A Little Presbyterian History

Portions of the Presbyterian church in the United States have separated from the main body, and some parts have reunited, several times. The greatest division occurred in 1861 during the American Civil War. The two branches created by that division were reunited in 1983 to form the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), currently the largest Presbyterian group in this country.

To Learn More: http://www.pcusa.org/101/101-history.htm

Presbyterian theological beliefs

Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.

To learn more: http://www.pcusa.org/101/101-theology.htm

History of Montgomery Presbyterian Church, Savannah, Georgia

Montgomery had its beginnings in 1915 as a Sunday School meeting in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Newell Turner, which is the where the Church Manse stands today. With 28 charter members, Montgomery was served by volunteer ministers from various churches. Two years the later, the Sunday School moved to the Montgomery School Building and in 1928 became affiliated with Independent Presbyterian Church as Montgomery Chapel. By 1934, Montgomery had grown to 97 members and the Reverend Bonneau Dickson was called as Pastor. Montgomery’s women’s organization was also formed that year.

In 1938, the Sanctuary and Education Building were built and the membership began to grow, increasing to 218 members. In 1944, Montgomery Presbyterian Church joined Savannah Presbytery and continued to expand its facilities and its membership. The 1950s saw much activity, with a new manse built, a kindergarten school opened, a radio ministry undertaken, and the first Boy Scout troop chartered. During that time, Montgomery Presbyterian was named Georgia’s Rural Church of the Year (1953).

The growth and expansion continued until 1969 when the Congregation experienced a spilt and membership began to decline. During the next 14 years, Montgomery was served by interim and part-time pastors. In 1982, Reverend Ronald Stone was called as pastor and served for two years, followed by Reverend Charles Gregory Darden who served from 1984-1990. During his tenure, Montgomery again flourished and undertook new activities including a food pantry and Wednesday Bible Study. In 1988, Montgomery women’s organization became officially known as Presbyterian Women.

Reverend Darden was succeeded by Reverend Paul Saleeby who served though 1992. A series of interim pastors served the Church over the next several years, and membership began to decline. Reverend Fairy Caroland served as pastor from 1998-2001 and was succeeded by Dr. Mark Giuliano. 

Since 2002, Montgomery’s membership has nearly tripled to over 200 members and is the fastest growing Presbyterian Church (USA) in southeast Georgia. In 2004, an expansion project to renovate and expand the Sanctuary, construct a new Narthex, and renovate the Turner Educational Building was undertaken. The new Sanctuary, complete with a custom-designed stained glass window, was dedicated on November 14, 2004.

Montgomery Presbyterian Church continues to thrive and has expanded its programs and mission work. As a city-wide church of welcome, Montgomery is looking forward to continued growth and opportunities to serve.