CAMDEN COUNTY, GA - Churches First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys ***************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm *********************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Tara D. Fields tutcher@camdencounty.org More information and photos may be found: Free Genealogy and History for Camden and Charlton Counties, GA http://www.camdencounty.org This document was provided by Tara D. Fields April 04, 2004 Reprinted here with the permission of the First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys, Reverend Rick L. Douylliez A copy with images can be obtained by contacting Tara D. Fields at tutcher@camdencounty.org The Crypt: Free History and Genealogy of Camden and Charlton Counties, Georgia - http://www.camdencounty.org [BEGIN] Cover First Presbyterian Church St. Marys, Georgia 1822-1997 One Hundred Seventy Fifth Anniversary (Image) Inside Cover (Image) First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys 175 years of serving God and the community Pastor: Rev. Rick L. Douylliez Sunday Worship Services: 9:00am and 11 :00am Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF): Sundays 6:00pm Church Address: comer of Osborne and Conyers Streets P.O. Box 709 - St. Marys, GA 31558 Church Office phone: (912) 882-4650 printed in 1997 Page 01 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ST. MARYS CELEBRATING 175 YEARS AS A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1822 -1997 (Image Caption: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever Hebrews 13:8) The three large Reformation churches - Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Protestant Episcopal, had their beginnings in apostolic times, but separated from the Roman church in the sixteenth century. The Greek word 'presbuteros', meaning 'elder', which is used 72 times in the New Testament, provided the name for the Presbyterian Church. Representation by elders or laity in its government distinguishes the Presbyterian Church from other churches. John Calvin, called the father of Presbyterianism, converted to Protestantism in 1533. He interpreted the Bible as the revelation of God, emphasizing theology, worship, education, thrift, ethical behavior and representative government for his followers. He spread Presbyterianism in Geneva and throughout Europe. John Knox, the Scottish Protestant, fled persecution in his homeland and studied with Calvin in Geneva. He returned in 1559 and established Presbyterianism in Scotland. The first recorded visit of the French Reformed (Presbyterians) to the New World was during the year of 1562. 1683 Presbyterians escaped persecution in Europe and settled in America. Presbyterianism was so prevalent in America that some British called the American Revolution the Presbyterian Revolt. Rev. Francis Makemie, Chief Founder of Organized Presbyterianism in America, arrived in Maryland. He organized the Rehoboth Church, reported to have been the oldest Presbyterian Church joining the First Presbytery. 1717 General Synod with four Presbyteries (Philadelphia, New Castle, Long Island and Snow Hill Maryland organized at Philadelphia. (Only the first three were actually organized.) 1776 On July 4, 1776 Independence was won from England. John Witherspoon and eleven other Presbyterians were among the signers the Declaration of Independence. After independence was won, Georgia named the Parishes of St. Thomas and St. Mary, Camden County, after the Earl of Camden. Thus, Camden County became one of Georgia's original eight counties under the first State Constitution of 1777. 1787 The City of St. Marys was founded. The original tract of land containing 1,620 acres was deeded to Jacob Weed by the State of Georgia. Nineteen other men later signed Articles of Agreement along with Jacob Weed, the grant holder, and purchased lots for $38.00 each for a share in the property to be developed into the town of St. Marys. Many of the streets still have the names of these men: Jacob Weed, Isaac Wheeler, Prentis Gallop, John Alexander, Richard Cole, Stephen Conyers, Simeon Dillingham, Jonathan Bartlett, James Finley, Henry Osborne, John Fleming, 1110mas Norris, William. Norris, Robert Seagrove, James Seagrove, William Reddy, Langley Bryant, Nathaniel Ashley, William Ashley, and Lodowick Ashley. St. Marys became the first county seat of Camden County. 1789 The first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), based on the Constitution adopted by the General Synod in 1788, met in Philadelphia on May 24, 1789. John Witherspoon was the organizing moderator. Page 02 1807 On April 2nd, $1,823.50 was raised by public subscription "for the promotion of divine worship in this place, and for the building of a small but convenient church for that purpose". Later subscriptions brought the total to $3,442.00. 