The first migration with which we are concered was from North Carolina. In the 1820's a band of Scotch Presbyterians from eastern North Carolina came in by wagon train and settled in what became known as Euchee Valley, some 30 to 40 miles southeast of Florala, AL. Among these were several members who were born in Scotland. They were seeking a milder climate and a pleasant and fertile location to enage in stock raising and farming.
The charter members of the church were partically all from this group. Mrs. Effie McLean Elliott, one of the charter members has supplied some interesting information about the early days of our church, and she writes in part as follows: Rev. J. W. Roseborough and Rev. H. C. Moore of Alabama came to Florala in the fall of 1900. They preached serveral days in the Baptist Church and made plans for organization. Mr. Erwin, the pastor of DeFuniak Springs came up and preached about once a month for the Presbyterians, still in the Baptist church. Later Mr. Tollett came up from Milton and preached once a month. Florida Presbytery was entertained in Florala about 1902 or 1903. Mr. William Fisher was moderator. The Ladies' Aid Society was very active and raised money for the church by selling ice cream, giving silver teas, ect. Most people (she writes) frown on such things these days. To my mind the friendly attitude of the Methodists and Baptists toward the Presbyterians was outstanding. Records show the Florala Church was organized on October 13, 1900. A petition signed by 34 persons was sent up to the East Alabama Presbytery, and on November 29, 1900, the Presbytery, meeting at LaFayette, AL, granted the petition and a Commission, consisting fo Rev. J. W. Roseborough, Rev. H. C. Moore, Rev. J. C. Sturgeon and Elder W. C. McLaughlin was appointed to organize the church and install officers.
On September 27, 1901 a congregational meeting was called with Rev. E. E. Erwin as moderator, for the purpose of considering a request for permission to transfer to Florida Presbytery. This was done and Florala was grouped with Laurel Hill until 1913 or 1914, when the church was re-transferred to East Alabama Presbytery. Florala was grouped with Geneva until 1922. Beginning with the ministy of Rev. Harry Boehme in 1924 the church has had a full-time pastorate when available.
The church building which we occupy today was built in 1924-1925. In the past 100 years this church has suffered through several World Wars, the Depression, and had hard times in many repects.
Many months in the 1930's the church offering was not sufficient enough to pay for the pastor's salary. Most of the collection was in pennies, nickels, and quarters. Mr. C. B. McNeil as a church elder, woud go through the town asking the merchants to make a donation to the church.
During these times the pastor would go without pay for sereral months. One of the most exciting times of the church was the pounding of the pastor, in which each member would bring the pastor and his family a pound of groceries.
The church pews were wood with a row along each side of the church. One wide asile in the center led down to the pulpit. The only musical instrument was an old, used organ, which was played by Mrs. Samuel Williams.
The church was heated by a boiler in the basement fired by wood. One of Jack Inabinett's first jobs as a boy along with Charles Baker and Billy Carlton was to build the fire as early as 7:00am on Sunday mornings and 5:00pm on Sunday night. In the summer months the doors and windows were left open and hand fans were provided to stay cool.
The church has over the years supported several missionaries, two outpost Sunday School classes (in the '30's and '40's). One of these at the local theater for men who didn't have proper clothes to attend church service. On Sunday afternoon the Outpost Sunday School Class was held at the New Hope Church between Florala and Opp, AL. Both were held by Rex Whitcomb and Walter Inabinett Jr. Both men were officers of the Florala Church. Since 1940 this church has had 4 men elected to serve as Mayor of the City of Florala: A. B. Lowery, H. D. Garner, Jr., Jack F. Inabinett, and Glen Zorn.
During the years of World War II most of the men were in the service. After the war the church began receiving financial aid from the Presbytery. The church was painted inside and out, new pews, and an organ was bought and also pulpit furniture, along with heating and cooling units.
The present manse was built in 1947. Again the members pulled together and succeeded in a splendid venture, this time tribute being due in special measure to the initiative and inspiration of Mrs. T. J. Britton Sr. and Mr. H. G. Huggins, who headed the Manse Building committee so ably.
Through both the '50's and '60's FPC was served by many good pastors. One of which was Rev. C. G. Partridge who served this church with distinction from 1950 until 1961. He also returned to supply the pulpit in 1966. He is remembered as both a warm and gracious leader and a tremendous pastor.
In the late '60's Rev. Tom Ellis, the first single pastor of FPC began a youth outreach known as FYCA (Florala Youth Community Association). This group had a great deal of success during a time when there was very little for the youth in town. In the 1970's FPC was faced with a most difficult decision. The southern Presbyterian Church had become more and more liberal as the years had gone by. It was during this time that a group of men seeking to uphold historical Presbyterianism and Christianity formed what was called the Presbyterian Church of America. Florala Church voted to join the PCA.
The '80's saw the continued success of First Presbyterian with the ministry of Rev. John Kinser. John was noted for his community involvement and unique ideas. John was followed by Rev. Oswald Barnes, who had the distinction of receving his Ph.D. while serving here in Florala. Other notable events during Dr. Barnes' pastorate were the purchase of a new hymnal, new van, and donation of a grand piano. Following Dr. Barns was Rev. Richard O. Smith.
Rev. Wylly H. Collins was installed in 2000 and left our pulpit in December of 2004.
