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The History of DeSoto Presbyterian Church

In 1966 a group of interested persons met to discuss the possibility of establishing a Presbyterian Church in DeSoto. the first worship service was held at DeSoto Youth Center on December 2, 1967, and Rev. J.D. Ruffin of Duncanville Presbyterian Church served as interim minister.

Worship services, visitation and fellowship activities promoted the growth of this small group, and in mid-1968 a charter membership roll was begun. In August 1969, the Rev. Ben McAnally was called as organizing pastor, and on February 28, 1971, DeSoto Presbyterian Church was formally organized as a Union Presbyterian Church with 142 charter members.

In 1970 the old Methodist church on Belt Line Road became available, and Presbyterians and Episcopalians shared the use of the building. Planning for construction of a new multi-purpose building on a site granted by the Dallas Extension Committee was begun, and the new building was completed in June 1972. 

The first worship service was held in the present sanctuary June 11, 1972.

Under the leadership of the Rev. McAnally, DeSoto Presbyterian Church opened its doors to many community groups needing a place to meet:
Episcopalians and Lutherans worshipped here, scouts, a square dance club and art classes. An emergency aid fund was begun, and the congregation grew in fellowship and community.

In June, 1977, Dr. Jim Johnson became our pastor. We continued to share our building with community groups, including a drug abuse program and DeSoto Community Outreach Council. We reached out to the community in support of the Family Place and Presbyterian Children's Home in Waxahachie, the Food Pantry, and the Blood Drive.

In August, 1983, the rev. Douglas B Stearns began his work as our pastor. A renewed focus on Christian education sparked choirs for children ages 5-18 and a new church library. In 1984, dreams and hopes for much needed education, office, and meeting space began to take shape. We took a real step of faith in committing to a much more challenging building program than many of us could have projected. In the late summer of 1986, our new building was completed.

The Rev. William J Bennett was called to lead our congregation in March 1996. One focus of Rev Bennett's has been spiritual development groups, expanding our opportunities to pray for each other, for the church, and for our community. Another strong theme has been gathering the "stories" of our people to identify what is important to us, what moves us, and what can shape us into the church we are striving to become.

As we continue to form new directions, we hold deeply important central values: meaningful and inspiring Bible-centered worship, the family and fellowship of the church, education and activities for all ages, care of those with special needs, and outreach to the community.