1808 On April 18, 1808, $117.00 was donated for the purchase of a bell for the church on which was to be inscribed" My sound to Thy people, O Lord, shall call them to Thy word." The bell was crafted in Philadelphia by the same foundry that cast the Liberty Bell. (This bell was still at the church and rung regularly until it was destroyed by a disastrous fire at the church on the night of December 3, 1956.) The non-denominational St. Marys Church was completed that same year, 1808. Originally, a double staircase led to a landing at the main entrance located on the East side of the church (facing Osborne St.). The door opened into a short aisle that connected with the main aisle. The pulpit was at the South end of this aisle. There was also a door at the North end that gave access to the slave balcony. The bell tower / open belfry was located at the North end of the building. Above it was a spire topped by a ball and weather vane. This steeple was the highest structure in the town. (Image: Presbyterian Church, drawing of side entrance) The church's construction of heart pine wood can still be recognized today in the wide and varied width of the sturdy flooring. In the church basement you can still view the exposed hand hewn timbers of floor joist and supports that went into this sturdy construction. 1820s The Pratt-Gillican House was constructed. It was used as a study by Horace Pratt, the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church of St. Marys. The house was moved from its original location on the Orange Hall property, to the corner of Conyers and Wheeler Streets, its present location, in 1839 when Jane Aldrich bought it along with the entire block where it stands today. (Image of house) Page 03 (Image of Horace Southworth Pratt) 1821 Horace Southworth Pratt, a young Presbyterian Missionary from the Presbytery of New Brunswick, N.J. came to St. Marys. With the pulpit of this church (non- denominational at the time) being then occupied, he began his labors in the Methodist Church. He found religion here to be in "a very low and languishing state, having existence in name only". "His piety, zeal and talent were soon noticed and appreciated and though no Presbyterian Church existed here, persons piously inclined, and members of other churches resolved to form under that banner in order to secure his ministration in Holy Things." 1822 With 29 persons desiring to form a Presbyterian Church and call Horace S. Pratt as pastor, on June 1, 1822 the Presbytery of Georgia, meeting in St. Marys for the first time, organized the Presbyterian Church of St. Marys, and ordained and installed him as its pastor. It is interesting to note that with no other people did he ever hold the endearing relation of pastor; that ours is the only church he ever filled, and that out of the nineteen years of his ministerial life, for more than fifteen years he occupied our pulpit. B"IS beloved wife, Jane Wood Pratt, died in 1829. He resigned in 1830, shortly after her death, and engaged in Missionary work for two years. In 1932 he resumed his charge at this church as a Stated Supply Pastor. He remarried and bad a daughter who died when she was seven years old. In 1837 a strong effort was made to induce Dr. Pratt to accept a Professorship at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. He finally consented to go if another well qualified person could not be found. After some time elapsed, the fulfillment of his promise was demanded. He complied. In 1837 Dr. Pratt retired as Stated Supply Pastor of the church to accept a Professorship at the University. He died on August 3, 1840, when he had been with the university for only two years. 1825 The original sterling silver Communion service was used from 1825 until 1924. Mrs. J. H. Becker gave the Communion Set in memory of her father, Emory David Angell. This service is still with the church today, although it is no longer used. Legend has it that one Wednesday morning the ringing of the church bell awakened the townsfolk. They hurried to the church to find that a horse, possibly Pastor Pratt's, was tied to the bell-ringing rope, frantically attempting to free himself and causing the bell to ring and ring. The port guards were among the onlookers. They had left their port unguarded! The perpetrators of the diversion, a band of smugglers, quickly unloaded their contraband at the St. Marys port and safely sailed away. 1828 By an Act of the Georgia Legislature, the church was incorporated under the name of First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys, its current name. Under that act, "the male supporters of the gospel of said congregation met at a given time and elected from said supporters, not more than five nor less than three discreet persons as Trustees" to hold office for one year, or until their Page 04 successors were legally elected. Four years later, in 1832, this act was amended so that "each pew shall be entitled to two votes..." For many years, these Trustees considered themselves "the legitimate and responsible officers of the church under its charter," and "any attempt to take. . . that power from them, which they considered themselves alone entitled to exercise, would be an infringement of their rights". They called the congregational meetings, attended to the calling of pastors, and administered the funds. One of the trustees was the Church Treasurer. There is only one mention, November 1847, of the 'Session' in the original record book that dates back to 1807. 1829 Church records indicate that the Women's Auxiliary Missionary Society was organized and active as early as 1829, helping to finance various Missionary efforts. This group continues today as the Presbyterian Women. 