First Presbyterian, Eustis Celebrates 140th Anniversary
The First Presbyterian Church of Eustis is celebrating its 140th anniversary in February 2025. The historic church will be open for tours on Saturday February 15th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Visitors will be able to tour the campus, view the historic sanctuary, stained glass windows, and curated memorabilia related to the church and the City of Eustis. The congregation will also have displays of the numerous missions that are supported both locally and abroad.
A commemorative worship service will be held on Sunday, February 16th at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. This service will blend both traditional and contemporary music, and special Proclamations made by local officials. The community is invited to the celebration and refreshments immediately after.
Although the United States opened the Eustis area for homesteading in the 1850’s, the Civil War delayed settlement. Surveying was finally completed in 1875 and settlement soon followed. In 1881 one of the first settlers, G. D. Clifford, built a general store. The second story had a large hall. This became the town’s meeting place and religious services were held there on Sundays.
The First Presbyterian Church was chartered on Feb.17,1884 under the guidance of Dr. J.H. Potter who was pastor there until his death in 1903. The little congregation decided to build a church. Mr. A. S. Pendry donated a lot on the corner of Center Street and Citrus Avenue. The congregation provided funds which cost $3,750.00 and was dedicated debt-free on January 7, 1885. The congregation soon outgrew the little wooden structure and in 1912 the building was moved down the street and construction was started on the present building.
As long-time member Ann Rou says, “We grew with the city and the one thing that has remained the same is that is that the church offers a place for people to worship in the heart of the city.” The church also serves the local community as a meeting place for local Scout Troops, serves meals to the community every Friday, hosted awards celebrations for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the athletic department of Eustis High School. “We are a partner with local community, and also the community beyond our area with generous support from this congregation,” added Pastor Mario Bolivar who has been the Head Pastor for the past six years. “The history of First Presbyterian Church is woven into the fabric of Eustis itself. Our congregation has witnessed and weathered the sweeping changes of history – from economic depressions to world wars, from cultural shifts to global pandemics. Yet through it all, this church has not only survived but thrived, standing firm as a sanctuary of faith and resilience.”
A commemorative worship service will be held on Sunday, February 16th at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. This service will blend both traditional and contemporary music, and special Proclamations made by local officials. The community is invited to the celebration and refreshments immediately after.
Although the United States opened the Eustis area for homesteading in the 1850’s, the Civil War delayed settlement. Surveying was finally completed in 1875 and settlement soon followed. In 1881 one of the first settlers, G. D. Clifford, built a general store. The second story had a large hall. This became the town’s meeting place and religious services were held there on Sundays.
The First Presbyterian Church was chartered on Feb.17,1884 under the guidance of Dr. J.H. Potter who was pastor there until his death in 1903. The little congregation decided to build a church. Mr. A. S. Pendry donated a lot on the corner of Center Street and Citrus Avenue. The congregation provided funds which cost $3,750.00 and was dedicated debt-free on January 7, 1885. The congregation soon outgrew the little wooden structure and in 1912 the building was moved down the street and construction was started on the present building.
As long-time member Ann Rou says, “We grew with the city and the one thing that has remained the same is that is that the church offers a place for people to worship in the heart of the city.” The church also serves the local community as a meeting place for local Scout Troops, serves meals to the community every Friday, hosted awards celebrations for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the athletic department of Eustis High School. “We are a partner with local community, and also the community beyond our area with generous support from this congregation,” added Pastor Mario Bolivar who has been the Head Pastor for the past six years. “The history of First Presbyterian Church is woven into the fabric of Eustis itself. Our congregation has witnessed and weathered the sweeping changes of history – from economic depressions to world wars, from cultural shifts to global pandemics. Yet through it all, this church has not only survived but thrived, standing firm as a sanctuary of faith and resilience.”