First Presbyterian Church in Panama City to reopen after 7 years

The historic church's downtown sanctuary was reconstructed after Hurricane Michael damage.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:55pm

An impressionistic, blurred photograph of a church building's exterior, with warm, glowing colors and soft, hazy light creating a serene, contemplative mood.The long-awaited reopening of First Presbyterian Church's historic sanctuary marks a new chapter for Panama City's downtown community.Panama City Today

The First Presbyterian Church of Panama City has announced that it will be reopening its downtown sanctuary after seven years of being closed. The sanctuary was severely damaged during Hurricane Michael in 2018 and has since undergone a full reconstruction project.

Why it matters

The reopening of the First Presbyterian Church's historic sanctuary is a significant milestone for the Panama City community, which has been working to rebuild and recover in the years since Hurricane Michael devastated the area. The church has long been a central part of the downtown landscape and its return will help restore a sense of normalcy and community in the city.

The details

According to the church, the reconstruction project involved a complete overhaul of the sanctuary, including new pews, lighting, and other essential upgrades to bring the space back to its former glory. The church has been holding services in a temporary location during the reconstruction period.

  • The First Presbyterian Church of Panama City announced the sanctuary reopening on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • The church's sanctuary was severely damaged during Hurricane Michael in October 2018.

The players

First Presbyterian Church of Panama City

A historic church located in the downtown area of Panama City, Florida that has served the community for decades.

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What’s next

The church plans to hold a special rededication ceremony and celebration on Sunday, April 19, 2026 to mark the sanctuary's grand reopening.

The takeaway

The reopening of the First Presbyterian Church's sanctuary is a symbol of Panama City's resilience and recovery in the years since Hurricane Michael. It represents the community's commitment to preserving its history and coming together to rebuild after a devastating natural disaster.