ROCKMART PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Our Church History

Rockmart Presbyterian Church – History

 

             In the late 1860’s, eight dedicated Presbyterians, including early Welsh settlers, met in the Van Wert Methodist Church and formed the congregation from which the Rockmart Presbyterian Church grew.  The church held its organizational meeting on May 28, 1871 and is the oldest continuing Presbyterian Church in Polk County.  A few years later in 1878 land was obtained from philanthropist Seaborn Jones for a token payment of five dollars.  During the next four years the building at the corner of Slate and Marble Streets was constructed of native slate with walls 28 inches thick.  While the slate exterior remains almost exactly the same, the interior has been remodeled.

 

             Renovations to the facility have occurred throughout the years.  In 1966 changes were made in memory of Dr. T.E. McBryde.  A Fellowship Hall was added to the church complex in 1982 and is used for a variety of church events as well as community events.  In January of 2005 the sanctuary floor gave way and so a renovation of it commenced.  The old flooring had to be completed torn out and replaced and a new choir loft was added.  Photographs have been added in the Sunday School, Administrative wing of deceased past elders and former ministers.  The history and tradition that began in the 1860’s has continued on up to 2008 providing a unique and full heritage for the current congregation.

 

             Little is known of the early years of the church but several local congregations met in the Presbyterian Church while organizing and building their own churches.  These include the Rockmart Methodist Church, the Rockmart Church of Christ and the Second Baptist Church.

 

             From earliest remembrances there was a Sunday School.  Classes were held in the corners of the building near the potbellied stoves for heat.  Early ministers were seminary students from Columbia Theological Seminary and pastors who came form other Presbyterian Churches on a twice-monthly basis. The first full-time minister was Rev. James Merrin, who came to Rockmart in 1946.  The faithfulness of several members who maintained the building and deposited money every month during the difficult years stands as testimony to God’s work in Rockmart.

 

             Until 1984 the Session and board of Deacons governed the church.  The church is now on a unicameral system consisting of nine rotating elders who serve three year terms.  Committee assignments include Christian Education, Worship, Budget/Finance, Buildings and Grounds, Community Outreach, Congregational Care and Congregational Growth.  Elders chair these committees and are always looking for interested members to serve so that ministry is expanded.

 

             In recent years the church has been able to employ an organist/choir director and a one day a week Secretary.  Mrs. Rachel Jones serves as the musician, bringing to life the instrumental pieces as well as the vocal ensemble.  Music is traditional and sung with spirit and conviction.

 

             Active groups of the church include: the Presbyterian Women, Men of the Church and Salt and Peppers for senior citizens which is lunch once a month.  A monthly breakfast is offered to help raise funds for youth events and a monthly meal on the second Sunday of the month occurs at dinner time or immediately following worship.  Fellowship and a program covering a wide range of topics take place at this meal.  On Wednesday evenings a Bible Study takes place at 7:00pm.  Conversation is encouraged as members engage with the Scriptures and find relevance for their own lives.

 

             Financial and volunteer support are given to a wide range of ministries.  Local charities are assisted like Red Cross, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Relay for Life Cancer Drive and the United Fund.  In addition individual families are assisted as needed.  A new Mother’s Morning Out Program was begun in 2007 at the church.  This is provided free of charge by church volunteers and parental assistance.  Several members of the church have been trained and certified to supervise visitation for families through the Safe Haven project.  The church sponsors families during Christmas as well as tries to provide school supplies and clothes at other times of the year.  International mission remains highly important to the congregants:  money is donated to several mission agencies, special funds are raised throughout the year for foreign countries, and items are collected to send directly to mission fields.  Mission drives the church and is experienced at Rockmart Presbyterian Church through many forms.

 

             The Presbyterian Church has been involved with the Rockmart Ministerial Association, providing leadership and participation.  Holy Week services are a vital aspect of the ecumenical faith.  National Day of Prayer and other gatherings have been added since 2007 so that the faith community is meeting together more frequently and learning to appreciate one another.

 

             The church yard becomes a manger set every other year.  Bi-annually a Christmas Pageant is offered for the community.  Costumes, music and readings make the story of Jesus’ birth come to life.  The adoring angels and bowing wise men provide a visual scene that lingers and fills the viewer with wonder and awe.  This is a highlight for the members of the congregation and community as all participate in this moving scene.

 

             In 1871 the Rockmart Presbyterian Church was established to the glory of God and the service of all people to minister to the community of Rockmart by word and deed and to the world by prayers and giving.  This continues to be the goal of this historic church – to dedicate itself to progress and service for the current day and on into the future.

 

Our Mission

"The mission of the Rockmart Presbyterian Church is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in both word and deed, to be obedient to Holy Scripture, to build a fellowship of Christian love, to serve the community and the world in the spirit of Christ. "