NOTE: This section is work in progress and contains only unedited text.
The Sesquicentennial Celebration of FPC began in January and extended through the first six months of 2000. One Sunday each month a former pastor returned to preach. Those participating were William Arthur, McCoy Franklin, Wallace Alston, John Evans, John Kuykendall, and culminated with John Leith the weekend of the celebration, June 10 and 11. A pageant, written by FPC member Cleveland Harrison and performed by members of the congregation, highlighted the history of Presbyterianism and our congregation. On Sunday, June ll, worship began at the University Chapel, which was built by pioneers of our congregation in 1850, and moved in procession to our present sanctuary. The procession was lead by a bagpiper, Edward Lee Spencer bearing the pulpit Bible, and young members carrying a specially prepared banner bearing a symbol used by the Church of Scotland. In the sanctuary, the Bible was passed from Mr. Spencer to Richard Patterson, a third generation member of the church. Other contributions to the weekend festivities included an organ hymn composed by Billy Tamblyn and a hymn titled, “The Devine Image,” composed by Robert Greenleaf using text written by William Blake.
In addition to the pageant, banner and hymns, a book was published containing the history of the church’s past 50 years written by Tal Henson, re-publication of Malcolm McMillan’s history of the first 100 years, a history of PCM written by Wilbur Tincher, a reflection on J. William (Billy) Tamblyn’s ministry of music in our church by Mary Jo Howard, and a record of receptions and dismissals of members of the church since 1950 compiled by Dean Elam. Interviews of long-time church members also were conducted and transcribed to become part of church history. On a sad note, Neil Davis passed away during the week leading up to the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
While the Sesquicentennial Celebration was the big event to begin the new millennium, badly needed repairs to the physical plant dominated the financial business of the church. In January, the congregation voted to undertake a capital campaign with a goal of $600,000. However, in February, an electrical fire did extensive damage to the University Center. It was decided to raze the building and a larger multi-purpose building be built that would include the student center and a new chapel. The capital campaign goal was raised to $800,000. Members responded with pledges totaling over $1.1 million. Construction was planned to begin in 2001.
During planning for the Sesquicentennial Celebration, Neil Davis suggested that we establish a relationship with a “sister” church in Scotland to have a link with our Scottish heritage. An exchange relationship was establish with Dunoon-Old and St. Cuthbert’s of Dunoon, Scotland, the home church of Carole Pugh. Also new during 2000 was Thursday Night Suppers at the church which is still going on.
2001 continued to be a busy year and a year of changes. Minister of Education, Marianne Forbes, left at the end of 2000, and campus minister Shauna Silmon was called to First Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, NM. The Child Development Center closed due to financial as well as safety concerns during construction of the new multi-purpose building and renovations in the sanctuary. A new mission to build a house for a needy family in Piedras Negras, Mexico, was begun. PFC has continued to join with South Highland Presbyterian in Birmingham for a week-long mission trip each year.
Renovation of the education building and construction of the new multi-purpose building got underway. The education building was made wheel-chair accessible with a canopy covering the east end, the choir robe room at the north end of the sanctuary was converted into a handicap accessible rest room, and a PCUSA symbol was attached on the outside north wall of the sanctuary. During construction of the new Multi-purpose Building, an elevator was installed in the west end of the education building.
The new Student Center/Multi-purpose building was completed during spring in 2002. During the summer, the services were held in the new building, and renovations began in the sanctuary. New windows were installed, new carpet laid, new cushions were made for the pews, the chancel area remodeled, and everything painted.
A beautiful new cross (left) was placed in the sanctuary as a gift from Wilbur and Virginia Tincher. It is a Celtic cross carved from Kentucky walnut by the Reverend Gerald H. Cooper, woodturner and retired Presbyterian minister living in Berea, Kentucky. It is closely patterned after the cross which Reverend Cooper made for the South Frankfort Kentucky Presbyterian Church, whose members formulated the design.
On September 29, the new Student Center/Multi-purpose building was dedicated and the sanctuary was rededicated. At the dedication ceremony, a resolution passed by the Session was read commending Jim Baird (right) for his leadership during the renovations and construction of the new building and naming the new multi-purpose room the James J. Baird, Jr., Hall.
Scott Cervas was called in July to be the campus minister/associate pastor. FPC had several guest preachers in the pulpit throughout 2002. Dr. Covington visited our sister church in Dunoon, Scotland, and Rev. Pat Lang from Dunoon visited FPC. On a sad note, John H. Leith passed away on August 12. The history of FPC for the last half-century began with John Leith as pastor from 1948 to 1959. The 2003 Leith Lecture Series was devoted to the legacy of John Leith. The lectures were presented by Dr. John Kuykendall, president of Davidson College, and Dr. Charles Raynal from Columbia Seminary.
The church has continued to be socially active with yearly trips to Piedras Negras, Mexico, to build a house for a needy family, joining other groups almost yearly to build a Habitat for Humanity house, supporting East Alabama Food Bank, helping set up the Community Market (a partner of East Alabama Food Bank), supporting Blue Cross health insurance for needy children, and supporting tax reform and the writing of a new constitution for Alabama.
Scott Cervas’ resignation was accepted, with regret, in May, 2004, and the Rev. Lisa Stenner accepted a call to become interim associate pastor. FPC continues to be blessed with outstanding leadership. The Korean church, which has shared our facilities since 1987, was chartered as a church in November.
As we move through 2005, another group is preparing to go to Piedras Negras, Mexico, to build another house, and FPC is eagerly awaiting the July arrival of Rachel Winter who has accepted our call to be campus minister/associate pastor.
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