Kirkwood's dream began in July 1979, and was led by Interim Pastor Rev. Robert Pfrangle.  The first services were held at the Manatee Red Cross building on 59th Street.  Formal organization took place on February 15, 1981 and growth necessitated a move to the larger Manatee County Girl's Club.

The Fellowship Hall at our current site was dedicated on June 10, 1984 and served as the Worship Center until the Sanctuary Building was dedicated on November 19,1995.  In 2005, we purchased a piece of property next to ours and converted a home into additional classrooms and a conference room.  The Friendship House, which was dedicated in November of 2007, now serves as a meeting place for several community ministries, as well as meeting and classrooms for Kirkwood. 

The Rev. C. William Hull retired in 2008 after having served Kirkwood as Pastor since 1980.  The church has continued to grow to a congregation of close to 700 with actual membership of close to 500.