First Presbyterian Church Sarasota FL
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Who we are
First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Sarasota has been serving the community with more than one hundred years in Sarasota. Part of the FPC legacy includes the establishment of seven other churches in the area—Whitfield, Bee Ridge, Pine Shores, Northminster, Church of the Covenant, Christ Church Longboat Key, and Peace Presbyterian.
Mission
We believe we are called to faithfully serve the Lord Jesus Christ, giving glory to God.
Vision
We desire to be a leading, faithful, witnessing, diverse, and growing community of God’s people.
Core Values
Leading: We have an ongoing tradition of leadership in our community. We are committed to meeting the ever-changing spiritual and physical needs of our community.
Faithful: Our life together centers on vibrant worship and praise as we glorify God. We are a dynamic community of faith—reformed and always reforming. We strive to be faithful managers of the gifts that God has provided for us.
Witnessing: Through compassionate service and working for justice, we share the hope we have in Jesus Christ, seeking to become spiritual partners with our neighbors.
Diverse: As a community of Jesus Christ, we unconditionally welcome all people in the manner of our Lord and Savior.
Growing: We seek spiritual growth for children and adults through prayer, the teaching and study of Scripture, and the sharing of our faith’s journey.
Mission
We believe we are called to faithfully serve the Lord Jesus Christ, giving glory to God.
Vision
We desire to be a leading, faithful, witnessing, diverse, and growing community of God’s people.
Core Values
Leading: We have an ongoing tradition of leadership in our community. We are committed to meeting the ever-changing spiritual and physical needs of our community.
Faithful: Our life together centers on vibrant worship and praise as we glorify God. We are a dynamic community of faith—reformed and always reforming. We strive to be faithful managers of the gifts that God has provided for us.
Witnessing: Through compassionate service and working for justice, we share the hope we have in Jesus Christ, seeking to become spiritual partners with our neighbors.
Growing: We seek spiritual growth for children and adults through prayer, the teaching and study of Scripture, and the sharing of our faith’s journey.
Street Address
2050 Oak Street
Sarasota,
FL
34237
United States
Phone: 941-955-8119 ext. 111
Fax: 941-957-1782
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Church Pastor
Rev. Dr. Glen Bell
Pastor
2050 Oak Street
Sarasota,
FL
34237
United States
Phone: 941-955-8119 ext. 108
Fax: 941-957-1782
Download Pastor Rev. Dr. Glen Bell vCard with bio
Click here to contact Rev. Dr. Glen Bell
Denomination
Presbyterian Church
Affiliations
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Church Website
First Presbyterian Church on Social Media
First Presbyterian Church on YouTube
Leadership
Leader Name:
Rev. Dr. Glen Bell
Leader Position:
Pastor
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Phone:
Fax:
941-957-1782
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Rev. Dr. Glen Bell
Leader Bio:
Glen, a native of North Carolina, holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. He enjoys the weekly rhythm of preaching, teaching and pastoral care, as well as the opportunity to nurture faith development and lead the congregation in our vision for the future.
Glen is married to Anne, a pediatric nurse. Together they have four young adult children: Laurel, Meredith, Matt and Rachel.
Glen is married to Anne, a pediatric nurse. Together they have four young adult children: Laurel, Meredith, Matt and Rachel.
Rev. Dr. Glen Bell on Social Media:
Other Church Leaders:
Leadership Photos
Pastor Rev. Dr. Glen Bell
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Administration
Admin Name:
Pam Schweizer
Admin Position:
Pastor's Assistant
Admin Address:
Phone:
Fax:
941-957-1782
Admin Email:
Click here to contact Pam Schweizer
Mailing Address
Driving Directions
Travel/Direction Tips
We are south of Fruitville Road and one block north of the intersection of Washington Blvd. (US 301) and Mound Street (US 41). You’ll find us toward the east at the end of the red brick road.
Parking
We have ample parking including wheelchair-accessible spaces and designated parking for visitors.
First Presbyterian Church Service Times
Worship Schedule
First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota typically offers three services at 8:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Classes for all at 10:00 a.m.
Our services include music, preaching, readings of Scripture, and prayer.
Communion is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday of the month.
You can watch the 11:00 live stream here on our site.
It's been more than 5 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota typically offers three services at 8:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Classes for all at 10:00 a.m.
Our services include music, preaching, readings of Scripture, and prayer.
Communion is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday of the month.
You can watch the 11:00 live stream here on our site.
It's been more than 5 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
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Worship Languages
Dress Code
Sunday School / Children and Youth Activities
Under 12s:
Under 18s:
Local outreach & community activities
Other activities & ministries
Special Needs/Accessibility
Prayers and Hymns
Main Bible:
Hymns and Songs:
Other information
Average Adult Congregation:
Average Youth Congregation:
Additional Info:
First Presbyterian Church Sarasota Photos
First Presbyterian Church - Sarasota, Florida
First Presbyterian Church - Sarasota, Florida
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First Presbyterian Church History
1950's
In 1950 the current sanctuary was built. In 1954 the congregation voted to relocate the church school section to the East Courtyard at the rear of the original sanctuary, add a second story to the relocated section, air-condition the worship building, and construct a manse south of the Sanctuary. By 1956 in addition to the approximately five hundred members, the church provided services for hundreds of tourists during the winter season. In 1970 a second manse was purchased across the street.
1970's
The education and office additions were built in 1976. They were located to the north and west of the original Sanctuary building. At this time the old basement was filled with dirt; the first floor of the original Sanctuary building was converted into Fellowship Hall with a second floor; and an elevator installed. The second floor became the Cowden Library and Conference room.
