First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
We are a covenant community, making disciples who light the world.
The church manages this profile directly.
About Us
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando has been a staple of downtown Orlando for over 135 years. Surviving fires, hurricanes and the changing winds of time, the church continues to grow and serve the surrounding community.
In the summer of 2004, the church called its 16th Senior Pastor, Dr. David D. Swanson, from the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Ft. Myers, Florida. Dr. Swanson began his ministry in September of that year.
Following 30+ years of participation in renewal efforts in the Presbyterian Church (USA), in 2010 the Session and congregation began an 18-month discernment process for a new denominational home. In 2012 the congregation voted to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), with Presbytery concurrence, due to the shared Essential Tenets of Faith and clear theological center the EPC provided. The denomination provides an accountable, connectional home for First Presbyterian Church that is evangelical in outlook, Presbyterian in governance, Reformed in theology, and Missional in methodology.
First Pres has no intention of slowing down. The congregation has a passion for ministry and a vision for the future.
- Vibe
- Casual, Traditional Liturgy, Downtown, Friendly, Historic, Multigenerational, Young, Young families, Lots of kids
- Programs
- Community Service, Social Justice, Faith and Work, Young Adults, Youth Group, Choir, Missions, Nursery, Adult Education, Daycare, Preschool, School, Seniors Ministry, Children's Ministry
- Denomination
- Presbyterian (EPC)
- Size
- Medium
- Language
- English
- Founded
- 1876
Contact Information
Our Services
Service Times
- Sunday
-
- 08:30am
- Traditional in the Sanctuary
- 09:45am
- Genesis in Lee Fellowship Hall
- 09:45am
- Adult Sunday School
- 11:00am
- Traditional in the Sanctuary
- 11:00am
- Genesis in Lee Fellowship Hall
- 09:30am
- Middle & High School Students in Allen-Yowell
- Wednesday
-
- 05:30pm
- Middle School
- 07:30pm
- High School
What to Expect
Leadership
Dr. David D. Swanson
The Rev. Dr. David D. Swanson is the Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Dr. Swanson received his Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Prior to his arrival in Orlando, he served two pastorates: the first in Signal Mountain, TN as an Associate for both youth ministry and discipleship; the second in Ft. Myers, FL as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff. He and his wife, Leigh, have three children: John David, Alex, and Kaylee.Location & Directions
What Members Say
Go here? Tell us why you love First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Visited? Tell us what a newcomer can expect.