From BRUSH ARBOR to…

As early as 1807, there was a desire on the part of the people of Paw Creek to erect their own place of worship. Therefore, the 1808 minutes of the Concord Presbytery reflected that “‘the petition of a certain number of people living between Hopewell Presbyterian Church and Steele Creek Presbyterian Church desired to be constituted and recognized as a separate congregation was again taken under consideration. It was resolved and known by the name of Paw Creek Church”.

About a mile south of this site is a stream flowing southwesterly toward the Catawba River. Indians undoubtedly named the stream from the paw-paw trees growing along its banks and our forefathers called the community “Paw Creek”, taking the name from the stream. It was, therefore, natural that they should use this name for their church.

Following is a chronicle highlighting the developmental history of “Paw Creek Church.”  We look back over these formative years with pride in our heritage and pray that the blessings of the past continue as we go forward into the future.

1807
The people of Paw Creek were inspired to erect their own place of worship and proceeded to petition the Concord Presbytery for recognition.

1808
“The petition of a certain number of people living between Hopewell and Steele Creek Churches desiring to be constituted and recognized as a separate congregation was again taken under consideration. It was resolved and known by the name of Paw Creek Church.” Reverend Samuel C. Caldwell, Pastor of Sugaw Creek Church, began preaching to the Paw Creek congregation in a “brush arbor” in an open field. This was the “foundation stone” of Paw Creek Presbyterian Church.

1809
The people erected their first church building, a small log structure with its cracks daubed with mud, on land belonging to Joseph Todd. Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell served as minister from 1809 to 1819.

1816
The three-acre building site, including a free-flowing spring was deeded to the church.

1819
Rev. John Williamson served as minister from 1819 to 1842.

1824
A large frame building was finished in the autumn of the year, replacing the first log structure. Standing adjacent to the old section of the church cemetery, it included a gallery in the west end with an outside stairway to accommodate the African-American membership.

1843
Rev H. B. Cunningham served as minister from 1843 to 1858.

1858
Rev. Robert Burwell served as minister from 1858 to 1864.

1864
Rev. S. C. Pharr served as minister from 1864 to 1869.

1868
African-Americans, now emancipated, withdrew their membership and organized the Woodland Presbyterian Church a few miles away on Rhyne Road.

1869
Rev. James S. Barr served as minister from 1869 to 1872.

1871
On November 25, the congregation acquired from P.A. Wellford, and additional 4.4 acres adjoining the church property for a sum of $10.00 and the further consideration that “True and Undefiled Religion” be propagated through the church’s continuing program.

1874
Rev. R.H. Chapman served as minister from 1874 to 1877.

1877
Rev. George Cook served as minister from 1877 to 1888.

1878
The Session adopted measures for organizing the Sabbath School. (Efforts to get the men to participate in the school would fail for thirty-seven more years!  It was the custom of the fathers of the congregation to sit out under the trees during the Sunday School hour.)

1881
The congregation voted to erect a third house of worship. The year was bad financially, and the building was not completed. The winter was so severe that the walls froze and had to be torn down.

1882
On the last Sunday in March, the new brick building was occupied. The building cost $2,500.00 and every dollar was paid the day the keys were turned over to the congregation. 
          
1889
Rev. J. J. Kennedy served as minister from 1889 to 1892.

1890
The first Manse was built. Also, the church began to enjoy its first organ.

1893
Rev. W. C. C. Foster served as minister from 1893 to 1896.

1896
Rev. John S. Shaw served as minister from 1896 to 1899.

1899
Rev G. L. Cook served as minister from 1899 to 1906.

1907
The church celebrated its 100th Anniversary! Electric lights had been installed and the church and manse had been repaired for the occasion. 

1907
Rev. J. E. Berryhill served as minister from 1907 to 1913.

1913
Rev. C. G. Lynch served as minister from 1913 to 1918.

1915
After thirty-seven years of non-participation in the “Sunday School Hour,” success was achieved in organizing “The Men’s Bible Class and Brotherhood.” It was not officially a part of the organized Sunday School. It was under the direction of the Session and met in the Session House, but it was a means of getting the fathers out of the churchyard and into the life of the church!

