First Presbyterian

Specialties

First Presbyterian Church is a Christ-​centered church committed to proclaiming the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ so that people may come to a personal faith in Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, discipling one another in that faith, and reaching out with God’s love to all.

We are a member of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.

History

Established in 1914.

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. 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 on 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. 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.