First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, South Carolina

RICH IN HISTORY

Commissioned the Lancasterville Presbyterian Church by our presbytery on May 5, 1835, First Presbyterian Church Lancaster was born, a child of the Scots Irish heritage of the community and particularly the Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church. Eighteen persons, 12 female and 6 male, twelve of whom were from just two families were counted as charter members. Their first pastor, James Hendley Thornwell, left our church, his first pastorate, to become professor, then president of South Carolina College, now the University of South Carolina. He is still today regarded as a theological giant in the Presbyterian denomination. The church at which Thornwell served was located on Gay Street, where in 1862, the membership, including slaves, constructed the first brick church and only second brick structure in Lancaster County. It stands today, together with the cemetery which served the Lancaster community for many years, on the National Register of Historic Places.

STEEPED IN TRADITION

Our church’s early emphasis on Christian education was the driving force which moved the church from the brick building on Gay Street to Main Street. Counting 242 in Sunday School in the year 1921, property was secured across from the courthouse in the middle of the block where the county administration building is located. First services were conducted there in April, 1926 and from these walls three mission churches were established in our community: Wade Memorial, New Cut, and Faith Presbyterian Churches. Members were also prominent in the formulation of Grace Presbyterian Church. A number of our sons and daughters were nurtured within these walls and at our present location to follow vocations in Christian Education and the ministry. Antiquated space and the pressures of a downtown block, together with the need to attract and accommodate expected growth in our community, drew the church to its present and prominent location “on top of a hill” further north on Main Street.  In August, 1973 the fellowship hall, kitchen, and educational wings were opened. Almost a decade later, on November 14, 1982, services were held in the
sanctuary and Thornwell Room addition. Over $500,000 was pledged and paid within a 39 month period. A total of $750,000 was expended from all sources for the sanctuary addition, organ, and furnishings. The tradition of paying for what it wants has been longstanding at First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster. Its facilities are the most accessible in the Lancaster community resulting in an outreach and ministry to multiple community groups. The sanctuary, organ and acoustical facilities stem from the high regard among the members for quality preaching of the word and praising God in song by voice and instrument.

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1862 - 1926

1926 - 1973

1973 -