So What Faith

Greg Smith

New Beginnings at First Presbyterian (Fort Worth) (#1928)

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First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) has been a part of the Fort Worth community for 148 years. Originally established in 1873, this urban congregation moved to its current location in 1956.

Like many congregations, it ceased all indoor gatherings early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike most congregations, it also completed a search for a new pastor and head of staff during the pandemic.

The Rev. Dr. Brian Coulter (photo by Greg Smith)

On February 7, 2021, the congregation elected the Rev. Dr. Brian Coulter to serve as its next pastor and head of staff beginning April 12, 2021. Coulter is a fifth generation pastor who had most recently served as the pastor and head of staff at First Presbyterian Church in Aiken, SC.

In Person Experience

I recently wrote about my experience worshipping in five area Mainline Protestant congregations soon after each resumed in person worship. First Presbyterian Church held it’s first indoor services since the onset of the pandemic on April 11, 2021.

First Presbyterian Church – Fort Worth, TX (photo by Greg Smith)

My first time back in the FPC sanctuary in over a year was on April 18, 2021 for the first worship service during the Rev. Dr. Brian Coulter’s tenure. My experience started with pre-registration as it did when I attended the five other services. Upon arrival, I was directed to a check-in table where my name was checked off of a list before an usher escorted me to the next available seat. The worship program was placed on the pew in the space intended for use.

As I sat preparing my heart and mind for worship, I noticed that the Bibles and hymnals had been removed from the pews as had been done in four of my five prior worship experiences. Additionally, the pew cushion had been removed from every other row to help visually indicate that those pews were closed.

Sanctuary Worship (photo by Greg Smith)

The worship service was much like I’d come to know worship in this congregation before the pandemic with a few noteworthy changes:

  • a mask or face covering was required by all worshippers
  • no congregational singing and no choir (only two singers were utilized)
  • rather than collecting an offering, a basket was placed near the entry and exit
  • worshippers were directed to leave in an orderly fashion from back to front through the narthex
  • open air fellowship was permitted outdoors, but no food or beverages were provided

So What?

First Presbyterian Church is the fifth Presbyterian congregation I’ve experienced (see Our Search for a Church 2.0 is Over for more on this congregation and the other four). I’m grateful for the ministry and mission of this large urban congregation, and hopeful it continues to live up to and in to its mission of inspiring disciples and engaging the world.

Sanctuary Selfie (photo by Greg Smith)

Since joining First Presbyterian Church in May 2019, I’ve mentioned this community of faith on my blog regularly. I invite you to learn more by reading a few posts: