Our members began meeting in homes. Sunday services were held in Tomoka Oaks Country Club and then later in the Ormond Hotel, until the first building - a multi-purpose room was completed in 1967. The building was financed by a loan from the United Presbyterian Board of Missions and a gift from the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, Florida. With the placing of the cornerstone, and the beginning of services, Christ Presbyterian Church became known as "the little church in the woods."

The Church was officially chartered in April 1969 with 46 members. The Presbytery supplied the church with part-time retired ministers in those formative years. It was the people then, as now, who kept Christ Presbyterian Church going. They cleaned, typed, taught, visited, and through it all lifted high the cross of Christ.

In 1973, the Reverend James Scott Moncrieff was called and became the church's full-time Pastor. This was an act of faith for the 87 members, because the "little church in the woods" was still listed in the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study, with the budget largely subsidized by the Presbytery. Under Scott's dynamic leadership, the church grew and became self supporting in 1977.

Continued growth of membership and programs required building drives for new and improved facilities. In 1978 a new Sunday School addition (currently our administrative wing) was constructed and the fellowship hall/worship center was enlarged.

In 1986, Phase II of the Master Plan, our 550 seat Sanctuary with its imposing tower – lifting high the cross - was completed.

By 1989, Phase III of the Master Plan, a new educational wing of classrooms, including a nursery, became a reality. Early direction in Christian Education was provided by Ruth Wolf-LeMoyne and Tom Stimpfig. Subsequent staff additions provided new positions in Christian Education and Music, hiring JoAnn Schafer as Director of Christian Education in 1995 and promoting Joyce Dawson to Director of Music in 1996, they continue to serve the church to this day.

In 1991 with increased church membership and activities, especially programs for youth , Reverend George Rinker was called as Associate Pastor and served in that capacity until August 1993. Reverend Joe Wendorph became part-time Parish Associate from October 1993 until September 1998 and has continued since then as Associate Pastor.

The year 1998 saw completion of Phase IV of the Master Plan with the addition of more meeting space including an enlarged youth room, a choir room, a classroom, a remodeled fellowship hall, and new kitchen facilities.

By 2000 our commitment to youth continued to increase programs and activities so greatly a need was seen to call a Youth Pastor. Reverend Jeff Beebe joined the staff in that position on October 8, 2000 and has developed a vibrant and active youth program.

From October 2000 until October 2003, this active church was served by three pastors: Reverend Moncrieff, Senior Pastor, Reverend Wendorph, Associate Pastor and Reverend Beebe, Youth Pastor. During this period, especially through the efforts of Reverend Wendorph, a Contemporary Service was developed. Scheduled for several years as an evening service, it was changed in 2004 to be one of three services held each Sunday morning. Brad Yates was added to the staff as Contemporary Service Director.

In October 2003, Reverend Moncrieff, after serving this church for 30 years, retired. As a replacement, Reverend Ernest Flaniken was called to serve as Interim Pastor while the church proceeded through the prescribed process of selecting a new Senior Pastor. Under the able leadership of Reverend Flaniken with assistance from Reverends Joe Wendorph and Jeff Beebe and the church staff, progress in ministry, mission, organization and increasing growth in membership continued. A most significant development occurred in January, 2004 when the contemporary service, for several years held on Sunday evenings, was moved to 9:15 A.M. Sunday morning. Combined with the 8:00 A.M. informal service and the 10:45 A.M. traditional service provided a variety of opportunities for Sunday morning worshipers. Also during 2004, a health ministry was provided with the addition of Linda Bertolet as part-time Parish Nurse to assist members with health and medical problems. After fifteen months service, Reverend Flaniken completed his tenure as Interim Pastor and preached his last sermon on January 31, 2005.

During these past fifteen months under Interim Pastor Flaniken, the Pastoral Nominating Committee was involved in the processes of selecting a new pastor. A congregational meeting was held on December 5, 2004 and the committee nominated Reverend John Cole, of First Presbyterian Church in Somerset, KY as our new pastor. After presentation of John's credentials and experience and with pictures of him, his wife, Bette and their children, Jacob and Grace, the congregation voted unanimously to approve Reverend Cole as our new pastor. Reverend Cole began his pastorate full time on March 2, 2005 and a formal installation service and reception was held on Sunday, April 10, 2005.

Reverend Cole, a native of Daytona Beach, FL brings to the church leadership great commitment, enthusiasm and a wealth of experience as a minister, a scholar, and experience as a former lawyer and banker, all to carry forth our mission and continued development of our services to our Lord and Jesus Christ.

Today, after almost 40 years of growth, development and Christian service to the community, our 900 plus member congregation is solid and growing, our commitment strong, and our services and programs are expanding. Our church is more than mortar and brick… it is a home where no one is a stranger, where the love of God is proclaimed, the compassion of the Holy Spirit is embraced, and the Cross of Jesus Christ is lifted High.

Come join us in our service to the Lord.

Prepared & updated by: Lewin Wheat
Last update: 05/05/2005