1829-1830s (approximately) (Image of Orange Hall) Orange Hall was built around this time. Tradition holds that a few years earlier, in about 1826, the lot where Orange Hall sits was sold to John Wood, a St. Marys resident, and Rev. Horace Pratt (the husband of Wood's daughter, Jane), the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church of St. Marys across the street. Mr. Wood wanted to build a residence for his daughter. If this belief is true, construction would have begun before 1829, because both Mr. Wood and his daughter, Jane Wood Pratt, died in 1829. They are both buried behind the current manse (manse refers to tire pastor's residence [the word manse comes from the word mansion]) of the First Presbyterian Church in St. Marys. However, there are no known records to document the actual time of construction. Today, the St. Marys Welcome Center is located in Orange Hall. Daily tours are given through this historic structure. Long ago, there was a hedge of sour orange trees within the fences all around the lot. This is probably how its name originated. 1840 On August 3, 1840 the Rev. Horace S. Pratt, first pastor of the Presbyterian Church of St. Marys, died in Roswell, Georgia while visiting at the home of his brother. As said by his beloved first and only congregation: "That in testimony of affection and respect for Rev. Horace S. Pratt, the first pastor of this church, the congregation which received the benefit of his ministerial labors for over fifteen years, will create a monument to perpetuate his memory and their gratitude." He is buried in Roswell. This monument is in existence today, and can be seen at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys. During the early days of this church, records state that the minister was paid from money raised by renting the pews. Payments were made at the end of one, four, and eight months. Notes were taken from each pew holder, with a responsible endorser on each note. The male members of the congregation met on an appointed day and subscribed (pledged) certain sums for the year. The highest subscribers or bidders were each given their choice of pew for the Page 05 year. This method was discontinued in 1846 when the members were asked to subscribe the sum necessary for the minister's support, and the pews were free. 1850 Listed in the original record book for this First Presbyterian Church, dated November 17, 1850, is the pastor's (Rev. William G. Williams) support for one year: $143.00. Rev. Williams was pastor of this church from 1847 - 1855. 1858 The United Presbyterian Church of North America (later renamed United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America) was formed by the union of the Associate (Presbyterian) Synod (1742) and the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church (1782). (see 1983) 1861 The Presbyterian Church of the Confederate States was founded. In 1864 it became known as the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. (Southern). (see 1983) 1861-1865 The War Between the States was fought. Union soldiers were seen attempting to burn this Presbyterian Church by pouring buckets of tar around the basement before setting it on fire. But a rainstorm came and extinguished the fire just as it began to blaze. As related by Miss Maggie Ross, who was around 5 or 6 years old at the time, she never doubted that the rain was a direct answer to the prayers of her old nurse, who, as she ran for hiding with young Maggie prayed, "O Lord, send de rain Lord, for to stop dem Yankees, fo' dey burn up de town." 1869 and 1870 . In 1869 the "Presbyterian Church ... paid to Mr. Rudulph for shingling ... and for shaffold ... $36.00". It is stated in the Presbyterian Church of St. Marys records that on May 3, 1870 George Lucas "was paid $25.00 for cleaning, whitewashing, paint", and "$4.00 for cleaning the glasses in the Presbyterian Church", and "$10.00 for painting church". 1875 The Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. initiated the founding of the Alliance of Reformed Churches throughout the world embracing the Presbyterian System (World Presbyterian Alliance). 1880s Church records indicate that in 1880 the pastor's salary was $400.00 a year, paid quarterly. 1898 The main entrance of this First Presbyterian Church was moved from the East side (facing Osborne St.) of the building to its present location, on the South end. Although no one knows exactly when this was done, it was probably at the same time that the bell tower was moved from the North end to its present location, also at the South end, at a recorded cost of $103.78. Jennie Hopper Miller wrote in her diary in August 1898, "Mother and I took a walk to look at the church steeple, is (2 Images, old front, new front of Presbyterian Church) Page 06 almost finished, looks nice." Then on September 21st of that year she wrote, "The steeple is finished and now they are going to fix the inside." It was also at about this time that a stairway on the Northeast outside wall that led to the slave gallery was removed. The picture on the left does not show the main entrance. No known photo of the entrance on the East side of the building exists. 1912 Woodrow Wilson, a Presbyterian elder, was elected President of the United States. 1922 The First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys was 100 years old. In June the Centennial was celebrated. The featured speaker was Dr. H. W. Pratt of Chicora College in Columbia, S.C., a grandson of the first pastor here, Horace S. Pratt. the pastor of this church at the time of the Centennial was the Rev. F. M. Baldwin. Image: St. Marys Presbyterian Church Caption: St. Marys Georgia June 25th, 1922 1940 Gilman Paper Co. of Gilman, Vermont, began building a pulp mill in S1. Marys. S1. Marys Kraft Corporation was completed, and began operating in April of 1941. 