Our History
Lakewood Presbyterian Church has served the Lakewood and greater Jacksonville community for over 70 years, growing from a small gathering in local homes to a thriving congregation rooted in faith, service, and fellowship. Since its founding in 1952, our church has been a place of worship, learning, and community outreach, continually expanding to meet the needs of our members and neighbors.
From our humble beginnings to the vibrant church we are today, our story is one of dedication, growth, and a steadfast commitment to sharing God's love.
We invite you to become part of this rich legacy—joining us in worship, service, and fellowship as we continue to grow in faith together.
House where the first gatherings were held in 1951
1951
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
With the generous cooperation of the South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, the Rev. C. Charles Benz, Jr. was called to this new field and began pastoral work on January 1, 1952. A ground-breaking ceremony was held on February 10, 1952, on the chapel property at 2001 Longwood Road (now University Boulevard W).
The first service in the yet uncompleted chapel was held on Easter Sunday, April 13, 1952. Although there was wind and rain and no windows in the building, the attendance was at full capacity. As the work of the chapel continued to grow and new members were added, plans began for organizing the chapel into a church. The Service of Organization for Lakewood Presbyterian Church was on September 21, 1952, with 104 charter members.
Breaking Ground - 1952
The First Building
Worshippers Listening to Rev. Benz, circa 1954
1953-54
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.
1960-Present
The current sanctuary was completed in 1960. Within the next few years, a new education building was constructed which provided eight new classrooms and a suite of offices.
Lakewood Presbyterian Church has had only five senior ministers in its history:
- C. Charles Benz, Jr. (1952 - 1973)
- J. Hunter Coleman (1973 - 1984)
- John H. Nicolson (1985 - 2001)
- Terence A. Lucarelli (2004 - 2016)
- Joy Laughridge (current)
Construction, circa 1950s
Sunday Service in 1973
