OUR HISTORY
Founded just months after Miami’s incorporation, First Miami Presbyterian Church has grown alongside the city it calls home into a legacy of faith and service since 1896.
BORN ALONGSIDE MIAMI
A Church Established in Miami's Early Days
In early 1896, Reverend Henry Keigwin arrived in Ft. Dallas (now Miami) as a Presbyterian missionary during a time when the area was still a small, unincorporated community. After beginning worship services in a simple board restaurant, the First Presbyterian Church of Miami was officially organized on April 1, 1896.
The congregation first gathered in a tent donated by Memorial Church of St. Augustine before moving into a shared pavilion with Baptist and Methodist congregations. These humble beginnings reflected the spirit of a growing city and a church committed to serving its neighbors from the very beginning.
BORN ALONGSIDE MIAMI
A Church Established in Miami's Early Days
In early 1896, Reverend Henry Keigwin arrived in Ft. Dallas (now Miami) as a Presbyterian missionary during a time when the area was still a small, unincorporated community. After beginning worship services in a simple board restaurant, the First Presbyterian Church of Miami was officially organized on April 1, 1896.
The congregation first gathered in a tent donated by Memorial Church of St. Augustine before moving into a shared pavilion with Baptist and Methodist congregations. These humble beginnings reflected the spirit of a growing city and a church committed to serving its neighbors from the very beginning.
A HOME BUILT FOR GENERATIONS
From a Small Pavilion to a Historic Sanctuary
As Miami continued to grow, so did First Miami Presbyterian Church. In 1898, Henry M. Flagler, one of Florida’s most influential developers and the builder of the Florida East Coast Railway, took personal interest in helping establish a permanent home for the congregation.
The first church building was completed in 1900 at the corner of S.E. Flagler Street and Third Avenue. The congregation grew alongside Miami’s expanding population, welcoming both year-round residents and winter visitors drawn to the city through Flagler’s developments.
Although the 1926 hurricane destroyed the building’s steeple, the church continued its ministry and remained a steadfast presence in the growing city.
A NEW HOME ON BRICKELL AVENUE
Growing Into the Heart of Miami
By the mid-20th century, Miami’s rapid growth created new opportunities and new needs for the congregation. In 1947, First Miami Presbyterian Church relocated to 609 Brickell Avenue, establishing a new sanctuary in a central location that would serve generations to come.
The sanctuary was completed in 1949, with additions completed in 1954 and 1964. Today, the Flagler Memorial Chapel honors the congregation’s history as a replica of the original Flagler Street church, preserving elements including the original pews, pulpit, stained glass windows, and fixtures.
A LEGACY BEYOND OUR WALLS
Serving Miami and Beyond
Throughout its history, First Miami Presbyterian Church has sought to serve not only its congregation, but the broader community. From educational ministries to missionary support, the church has invested in sharing God’s love locally and around the world.
Over the years, First Miami helped support the formation of several Presbyterian congregations throughout South Florida, including Westminster Presbyterian Church, Coral Gables Presbyterian Church, Coral Way Presbyterian Church, and Pinecrest Presbyterian Church. The church also welcomed Spanish-language ministries that would later become First Spanish Presbyterian Church and El Cordero Presbyterian Church.
THE FUTURE AHEAD
Continuing the Story
Today, First Miami Presbyterian Church stands at the center of a changing Brickell community: a neighborhood that has transformed into a global hub of culture, business, and connection.
After restoration following Hurricane Andrew, the church continues to preserve its historic beauty while embracing its mission for the future. As Miami continues to grow, First Miami remains committed to being a place where people from all backgrounds can encounter find community and experience hope.
The story of First Miami Presbyterian Church is still being written.