First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach was founded in 1925 with 66 Charter members.  In 1926, after meeting at several locations in downtown Delray Beach, the congregation leased a former Baptist church building on Bronson Avenue in the downtown area.  By 1929, the congregation had raised the funds to purchase the building.  In 1999, that original Sanctuary, which is the current Fellowship Hall, was listed on the Register of Historical Places in Delray Beach.  In 1977, the current Sanctuary was built.  With approximately 3.5 acres of land on the island between the Intracoastal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, the church is one of the most visual and vibrant congregations in downtown Delray Beach.

Throughout the years, the congregation has been blessed with a wonderful pastoral staff.  Theodore A. Bush, Ph.D., Senior Pastor, joined the staff in March of 1984.  Rev. Joan LeRoy Abell, M.R.E., has held several positions in the church.  Originally hired as a Christian Education consultant in 1992, she then became a Parish Associate.  In 1994, she was called as an Associate Pastor.  In 2006, Rev. Will Mullins, M.Div., a recent Seminary graduate, was called as an Associate Pastor with his primary focus on young adults and families.  Rev. Jo Garnett, M.C.E., our Parish Associate for Senior Ministries, rounds out the Pastoral staff.

The music department at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is one of the finest in the area.  Mr. Donald Cannarozzi, M.M., J.D., was hired in 1993 as Organist and Director of Music.  He plays our wonderful organ as well as leads our outstanding choir, which is blended with professional section leaders and volunteer choir members.  Mr. James Poch, S.M.M., the Associate Director of Music, does an exemplary job of leading the adult and youth hand bell choirs as well as directing the children’s choir.

The newest addition to our professional staff is Deborah Wilkinson, M.Div., M.A.C.E.  She was recently hired as our part-time Director of Christian Education for Children.  Deborah is a candidate under the care of the Session of the Presbyterian Church of the Way in Shoreview, Minnesota, which is part of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities area and lives locally.  Deborah’s husband is a member of the congregation and we are excited to add her vibrancy and experience to the professional staff.

With a membership of approximately 900 members, First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is acknowledged by the local community as a primary leader among area congregations in direct involvement in mission work.  The congregation is committed to witnessing to the Presence of Christ in our community and throughout the world. 

Christian Educational programs for people of all ages are an important aspect of the church.  Sunday School classes for all age groups, along with special Christian Education events, are planned throughout the year.  A new aspect of this focus will be our newly planned small-group ministries which will debut in the fall.

First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, at 81 years young, continues to be a beacon of faith to residents and visitors in downtown Delray Beach.  As the church’s programs evolve and grow, additional mission, educational and visitor outreach programs are consistently being evaluated and added.