Murphy – Along with the old sometimes comes a little new, as Murphy Presbyterian Church is discovering.
The church was formed in 1896 with just 11 members.
The large and colorful stained-glass window that adorns the front of the sanctuary is dedicated to the memory of Isabella Abbott Davidson. Her father, J.D. Abbott, donated the church property and was the driving force to establish the congregation.
Other stained-glass windows also honor early church leaders, including Dr. Robert Perry Smith. The former president of Presbyterian College resigned in order to ride horseback over the mountains in order to found orphanages, schools and churches as in evangelist for the Home Missions Committee. He founded both the church in Murphy as well as the one in Andrews.
There have been many changes along the way since it’s beginning including bringing in a new pastor.
The Rev. Jonathan Hodges was a pastor at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, when he felt led by the Lord to fill a need in Murphy.
He and his wife, Kay, settled into Murphy Presbyterian Church in the beginning of June, fitting in and feeling right at home.
“I’m super excited to be honest. It’s already a super dynamic group of folks that are real involved in the community and are just a very friendly group,” Hodges said.
“Quite a few new folks have joined, and there seems to be some energy and vitality here.”
About 40 people attend the church. As a result of the increase of attendees more programs, including those for children, will be added in the near future.
Kathy Wills, the church’s pianist, said she and others are happy to welcome the Hodgeses into the church family.
“We love this man and what he and his wife, Kay, have done with this church in a very short amount of time. His sermons are clear and to the point and very nicely represent the Scripture that he’s based it on,” she said.
“His manner of leadership is not to stand up and tell people what to do, but rather to be in the midst of a group of us all working toward the same goals.”
The church supports local ministries including the Sharing Center Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Murphy Nursing Home, Choices Parenting & Pregnancy Center, Cherokee County Ministerial Association and The Oaks Academy.
Globally, members support the Uganda Children’s Shoe Project, EPC Indonesia Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and toiletry bags for active military.
The women of Murphy Presbyterian Church also provides food for monthly lunches. They actively seek needs within the community, raising money through an annual Trash & Treasure yard sale, which is set for this weekend.
The congregation would also like to welcome folks to their church services on Sunday mornings, with Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and the service beginning at 11 a.m.
Details: Call 828-837-6153.