Earlier this year my co-author, Rev. David Myers, wrote of the Old Brick Church. Of this church, pastor Richard Hodges added this comment :—

“This is recognized as the ‘mother church’ of the ARP and the property and grounds are well-maintained by the local ARP Presbytery. It is located 10 miles south of the PCA church I pastor (Salem PCA) and it has been my privilege to conduct several field trips to and tours of the building for students in my “Presbyterian Church History” class taught at Columbia International University (CIU) in Columbia, S.C. The small, penciled apology is still legible on the white wall near the side (west) entrance. It is now protected by a framed piece of Plexiglas. It was almost painted over by a volunteer painter when the interior was renovated several years ago. The ARP maintains an active presence in Fairfield County (SC) to this day in several rural churches and the Bethel ARP Church in Winnsboro. Thanks again for a fine article of a historic Presbyterian church.”

Now comes the news that there will be a worship service this Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the Old Brick Church. Please pray for those who will be attending, for safe travel, as this should indeed be a wonderful time of worship and fellowship with the Lord’s people. Dr. Derek Thomas, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC, will be preaching. 

WORSHIP SERVICE AT HISTORIC OLD BRICK CHURCH
Join us this Sunday, Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 3pm.

Faithful Preaching, Dr. Derek Thomas, First Presbyterian, Columbia

Witness Through Music, Centennial ARP Church Choir

Great Fellowship!

Directions: Highway 213, 14 Miles West of Winnsboro, SC

Hosted By: Catawba Presbytery’s OBC Commission

The historic place of worship was built in 1788, but there was a congregation in existence before the American Revolution. The most important event in the church’s rich history occurred on May 9, 1803. It was then that the Associate Reformed Synod of the Carolinas was organized at OBC to become one of the four synods that constituted the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, which had been earlier organized in 1782 in Philadelphia. Each Synod became independent, and by 1822 the Synod of the Carolinas, which had grown beyond the Carolinas, became the Synod of the South. Although the northern synods formed a new denomination in 1859 (United Presbyterian Church), the Synod of the South retained the name, Associate Reformed Presbyterian. Damaged by Union troops in 1865, the church was repaired and remained in active use until 1920. Catawba Presbytery formed the OBC Commission in March 2007 to oversee and maintain the building and its properties, and to organize a special worship service at least every 5 years. This unique gathering serves to remind us of the role this church played in the founding and life of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Therefore, please join us for worship on Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2016, at 3 pm.

To view a painting of the Old Brick Church, click here.