History of First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church of Rockwood was founded in April 1871, and was the first congregation to be organized in the city of Rockwood. The church had 18 charter members, and the organizing pastor was the Rev. A. S. Reid. The land on which the church is located at 429 W. Rockwood St. was a gift from the Roane Iron Company. Completed in 1889, the church building consisted of a sanctuary, two Sunday School rooms and a study for the pastor. Including furnishings, its total cost was $3,500. At the time of the building’s completion, the Sunday School numbered 60, but the church membership was only 19.
The first additions to the facility were begun in 1920. The building was raised from its foundations, and classrooms, a general meeting room, furnace, and kitchen were constructed underneath. On the upper level, the original building was enlarged to provide additional classroom space and seating, along with a chancel area and choir loft. The Women’s Association purchased a pipe organ, which remains in use, at a cost of $3,000.
In 1921, the Rev. Dr. James C. Orr began a distinguished 25-year tenure as pastor. During his years in Rockwood, Dr. Orr enjoyed a remarkable relationship with the congregation, served as Vice-Moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly, and came to be known as a pastor and friend to many in the community.
The church has seen two of its young people enter the ministry–Mr. James A. Huff, Jr. and Miss Dora Pierce. Both attended Louisville Presbyterian Seminary and served as parish pastors after graduation.
An educational building was dedicated in 1966, while the Rev. G. David Campbell was pastor, giving the church much-needed Sunday school classroom space and a modernized office suite. In the early seventies, a brick veneer was added over the original wooden clapboards of the main church building, and a large Celtic cross was placed on the facade memorializing Dr. James C. Orr. A fellowship hall was completed in 1996 near the end of over 12 years of service by the Rev. Don Summerfield.
Today First Presbyterian Church continues a long tradition of service to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the Rockwood community. In recent years, under the leadership of the Rev. Stephen Yates, the church sponsored a refugee family from Bosnia, providing housing, clothing, all household necessities, and financial assistance. In addition the church established the Love Kitchen, held on the second and last Saturdays of each month to serve those in the community who live on fixed incomes or desire companionship with others in the religious community. The Love Kitchen is financed by contributions to a special fund at the church and those who donate their time and resources to prepare the meals.
Rockwood Presbyterian Church remains a viable congregation in the city of Rockwood. The governing body of the church is the Session, composed of nine members of the congregation. Current activities of the church include the Sunday School program, the Women’s Association, the church choir, Vacation Bible School, and participation in the activities of the Rockwood Ministerial Association.
SESSION: [Governing Body of the Church]
Clerk of Session: Tim Pelfrey
Members of Session:
Wilma Brummett
Rusty Dryman
Al Duff
Hilda Osborne
Jerry Wallick
Pete Wright
CHURCH PERSONNEL
Stated Supply Pastor: Rev. Dr. W. Marvin Randolph
Administrative Assistant: Amy Metcalfe
Sexton: Wilma Brummett
