hamburger menu icon
Photo of Peace Presbyterian Church in Stuart, Florida


our history

1982
With the tremendous growth of the Stuart area during the 1980's, the New Church Development of the Presbytery of Tropical Florida recommended in 1982 that within five years there should be three new Presbyterian congregations in and around Stuart; specifically, one each in Palm City, Port St. Lucie, and Port Salerno.
First Presbyterian Church of Stuart, through its Session, agreed to help NCD's dream of expansion become a reality, and has served as "Mother Church" to all three of these new Presbyterian witnesses.

1987
After preliminary meetings, the Port Salerno project started with two meetings on January 4th and February 2nd, held at the home of Catherine and William Scott and attended by twenty- eight and sixty-two people, repectively, mostly from the First Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Carl Pollheim was working in New Development at the Presbytery of Tropical Florida. From this capacity he came to the Port Salerno church. The name Peace Presbyterian Church was selected.
The first worship service was a communion service, held at 10 a.m. on February 8, 1987 at Port Cove Plaza. In an incomplete worship center, one hundred and one worshippers sat on loaned wooden chairs as Dr. Pollheim preached from a loaned lecturn. Sixty- five people signed the charter that day.
On February 15th, Sunday School began with classes for pre-school through adult. A spontaneous choir sprang up and by the end of the month the walls were finished and carpet laid. Site and Steering Committees were formed and working.
On March 19th, Peace Presbyterian's women's Association was organized.
On June 6th, the Presbytery of Tropical Florida gave permission for the organization of Peace Presbyterian Church.
The Presbytery of Tropical Florida met on September 29 and 30, approving the presentation of the charter, the Site Committee's choice of property and the purchase of same.
November 8th brought the organization of Peace Presbyterian Church by the Presbytery of Tropical Florida.

1989
In May, ground was broken for the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall.
In November, the first worship service was held in the Fellowship Hall, followed a few weeks later by the first service in the Sanctuary.

1991
In October, Dr. Carl Pollheim resigned and Rev. Dr. Amos Wilkie was appointed by the Presbytery as stated supply pastor.

1992
In February, Rev. Dr. Richard Nystrom became interim pastor.

1994
On April 24, Rev. Dr. James Bailey, II accepted the call to lead our church into the next millennium. The church responded with much growth during the next decade. Currently, we have a staff of 4 full-time and part-time employees.

2007
Celebrating our 20th Year Anniversary

2012
Celebrating our 25th Year Anniversary with over 350 members

2017
Celebrating our 30th Year Anniversary with over 350 members

Habitat For Humanity
Safe Space
Lahia
House of Hope