|
Our History
In the Spring of 1939, a class from the Druid Hills Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, began an outpost Sunday School
in the area of our community. The first meetings were held under the trees, until ground was broken for the Kittredge
Chapel in 1939. A large locomotive bell was erected over the entrance. This bell is still in the posession of
the Rehoboth Presbyterian Church, and rings every Sunday morning at 10:40am, to summon us to worship.
In the 1940s,
attendance and support were at their lowest, and the church was kept alive by the efforts of Mrs. Duncan, Mrs. Abercrombie,
and Mr. Muir. In 1949, the time seemed right to establish a church. The group held services in the local Rehoboth
Elementary School auditorium, and a commission of Presbytery organized the church on June 19, 1949.
In 1950, a
lot was purchased (for $2500), which is part of the current property. The basement of the current Sanctuary building
was built first, with ground breaking on September 20, 1950.
In 1952, Rehoboth called as our first installed
pastor Rev. Sam Christopher and his family, including his wife Mary. Rev. Christopher stayed with Rehoboth his entire
ministry, retiring in 1992. Sam and Mary both loved and watched over the Rehoboth flock, taught the Word, and reached
out to the community. During the 40 years of Rev. Christopher's ministry here, 714 persons united with the church,
about 50% of these by Profession of Faith.
In 1956, the upstairs Sanctuary was added. In 1957, the Activities
building was added. The steeple was affixed in 1958. And the Garner Education wing was added in 1959. Three
other buildings, the Welch Education building, the Gymnasium, and the Christopher Fellowship Hall were added over the next
20 years. All six building are still standing and used.
After Rev. Christopher's retirement, Rev.
Don Wade served as interim and stated supply pastor from 1992 to 2002. Rev. Ken Wilmesherr served as interim pastor
from 2002 to 2005. Rev. Joel L. Tolbert was called and installed as Pastor in 2005. Rev. Tolbert and his family continue
to serve with us today.
|
