Central Presbyterian Church is an ethnically-diverse congregation united in our faith in Jesus Christ. We are Christ-centered in our faith, biblically-grounded in our theology, exuberant in our fellowship, and joyous in our worship.

Central Presbyterian Church began its life on May 15, 1927, as a mission project of First Presbyterian Church, Miami on Brickell Avenue. Located originally a few blocks from the old Orange Bowl, it truly was “central” to Miami. In 1978, seeing the shift in population trends, the Rev. Robert Polland petitioned presbytery to allow the church to relocate to West Kendall. After meeting briefly at Arvida Middle School, we moved to our current site at 12455 SW 104 Street, worshiping first in Cumbaa Fellowship Hall, and then in the sanctuary once it was completed in 1986.

As grateful as we are to God for his faithfulness in the past, we are even more grateful for our present ministry. In spite of challenging demographics, CPC remains a vibrant and growing English-language congregation by championing an evangelical theology, prizing excellence and harmony in staffing, and offering a compelling and comprehensive program.

Education. We have a full-orbed educational ministry under the capable direction of Laurie May, Director of Children’s Ministries, Edwin Collado, Youth Pastor, and Dr. Kathy Roach, moderator of the Education Committee, and her committee. We offer Church School for all ages, fellowship groups for elementary grades to young adults, Bible Studies, work camp and conference experiences. Our Senior High “Doughnut Club” is standing-room-only.

Worship. CPC has long had a reputation for excellence in music ministry. Our current Director of Music Ministries, Ryan Holder, continues that tradition, leading with equal skill the 9:00 praise team and the10:30 chancel choir. Our two different styles of worship appeal to differing tastes, but there’s agreement as to the importance of the proclaimed Word of God in sermons which are based on the Bible, laced with logic, and sprinkled with humor. Elder George Curth, his committee, the ushers and greeters, all contribute to a warm and welcoming environment for worship.

Missions and Outreach. Everybody in Kendall knows about Central. We’re the home of the Creative Learning Center, an award-winning, NAEYC-accredited, preschool and kindergarten for 375 children. We’re the church with the Pumpkin Patch at Halloween time. We are involved with mission projects as diverse as Community Partnership for the Homeless and the “Tea and Bread Lady,” Joan Trevelyn, who ministers on the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe, to children who’ve been orphaned by the AIDS pandemic.

Fellowship. We know how to party at CPC. And we’ll take any excuse to do so. After all, how many churches do you know who have a plaque on the wall of the nearby Irish Tavern? The Parish Life Committee, moderated by Elder Roma Henning, organizes fellowship breakfasts each month, and other gatherings as well.

And time would fail me to tell of PW groups, a fledgling men’s fellowship, Stephen Ministry, Deacon flocks, and the like. We are convinced that CPC’s best years are still ahead of us. As we prayed recently on Heritage Sunday…

O God, Who gives us light for the journey and guidance on our way, we thank you for your faithfulness through the decades. Truly you have blessed Central Presbyterian Church, and we are grateful. As changing as our society has been, your unchanging love has been sufficient. As tumultuous as world events have been, in your power we find the eye of the storm. Grant us, we pray, wisdom to discern your will for us and bold faith to follow where you lead. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(KCH)