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7 Essential Facts About First Presbyterian Church Delray Beach FL: The 2025 Community Beacon

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First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, Florida, stands today, December 25, 2025, as a vibrant and historic cornerstone of the South Florida community, known affectionately as "The Community Church by the Sea." This institution is not merely a place of worship; it is an active center for arts, mission, and spiritual growth, continually adapting its ministries to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving region.

The church’s commitment to "Building Disciples, Transforming Lives" is evident in its compelling, traditional worship services, outstanding music programs, and deep involvement in local mission work. From its stunning Mediterranean architecture to its highly anticipated 2025 Concert Series, First Presbyterian Delray Beach remains a beacon of hope and community engagement.

The Spiritual Leadership and Ministry Team Profile

The health and vitality of First Presbyterian Church Delray Beach are guided by a dedicated team of spiritual leaders and ministry associates. Their collective vision helps the church fulfill its mission to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and participate in God's mission of hope.

  • Dr. W. Douglas Hood, Jr. (Senior Pastor): Dr. Hood has served as the Senior Pastor since 2012, providing stable and thoughtful leadership for over a decade. He is a key figure in the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) community in South Florida and is instrumental in guiding the church’s spiritual and strategic direction.
  • Grace Hood (Director of Children and Family Ministries): Leads the efforts to nurture the faith of the church's youngest members and support families in their spiritual journeys.
  • Rachel Therrell (Family Ministry Associate): Works alongside Grace Hood to expand and deepen the church's outreach to families.
  • Don (Organist / Director of Music): Oversees the church's renowned music program, which features an amazing organ and is central to the traditional worship experience.
  • Tim Knapp (Communications Chair): Manages the church's internal and external communications, ensuring the community stays informed about events and missions.
  • Kristin Viets (Fellowship Chair): Focuses on fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere through various fellowship events.
  • Marsha Bird (First Delray Concert Series Chair): Leads the ministry responsible for organizing the highly successful and uplifting annual concert series.

Note: The church recently experienced a transition with the departure of former Co-Pastor, Rev. Greg Rapier, who moved on to a new position, a change that was noted with sadness by the congregation.

A Century of History: Mediterranean Architecture and PCUSA Roots

The history of First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is deeply intertwined with the development of the city itself. Organized in 1925, the church quickly established its roots, installing its first minister, Rev. James H. McCormick, in 1926.

The church's physical structure is a major point of pride and a significant entity in the Delray Beach landscape. Its stunning Mediterranean architecture makes it a historical landmark and a beautiful backdrop for worship and major life events, such as weddings. The sanctuary is further enhanced by beautiful stained-glass windows, which contribute to the compelling atmosphere of the traditional worship services.

Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA), the church operates under the guidance of the Presbytery of Tropical Florida. This affiliation ensures a commitment to reformed theology while maintaining a focus on building Christ-centered communities with spiritual depth.

The 2025 Vision: Stewardship and Community Outreach Initiatives

First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is widely recognized as a primary leader among area congregations due to its direct and impactful involvement in local mission work. The church’s focus is on transforming lives not just within its walls, but throughout the wider community and the world.

A key focus for the current year is the 2025 Stewardship Campaign. This campaign is vital for funding all aspects of the church's ministry, from the Distinguished Preacher Series to its amazing community outreach programs. Stewardship is about committing resources to God's mission, ensuring the church can continue its work of hope.

Recent outreach efforts demonstrate a tangible commitment to the local community. For example, during the Christmas season, the church organizes donations to provide $25 gift cards to five local organizations, allowing them to support individuals and families in need. This is a practical example of the church’s Mission Outreach Ministry in action, directly benefiting local entities and showing a commitment to serving those around them, including places like Delray Medical Center and other local support services.

The First Delray Concert Series: A Cultural Gem

One of the most notable outreach ministries of the church is the First Delray Concert Series. This series provides an engaging, entertaining, and uplifting cultural experience for the entire South Florida region. It is a major draw for both parishioners and the general public, showcasing outstanding musical talent in the church’s beautiful sanctuary.

The series is a key part of the church's identity, and tickets for the 2025 Concert Series are already being promoted, highlighting the church's commitment to the arts as a form of ministry. This program is a perfect blend of the church's dedication to outstanding music and its desire to engage the broader community.

The music program, anchored by the church’s amazing organ and the talents of its Director of Music, is central to both the worship services and the concert series, cementing the church's reputation for musical excellence.

Worship and Connection: Building Disciples and Legacy Partners

Worship at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is described as compelling and traditional, featuring thought-provoking sermons from Dr. Hood and exceptional music. The church offers multiple Sunday morning worship services, typically at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and all are welcome to "come like you are."

Beyond weekly services, the church focuses on "Building Disciples," which involves deep spiritual formation and nurturing. This includes various ministry teams focused on areas like Member Nurture and Member Cultivation.

The church also encourages long-term commitment through its Planned Giving program, inviting members to become a "Legacy Partner." This initiative helps secure the church's future, ensuring that its mission and ministries—including the concert series and community outreach—can continue for another century.

7 Essential Facts About First Presbyterian Church Delray Beach FL: The 2025 Community Beacon
first presbyterian church delray beach fl
first presbyterian church delray beach fl

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