CRESTVIEW — To the list of area organizations joining the city in celebrating 100th birthdays add the First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
The institution has been in the same spot — on the corner of State Road 85 and Courthouse Terrace — almost its entire century. This week its congregation is celebrating 100 years of service to the Crestview community.
Okaloosa County was barely established in 1915 when the Presbytery of Florida sanctioned a Home Mission Committee under Dr. W.E. McIlwain to organize a Crestview Presbyterian Church.
Twelve founding members were received from other Northwest Florida churches. Starting in 1916, the church met in various locations until it could build a home of its own.
On Feb. 17, 1918, church trustees were elected and instructed to secure property for the new church. A gift of land on the corner of Ferdon and Pearl streets was accepted from H.F. Brett of DeFuniak Springs.
McIlwain’s plan for a handsome but simple brick church with a square tower was approved a month later, but because of various delays, it wasn’t until 1925 that the $5,000 church was completed.
A complementing brick educational building was added in 1948 and is still in use. As the congregation outgrew the original church, it was replaced in 1965 with the modern building used today.
Plans are being made to either completely renovate the ‘60s church or replace it, the church’s pastor, the Rev. Mark Broadhead said, possibly in conjunction with renovating or replacing the education building.
This week’s centennial celebration includes a May 12 supper followed with a performance by Schola Cantorum, Northwest Florida State College’s community choral group.
Then a Sunday worship service is planned for 11 a.m., followed by dinner on the grounds.
“Former members are invited to attend and reunite with your friends and meet new members of our congregation,” Broadhead said. “Previous pastors who helped further the life and ministry of the congregation are also invited to return to say hello to friends old and new.”
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WANT TO GO?
The First Presbyterian Church of Crestview celebrates its centennial this week.
WHAT: Centennial Supper, 6 p.m. May 12, Fellowship Hall; Schola Cantorum Spring Concert, 7 p.m. May 12, Sanctuary; Centennial Worship, 11 a.m. May 15, Sanctuary; and Dinner-on-the-Grounds, following worship, May 15
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, South Ferdon Boulevard at Courthouse Terrace
COST: All events are free; a love offering will be received for the Schola Cantorum concert
NOTES: For Sunday worship and dinner-on-the-grounds, the parking lot will be closed. Please use street parking or the courthouse parking lot across Courthouse Terrace. Information: 682-2835.
The First Presbyterian Church of Crestview celebrates its centennial this week.
WHAT: Schola Cantorum Spring Concert, 7 p.m. May 12, Sanctuary; Centennial Worship, 11 a.m. May 15, Sanctuary; and Dinner-on-the-Grounds, following worship, May 15
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, South Ferdon Boulevard at Courthouse Terrace
COST: All events are free; a love offering will be received for the Schola Cantorum concert
NOTES: For Sunday worship and dinner-on-the-grounds, the parking lot will be closed. Please use street parking or the courthouse parking lot across Courthouse Terrace. Information: 682-2835.
WANT TO GO?
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: First Presbyterian Church of Crestview marks 100th birthday