First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville was established in 1837. Since then it has grown to over 1,100 members. As part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination, it is a member of a church family that includes over 11,000 churches nationwide and over 2.5 million members. Presbyterians have always seen themselves as part of the whole Christian family.

Our congregation moved to its present location on South Enota Drive in 1976. The original facilities on this site were designed by the noted church architect, Harold. E. Wagner. The stained glass windows in the sanctuary were designed by the renowned Willet Studios of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Between 1996 and 1997, a new fellowship hall, activities complex, offices, and additional educational space were completed.

As Presbyterians we are rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church. We believe that Christ calls the Church into being and equips it for mission to the world and service to God. Christ is the source of the Church's faith and life. His will for the Church is revealed through Scripture, which is the written Word of God. Christ is the Church's authority, and the Church affirms that he alone is Lord.

As a Presbyterian church, we are heirs to both the apostolic tradition and the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Therefore we are Reformed in the way we understand God and God's relationship to all creation. Two basic tenets of Reformed Theology affirm God's supremacy over all things and humanity's chief purpose being to glorify and enjoy God forever. As a Reformed church, we see ourselves as reformed, and always being reformed by the Holy Spirit.

Presbyterians believe that things should be done decently and in order. We hold to a representational form of government from which we got our name. The word Presbyterian is the Greek work for elder.

There are three ordained offices in our congregational government: elder, deacon, and ministers of Word and Sacrament, all of which are mentioned in the New Testament. Ministers and elders oversee the total life of the congregation. Together they are called the Session. Deacons are called primarily to ministries of service and caring and are known as the Diaconate.

Our Session and Diaconate consist of 27 members each, called and elected by the members of the congregation. Each group also consists of three classes of nine members each, all of which serve for three-year terms.

One becomes an active member of the church through faith in Jesus Christ as savior and acceptance of his Lordship in all of life. Baptism and a public profession of faith in Jesus as Lord are the visible signs of entrance into the active membership of the church.

Persons may enter into active church membership in the following ways: by profession of faith, reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ, or transfer of membership from another church.

Our pastor regularly conducts a class for new and prospective members. Contact our church office for more information.

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First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville was established in 1837. Since then it has grown to over 1,100 members. As part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination, it is a member of a church family that includes over 11,000 churches nationwide and over 2.5 million members. Presbyterians have always seen themselves as part of the whole Christian family. Our congregation moved to its present location on South Enota Drive in 1976. The original facilities on this site were designed by the noted church architect, Harold. E. Wagner. The stained glass windows in the sanctuary were designed by the renowned Willet Studios of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Between 1996 and 1997, a new fellowship hall, activities complex, offices, and additional educational space were completed. As Presbyterians we are rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church. We believe that Christ calls the Church into being and equips it for mission to the world and service to God. Christ is the source of the Church's faith and life. His will for the Church is revealed through Scripture, which is the written Word of God. Christ is the Church's authority, and the Church affirms that he alone is Lord. As a Presbyterian church, we are heirs to both the apostolic tradition and the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Therefore we are Reformed in the way we understand God and God's relationship to all creation. Two basic tenets of Reformed Theology affirm God's supremacy over all things and humanity's chief purpose being to glorify and enjoy God forever. As a Reformed church, we see ourselves as reformed, and always being reformed by the Holy Spirit. Presbyterians believe that things should be done decently and in order. We hold to a representational form of government from which we got our name. The word Presbyterian is the Greek work for elder. There are three ordained offices in our congregational government: elder, deacon, and ministers of Word and Sacrament, all of which are mentioned in the New Testament. Ministers and elders oversee the total life of the congregation. Together they are called the Session. Deacons are called primarily to ministries of service and caring and are known as the Diaconate. Our Session and Diaconate consist of 27 members each, called and elected by the members of the congregation. Each group also consists of three classes of nine members each, all of which serve for three-year terms. One becomes an active member of the church through faith in Jesus Christ as savior and acceptance of his Lordship in all of life. Baptism and a public profession of faith in Jesus as Lord are the visible signs of entrance into the active membership of the church. Persons may enter into active church membership in the following ways: by profession of faith, reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ, or transfer of membership from another church. Our pastor regularly conducts a class for new and prospective members. Contact our church office for more information.
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