| EARLY CHURCHES OF LAKELAND
| | | First Presbyterian Church, Massachusetts Avenue |
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INTRODUCTION
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Lakeland has a lengthy and diverse religious tradition. There are friendly rivalries among the various denominations as to which held the first services and which built the first house of worship in what is now Lakeland. Which denomination was first with services and buildings is less relevant than the fact that religion has played a significant role in the history and development of Lakeland from its inception. Organized religious services predate Lakeland's incorporation in 1885 and at least one, possibly two, denominations had constructed churches in Lakeland by the middle of 1885.
This exhibit features photos and capsule histories of some, but by no means all, of Lakeland's earliest churches. It is limited to those churches for which we have visual images (postcards or photographs) and about which we have at least a minimal amount of background information.
Special Collections has a collection entitled "Lakeland Churches," in which many but not nearly all of Lakeland's churches are represented. We encourage members of congregations whose churches are not represented to donate photos and histories of those churches to the Special Collections unit. In the meantime, enjoy this small exhibit of Lakeland's Early Churches.
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