Rev. Harry L. Price

1970-1979

One of 13 children, as a boy Harry Price would milk the cows before heading to school. His father owned a store where Harry worked after school delivering groceries. Always a diligent worker, he earned, saved and sent himself to college. He then attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. In 1939 when he was 28, Harry was ordained by Congaree Presbytery in South Carolina. His first ministry was in Edgefield, SC where he served for five years before marrying Minnie Frazier in 1942. Harry’s next pastorates were in Marion, SC, Staunton, VA, and Bristol, TN before being appointed as Field Minister (1970) and then Pastor (1972) of First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs.

Harry was a kind, unassuming man but very enthusiastic about his new church. He would often go door-to-door in Bonita to invite people to come to  church. His 9-year ministry with First Church was successful on many levels as he drew those who had no church closer to Christ. Harry was honorably retired in September 1979 but often served various churches as an Interim Associate after he and Minnie moved to Lehigh Acres. On  January 4, 1981, he was the honored guest at services here at First Church and installed as Pastor Emeritus. Eventually Harry and Minnie moved to Bradenton. Harry passed away in September 1999. After Minnie passed away in March 2008, their family arranged for a memorial service to be held in Price Chapel.

Rev. Dr. Joe S. McClure

1979-1995

Joe McClure decided to leave the family lumber and construction business to become a minister while attending Davidson College in South Carolina. He earned a Master of Divinity (Union Theological Seminary, VA), a Master of Theology (Presbyterian  Theological Seminary, TX) and a Doctor of Ministry (McCormick Theological Seminary, IL). His first ministry was at a small church in Huntersville, NC, in 1956 before moving to pastorates in Florida—first in Jacksonville, then Winter Park and St. Petersburg and finally, Bonita Springs.

During his 16-year ministry at First Church, Joe developed a large volunteer program with active participation by lay leaders. He also led the congregation through two major building campaigns. A talented storyteller and eloquent speaker, Joe had great compassion and a very down-to-earth nature.

He possessed a certain type of charisma that endeared him to others. Joe’s signature style of preaching, sitting on a stool, developed accidentally due to his back problems. He had an affinity for birds, was an avid bird carver and enjoyed growing roses. In January of 1996, he was given the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus. Joe passed away peacefully on June 7, 2017 in Knoxville, TN.

“God could not have called us to a kinder, more dedicated and generous congregation. I have often felt guilty for having an easy and uncomplicated ministry.”

Dr. Paul J. Kirbas

1996-2003

Paul Kirbas earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry (Columbia Theological Seminary, GA). He served as Associate Pastor at Edgewood Presbyterian Church in Columbus, GA and Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Cornelia, GA. Before being called by First Church, he served as Senior Pastor at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta.

During Paul’s 7-year ministry here, he inspired growth in immeasurable ways. Paul’s focus on preaching and teaching was evident through the topics of his sermons and weekly class, Wednesday Worship in Study and Song. His studies effected in us a new level of Christian learning; his method of teaching made spiritual and biblical concepts easier to understand. The growth of church membership and expansion of our campus to include a satellite ministry in Estero gained the attention of our denomination. In 2000, Paul cast a bold vision for our church to build “A House for the Name of the Lord.” At each step of the journey, the congregation matched the vision with energy, resources and commitment. The result was a new sanctuary for the new millennium and new ministries to support its use and development.

In 2003, Paul accepted a call to Church of the Palms in Sarasota. He is currently Senior Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. In 2009, Paul founded the Kirbas Institute, a non-profit that sponsors events and creates studies to promote dialogue between faith and science.

Dr. Doug G. Pratt

2004-Present

The senior pastor of a large church wears many hats—chief executive officer, visionary, coach, mentor, teacher, fundraiser, servant—but his most public role, and greatest responsibility, is preaching the Word of God. There is no doubt that Doug Pratt’s pastoral experience, education and intelligence have been instrumental in his ability to successfully lead a congregation such as First Church. Doug earned a Master of Divinity (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, MA) and Doctor of Ministry (Fuller Theological Seminary, CA); served 11 years as Executive Pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, KS; and led 14 years as Senior Pastor of Memorial Park Presbyterian Church in suburban Pittsburgh, PA.

With fine-tuned leadership skills, Doug compassionately builds up those around him. His faith permeates all aspects of his life and it is apparent not only in his engaging sermons and teaching, but in the attitude of his everyday life—whether in casual conversation, brainstorming sessions, troubleshooting or counseling. Doug is an expert listener and problem-solver who sees the big picture while also intuiting what solution may
work the best. His solid understanding of Scripture helps him envision the way through life’s complications and challenges. Doug’s love of books is all about an appreciation for individuals sharing both spiritual insights and the failures and struggles that have forged their faith. One of his favorite authors is 20th century British scholar C.S. Lewis (see My First Changes, page 26).

Doug intends for First Church to be his final pastorate before retirement and we are truly blessed under his direction.