1990's
Renovations were made to the Chancel of the main Sanctuary's interior in 1991 along with the demolition of the south manse to provide room for a new Fellowship Hall, new Courtyard, and Youth Loft. At the same time other remodeling occurred throughout the existing building, a new Parlor and Chapel were created from the former Fellowship Hall.
2000's
The Hispanic Ministry was started by Rev. Dr. Nicandro E. Gonzalez on April 22, 2001, with Sunday services in Spanish in the Chapel and opportunities for fellowship throughout the year. After his passing only a few months later his widow, Dr. Iris Gonzalez, continued his vision, and the work of the Hispanic ministry continued.
On February 8, 2008, the Church dedicated a new bell tower, a gift from the Stottlemyer family, which began to be used for weddings, memorial services and as a call to worship.
2010's
In May 2014, the church library, located on the second floor of the administrative building, was dedicated and renamed The Cowden-Smith Library in honor of and grateful for the witness of Annabelle Cowden and Natalie Smith who served faithfully as our librarians.
Today, First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota continues to make an impact on the local and global community with a vibrant membership of individuals, couples and families of all ages.
Previous Pastors
Previous Senior Pastors
Rev. C.W. Latham (January 28, 1916 – 1924)
Rev. (Major) Augustus E. Barnett (October 1, 1924 – October 1, 1927)
Rev. B. Lowry Bowman (September 21, 1928 – September 1942)* (December 1945 – December 1952)
Dr. John E. Abbott (November 1942 – December 1945) *Service during Dr. Bowman's absence as U.S. Army Chaplain
Rev. J. Moody McNair (February 1954 – November 1969)
Rev. John H. LaMotte (December 1969 – December 1983)
Rev. Douglas Blair
(March 1985 – March 1987)
Rev. C. James Hinch (August 1988 – December 1994)
Dr. Susan Forester DeWyngaert (May 1997 – March 2011)
Dr. W. Glen Bell (January 2013 - present)
Previous Associate Pastors
Rev. Robert Ford Rev. Lawrence H. Richards Rev. Day Carper Rev. James V. Morrow Rev. Robert H. Teed Rev. Joseph Albright Rev. Clayton Thomas Rev. Melanie Kim Hamill Rev. Kelly Fitzgerald
Previous Assistant Ministers
Rev. Paul H. Moehlman Rev. Maurice L. Stone
Previous Ministers of Education
Rev. William L. Painter
Rev. Robert J. Sherman
In 1950 the current sanctuary was built. In 1954 the congregation voted to relocate the church school section to the East Courtyard at the rear of the original sanctuary, add a second story to the relocated section, air-condition the worship building, and construct a manse south of the Sanctuary. By 1956 in addition to the approximately five hundred members, the church provided services for hundreds of tourists during the winter season. In 1970 a second manse was purchased across the street.
1970's
The education and office additions were built in 1976. They were located to the north and west of the original Sanctuary building. At this time the old basement was filled with dirt; the first floor of the original Sanctuary building was converted into Fellowship Hall with a second floor; and an elevator installed. The second floor became the Cowden Library and Conference room.
Renovations were made to the Chancel of the main Sanctuary's interior in 1991 along with the demolition of the south manse to provide room for a new Fellowship Hall, new Courtyard, and Youth Loft. At the same time other remodeling occurred throughout the existing building, a new Parlor and Chapel were created from the former Fellowship Hall.
2000's
The Hispanic Ministry was started by Rev. Dr. Nicandro E. Gonzalez on April 22, 2001, with Sunday services in Spanish in the Chapel and opportunities for fellowship throughout the year. After his passing only a few months later his widow, Dr. Iris Gonzalez, continued his vision, and the work of the Hispanic ministry continued.
On February 8, 2008, the Church dedicated a new bell tower, a gift from the Stottlemyer family, which began to be used for weddings, memorial services and as a call to worship.
2010's
In May 2014, the church library, located on the second floor of the administrative building, was dedicated and renamed The Cowden-Smith Library in honor of and grateful for the witness of Annabelle Cowden and Natalie Smith who served faithfully as our librarians.
Previous Pastors
Previous Senior Pastors
Rev. C.W. Latham (January 28, 1916 – 1924)
Rev. (Major) Augustus E. Barnett (October 1, 1924 – October 1, 1927)
Rev. B. Lowry Bowman (September 21, 1928 – September 1942)* (December 1945 – December 1952)
Dr. John E. Abbott (November 1942 – December 1945) *Service during Dr. Bowman's absence as U.S. Army Chaplain
Rev. J. Moody McNair (February 1954 – November 1969)
Rev. John H. LaMotte (December 1969 – December 1983)
Rev. C. James Hinch (August 1988 – December 1994)
Dr. Susan Forester DeWyngaert (May 1997 – March 2011)
Dr. W. Glen Bell (January 2013 - present)
Previous Associate Pastors
Rev. Robert Ford Rev. Lawrence H. Richards Rev. Day Carper Rev. James V. Morrow Rev. Robert H. Teed Rev. Joseph Albright Rev. Clayton Thomas Rev. Melanie Kim Hamill Rev. Kelly Fitzgerald
Previous Assistant Ministers
Rev. Paul H. Moehlman Rev. Maurice L. Stone
Previous Ministers of Education
First Presbyterian Church Historical Photos
First Presbyterian Church - Sarasota, Florida
Church in 1928
Church in 1953
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Teach us to serve Thee
Teach us, good Lord, to serve Thee more faithfully; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do Thy will, O Lord our God.
First Presbyterian Church listing was last updated on the 21st of March, 2019
