Our History
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church (USA) of Punta Gorda, Florida, Inc. was born on March 20, 1983. A group of 27 men and women, in what is now the Peace River Presbytery, had a vision for a church in the southern part of Charlotte County. It was assumed that the expansion of Punta Gorda would happen in this area of the community and plans were made to establish a reformed church here. The logo of Burnt Store Presbyterian Church was adopted by the Session on Sunday, August 28, 1983. It was designed to symbolize the background, meaning and mission of Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. Our first building was dedicated in 1985 with an educational facility to follow in 1988. Our current sanctuary hosted its first worship service on November 4, 2001. In June of 1990, the Reverend Timothy Stewart was installed as our Pastor, succeeding the organizing pastor, John Stump. He served the congregation as pastor for 30 years, retiring in May of 2020. Pastor Jaco Bester has been called to lead our congregation in the next chapter of ministry.
Over the years we have grown from the original 27 members to a worshiping community of over 500 hundred. Celebrate our first 40 years with our 40th Anniversary book by clicking here.
Our Beliefs
The Apostle's Creed – an historic expression of Christian faith – is a good summary of what we believe. We affirm a three-in-one understanding of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the inspiration and authority of the Bible. We affirm Jesus Christ's complete humanity and total deity, his virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension and promised return. We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith. We celebrate the sacraments of Baptism (infant and adult) and Communion. We believe the Church, created and commissioned by Jesus Christ is the only agent of change in the world. Trusting in Jesus Christ alone for the salvation of humanity, we believe we have been sent by him into a broken, hurting and sometimes hostile world as ambassadors of his grace and peace.
