FPCD History

The following has been condensed from the pamphlet published in 2005 by the Congregational Life Committee on the 40th anniversary of the founding of the church.

“The church was organized by the Rev. Joe David Ruffin with the first coordinating meeting held on May 9, 1965. Meetings were held in Reed Junior High. Eighty names were required to be organized by the Presbytery of Trinity (now Grace Presbytery) and those 80 persons were represented by 21 persons baptized, 7 persons received by affirmation of faith, and 53 persons received by letter of transfer.”

“Organization of ‘The Presbyterian Church of Duncanville, Texas’ was effected by formal action of the Presbytery of the Trinity on December 12, 1965. By-laws were presented and adopted. […] Session committees were established. The first Sacrament of Holy Communion was celebrated on December 19, 1965, and the Rev. Joe David Ruffin was officially called as the first pastor on February 20, 1966.”

“The church building council was established on May 18, 1966, and the firm of Brown & Keller was approved as architects for the church building. The ground-breaking ceremony was held on June 4, 1967, and the dedication services for the original building (now Fellowship Hall) were set for November 5, 1967.”

“A Magnavox organ was received through the First Presbyterian Church of Richardson, and the first worship service in the new building was held on November 12, 1967.”

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“The name of the church was officially changed to The First Presbyterian Church of Duncanville on April 27, 1980. The church received a grant from the Synod of the Sun toward initial building expenses, and a contract … was awarded for construction of the new sanctuary and renovations to the existing building. […] Dedication of the new sanctuary was held on February 1, 1981. Sponsorship of a Boy Scout troop was approved and Troop 785 was started. A Mother’s Day Out program was also approved and the first MDO classes were held on September 8, 1981. Session was increased from nine to twelve members, and a choir director was hired.”

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“Initially brought to the church by the Presbyterian Women’s organization, the church made a commitment in 1984 to provide 200 sandwiches to the Austin Street Shelter on the fourth Monday of each month. That commitment continues today as we provide in excess of 300 sandwiches each month. Also in 1984, the need for a new organ became apparent and an Organ Fund was established.”

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“On June 9, 1985, the name of the church was officially changed again, this time to ‘First Presbyterian Church’. The Organ Fund campaign was successful and a new organ was purchased and consecrated on October 6, 1985.”

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“The Rev. Dr. William ‘Mike’ Shelton was called as the church’s third pastor on August 1, 1986. In 1987, the acolyte program was begun. At this time, the church was participating in a number of benevolence programs including: Wycliffe Bible Translators, Grace Presbyterian Village, the Covenant, Presbyterian Children’s Homes, Duncanville Ministerial Alliance, Greater Dallas Community of Churches and the Oak Cliff Churches Emergency Aid Program. ”

[…]

“Women were recruited to serve as ushers for the first time beginning in 1990. We began a commitment to the Oasis House that year, which involved cleaning, sometimes painting, and furnishing an apartment for a family in transition. As one family progressed and moved into more permanent housing, we repeated the process for the next family. […] Vacation Bible School was held jointly with New Life in Christ Lutheran Church, and the PW group sold hot dogs and cokes [sic] during the July 4th fireworks to those enjoying the show from our grounds!”

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