Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a small group of 40 or so people was developing a new ‘foundation’ for spiritual guidance and growth. With help from the larger and long-established Lake Murray Presbyterian Church the goal was to create a sanctuary to serve the community and as they grew the future looked promising. Then the unimaginable happened and the world basically shut down due to the pandemic.
“Congregations need to congregate,” said Blaine Hill, acting pastor for the new church. “Our momentum was almost completely shut down.”
The congregation brought in James Cubie as pastor in 2019 who steered the parishioners through the pandemic. He used virtual services and finally, as things let up, we went to outdoor services. Cubie left in 2021 to take a job in Long Island. “When he left it was an emotional letdown,” said Hill. “But it was a well-deserved position for him to take.”
Hill is a member of the Presbyterian Church.USA, which helps coach church planners and develops new congregations. “Lake Murray Presbyterian had a plan for expanding from years ago,” said Blaine. “Starting a new church sometimes is a better way to bring in parishioners than with an established church.”
The congregation began meeting in person again on November 19 of this year in the Farm Boys BBQ restaurant located at 525 Columbia Ave. in Chapin. “We are growing once again,” Hill commented. “Kim Kirby of Farm Boys has been so gracious and we are deeply appreciative of their kindness,” Hill said they have begun helping seniors and disabled in the community this past summer as they did before the pandemic.
The congregation meets each Sunday at 9:30 am and will have a special service at 3:30 pm on Christmas Eve Friday, December 24. ”Come and sing Christmas Carols with us,” encourages Blaine. “There is no pressure so give us a try.”
Pictured on the left is Asher Din who was a guest speaker on Sunday, December 12 along with Blaine Hill.
