Heritage Committee
The Heritage Committee of our church helps preserve the archival records of First Presbyterian Church’s dynamic service to the people of Orlando.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of The Heritage Committee, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando is to collect, document, preserve and share the congregation’s history since the organization of the church on March 18, 1876 in the Heart of the City.
Since its formation in 1980, some of the major roles of the Heritage Committee have been:
- Publication of Heart of the City, History of First Presbyterian Church, Orlando, Florida 1876-1987 by Nancy Hardy Abberger (available in The Carpenter’s Shop Bookstore and from The Heritage Committee)
- Preservation of the two stained glass windows, the "Good Shepherd" window and the "Come Unto Me" window, originally installed in the wooden Sanctuary at the corner of Church and Main Streets (now Magnolia Avenue) when remodeled in 1915, until they were again installed together during the year 2000 remodeling of the sanctuary at Church and (the former) Palmetto Streets
- Preservation of the original cornerstone from the 1926 Bible School building on the corner of Church and (the former) Palmetto Streets until its installation beside the cornerstone of Allen Hall during remodeling of Allen Hall in the year 2000
- Assistance with planning and producing our church’s 100th and 125th anniversary celebrations – March 1976 and March 2001
- Annual luncheon honoring those who have been members of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando for 50 or more years
- Oral History interviews with key leaders and longtime members of the church and preservation of same
- The First Presbyterian Church "Heart of the City" - Orlando Remembered Display located in the entrance lobby of Clayton Life Center, depicting the story of our congregation and the two city blocks which are now our church’s campus
- Obtaining and hanging portraits of ministers who formerly served First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
- Publishing and distributing a condensed historical booklet in 1988; updating it in 2000.
Accomplishments of The Heritage Committee are funded, in large part, through memorial gifts and other contributions directed for its use.