Pickens Presbyterian Church                                  

To the Glory of God, and the Service of People

History

In South Carolina, during the Reconstruction Era, the new upstate County of Pickens was formed, with the town of Pickens as its County Seat.  The year was 1868.  Within five years of that historic event, the establishment of a Presbyterian Mission was effected in Pickens.  By the end of 1878, the Presbytery was petitioned to officially organize Pickens Presbyterian Church, with thirteen persons comprising the laity.  The formal organization took place on July 17, 1878.  In April 1883, Dr. James Riley became the first full-time pastor and continued for sixteen years.  Also in 1883, the first Sunday School classes began to meet.

From its organization the church was blessed by generous men and women.  The first structure was a white frame building constructed in 1882 on land donated by one of the first church Elders.  (Two of his great great great grandchildren are part of the church family today.)  The women of the church raised money to purchase an organ in 1884 and chandeliers in 1885.  By 1923 the growth of the congregation warranted the erection of a new brick structure.     

An addition was dedicated in 1956.  In response to the need in the community for all day  child care, in 1978 ground was broken for an Education Building to provide rooms for  Sunday School, and a nursery for care of infants and toddlers during worship and adult activities.

In October 1991, a new wing, extending westward from the 1923 structure, was erected and consists of offices, conference rooms, a kitchen, and a spacious meeting hall.  In  addition to serving the needs of the church, meeting spaces are used without charge by community organizations.  At the same time, the original sanctuary was enlarged and extended.  A dedicatory service was held on Sunday, November 8, 1992.

Throughout its ministry, the church has been blessed with both dedicated members and able pastoral leadership.  From its small beginnings, the church has grown steadily and increased its influence and effectiveness in witnessing to Jesus Christ.  With the ongoing commitment of faithful families and the influx of new members who contribute time, talent, and resources, Pickens Presbyterian Church is committed to the glory of God and the service of people.

Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

Last modified: 01/28/08