Jacksonville church celebrates 150 years of faith, family and freedom – The Florida Times-Union

The Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville is commemorating its 150th year of worship with events planned throughout the year including an anniversary banquet, special services and other activities.

More than 500 people are gathering in a year-long celebration to praise the rich past of their Jacksonville church.

An unforgotten history. A strengthened community. A sense of faith. All of these and more were brought to the people of the Woodlawn Presbyterian Church over a century and a half of worship.

Generations of families can be traced back to the very beginning of the churchs establishment, and many descendants stand in its congregation today.

Lloyd Pearson Jr., 98, has been attending Woodlawn since 1940 and recalls the changes the church has faced within its history.

"I thought being born and raised in this area of Jacksonville that it would make sense to join the church," Pearson said. "I was in my 20s and eventually I became a trustee. After so many years, I still stand here today and remember it all."

The Rev. Don Johnson discussed how congregation members are able to embrace the present and future by remembering where it all began.

"The church does not last or thrive 150 years without the faith of the people," Johnson said. "We are solidly planted on Gods foundation because of the faith of those who came before us."

The first event to kick off the commemoration is the Woodlawn T-Shirt Service on Sunday at the church off Cleveland Road. The service begins at 11 a.m. and includes various activities such as a group photo and a themed procession.

An anniversary banquet will follow on Feb. 22 at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel. The banquet begins at 2 p.m. and is free for members and $45 for guests.

On Feb. 23 Woodlawn plans to host its Anniversary Worship Service and Homecoming Day at 11 a.m.

A total of 18 events are scheduled for the year that tie in with the celebrations theme of "Faith, Family and Freedom," many of which are still in the planning stages. Listed on the calendar is a youth worship service, a cruise to the Bahamas, a jazz concert, a community Thanksgiving meal and other gatherings.

It all started with just 13 individuals congregating in a small house to practice their faith. In 1870 these members banded together to establish what became the Third Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville.

Later in 1875 the church moved to a location at Laura and State streets in downtown and was renamed the Laura Street Presbyterian Church.

A dramatic rise in membership pushed the church to relocate once again in 1961, this time to Woodlawn Street, where it was finally renamed to its current title.

Today, Woodlawn opens its doors to about 450 members and continues to grow every year.

To meet the rising number of members, the Woodlawn Presbyterian site went from having one building, known formally as the education building, to adding the sanctuary and the multi-purpose Family Life Center.

Created as the first African-American church in Jacksonville, Woodlawn remains a rare African-American church among about 50 other churches in the Presbytery within the St. Augustine area.

There are about 20 individual organizations that function within the church and several partnerships with outside ministries. The Woodlawn Alzheimer's Association and youth services are some of the institutions most popular programs.

One of Woodlawns main missions for the future is to further its outreach and become a community church where more people can come together and rejoice in hope.

"We have members that are walking by faith and not by sight into the future and trusting God to continuously bless this church," Johnson said. "This way we can continue to be a light in the city of Jacksonville and bring justice, love and hope into our community."

Sara Albertelli: (904) 359-4097

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Jacksonville church celebrates 150 years of faith, family and freedom - The Florida Times-Union