Weddings in the Sanctuary

Our distinctly beautiful church of Byzantine and French Romanesque design was the work of Lester W. Geisler, Architect and resident of Winter Haven, Florida,also a Ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church, chosen during the ministry of Dr. W.K.C. (William Kalty Cruickshank) Thomson in 1947. In a roughed out interior of the unfinished new church the first serve at 609 Brickell Avenue was conducted by Dr. Thomson September 18, 1949, for an enthusiastic congregation.

  The plan of the church building is known as “cruciform” or the form of a cross. Terminology determines the central section from the lobby to the pulpit as the nave. The columns being near the walls allow for aisles or bays thus keeping open the center seating space, which will accommodate 1300 worshippers. The French Cathedral of Angoulleme suggested this arrangement.

 The side wings with balconies are the north and south transepts, or crossing. The choir area is located at the back of the chancel on an elevated platform.  After entering the church your attention is drawn immediately to the half-dome over the chancel.

There are three primary entrances to the church, one front entrance from the large front hall (Narthex), one through the side entry accessible from the south side driveway, and one at the rear of the Sanctuary, leading eastward to the Apostles Courtyard and the Fellowship Hall.

A magnificent pipe organ and sound system are installed in the Sanctuary, as well as professional lighting.  The two rear entrances are Handicapped Accessible.  Restrooms for the Ladies and Gentlemen are located conveniently off the Narthax. The Center Hall Design of the church lends itself to many styles of decoration.  The towering half dome ceiling creates a feeling of  inspiration and joy.

Our Sanctuary is the perfect location for large, impressive, elegant weddings.  

                 Weddings in the Flagler Chapel 

The First Presbyterian Church of Miami was originally started in what is now known as “Downtown Miami” in a tent next to the newly developed Royal Palm Hotel of Henry Flagler. Mr. Flagler was responsible for the early development of Miami when he extended his railway from Palm Beach to the area that became known as Miami.

Mr. Flagler was very interested in the development of the new city and graciously provided land and funds for the erection of a beautiful permanent structure.(See History Section). Throughout the years, our congregation grew substantially and it was decided to build a larger church on the south side of the Miami River.

The grateful congregation made sure that the new church would incorporate a chapel based on the original design of the “first church.”  Much of the woodwork came from the original church in downtown. This included the pulpit, the pews, the balcony, the wooden paneling and the stained glass windows. In honor of his gift the Chapel was dedicated and named the Henry M. Flagler Chapel.

The Chapel is a comfortable space, decorated by magnificent stained glass windows on both sides, and at the front above the altar.  The Chapel seats around a hundred people comfortably. It has an organ located in the balcony at the rear.  There is a door at the front of the Chapel which opens into the Bride’s room, a charming space which provides a convenient room for the Bride and Bridesmaids to dress for the ceremony.

As you enter the church, the Flagler Chapel will be on your left, and can be entered through two side-aisle entrance doors and a center aisle entrance door.  The doors can be closed to ensure privacy for your ceremony.  A sound system is also provided.

                  Fellowship Hall

 Our Fellowship Hall is located at the rear of the church next to the Apostles Courtyard.  The room has an interior space of 3,172 sq. ft., accommodating 220 people.  The floor to ceiling windows provide a beautiful view of the courtyard on the west, and the opposing windows on the other side of the room, are facing east toward the bay.  The south side of the room is curtained with velvet, behind which is a raised stage, and a sound system.

The Fellowship Hall is accessible from the rear parking lot and from the courtyard area.  The courtyard area has its own entrance from the side of the Church which is used now as the School Entrance. Restrooms for Gentlemen and Ladies are available off the courtyard outside the room. This area lends itself graciously to catered meals for dinners, or light refreshments for a reception.

It is the location of our yearly fundraising event organized by The First Presbyterian International Christian School. We have our reception in the courtyard and the dinner in the Fellowship Hall.