1856
Church officers showed concern for the congregation’s state of
earnestness. At their meeting on August 20, 1856, the following
resolution was drawn up:
Whereas
this church being at a low state of piety, very much needs a reviving
from the presence of the Lord; therefore, be it resolved that Thursday
be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer to God that He
would visit this church and community with the reviving influence of
His Spirit.
1918
For many
years, Allison Creek continued to be a flourishing and influential
group of worshippers. Continued construction of the power dam on the
Catawba River forced many families to move to other
localities. Following completion of the dam, an epidemic of malaria
fever struck the neighborhood. Entire families fled their homesteads
and plantations in the area. The creek for which Allison Creek Church
was named had almost caused its namesake to collapse; the church sat on
the brink of folding. Concord Methodist Church, which stood only a few
miles away was already deserted and closed. The dam had caused water to
cover much of the farmland and had created breeding places for the
hordes of mosquitoes that infested the community and drove people from
their homes.
During this time of illness and turmoil, approximately 48 staunch members stayed on and regular services were maintained.
1941
The
congregation secured the services of a minister, Dr. Tilden Scherer,
who was a source of inspiration. Dr. Scherer was pastor of Bethel
Presbyterian and Scherer Memorial Presbyterian churches. He held
worship services at 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons twice a month, which
made Allison Creek his third sermon of the day.
1945
A tornado
ripped a narrow path through the community. High winds tore the roof
off the church, blew down huge pine trees on the church ground, leveled
homes and left destruction in its path. The fallen pine trees were
hauled to the sawmill and milled into materials that were used to
replace the church roof.
1950
Allison Creek
gained members and started growing again with new life while Jack
Sadler of Rock Hill served as supply pastor during his studies at The
Seminary.
1954
June 6 marked
the day for the one hundredth anniversary of the original dedication of
Allison Creek. Dr. Tilden Scherer gave a brief history of the church
during the service.
In a groundbreaking
ceremony, the Rev. Bruce Fisher, turned the first shovel of dirt for
the new educational wing. This wing consisted of an assembly hall,
kitchen and three Sunday school classrooms. The work was completed in
1955 at a cost of $5,500. The church steeple was added to Allison
Creek front roof as a centennial gift from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bigger.
1959
Rev. Grant M.
Sharp arrived in June as the first full-time pastor. Allison Creek
began regular Sunday morning worship hour and Sunday school. Rev. Sharp
was the first to occupy the new brick manse built just over a hill from
the church. The manse was built at a cost of $25,000 with the majority
of the work completed by the men of the congregation.
1960
A meeting was
held on Sunday, June 19 to organize the Allison Creek Presbyterian
Church Cemetery Association. The main interest of this group was to
keep the adjoining burial grounds in good repair and thereby honor the
dead forebears, among them the people who helped organize the
church. Found among the graves were Colonel William Berry Allison and
his wife, Mrs. Mary Susan Currence Allison, who were present and helped
with the organization of the church. Their son, Rev. William Berry
Allison Jr., is buried in the cemetery. Angus Davidson Choate, who
helped organize the church and served as ruling elder until his death
in 1890, is also buried here.
1964
The church
began a new $40,000 building campaign. The new brick church school wing
covered 48,000 square feet and the fellowship hall was finished with a
high ceiling and exposed arches so it could be used for a sanctuary and
for other church group meetings. A ladies’ parlor, nursery, kitchen and
church school classrooms were also located in this building.
1970
A service was
held on August 2 for the purpose of dedicating the new Education
Building. A cordial welcome was extended to all who were worshiping on
this special day of dedication and homecoming. The service of
dedication of the debt-free building took place after the morning
worship service.
1984
A major
building project took place with the construction of the multi-purpose
building. This 7,640 square foot addition included a gymnasium size
fellowship hall, dressing rooms, a new kitchen and classrooms. The cost
of this project was $210,000.
1989
The debt incurred from the Family Life Center building project was paid in full.
2000
Renovations
were begun in the sanctuary. A new ceiling and heating/cooling system
were installed.
2003
New carpeting was added to the sanctuary. The
chancel area was renovated to create more space.
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