The Presbytery of Florida
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| Most people today know about the heavily populated peninsula of Florida. Some say that the panhandle of Florida, the location of the Presbytery of Florida, is just now being discovered. This presbytery, 48 churches and 9,017 members strong, was the mother presbytery for all of Florida, established on November 28, 1840, while Florida was still a territory. The first congregation, Euchee Valley Presbyterian Church, was established in 1827. It was here that the mission of the presbytery began, developing congregations in Tallahassee, Quincy, Marianna, Madison, and Monticello by 1840.
A presbytery once divided by rural, urban, and theological issues changed in the 1960s. After the loss of several congregations and a lawsuit over church property that was decided in the U.S. Supreme Court, a new spirit of harmony came about. From its beginning, the Presbytery of Florida established new churches and developed a deep relationship with Presbyterian universities, colleges, and schools; it also founded one of the first women’s organizations. Additionally, the presbytery engaged in a summer camping ministry that has expanded to year-round use. The Presbytery of Florida continues to begin new churches; eight have been established over the past ten years. It has a strong commitment to campus student ministry, hunger programs, hands-on mission grants to local churches, Presbyterian Women’s organizations, and its camping program at Dogwood Acres. Hurricane Ivan created a disaster that brought the presbytery together. Churches and members have committed both time and money to help rebuild lives and homes in the hardest hit areas of this and other presbyteries. Working together the Presbytery of Florida responds to the grace of God, and shares in the ministry of Christ. The presbytery encourages and equips its members to use their gifts for ministry, lifting high the vision of Christ’s call to go into all the world and proclaim the good news. |
 Elder Frank Adams, member, GAC Presbytery Staff Rev. Terry Dyer, executive presbyter Jean Silva, associate presbyter for education Doug Walters, associate for outdoor ministry Michele Dalton, program and communications specialist/office manager Terri Boardway, office secretary Stephen Yates, stated clerk Joy Hummell, bookkeeper PC(USA) General Assembly Staff Wendy Doyon, WMD Thomas Dragani, BOP Edward Driscoll, BOP |
 He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29). |
 Ps. 27, 102, 126, 147:12–20 Exod. 1:6–22 1 Cor. 12:12–26; Mark 8:27—9:1 |
