| Summary: | The First Presbyterian Church of Florence is the oldest continually operating congregation in Florence, Alabama. Early Presbyterian settlers of Florence bought land lot 84 from the Cypress Land Company in 1818 for a total of $1,600 and built a wooden structure that acted as the church. During the early years of existence, prominent members of the Florence community claimed to be members of the church. For instance, Ferdinand Sannoner (the town’s land surveyor) and John Coffee (War of 1812 Veteran and a founder of Florence) both financed the construction and were members of the church. In 1824 the congregation replaced the wooden structure with a brick building. This new building consisted of a gallery for slaves and designated pews for children. Also during the early years in Florence, the First Presbyterian Church housed other denominational worships due to the structure being the only church building in town.
William Mitchell served as the church’s pastor from 1851 to 1872. One of the most interesting stories of Florence history derives from Mitchell’s actions in First Presbyterian Church during the Civil War. Union troops occupied Florence on numerous occasion during the war, which was the case on July 27, 1862. On this summer day, Rev. Mitchell entered the pulpit and faced a congregation filled with Florence citizens and Union troops. Before his sermon Mitchell prayed for the well-being of the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, and the success of the Confederate army. After Mitchell’s prayer Col. John Harlan arrested Mitchell and sent the reverend to the Union prison camp in Alton, Illinois, for six months. Mitchell later returned to Florence and continued preaching at First Presbyterian Church.
Despite the Civil War and Reconstruction, the First Presbyterian Church never moved from its original location. However, since the 1890s there have been numerous renovations and expansions. The most recent being in 1971 when a three story classroom, an office, and a fellowship hall were added to the church. Today, in addition to proving worship services, the church houses wedding venues and many Florence community organizations use the building as a meeting place.
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