The First 35 Years

The Preface from First Presbyterian Church of Sun City 1963-1998, Thirty-Five Years of Spiritual Life:

While reading this updated history of First Presbyterian Church, Sun City, I was struck and impressed by the quality of the people represented by this history.  We who have come after such a distinguished and dedicated group only enjoy the vision of those early Presbyterians, but we can be strengthened by the example of their faith, courage and determination to make a difference in Sun City!  When we examine what our daughter church, Faith Presbyterian Church, has accomplished in twenty-five years with their magnificent vision and the construction of Royal Oaks, we can be justly proud to be Presbyterians.

We are all indebted to Dr. Douglas P. Wright and Grace Haas for writing the history of the first twenty-five years.  I naturally turned for an update to yet another Haas, this time Evelyn Haas, whose dedication and attention to detail as Personnel Chairman left a lasting impression on me.  She has come through with humour, sincerity and a 'historical sense' that will add greatly in the coming years to the story behind the people of First Church, Sun City.  Appreciation to Fran Kittredge our "computer" copier, and to Fran and Roda Wright for their proofreading skills.  We have incorporated, by choice, the "First Twenty-Five Years" updating the details where necessary and complimenting them by calling this the "First Thirty-Five Years"!!

To everyone who played important roles through the thirty-five years and especially to the historians among us; including Evelyn Haas, my thanks, appreciation and admiration.  It has been my privilege to live and minister among your since 1995.  Eileen and I are both enjoying our experiences; we see you as people illustrating the zeal of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Virens...sed tamen...Consumebatur

Burning but never consumed!!!

Congratulations in achieving thirty-five wonderful years.

~ Dennis W. Clarke

December 1998