About Us:
Mission Statement:
“Created by God, redeemed in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Spirit, we are called to glorify God and love others as God’s instruments, bearing witness to the Gospel, in what we are, what we say, and what we do, striving to be the hands and heart of Christ to the extent of the talents and treasures of our local church.
The two steeples of First Presbyterian Church rise above the quaint town of Mount Dora, Florida, nestled under giant oak trees and overlooking beautiful Lake Dora. We are a part of Central Florida Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Officially organized by the North Florida Presbytery in May 1954 with 18 members, Dr. Charles A. Carriel served as our first pastor. Rev. Kenneth W. Book pastored between 1962 through his retirement in 1984. Pastor, Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Biery came to us in 1986. He retired February 14, 2021. Our new interim Pastor, Rev. Dr. Michael L. Andrews came to us on February 23, 2021.
Our beautiful Sanctuary was renovated in 2000. In 2003, we completed a $1.7 million campus expansion adding a beautiful chapel, large fellowship hall, spacious youth room, administrative offices, central courtyard, and renovated Sunday School classrooms. In 2005 we opened our top-rated Preschool as a mission/ministry to young families in our community. God has blessed us with a rich history, a beautiful location and church campus, and with a faithful and friendly congregation that seeks to worship and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
About Our Pastor:
The Reverend Dr. Brenda K. Loyal has served as a Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor, head of staff and chaplain since her ordination in 1992. She received her Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and her PhD in Organization Management and Leadership from Capella University, Minneapolis, MN.
This skilled pastor graduated from Indiana University and Louisville Seminary with graduate degrees from Reformed Seminary and Capella University. She is recognized for her skills in leadership and preaching. Pastoral counseling is also a special gift she uses in her ministry.
Brenda comes to us after serving as Chaplain for Westminster Towers in Orlando while also serving as part time pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Apopka. She has a lengthy resume of serving several churches as well as other agencies of the denomination.
During her career, Dr. Loyal served as a leadership coach and consultant, a certified transitional ministry pastor, Director of Marketing and Public Affairs for Catholic Charites of Central Florida, Director of Public Relations and professor for Belhaven College, and Performance Improvement Director for the Maritz Performance Improvement Company.
Her husband, Michael Loyal PhD, is a health industry consultant with Loyal Solutions Group. They have three grown children. Their oldest son is an attorney in Philadelphia, PA, their youngest son works in hospitality and lives near Nashville, TN. Their daughter is a nurse practitioner, and their son-in-law is an electrical engineer. They have two granddaughters and are thrilled that they live only two miles away.
Brenda enjoys running, Walt Disney World, music, theatre, and spending time with family, including their two dogs, Coco Chanel and Raphael.
Worship & Music
Randy Frieling
Director of Music & Programs
Pianist Randall Frieling has performed throughout North America as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. He holds memberships in the College Music Society, American Guild of Organists, Music Teachers National Association, Association of Disciple Musicians and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. He received his undergraduate degree from Calvin College and his Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from the Indiana University School of Music. He completed his Doctorate at Ball State University.
Dr. Frieling has taught piano and organ for 34 years at three Indiana Universities. He served as accompanist for the summer program of the American Boy Choir School. He has performed on PBS televised broadcasts and was a featured performer on Indiana Public Radio. Frieling has made concerto appearances with orchestras in the Midwest. He is a regular accompanist for the National Youth Choir at Carnegie Hall.
Randall Frieling has been a Director of Music, Organist and Pianist for several Indiana churches including Central Christian Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Pendleton United Methodist Church.
He is the Director of Music and Worship Arts and Organist at First Presbyterian where he leads the Sanctuary Choir, Praise Team, Ensembles, Jubilate Handbell Choir, media and drama.
Chancel Choir- Open to any adult who enjoys singing. The Chancel Choir meets in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. (October-mid May). The Chancel Choir provides music for the majority of our worship services.
Ensembles- There is often opportunity to participate in vocal or instrumental ensembles. Contact me if you are interested
Jubilate Handbell Choir- We have three octaves of Malmark handbells. The Handbell Choir meets in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. (October-April).
Drama and Interpretive Movement- There are opportunities for individuals to participate in a dramatic role during one of the choir musicals and other special presentations.
Instruments- Instrumentalists are often needed for special anthems and programs. If you play an instrument and would like to be a part of our music ministry, please let me know.
Praise Team Ministry- Band members and vocalists are always welcome to be a part of our team for “The Well” worship. The worship team rehearses weekly.
