A History of Moultrie First Presbyterian Church

The Moultrie Presbyterian Church was formally organized on October 3, 1892 by the following charter members: John Millsap, Mary E. Millsap, Mollie E. Millsap, William B. McPhaul, Nannie McPhaul, James A. McKay, William Coachman Vereen, Mary McNeill Vereen, Major Neill McKay McNeill, Jane J. McNeill, Ellen McNeill, Carrie McNeill, Sallie Heath, Burgess A. Rowland, A. N. McDonald, and Walter L. Wilson. These sixteen Presbyterians, most of whom migrated from South Carolina, gathered together with the Reverend T. J. Allison, an evangelist from the Savannah Presbytery who acted as moderator. W. C. Vereen and William B. McPhaul were elected as Ruling Elders. John A. Milsap and James McKay were elected as Deacons.

The first church building, located on West Central Avenue, was dedicated on June 11, 1893. To accommodate the remarkable growth of the congregation, a second building was built on the corner of First Street and Third Avenue SE. It was dedicated in 1898. The third church building, which is still in use today, is located at 501 1st Street SE and was dedicated on October 6, 1912. Four additions have been made to this building: Ellen Vereen Hall (1931), Stegall Memorial Building (1956), Dr. M. A. MacDonald Nursery (1965) and the Fellowship Hall (1985).

From its inception, the Moultrie Presbyterian Church has been very active in mission work. Mission churches were organized in Doerun (1915), Princeville (1917) and the 2nd Presbyterian Church on North Main Street (1917). In 1945, the Sylvester Drive Chapel was established. Sunday school was held each Sunday afternoon and an outdoor service was held each Sunday evening during the summer months. Other local mission programs included youth groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.

The Covenant Counseling Center was established in the fall of 1982. Constant growth over the next few years prompted the Session to recommend that other churches in Moultrie join in the support of the center. Representatives from Trinity Baptist Church, St. Johns Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church and First Methodist Church were added to the center's governing committee. A full-time therapist was hired in 1985. The Covenant Counseling Center offers a safe, confidential atmosphere conducive to growth in self-awareness and in relationship enhancement. It is an environment where persons can utilize inner strength to strive for a more comfortable and responsible life style.

In the fall of 1985, a group of First Presbyterian mothers approached Rev. Ralph McCaskill with the idea of forming a preschool program at the church. Over the next 3 years, needs surveys were conducted, committees were formed, equipment was purchased and teachers were employed. The first classes were held in the fall of 1988. Two classes were formed. Marilyn Harrison taught the 4 year old class and Lisa Horkan taught the 3 year old class. The success of the program is evidenced by its constant growth. Three teachers are employed with classes available for 2, 3, and 4 year olds. The total enrollment is 65 students.

In 1998 the church purchased and renovated a permanent facility to house the Children's Cheer & Toy Shop. Denise Wallace was hired as the director and began to expand the services beyond the traditional Christmas activities. Working with the Colquitt County Department of Family and Children Services, Denise provides birthday parties each month for children in the Foster Care Program. Volunteers work throughout the year cleaning and repairing donated toys in preparation for the busy Christmas season. Toys were distributed to over 1500 children during the 2002 Christmas season.

In 1998 the Hendrick House, an emergency housing and evaluation center for troubled children, was established. The church purchased, renovated and furnished a house on Hillcrest Avenue. In partnership with the Colquitt County Department of Family & Children Services, the Hendrick House provides a single site for the many evaluation procedures necessary for children who must be placed in foster care. House parents are provided by DFCS and the upkeep of the facility is the responsibility of the Presbyterian Church.

The Child Advocacy Center was established in 2000 as a joint project with the District Attorney's Office. Located on First Street SE, adjacent to the church parking lot, the Center provides a neutral and non-threatening atmosphere where children who are victims of abuse can be interviewed by various legal agency representatives. The Center also has a separate facility available for court-ordered supervised visitation.

The women of the Moultrie Presbyterian Church began working to improve the newly organized church from the very beginning. However, it was not until 1902 that they formally organized themselves into the Ladies Aid Society. The name of the organization has changed over the years, but the mission has remained constant. Believing that they are forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, they commit themselves to nurture their faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the Church worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive and caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church USA and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom. One of the most notable projects of the Presbyterian Women was the outfitting of a medical outreach clinic on the island of Haiti. The "Gloria Clinic" operated as a public health facility which was supervised by the St. Croix Hospital and provided basic health care, immunizations for children and health education for the poor people in Haiti. The Presbyterian Women raised $11,000 to support this mission project during the 1980's. Today, the Presbyterian Women membership is approximately 50 women in 2 circles. They actively support many local and foreign mission projects including the Child Advocacy Center, the Serenity House, the Colquitt Food Bank and the Presbyterian Home in Quitman, Ga.

Many talented musicians have served the First Presbyterian Church during its history. The choir was organized in 1917 with Mrs. D. R. Autrey as the first organist. Later that year, Miss Lucille Autrey assumed the responsibility of organist and Music Director. She served in that position until 1964. An orchestra was organized during the 1920's with members from the Presbyterian Church and other large churches in town. Mr. W. E. Hipsman was the orchestra director. In 1964, Mrs. Joyce Gammage accepted the position of Music Director. She served until 1984 when ill health forced her to retire. Gene Hodges, Neta Belle Scarboro and Kelly Blackmarr filled the position on an interim basis until Kathy Wright was hired permanently in 1988. She continues to serve in that position. The Chancel Choir is composed of adult and high school aged youth. Choirs are available for children of all ages and they perform for the congregation on Sunday mornings and at WATCH services. A handbell choir was formed in 1990 when Mr. & Mrs. Alton Harrison presented a set of handbells to the church.

The following is a list of the ministers who have served the First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie: J. B. Mack (1893-94), W. A Wynne (1894), G.L. Cook (1894), N. M. Templeton (1895), S. M. MacGilliary (1896-97), J. P. Ward (1896-98), L. T. Way (1898-99), W. H. McMeen (1900-02), J. C. Tims (1902-07), J. C. Venable (1907-11), J. W. Tyler (1912-1914), R. M. Pegram (1914), J. B. Meacham (1914-20), D. W. Brannen (1920-23), A. D. Wauchope (1923-26), A. W. Dick (1927-31), A. M. Gregg (1932), M. A. MacDonald (1933-1944), Robert L. Forbis, Jr. (1944-65), Dr. E. C. Scott (1966), Ernest E. Gilmore (1966-1974), Marshall S. Woodson (1974), J. Miller Liston (1974-79), William C. Sistar (1979), Ralph E. McCaskill (1980-1988), Harvey Walters (1988), Hugh B. Ward (1989-Present).

Believing that the church should serve people, the congregation of 290 members is continuously seeking new ways in which to serve humanity. By providing workers for the Colquitt Food & Clothing Bank and providing funding for Habitat for Humanity and Cross Roads Mission, the members are following Christ's teachings. World mission projects have included the building of a church in Ghana and aid for mission projects in Bangladesh. In order to perpetuate their faith, the congregation is currently embarking on a new project to identify, encourage and educate pastoral leaders for the future. As the First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie embarks on its second century of service, the words of Mr. W. C. Vereen, Jr. (grandson of one of the charter members) point the way: "Our future is uncertain but God knows the way and if we just follow Him and let Him lead us in His way, our future is assured."