The History of Westminster Presbyterian Church
The Westminster Presbyterian Church was organized in 1894. Out of the thrist to hear and meditate on God's word, a few faithful community members met under a Bush Shed each sabbath at the home of Mr. Lewis Francis. During the first year the membership grew under the leadership of Reverend Simmon. Westminster quickly flourished.
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Reverend Crawford served three years as a stated supply and returned March 30, 1923 to September 15, 1923. During his first term, land was donated by Mr. Sumter Francis and Mrs. Salina Francis to erect a wood frame church. This site is the same location of today'sbuilding.
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The following ministers served and made great stride in the church's growth:
Reverend James Mckay (1903-1908)
Reverend Walter Caldwell (1908)
Reverend Isaac Pogue (1922-1923)
Reverend Dilliard (1923-1924)
Reverend Edward Allen (1924-1932)
Reverend J.E. Henderson (1933-1935)
Reverend Robert Edward Lee Smith (1940-1953).
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The original church building was remodeled in 1917 under the leadership of Reverend Walter Monroe Caldwell. A fire in 1936 destroyed the building. A new building was built in 1937 under the direction and guidance of Reverend Charles Winslow Tally.
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Reverend Tally was sent to the Westminster Church first from Johnson C. Smith Seminary. Upon his arrival, he found a burned church and its congregation worshiping in an old building near the church's grounds. He applied and was awarded a grant from National Mission. The building program was under construction by the summer of 1937. Reverend Tally service ended in 1939 when he returned to seminary. He is best remembered for his ability to keep a vision alive and his ability to empower the members to build a spiritual as well as a physical church.
In 1954, Reverend James Herbert Nelson was the first minister to receive a call and was installed at Westminster (Previous ministers were sent by the Presbytery) Physical changes were made to the building during his leadership. (indoor toilets, gas heaters and a new roof). He saw a need for weekly worship service, therefore, worship service was changed from every other Sunday to every Sunday. Reverend Nelson's concern and interest in youth, led him to develop programs and activities to enhance youth ministry in the church. He was a young vibrant and an energetic minister. Homecoming was started during his leadership. He served until 1960.
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From 1960-1974, Reverend Robert Johnson served as the minister of the church. Under his leadership, the church was renovated and a Fellowship Hall was added. Mrs. Addie Anderson was the first female elder ordained under Reverend Johnson's leadership. Reverend R.C. Johnson died March 13, 1974.
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In 1974, Reverend Larry Hill was called as the minister of the church. Through his leadership the church and the community flourished. He organized the Church Basketball League, Worldwide communion joint service with several churches. Church and community involvement was awesome. Continuous energy and vitality from Reverend Hill, were displayed in his dedication to organize the church. He started the following in the committees in the church: Christian Education Commit tee, Nominating Committee, Stewardship Committee, Worship Committee, and the Evangelism. Many choirs were organized during his leadership. Two more female Elders were nominated to the Session and youths were elected as officers. Youth were also, appointed to serve on Session committees. The relationship with Reverend Hill ended in 1980.
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Reverend Camell Hampton served as the church's moderator from 1983-1985 and 1988-1993.
Reverend Robert Bligen served as moderator of the church from 1989-1995.
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Reverend Herbert Shackleford served as minister of Westminster Presbyterian Church from 1981-1983. During this period Westminster was yoked with Harmony Presbyterian Church.
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From 1983-1985, Westminster was without a minister. During this period the session invited Alonza Washington, a seminary student, and Reverend Jeffrey Alexander to preach the Word each Sunday.
In 1985, Westminster called its first female minister, Reverend Retha Mungin, The relationship with Reverend Retha Mungin ended in 1988.
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The church was without a minister for eight years. It was lead by the Session Presbytery appointed moderators, Reverend Camell Hampton for five years and Reverend Robert Bligen for three years. Elder Ernest Jackson served as the lay preacher until Reverend Charles Ham was called in 1996.
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In January, 1996, Reverend Charles A. Ham was called as the minister of Westminster and Congruity Presbyterian Churches. Hewas installed, April 1, 1996. He has heightened the awareness of the Holy Spirit in all that is planned and done in the Church.
Westminster since the vision 103 years still remain the church that is enduring, and about the business of doing the work of Christ until he comes again. The building stands strong even in spite of the fire and Hurricane Hugo that have tried to ravish it. The people are steadfast and remain loyal to God's call even without pastoral leadership. The educational and religious aspects of the church have articulated themselves in the development of outstanding ministers, teachers, lawyers, social workers, nurses and other leaders. It has inspired two young ministers, one who is the associated Executive of New Harmony Presbytery, Dr. Reverend Franklin Colclough.
The journey continues as the church continues to be the Body of Christ.