Our History
The Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church was organized on May 22, 1960, beginning with a congregation of 45 who worshipped at McNab Elementary School cafeteria. They moved into their first church building at 1901 E. Commercial Blvd. on March 18, 1962. By the 1970s, Coral Ridge was the fastest growing church in its denomination (a reputation the church held for many years). Long lines formed down the block every Sunday morning as people waited to attend one of the three services in the 800-seat sanctuary.
This "standing-in-line-to-get-into-church" became somewhat of a church trademark. A movie, "Like a Mighty Army," was made about the history of the church. The last scene showed the members and visitors as they waited to get into the sanctuary. After eight years of planning and construction, a new sanctuary and facilities were completed and the first services were held on December 21, 1973. More than 8,000 people attended that day of services at 5555 N. Federal Highway. Billy Graham was the keynote speaker at the dedication in February of 1974. At that time, Coral Ridge employed six ministers with a total of 75 full-time and 20 part-time individuals. |
Coral Ridge became affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) on May 16, 1978. Its first worship service was televised on September 17, 1978. The $13.8 million expansion was completed in December 1989. Today the church conducts three Sunday morning worship services, with both traditional (the Rufatti Organ and Chancel Choir) and contemporary music. Ministries to children through senior citizens carry out the vision of bringing in the lost, equipping them to serve, and sending them out in the world to be salt and light. |