The Rev. Mr. Richard "Dick" Leonard Huggins has been a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister since 1963, and has served churches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the International Church on the Island of Aruba. He was the Development Officer for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation, Florida Presbyterian Homes, and prior to retirement, for the Thornwell Home and School for Children. He is a trained Interim specialist and has served several churches as Interim Pastor. Dick is a graduate of Davis and Elkins College and Union Seminary in Virginia.

A gifted speaker, writer, and actor, he has performed on stage and directed little theatre, published poems and articles, appeared in television commercials, and has been elected and appointed to both State and local office. Dick, an innovative storyteller, is a member of the Florida Storytellers Association. His good friend, the late author James A. Michener wrote, “I envy your ability to communicate with all ages.”

     Dick has been included in the National Who’s Who and the Marquis Who’s Who in the South. He received the Award of Poetic Excellence by the Sparrowgrass Poetry Forum of Sistersville, WV and was published in their anthology “Poetic Voices of America.” Rev. Huggins was the first Presbyterian minister in the U.S.A. presented the God and Service Award by The National Association of Presbyterian Scouters, a denominational Scouters association recognized by the Boy Scouts of America.

     Dick is married to Barbara Wilson Huggins and they share five children and eleven grandchildren. They reside in Lakeland, FL.

(Bio Courtesy of  First Presbyterian Church Lakeland Website)