Mount Dora in Lake County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The First Congregational Church of Mount Dora
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 25, 2026
1. The First Congregational Church of Mount Dora Marker
The First Congregational Church of Mount Dora was established in 1883, and Ross Tremain was its first deacon. The land on which the church was built was donated by John and Annie Donnelly, and the building was occupied in 1886. At that time it became one of the six Congregational Churches in Florida.
Congregational Churches are sometimes known as “The Church of the Pilgrims” and were vital congregations for the early 1900’s. The people of these congregations moved from England to the new world in pursuit of religious freedom and individual autonomy. The only authority that governs the Church is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Thus authority is taken from the Holy Scriptures as written in the Old and New Testaments.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 28° 48.13′ N, 81° 38.678′ W. Marker is in Mount Dora, Florida, in Lake County. It is at the intersection of North Donnelly Street and East 7th Avenue, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Orlando and in Central Florida. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lewis House (within shouting distance of this marker); John P. Donnelly House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mount Dora Community Building (about 500 feet away); Annie Donnelly Park (about 500 feet away); The World War (about 600 feet away); First National Bank of Mount Dora (about 600 feet away); Simpson Hotel (about 600 feet away);
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 25, 2026
2. The First Congregational Church of Mount Dora Marker
The marker is on the right side of the Donnelly Street (west) church entrance.
Also see . . . Historic American Buildings Survey: Congregational Church of Mount Dora.
Excerpt: The Congregational Church of Mount Dora is the oldest remaining church in the State of Florida. Built in 1887 on land donated from one of the founding fathers of the towm, J.P. Donnelly. The building is over a hundred years old and is a very important structure in the historic district of Mount Dora, a quaint town located in central Florida. President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge attended service in this building while visiting Mount Dora.(Submitted on September 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: First Congregational Church (1887)
4. Marker detail: First Congregational Church (1904)
5. Marker detail: First Congregational Church (1992)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 25, 2026
6. First Congregational Church of Mount Dora (northwest elevation)
Today it is known as the Community Congregational Church of Mount Dora.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on September 26, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
