Our History First Presbyterian Church of Boca Raton is a Christ-centered church family filled with the love of God. We are an intergenerational congregation striving to share our faith as we grow in membership, maturity, ministry and mission. The church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Situated on five and one-half acres of land given to the church by the Butts family, the FPC campus includes the Sanctuary Building, the Shiphorst Christian Education Building, Bath Music Center, and an administrative building. We use our facilities daily: for our well-regarded preschool, for our dynamic music programs, for education and fellowship, for service to others and for worship and praise of our lord, Jesus Christ. While facilities may be an important factor for a successful church, by far the most essential elements are leadership, membership, and programs. FPC has been blessed with an unusually talented staff, a loyal and dedicated congregation, and exceptional programs. FPC firmly believes that for a large congregation to feel "small" yet remain strong it is vitally important for each member to be actively involved within the church family. Opportunities abound. There are Presbyterian Women, women's circles, small group studies, local and distant mission projects, church school classes for all age groups, a senior fellowship, activities for youth and teens, men's Bible study, women's Bible study and more, much more. In 1957, shortly after the church was organized, we called our first full time pastor, the Reverend Albert G. Shiphorst. He served the congregation for almost twenty years until 1978 and then was Pastor Emeritus until his death in 1991. Dr. H. Arthur Stephenson was installed in 1979 and served until he retired in 1987. Dr. Robert A. Shires was with the church from 1989 to 1992. At that time a nationwide search for the "perfect" leader was begun. In the meantime several interim leaders served the church. They included Rev. Elizabeth A. Pankey, Rev. Robert L. Griffin, Rev. Art Bell, and Rev. Dr. Robert E. Backstrom. ("Dr. Bob" is now one of our Parish Associates.) The pastoral search concluded with the installation of Rev. Kirk A. McCormick in 1995. In 1999 Rev. McCormick earned his doctorate degree and became the Reverend Dr. McCormick. We have added 425 members in the past four and one-half years bringing our current roster to 960. Since 1995 we have increased our budget from $505,000 to $846,000. We have more than 100 youngsters registered in Sunday school and our Pre-school and Parents' Morning Out participation has grown from 90 to 200 children. Our Mission giving, not including special gifts from within the church, has increased from $35,000 to more than $86,000. We are committed to loving God and each other as we continue to grow in Membership, Maturity, Ministry and Mission! Also See >LEADERSHIP