First Presbyterian Church · Fort Walton Beach
Who We Are
A community of faith rooted in the Reformed tradition, welcoming all to worship, grow, and serve together in Fort Walton Beach since 1942.
Our Team
Meet Our Staff
Dedicated servants who love this congregation and this community.
Rev. Dr. John Stringer
Pastor (Stated Supply)
Dr. Stringer was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in the Southern Baptist Church. After graduating from Houston Baptist University and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond with his Doctor of Ministry Degree (1981), he pastored churches across Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. He and his wife Mary Nell retired to Fort Walton Beach in 2020 for the Emerald Coast — and their grandson Wyatt. John accepted the role of Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian in September 2022 and became Stated Supply in 2024. He is grateful to serve a congregation that values being an active presence in the community.
Lorilee Corbett
Office Administrator
A true Florida native born in Key West and raised in Pensacola, Lorilee earned her B.S. in Business/Education from Auburn University and her Master's in Administrative Leadership from the University of West Florida. She was a Florida Registered Paralegal for many years before joining our church. Lorilee has two children, Lauren and Rob, and one grandchild, Alayna. War Eagle!
(850) 243-3732 | [email protected]
Jamie Banks
Church Sexton
Jamie faithfully serves our congregation and facilities, ensuring our church home is welcoming and well-maintained for all who come through our doors.
A Church With Deep Roots and an Open Door
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Walton Beach is a Christian community of believers founded on the ideals of the Protestant Reformation. We are a member of the Presbytery of Florida, the Synod of the South Atlantic, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
From our earliest days gathering in a schoolhouse to our current home on Beal Pkwy SW, we have always been a caring church with open doors — to our congregation, to our community, and to the world.
Our Faith
What We Believe
All that is required to be a Presbyterian is to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, to trust in his forgiveness and salvation, and to seek to follow Christ and Christ's example for living. Anyone who can be a Christian can be a Presbyterian.
God the Father
Creator of the universe and the presence of God in the world and in every believer.
Jesus Christ
The incarnation of God on earth — fully human and fully divine — and the Head of the church.
The Holy Spirit
The presence of God in the world and in the believer, guiding and empowering the church.
The Bible
The inspired word of God, the foundation for all we believe and how we live.
The Trinity
One God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Sacraments
We observe two sacraments: Baptism (including infant baptism) and the Lord's Supper, also called Communion or Eucharist.
Forgiveness of Sin
Made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Life Everlasting
The souls of the faithful are reunited with God in a loving relationship.
Our Tradition
What Is a Presbyterian?
Reformata semper reformanda — Reformed and always being reformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The word Presbyterian comes from "presbuteros" — Greek for "elder." It refers to the system in apostolic times of choosing leaders from among the wisest members of the church.
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Walton Beach is a Christian community of believers founded on the ideals of the Protestant Reformation and based on the concept of democratic rule under the authority of God.
Anyone who can be a Christian can be a Presbyterian. All that is required is to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, to trust in his forgiveness and salvation, and to seek to follow Christ's example for living.
Becoming a Member
Membership at First Presbyterian is open through any of the following:
- 1
Public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. If not already baptized, the person making the profession of faith shall be baptized.
- 2
Certificate of transfer, when a person is a member of another Christian church.
- 3
Reaffirmation of faith for persons previously baptized in the name of the triune God and having publicly professed their faith.
Since 1942
Our History
Over 80 years of faith, community, and service in Fort Walton Beach.
Grace Community Chapel
Visionary Protestants gathering in homes and a schoolhouse took a leap of faith, purchasing property on Beal and First Streets to build the non-denominational Grace Community Chapel.
A Presbyterian Church Is Born
On March 20, 1942, a commission appointed by the Presbytery of Florida officially organized a Presbyterian Church in Fort Walton Beach.
A Home of Our Own
First Presbyterian purchased the Chapel property and began remodeling and expansion to meet rapid growth in membership.
New Fellowship Hall
Ground was broken in December 1964 for a new building. The Fellowship Hall and Education Building was dedicated in September 1965.
A Beautiful New Sanctuary
Ground was broken on March 20, 1977 for the beautiful Sanctuary that continues to serve the congregation today.
Holbrook Hall Dedicated
An additional multi-purpose building, Holbrook Hall, was dedicated — housing a musical department, youth center, conference room, and a beautiful columbarium.
PC(USA)
The Six Great Ends of the Church
These six purposes, drawn from the PC(USA) Book of Order, define why the church exists and guide everything we do.
"The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind"
"The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God"
"The maintenance of divine worship"
"The preservation of the truth"
"The promotion of social righteousness"
"The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world"
Ready to visit or get connected?
We'd love to meet you. Whether you're visiting for the first time or ready to take a next step, we're here.