Spotlight-First Boynton Beach

PRESBYTERY OF TROPICAL FLORIDA

First Presbyterian Church, Boynton Beach
	First Presbyterian Church of Boynton Beach is located at the Gateway to the Gulf Stream. This year the church, which is led by the Rev. Dr. M. Randall Gill, is celebrating their Golden Jubilee. Events include a Homecoming Turkey Dinner in November and a 1950’s style worship service with ladies wearing retro hats. A drama team led by Gaynelle Gosselin will be presenting a play of First Presbyterian’s history. As the church celebrates the Golden Jubilee, the women have completed an anniversary cookbook of favorite recipes from church members, past and present.
The church began in the historic Boynton Beach Women’s Club, designed by Addison Mizner in October, 1955. The Rev. Keith Love was installed as the first pastor and served until 1961. The Rev. Earl Downey was installed in July,1961 and on May 26 th , 1963, ground was broken for the Sanctuary and dedicated on November 17 th of the same year. In November of 1966, the Rev. Douglas Smith was installed as pastor and in 1973 the Rev. Steve Moss joined him as Assistant and later Associate Pastor. Dr. Harold Faust served as the Interim Pastor when Rev. Smith resigned in 1982. He brought with him Dr. Dean Dobson as Minister of Visitation. In 1983 the Rev. Voris Brookshire served until 1987. Dr. John A. Lampe became our Interim Pastor at the beginning of 1988 along with Dr. David T. Evans who served as Pastor of Visitation. In 1989 Dr. Gill was installed as pastor at First Presbyterian Church. Ethel McGhee has served for sixteen years as the Clerk of Session. Over the past 50 years, the church has been known for its support of local and world missions. This past summer they supported a college student, Jessica Rogers, to enable her to go on a mission trip to Indonesia. They also supported a high school student and member of the church, Renee Roberts, with her mission trip to the Dominican Republic. First Church has a dedicated group of Elders, including Cecil Adderley and Harry Buck, who serve on Presbytery committees. The Presbyterian Women provide leadership to the Presbytery and two women, Shirley Fairchild and Mary Lu Buck, have served as recent PW Moderators. The Boynton Beach City Library proudly announces the publication of Images of America: Boynton Beach, published by Arcadia Publishing. This new 128-page local history book by Dr. Gill in conjunction with the Boynton Beach City Library was co-authored by Library Associate and Archivist Janet DeVries. The book includes over 200 vintage photographs from the historical archives including three photos of First Presbyterian Church. The book shows faith has played an important role in the history of Boynton Beach. Proceeds will benefit the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum in Boynton Beach. Books are available for purchase at the Boynton Beach City Library, the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and at local bookstores. The Mayor and City Commissioners of Boynton Beach recognized Dr. Gill at a recent City Commission Meeting for his efforts in preserving the City’s heritage. We give thanks for those who have laid a foundation of Christian faith, hope and love, and we remember those who have faithfully served Christ and supported First Presbyterian Church through the years. As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee, we are reaching out into our community with new programs that reflect our vision to welcome and reach all people for our Lord Jesus Christ.