SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIPS

An educated clergy and laity has been an important part of the Reformed tradition ever since John Calvin’s Geneva, and Christian education has long been one of the core values of this church. Through bequests to the Legacy Fund by Jessie White Hotson, Gertrude Mai Marks, and others and by gifts in memory of Edward L. McGuire, Jr., Ruth W. Knighton, Ruth and Edwin Staman, and others, First Presbyterian Church has been able to give scholarships to many seminary students over the years to assist them on the path to becoming Presbyterian pastors. Preference is given to Presbyterian students attending Presbyterian-related theological schools. Applications for this year must be received by April 30th, 2024. Our 2024 scholarship application can be found HERE.

UNIVERSITY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

University provides short term courses for adults wanting an in-depth and balanced education on a variety of issues. Believing that “all conversations are theological” courses will be fresh, relevant and topical to the realities of our world today. Programs are held monthly during the year. Courses include everything from book discussions, historical lectures from people in our community, cultural presentations, classes ranging from journal-keeping to yoga, as well as a summer film series. Courses will be taught by experts in the field of study and are open to the entire community.

WINTER LECTURE SERIES

Over many years, First Presbyterian Church has brought a host of distinguished authors, preachers, teachers, and theologians to Shreveport for the church’s annual lecture series, funded through gifts to the Legacy Fund by Audrey Bollinger Westbrook and others. The aim of the lecture series is to deepen the faith of church and community members through critical engagement, conversation, and reflection on pressing theological issues at the intersection of Christian faith and contemporary life.