Street in Leesburg. In 1957, when the church moved from Perkins Street, there were over 400 members. The present Fellowship Hall was built in 1958. Our present sanctuary was built in 1970.

Several churches were spun off from First Presbyterian Church: New Life Presbyterian, Lake Square Presbyterian and North Lake Presbyterian.

First Presbyterian Church is known as the Mission Church since it is very active in local and International Missions. The first Mission Conference was established in 1974 and the total giving from all of these conferences is over $819,000 for projects to spread God's love in Leesburg, Lake County, the USA and throughout the world.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Do I have to stand up in front of people?

No, we won't ask you to do that. We provide green cards in each pew that you are welcome to fill out with your name and any prayer requests that you may have. That's about as rough as it gets. We desire that you feel at home at First Presbyterian Church from your very first visit. We do want to know you better, and to that end we want to meet you. There's a time set aside during each service where the people around you are encouraged to introduce themselves to you. This makes it a little more personal than having you introduce yourself to such a large group. So don't be afraid to tell us who you are. You might see someone you know.

Do I have to wake up early?

Hey, that's a good question. We are all really maxed out because of our fast-paced society. We work ourselves to exhaustion during the week and when the weekend gets here we need some down time. Considering this, the folks who make up First Presbyterian Church meet together at various times throughout the week and weekends. Our worship services take place on Sunday at 8:30 a.m., Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and another worship service at 11:00 a.m.

Do you want my money?

Well, not really, and here's why we say that. The First Presbyterian folks who are a regular part of our community give on a weekly basis to support our many activities. When you visit with us, look around you. Everything we have is because someone has given of their time or money to make it possible. In time, if you decide to become a regular part of our church, you may decide that you would like to participate in our many activities and efforts here and around the world. We will welcome your support. For now, our desire for you is simply that you come and check us out without feeling any pressure to give.

Are you going to tell me what's wrong with me?

Well to start off with that question presumes that we are better than you. That's not the case. The message that Jesus shared was about the good news. Jesus did not come to earth to condemn us. Instead, He came to give us real life. We are beggars here, possibly like you...The only difference is that we have just found the place to receive real bread and happiness. We desire that you come away from one of our services with the reality that we are all working on personal issues, just like you.

Do I have to dress up? No, you don't.

Sunday has always traditionally been a special day of the week and hence we all tend to dress up for special times. 8:30 Worship Service tends to have more of a formal atmosphere but our 11:00 service is more contemporary and has a relaxed atmosphere. Join us and you will see people dressed in comfortable clothes and others dressed in suits and dresses. I have kids.

What can I do with them if I come?

At First Presbyterian Church we have a fun and exciting worship time for our children and a nursery for children through age 5, is provided during our worship services. We have taken all the necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of your children by screening and interviewing all workers and volunteers. Children are definitely welcome to attend service with you if that makes you feel more comfortable. Handy bags with children bulletins and crayons are made available to them. I've got more questions. Please feel free to call our church office, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 352-787-5687, to ask any questions that remain. Or, write to us at fpcl@comcast.net.

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