1947 Sam B. Hoyt, Jr, who was just entering Columbia Seminary, came to St. Marys and the First Presbyterian Church for the summer as the first student pastor. 1948 During the summer of 1948, Richard L Summers, just finishing his first year at seminary, came to the First Presbyterian Church. It was be who persuaded the congregation to build the manse, where future resident pastors and their families would live. The manse was planned and built within the next six months. Dr. R. W. Thompson, retired from the United Presbytery, became the Stated Supply Pastor at this church in 1950. Be and his wife were the first to live in the new manse. He was with the church from June 1, 1950 to September 1, 1951. 1955 The U.S. Army developed the Kings Bay lands as an ammunition loading facility in 1955. In November 1976 the Secretary of the Navy announced the unanimous choice of Kings Bay as the site for a new base. In January 1978 the final decision was made to build a submarine support base in Camden County. 1956 On January 1, 1956 the Rev. Billy Frank Woods came to S1. Marys. He was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church until June 1958. Be and his wife Beverly continue to worship here today. Image: St. Marys Presbyterian Church Page 07 Image: St. Marys Presbyterian Church after the fire. On December 3, 1956 a fire of undetermined origin engulfed the entrance and belfry of the church, and also destroyed the south wall, and severely damaged the roof and ceiling. The original church bell completely melted during the fire. Some tell of vivid memories of the townspeople participating in a bucket brigade from the waterfront to the church to help put out the blaze. Jim Talley, the church treasurer at that time, told of townsfolk and church members banding him money and checks during the fire to help with the rebuilding of the church. The members of the Episcopal Church graciously offered the use of their church for worship services during the rebuilding. Mr. Thomas G. Little, an experienced historical architect, came to St. Marys soon after the fire at the request of the Georgia Historical Commission to ascertain the damage and to estimate the cost of restoring it to its original design. He reported that, "the church is the finest example of early church architecture existing in Georgia, and one of the finest of its size and period I have see in the United States. . . It is truly a work of art, as each detail, weather exposed trim or hidden framework, was carefully executed by the experienced hands of craftsmen. No crude work exists. Every joint and surface was crafted to last for centuries. The high, three centered arched ceiling with its original simple but finely proportioned cornice is of imposing beauty. The tresses also are things of beauty, even in their rough framing state, joined together with massive wooden pins. The tress and ceiling joists were executed in a unique manner to obtain the three centered ceiling arch." He estimated that to completely restore the church to its original beauty and design, would require between sixty and seventy thousand dollars. The Sunday School was outgrowing its location on the basement floor. Construction of the current Education Building began on December 4, 1956 and was completed by Christmas. 1957 The rebuilding of he church structure began in January. Both the church building and the new education building were dedicated on March 24, 1957. 1958 A Celebration was held this year at the church commemorating the 150th anniversary since its construction in 1808 as the non- denominational St. Marys Church. "Since the early days of the church it has sought to teach the truth, and has been both Town School and Church School to many. Now, after a century and a half of service to God and community, she " asks no greater privilege nor brighter future than that of providing a vital Christian service to a growing community." (from the 1958 Sesquicentennial commemorative booklet) (Caption: 1808-1958 Image: St. Marys Presbyterian Church drawing from the above mentioned booklet) Page 08 1960 Orange Hall was given to the City of St. Marys as a gift by St Marys Kraft Corporation. 1964 The Rev. Elder G. Hawkins was elected Moderator of the General Assembly -the first Negro elected to the biggest office of any major denomination. The General Assembly is the biggest governing body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 1973 Orange Hall was nationally recognized as an outstanding structure of historic architecture, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 1976 The Historic District of SL Marys, including the First Presbyterian Church, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The street locations and names of this district are still the same as they were on the original town map of 1788. 1978 Kings Bay was picked as the east coast home for a squadron of Trident submarines. On July 1, 1978, control of the base was transferred from the Army to the Navy. Construction progressed quickly. Between 1978 and 1986, over $28 million in federal impact funds became available for the County’s dramatic population growth brought on by the base. This allowed local governments to make civic improvements. 