Our History

Faithful Beginnings. A Living Legacy.

For more than 70 years, Lakewood Presbyterian Church has been a spiritual home in the heart of Jacksonville.

What began in 1951 as a small gathering in a neighborhood living room has grown into a vibrant congregation rooted in worship, service, and community. From humble beginnings to a thriving ministry, our story is one of faithful people, sacrificial generosity, and a steadfast commitment to sharing God’s love in Lakewood and beyond.

And the story is still being written.

Church steeple with brick facade and cross on top.

A black and white photo of a small brick house with a porch, trees, and a car in the yard.

House where the first gatherings were held in 1951

1951 — The Beginning

In the summer of 1951, a Sunday school extension worker of the Synod of Florida conducted a door-to-door religious survey. As a result, the Lakewood area of Jacksonville was selected as a project site for the Jacksonville Presbyterian Laymen's Association.

On November 11, 1951, Sunday school began in the homes of three interested families in the community: Mr. and Mrs. John T. Graham, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Bier, and Mr. and Mrs. Jay Gilliland. Forty-five children and adults attended. Meetings were held in the homes of these families until the first building was ready for occupancy in April of 1952.

1952 — A Church Is Born

With the generous cooperation of the South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, Rev. C. Charles Benz, Jr. was called to this new field and began pastoral work on January 1, 1952.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 10, 1952, on property at 2001 University Boulevard (now University Blvd W).

The first service in the completed chapel was held on Easter Sunday, April 13, 1952. Though the building had no heat and no windows, attendance was full.

As ministry expanded, plans began forming to organize the chapel into a church. The Service of Organization for Lakewood Presbyterian Church was held on September 21, 1952, with 104 charter members.

Group of men and a woman break ground with shovels, standing in a field with trees.

Breaking Ground - 1952

Black and white photo of a long, low building with a covered walkway supported by pillars.

The First Building

Large crowd in a room, 1954, listening to someone at a podium. Black and white photograph.

Worshippers Listening to Rev. Benz, circa 1954

1953–1954: Growing Together

Groundbreaking for the second building unit took place on January 25, 1953. This added two more classrooms, the kitchen, and a fellowship hall. Dedication of the newly completed fellowship hall, which would serve as a temporary sanctuary, was held on June 14, 1953. Fundraising for the construction of new Sunday School rooms began on April 2, 1954.

The Youth Building (known now as the Youth Hut) was erected manually by members of the church. Adjoining property was purchased to allow expansion room for new classrooms that would be needed in the future.