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Cullowhee Presbyterian marks 40 years
Cullowhee Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Sunday, March 19.
Located on the campus of Western Carolina University, Cullowhee Presbyterian was organized March 27, 1966.
The work leading up to its organization actually began earlier through work of First Presbyterian Church, Sylva. WCU students were taken to worship in Sylva by members of the congregation. A Cullowhee house was purchased in 1956 to be used as a Presbyterian student center. Worship services were held there for students and other interested persons on campus, and the Westminster fellowship met there each week. Women of Sylva Presbyterian prepared suppers and refreshments for the students on Sunday evenings.
Cullowhee Presbyterian, organized 40 years ago, will mark the occasion with special worship and a covered-dish lunch this Sunday, March 19. The first services were held in the church building (above) in 1978.
The Home Missions Committee of Asheville Presbytery, in conjunction with Campus Christian Life Committee of the Synod of Appalachia, called the Rev. Stanley Bennett to become Cullowhee’s Presbyterian campus minister in the summer of 1964.
Cullowhee Presbyterian was organized four years later in St. David’s Episcopal Church chapel and Bennett was named pastor. The first worship service in the current church building was held 12 years later, on Sept. 10, 1978. The structure was designed by architect Harwell Harris.
During Cullowhee Presbyterian’s 40 years, only three pastors have served the church – Reverend Bennett, the Rev. Jim Hornsby, and the current pastor, the Rev. Sam Hale.
“The congregation has continued to develop as a loving, friendly, and including church as it serves the university and surrounding community,” Hale said.
The Sunday celebration will feature a special 11 a.m. worship service using the order of worship used during the church’s first year of organization. and Bennett will be the guest preacher. A covered-dish luncheon will follow the service. During the luncheon, a DVD will be shown that includes pictures of the congregation. Background music will be by various members, guests and students that has been recorded over the years. Bennett reminisce about the beginning of the church. Hornsby, who is a Young Life Missionary in Nicaragua, will not be able to attend.
The congregation invites the community to join in the celebration, Hale said.
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