1980 The First Presbyterian Church building went tbrough a restoration in 1980. When the hand-hewn basement beams were removed, some charred wood was found. This could well have dated to damage done during the Civil War when Union Soldiers burned many of the town's buildings. (see 1861-1865). When stucco was removed from the brick basement during the restoration, the outline of twin stairs on the East side of the building were seen. Although there are no known photos of the original location of the main entrance, this find, along with a sketch made from remembrances of Dave C. Sterling (born in St. Marys in 1840) nearly prove that the main entrance!!!! Originally on the East side. (see 1808 photo) 1983 After 122 years of separation, and 13 failed attempts at a reunion, the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. (Southern), and the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America were reunited at the General Assembly in Atlanta, Georgia in June 1983 to become the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). (see 1858 and 1861) 1987 The City of St. Marys celebrated its Bicentennial this year. (refer to 1787). 1988 The Fellowship Hall of this church was built in 1988 during the pastorate of the Rev. Don R. Stiens. He was pastor from June 22, 1986 - January 30, 1994, and win long be remembered for his many gifts, among them: outstanding preaching, compassion, and friendship. Page 09 1994 The manse, then 46 years old, was extensively renovated in 1994-95 with several dedicated members of the congregation doing all of the work at a cost of approximately $20,000. 1995 On June 18, 1995 Rick L. Douylliez was ordained and installed at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys as its pastor. He graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia on May 21, 1995. He and his wife Cathy, and their two young sons, Jacob and Jeremy, have brought blessings, joy and a deeper knowledge and awareness of the Lord to our congregation through their obvious love of Christ, and unselfish giving of themselves to this Church and its people. (Image: Pastor Rick L. Douylliez) 1997 "On Holy Ground" On June 1, 1997, exactly 175 years from the very day the Presbytery of Georgia organized the Presbyterian Church of St. Marys, on June 1, 1822, the First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys celebrated its One Hundred Seventy Fifth year as a Presbyterian Church. "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain... " Psalm 127:1 Image: St. Marys Presbyterian Church: drawing by the Iate James Talley * "This church, humbly and profoundly grateful for the blessings and privileges of the past, prays that she may have the vision and the courage and the leadership to move forward into the years ahead, ever being of greater service to her community and her God. " (* taken from the 1958 First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys Sesquicentennial Celebration booklet) The First Presbyterian Church's current Mission Statement was adopted by the Session in 1994 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ST. MARYS, GEORGIA vows to work together under God's guidance: * to PROCLAIM the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Ghost * to PROVIDE a place of comfort, compassion, fellowship and Christian counseling * to MINSTER to the sick, needy and dispirited * to PROMOTE Christian education, commitment and evangelism * to OFFER Christian service to the community * to FOSTER church growth within the community * to SUPPORT traditional values and patriotism This commemorative booklet was prayerfully and carefully compiled and prepared especially for you by Lynne Konrad. Illustrations are by the late James Talley. Back Cover First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys Pastors, Stated Supply, Stated Temporary and Interim Pastors Horace Southworth Pratt, Pastor 1822-1830 A. Benedict, Pastor 1830-1831 John D. Matthews, Pastor 1831-1832 Horace Southworth Pratt, Stated Supply 1832-1837 James Cooper Cozby, Pastor 1837-Nov. 1837 John Winn, Pastor 1838-1839 Washington Baird, Pastor 1839-1847 William G. Williams, Pastor 1847-1855 John Winn, Pastor 1855-1856 G. C. Fleming, Pastor 1856-1858 Charles C. Jones, Pastor 1858- H. B. Conningham, Pastor 1868-1870 Robert Quarterman Baker, Pastor 1871-1879 Joseph Washburn, Pastor 1879-1880 J. W. Quarterman, Pastor 1880-1892 W. S. Porter, Pastor 1892-1895 Edward D. Visor, Pastor 1895-1896 Henry Sale Yerger, Stated Supply 1896-1904 Nicholas Keffer Smith, Stated Supply 1905-1908 William Stewart Milne, Stated Supply 1909-1913 Morris Elmore Peabody, Pastor 1914-1918 John Cavitt Blackburn, Pastor 1919-1920 Frank Morris Baldwin, Stated Supply 1922-1934 Francis Morris Chapman, Stated Supply 1934-1946 Samual Browne Hoyt. Jr., Student Summer 1947 Richard Liewellyn Sommers, Student Summer 1948 Dr. R W. Thompson, Stated Supply 1950-1951 S. E. Irvine, Stated Supply Feb 1952-July 1952 Henry Lee Sneed, Pastor 1952-1956 Billy Frank Woods, Pastor 1956-1958 John Richard Bass, Pastor 1958-1961 Robert Lee McLeod. Jr., Temp. Supply 1961-1964 Archie Cunningham Graham, Pastor 1965-1970 Rev. James McKnight, Temp. Supply 1970-1973 James R Lloyd, Stated Supply 1973-1979 Robert B. Allman, Pastor 1979-1985 Dr. Barnett S. Eby, Stated Supply 1985-1986 Donald Robert Stiens, Pastor 1986-1994 Robert B. Allman, Interim April 1994-June 1994 David C. Jamison, Interim Sept 1994-June 1995 Rick L. Douylliez, Pastor 1995- First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys, Georgia 1822 – 1997 Celebrating One Hundred Seventy Five Years of Presbyterianism ?? ?? ?? ?? 12