Session Action Items:
1. Session approved the Annual Statistical Report to the Presbytery. FPC ended the year with 772 members on the roll. During the year we welcomed 30 new adult members, 11 by Confirmation and 19 by transfer of certificate or reaffirmation of faith. We baptized 13 infants. We lost 18 members by death and 6 by transfer of letter.
2. Session approved the 2026 Budget for First Presbyterian. John Summerford presented a balanced budget of Projected Receipts and Expenses totaling $2,117,232. The budget will be reviewed with the Congregation at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on February 22, 2026, during the 11:00 am Worship service.
3. Session approved hosting the August 20, 2026, Presbytery of Shepherds and Lapsley meeting at First Presbyterian Tuscaloosa.
Properties: Forest Wilson, Chair of Properties, gave Session a thorough briefing on the work the committee has been doing to address the needs in the Sanctuary. There are definite issues with the condition and age of the ceiling tiles. We are also exploring the possibility of addressing flooring in the Sanctuary and restoring and refurbishing stained glass windows in the Sanctuary, Chapel and Warner Hall at the same time. After extensive research, interviewing and reference checks, an Architectural firm has been selected. The committee will enter into negotiations with this firm to get them under contract. The firm will them worth with FPC to help define scope and price of the work as they have specific experience in working with historic churches and came highly recommended for the work they performed at another church within our Presbytery. Session was informed that once this work commences, there would be a period of disruption in the church facilities while the work was being completed. This will likely be an expensive project, and funding sources will have to be addressed after we have a defined plan.
Finance and Endowments: John Summerford reported that after being behind budget for much of the year, the end of year giving led us to a surplus of $47,804 as of 12/31/25. This surplus was helped by maintaining a tight budget and coming in under by $17,343. Non pledged giving was $375,178 for the year. Fourth quarter endowments were reviewed, and our portfolio of $9.5m showed a return of 13% for the year. An additional request of $1,050 was granted for the youth mission trip to Puerto Rico.
Stewardship: Danny Potts reviewed progress on the current Stewardship campaign with Session. As of our meeting he stated 205 family units had made pledge commitments of $1,566,814 million.
Mission: Session congratulated our Elders Gaines Brake, Mary Burns and Rev. Sellers on a successful Global Mission Sunday. After a successful 2025 in collecting $33K for Global Missions, Gaines reported they were increasing their 2026 goal to $30,000. Mission pledge cards were available for the Session.
Fellowship: Jill Cilimberg reported that plans were in place for the Women’s Retreat to be held at Camp McDowell Jan 30 – Feb 1, 2026. The speaker will be Jenni Nichols, and the theme will be Creating the Rhythm of Life. 32 women were signed up for the retreat. The retreat will end with Communion being served and Session granted permission.
Long Range Planning: Robert McLeod reported that the sale of the Moundville property had finally occurred. Net proceeds to FPC were $198,401.81. As previously voted on by Session, the proceeds would be applied to payment for the new cooling tower recently installed at FPC.
Next Meeting: Congregational Meeting – State of the Church Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:00am next Stated Session Meeting Monday, February 23, 2026, at 5:30 pm.
Members may view the FPC Website to see our current Officers of FPC (Elders and Deacons) at https://fpctusc.org/resources/officers-of-fpc