History
The History of First Presbyterian Church of Forest City
This is the history of a journey of a people living in a small southern town who banded together to form a Presbyterian Church. This is their journey of faith as it connects to our journey of faith.
The First Presbyterian Church of Forest City was organized in the year 1895 by a commission from Kings Mountain Presbytery, composed of Revs. McCorkle and Huff, with ruling elder Les Ervine.
Forest City as a village had been chartered only since May 7, 1887. The first federal census taken in 1880 showed 110 residents. In 1887 only one church building was in existence: Cool Springs Baptist Church. There were no sidewalks, no electricity, no plumbing, and no telephones.
In 1895, the charter members, with W.P. McCorkle as a part-time pastor, were Mrs. Margaret McFarland, Miss Kate McFarland, Mr. J.E. McFarland, and a Mr. and Mrs. Dowman.
Mr. McFarland and Mr. Dowman were elected the first elders and were ordained and installed in the old school building, which stood on the site now occupied by the Cool Springs Middle School.
The first services of the congregation were held on one Sunday of each month in the Methodist Church, afterward reverting to the old school house until an invitation from the Baptist Church was accepted. Services were held until 1896 at which time the building site located on Cherry Mountain Street was purchased from Misses Young and Blanton.
In 1911, Dr. G.P. Reed was ruling elder and Dr. J.H. Gettys was deacon with a membership of 20 – Sunday School 21. During these years, there was not a resident minister. Ten ministers served the church as part-time pastors, and they depended on the Home Mission Committee for support.
In April 1925, due to the untiring efforts of Elder McFarland, a handsome new brick building was dedicated free of debt on the site of the old church on Cherry Mountain Street.
The first 30 years of First Presbyterian was an amazing accomplishment, considering the few members involved and the money needed to buy property and building supplies. It was done through a labor of love and faith to have a Presbyterian Church in Forest City. The membership in 1925 was 46.
In 1934, Rev. George L. Riddle accepted the call as pastor and stayed until 1938.
Dr. O.G. Jones came to First Presbyterian as the first full-time pastor when he was 75 years old. When he came in March 1938, there were 20 members on roll and no Sunday School or other organizations. Under his vigorous and enthusiastic leadership, the church grew considerably. The church outgrew the church building on Cherry Mountain Street, and so the present site on Main St. was purchased. The present sanctuary was built in 1940 and dedicated on July 28, 1940. Dr. Jones retired in 1941.
Dr. Allen McSween was called as pastor, and the church membership was 67. Dr. McSween served only a short time as he was called into the armed services along with many other young men from the church.
Rev. John D. Smith was installed as pastor in March 1942. During the early 40’s the church continued its rapid grown, becoming self-supporting and a very strong church in the community. The membership had climbed to 161.
The end of WWII came in 1945, and the town prospered brining new industries to town, which brought new families into the church.
Rev. Sam C. Smith was installed as pastor in 1950. Records show that from 1925 – 1950 the church grew tremendously. The membership was active in all phases of civic affairs, school affairs, and social activities of the town. The manse was built in 1953.
Rev. J. Holmes Smith was installed as pastor in 1953. During this time a fund was started for an educational building.
Rev. Charles Kirkpatrick was called to First Presbyterian in 1957. Under his leadership, the first Boy Scout Troop was organized and sponsored by First Baptist and First Presbyterian Churches. The first Brownie Scout Troop was organized. The membership grew to 180. The new Moller Pipe Organ was installed.
Rev. W.K. Leach was installed as pastor in 1969. In 1971 the membership had grown to 208. The organ chimes were dedicated in April of 1969.
In 1979, Dr. Philip W. Dunford was installed as minister. In 1981, the educational building and sanctuary were connected with an office complex. A van was purchased, which was used by the youth, scouts, and church members. The church continued to grow, and membership reached 240.
Rev. Greg Darden was installed as pastor on November 4, 1990. Under his leadership, the congregation looked forward to the 21st century. Property was bought for future growth. A preschool and Mother’s Day Out were started.
In 1995, Dr. John Campbell came as Interim Minister. On September 16th and 17th, the church celebrated its centennial. Former members and friends returned for a celebration of 100 years of faith.
In 2004, James Shroyer was pastor and the Family Life Center building was completed. The chuch started new Bible Studies, started divorce care, and combined youth groups with other churches.
During the declining economy in the 2000s, many people moved away from the area. In 2010, Dr. Becky Stanley became the church’s part-time, stated supply pastor. In the years following, the congregation has remained steady, though small. The church’s women’s group remains active as well as the church’s support for local and foreign missions.
Worship was enhanced by the memorial gift of Doris McBrayer, enabling the church to have guest musicians. The church participated in an ecumenical, county-wide mission trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to help those affected by tornados. Also, in 2015, a group from the church went to New Orleans to help those devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Other community programs the church has supported include Yokefellow Service Center, the Backpack program for children needing food on the weekends, the Black Mountain Home for Children, and other more. The church also welcomes groups to the church for meetings, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Boy Scouts, and others as needed.
We remember those who have gone before us in faith and move forward ever mindful that we are all a part of the family of God with a commission to “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples.”