1918
Rev. C. H. Rowan served as minister from 1918 to 1924.

1922
The second manse, costing $4,200.00, was built on the site of the first manse (1890), which was torn down. The manse stood adjacent to the Paw Creek Post Office.

1924
Rev. R. P. Walker served as minister from 1924 to 1926.

1926
Rev. C. H. Rowan again served as minister from 1926 to 1943.

1928
The Sanctuary was remodeled, Sunday School rooms added to the rear of the building and a portico was built on the front of the church. The total cost was $14,000.00.

1944
Rev. Frank S. Johnston served as minister from 1944 to 1957.

1947
The young people of the church, under the leadership of Miss Margie Campbell, conducted a fund raising campaign to construct a Fellowship building.

1949
The Fellowship Building (later to be called the “Scout Hut”) was erected at a cost of $5,000.00.

1953
The third manse was constructed on Sadler Road, replacing the manse that had been used since 1922.

1956
The Educational Building (the West Wing) was built at a cost of $49,510.00.  This building consists of
seven classrooms, a chapel, a library room, two storage rooms, a janitor supply room and a restroom.

1957
The second Manse (1922), which had been sold to Miss Ursula S. Beaty and her brother, was returned to the church according to the provisions of her will at her death in 1957.

1958
Rev. J. Edward Craig served as minister from 1958 to 1966.

1959
A portion of the lot on which the 1922 manse stood was sold to buy the vacant lots on the east side of the church. Air conditioning was installed to cool the Sanctuary.

1962 The balance of the 1922 manse property was sold. Proceeds were applied to the building of the fourth manse on Gum Branch Road. The third manse, on Tom Sadler Road, which had been used since 1953, was sold to Wiley and Eleanor Senn.

1963
The fourth manse on Gum Branch Road was completed and Rev. J. Edward Craig and family moved in.

1966
Rev. Robert J. James served as minister from 1966 to 1973.

1968
Stained glass windows were installed in the Sanctuary, adding a touch of beauty and dignity.

1969
The East Wing was completed and dedicated, adding educational room, Parlor, Session Room, Pastor’s Study, and office complex. Also, the Bell Tower, a new home for a very old bell, replaced the steeple atop the church. The steeple had to be removed since it had become a safety hazard.

1972
Renovations were made to the Sanctuary, including a sound system and new carpeting.

1973
Rev. Jeffrey K. Aiken served as minister from 1973 to 1980.

1974
An Allen Organ was purchased, enhancing music and song.

1977
A 1.4-acre tract of land adjoining existing church property on the east side was purchased for future growth or expansion.

1981
Rev. Gary L. Bryant became the minister of PCPC, and still is at the time of this writing (2009).

1982
Pews and seating in the Sanctuary were upholstered adding a welcome touch of comfort and beauty! We welcomed our first student minister, Kirby Hill, Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia.

1984
Paw Creek Presbyterian celebrated 175 years of growth from “brush arbor” to its present facility with a weekend of festivities on September 28, 29, and 30, 1984. A historical drama, “A Corner of the Kingdom,” unfolding our church heritage, was written and directed by Mrs. Miriam Childress and presented by the members of the congregation. Historical displays, programs and costumes added flavor to the celebration! David Sherrod became our second student in ministry from Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia. In June, at the time of the reunion merger, Paw Creek Presbyterian Church became a part of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

1985
Our church welcomed its first female Student in Ministry, Kitty Hahn, from the Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia. We purchased an electronic synthesizer, adding unique musical enhancement.

1986
The church buried a time capsule filled with memorabilia, to be unearthed at its 200th Anniversary Celebration. Renovations were made to the narthex, choir loft and pulpit area of the Sanctuary.

The text of the first sermon preached within our church’s brick walls in 1882 still echoes…
“This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate to Heaven.” Genesis 28:17

These words will continue to inspire future generations to physical and spiritual growth at Paw Creek Presbyterian Church as God wills…
This chronicle was condensed from The History of Paw Creek Presbyterian Church, researched and written by Forney E. Michael. Adapted by Glenn M. (Pete) Cathey and Annette R. Cutchen.

The next 25 years to come…

Ann Cashion