Christ Presbyterian Church

History of Christ Presbyterian Church

Christ Church is a congregation of the Florida Presbytery, the Synod of the South Atlantic and the Presbyterian Church USA.

   In the mid-1980’s, the Presbytery of Florida and local Presbyterian (USA) churches had the vision to recognize that the next housing boom, in Leon County would be in the northeast, Bradfordville area – then quiet and far out in the country. In anticipation of rapid growth, the decision was made to purchase acreage on Bannerman Road and to reach out to the growing community through a new church development (NCD). The NCD Committee, appointed by Presbytery to plan for the new church, was also responsible for developing its mission statement. One of the key items included in the statement was that the new church would be very active in outreach to the local community, as well as to the world.

   The first worship service took place in the cafeteria of Gilchrist Elementary School on January 15, 1989. The Rev. George Nichols, then affiliated with Faith Counseling Center, led the service. After several meetings utilizing different pastors, Presbytery agreed to the NCD Committee’s request that we call the Rev. James L. Peacock, Jr. as our interim pastor until the church could call an organizing pastor. The church was committed to developing a meeting place on Bannerman Road property within one year. In order to do this, the current chapel building was acquired by donation and plans were made to move it. The chapel was the meeting place for the Wacissa Methodist church, and was built in 1910 in Jefferson County.

   As the result of a youth play called the "No Name Church," the congregation enthusiastically called itself the "No Name Church" for some time. Then in the fall of 1989, the Rev. Ashton Edwin "Ed" Ayers, Jr. was called as our organizing pastor. Soon after, by majority vote, the name of “Christ Presbyterian Church” was selected. The church charter was received at the meeting of the Presbytery of Florida on May 8, 1990, at First Presbyterian Church in Monticello, Florida, and a service of organization, where charter members were received and Elders elected, was held at Fellowship Presbyterian church on May 13, 1990.

   On June 3, 1990, the Rev. Ed Ayers was called to remain at CPC as our first full-time pastor. Meanwhile, the chapel had been moved and renovated, including the addition of a Presbyterian (Celtic) cross atop the bell tower. The first worship service in the renovated chapel was held on July 1, 1990. By September 8, 1991, the congregational growth necessitated two Sunday morning worship services in the small chapel, and plans were soon underway to build a new sanctuary. Construction was begun on January 29, 1994, and the first worship service in the present sanctuary was held on September 11, 1994. The dedication ceremony took place on October 2, 1994 and the chapel was converted to administrative offices.

   In December, 2001, the Rev. John Dillon was called as CPC’s second full-time pastor, bringing with him and his family the rich Presbyterian history of his birthplace, Scotland. The mission and ministry of Christ Presbyterian Church continue to grow, with special emphasis in the areas of outreach, music, children and youth. AS we look to the future, we are most grateful to all who have had a hand in the establishment of Christ Presbyterian as a unique part of the greater, world-wide church, and we offer hanks to God and His many blessing along the way.