CPC Brief History
In
1983 a group of six families began meeting for Bible study on Sunday evenings
at the Marietta YWCA with Rev. Al Baker, a PCA minister in the Presbytery of
North Georgia. In June of 1984 the first worship service was held at the
American Business Center with approximately fifty adults in attendance. On
November 11, 1984, Christ Presbyterian Church became a particular church in the
Presbytery of North Georgia of the Presbyterian Church in America.
Four full-time pastors have ministered at different times to the congregation since 1984: Rev. Al Baker, Rev. Steve Jackson, Rev. David Swicegood and Rev. Legree Finch. During the periods between full-time pastors, two ministers have assisted with the interim responsibilities: the late Pastor Emeritus Rev. John MacGregor and Rev. Bob Sweet. Ruling elder Doug Merkey also served the congregation as a seminary intern prior to his ordination as a teaching elder and prior to Rev. Finch's call.
Since its founding, the church has met in four locations prior to the purchase of the current property in 1993. Those locations have included: the Marietta YWCA, the American Business Center, a facility at 119 Powers Ferry Road, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Marietta. The congregation is currently blessed with an excellent location at 495 Terrell Mill Road. (Based on a 2009 ESRI Report, it is estimated that some 32,000 family units reside within a three mile radius of the church property and 81,000 family units within a five mile radius).
Through the years, the congregation has weathered a series of challenges and has witnessed the faithfulness of the Lord through it all. At the encouragement of Rev. Bob Sweet in 1997, the congregation began giving a tithe of its tithes and offerings toward its Mission and Benevolence ministries. Since 1997, the congregation has increased its giving towards Missions and Benevolence so that currently sixteen percent of the church's budget is being directed towards Missions and Benevolence. Additionally, from May 1998 to date, the church has continued to improve its facilities while expanding its parking.
The
church's ministry has also been strengthened with the addition of Jennifer
Maguire who faithfully serves as the church secretary-administrator.
During the summer of 2003, the church began a full time, year long
internship program for ministerial candidates. Mr. David Story, a graduate of
Westminster Theological Seminary, served as the first pastoral intern and
subsequently became the RUF Campus Minister at Florida State University. Mr.
Billy Resh, a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary, served as the second
pastoral intern while successfully completing his licensure and internship
requirements. Ruling elder Buster Williams and intern Ben Hames also completed
their internship, licensure and ordination requirements while serving at the
church. Rev. Williams became a Navy Chaplain and Rev. Hames served as Assistant
Pastor through early 2008. Mr. Silas Santos completed his internship in May, 2010.
The congregation is also grateful for the Lord's provision for our music ministry staff. Mr. Samuel Metzger served as organist and director of music for two and one half years before accepting a call to become the senior organist at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in 2003. Afterward, the Lord graciously provided Dr. John Hamm as Music – Choral Director and Mrs. Lauri Hogle as Church Organist. Dr. Hamm previously served as the former head of the music department at Covenant College before his retirement and Mrs. Hogle served as the former organist for the National Christian Choir.
Dr.
Hamm retired as the church's Music-Choral Director after five productive years
of service at the church. Mrs. Lauri Hogle then became the Music-Choral Director and served in that capacity through July, 2010 when she and her family relocated to Michigan. Mr. David Kroll has been faithful serving the Lord as intern Music-Choral Director since November, 2010.
The session of the church consist of Pastor Finch and two ruling elders: Tom Bryan and Erik Peterson. (Major Boone, Harvey Lewis and Larry Orr have each been honored as Elder Emeritus.)
The flock is also encouraged with the service of the following deacons: Mark Jacobson, Jamie Chapman, Jay Christy, John Hall, and Baker Smith. (Denny Sloan has been honored as Deacon Emeritus.)
Priorities within the congregation include Biblical preaching and teaching along with music that exalts the majesty of the Heavenly King. Worship, discipleship, fellowship and outreach receive special focus by leaders and members alike.
The acronym FLAGSHIP summarizes the areas in which the church seeks to grow. Christ Presbyterian Church looks to the Great Shepherd for growth in Faith, Love, Adoration, Good deeds, Soundness, Hard work & Hope, Intercession and Perseverance.
Soli Deo Gloria