When Lake Wales was settled in 1911, its founders were busy establishing the lumber and turpentining industries and mapping out the citrus groves that would become its hallmark, no thought was given to the infant city’s religious growth.

It wasn’t until two years later on Feb. 9, 1913, that the first public worship service was held in the lobby of the Hotel Wales. To commemorate that service led by Bartow Presbyterian Church pastor Nathan Smith, the Lake Wales Ministerial Association is hosting a centennial celebration at 4 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales Family Life Center on East Central Avenue.