History

First Presbyterian Church of Cheraw
300 Market Street, Cheraw, South Carolina
(843) 537-7474

Celebrating 181 years of ministry in Cheraw, South Carolina

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First Presbyterian Church
PO Box 552

Cheraw, SC 29520

(843) 537-7474

info@firstprescheraw.org

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CHERAW, SOUTH CAROLINA

On March 11, 1828, the Reverend Urias Powers met with eleven persons who had been members of Presbyterian Churches in other communities and organized the Cheraw Presbyterian Church. This small group used the second floor of the Cheraw Academical Society for their Church activities. Until recently, this building served as the Matheson Memorial Library.

The pulpit of the First Presbyterian Church was filled with stated supply ministers until the first pastor was called in 1838.

The original sanctuary, which stands today in remodeled form, was built on the corner of Market and Third Streets in 1832. In 1922 the sanctuary was brick veneered, the vestibule, choir loft, and educational rooms were added, and the steeple was changed. An educational wing was added in

1958.

The Session House, which has been used for midweek Prayer Services, the Men’s Bible Class, weddings, baptisms, and other special services, was completed in 1842.

The Fellowship Building, a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Malloy, Sr., was completed in 1951.

The first Manse, still in use as a residence at 219 Third Street, was purchased in 1859 and later sold in 1889. The second Manse was built in 1889 at 215 Third Street. Later this manse was torn down and on that site stands the present Manse built in 1949.

The First Presbyterian Church continued a great tradition of excellence in music, with the dedication in 1986 of The Memorial Organ built by Gabriel Kney & Co., of London, Ontario, Canada. This organ replaced the Moeller Organ given to the Church in 1947 by the family of Mr. J. L. Anderson.

Throughout our 170 year history, the First Presbyterian Church has maintained the centrality of Word and Sacrament while offering a dynamic program of Christian Education including an excellent Sunday Church School, youth program, children’s program, and Mother’s Morning Out; a well-known and greatly appreciated music program with excellent adult and children’s choirs and youth hand bell choirs; highly involved and active Presbyterian Women organization; strong scouting programs; and community outreach involvement.

The 268 active members of First Presbyterian Church continue to hold to the vision of the Reverend Urias Powers and those first eleven members - a vision that perceives this Church offering vital witness to God while offering lifesaving service to those in the Cheraw Community and in the world beyond.

Ministers who have served First Presbyterian Church:

Rev J. C. Coit

Rev. J. R. MacKinnon

Rev. W. B. Corbit

Rev. James D. Mathews

Rev. E. H. Buist

Rev. Richard L. Sommers, D. Min.

Rev. T. C. Whaling, D.D.

Rev. Robert C. Corn

Rev. A. H. McArn, D.D.

Rev. A. Stuart Nickles

Rev. J. Frank Alexander, Ph.D.

Rev. A. Kyle Henderson