AFTER VOTING FOUR YEARS AGO TO WITHDRAW FROM THE PREBYTERIAN CHURCH USA DENOMINATION, HENDERSONVILLE PRESBYTERIAN (FORMERLY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN) HAS REACHER A SETTLEMENT OVER CHURCH REAL ESTATE...AND MUST RAISE $600 THOUSAND...$100 THOUSAND BY JULY 1
Hendersonville Presbyterian Church—new historic name, bright future
When the members of what was then First Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville took a vote in June 2013 to ask to be dismissed from the denomination known as the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA), no one thought it would be nearly four years before it would actually happen. The vote was 81percent in favor of dismissal and 19 percent preferred to remain with the PCUSA. Only 75 percent was required in order for the PCUSA to grant the dismissal; but there were extenuating circumstances.
Among the minority who chose to remain was a group who definitely decided to continue with the PCUSA. Many of these were families with deep roots in the mainline denomination and an abiding love for its history and ministry over the years. The PCUSA had compassion for those feelings and decided that the smaller group would continue in the denomination as First Presbyterian Church (FPC). The larger group then elected to revert to the church’s original name, Hendersonville Presbyterian Church (HPC), which it chose when it was established in 1852 and by which it was known for the next 100 years until it was changed in 1952 (its centennial year) to First Presbyterian Church.
After the name change, a financial settlement would be required between Hendersonville Presbyterian and the PCUSA (and FPC members) to secure the title and deed to the property which comprises the city block bounded by Seventh and Sixth Avenues and Grove and King Streets.
Negotiations went slowly, as much was at stake—including more than just the value of the property. There were also the sentimental attachments to gifts that had been previously given to the church by FPC family members. But on April 26 of this year, an amicable agreement was reached whereby HPC would pay the PCUSA and their continuing church the sum of $600,000 and grant the return of a number of items requested by continuing church members. Terms require that $100,000 be paid by July 1, 2017, and the balance in installments spread over the coming decade.
Dr. Bill Campbell, pastor of Hendersonville Presbyterian Church, said the positive response of his congregation has been astounding. First was their almost unanimous agreement, early on in the process, that the denomination to which they wish to be dismissed would be the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Then, when news of the settlement broke, a meeting was held to describe a fund raising program that would raise the first $100,000 installment by July 1, 2017.
“Our church officers suggested that it would be good if we didn’t take 10 years to get the full sum paid,” Campbell said, “and pledges and gifts began to come in immediately. One of the most creative and inspired means of raising funds came about when one of our Deacons, Sam Elliott, acknowledged to all of us who have known him at least for the past five years, that he had been quiet about his life as an accomplished artist, sculptor and poet. He offered to give the church the right to reproduce three of his beautiful paintings, and he would sign and number them for those making qualifying donations. We had no idea he had that kind of gift— and a reputation to go with it—but when he presented the church with framed reproductions to publicize his offer, we were amazed. They are incredibly beautiful! He and his wife, Marcia, continue to organize and participate in signings for our congregation’s donors.”
Campbell went on to say that on Sunday, June 11, the community is inved to come enjoy Sam’s work on exhibit at an Ice Cream Social drop-in from 2 to 4 pm. In addition to the art on display, there will be a looped PowerPoint presentation with some personal history and close-ups of many of Sam’s other works of art, and Sam will be signing the 11 x 14 numbered prints for any who wish to make a qualifying contribution to our Settlement Fund—that is a tax deductible gift of $500 per painting desired. There will also be smaller prints of some of Sam’s other works that will be given for each $25 contribution.
“The highlight of the day,” Campbell said, “will be a silent auction for three approximately
24 x 32 beautifully framed reproductions on canvas. These are suitable for hanging in a church or other public area as well as for personal enjoyment at home.
The starting bid on each of these will be $750. At 3:30 the current highest bids will be announced, and bidding will continue until 3:45 when the final successful bidders will be announced.”
The community is invited to join the congregation of Hendersonville Presbyterian Church for their June 11 celebration. Drop in anytime between 2 and 4 pm. For more information, contact the church office at 692-3211.