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The
Scottsboro CPC had it's beginnings in the town of Bellefonte northeast
of Scottsboro. The town eventually died out, the county seat moved to
Scottsboro in 1869, and many residents of Bellefonte moved to
Scottsboro, including Cumberland Presbyterians.
In the
early days in Scottsboro, the CP church shared the facilities of the
local opera house with other denominations until a building was
constructed on Willow Street in 1883. In 1906, the union with the
Presbyterian Church, USA, became a source of conflict. Although legal
title to the church property went to the PCUSA, two separate
congregations continued to worship under the same roof with two
separate sessions for almost fifty years. The organizational problems
were cumbersome, but the differences were put aside as the two groups
worshipped in Christian love and fellowship as one. | |
In 1951 the
Rev. Jimmy Jones pastored both the Scottsboro and Stevenson churches. A
greatly loved and respected leader, Mr. Jones exhorted the Scottsboro
church to move forward either as a USA or a CP church: that the two
congregations must unite in order to thrive. After prayerful
consideration, the USA congregation agreed to join the CP fellowship.
That union gave the church new spirit and energy to address the
challenges of the day. Despite having little money and resources, plans
for new church were made, and in 1954 the present sanctuary on Kyle
Street was built. In 1965 those facilities were expanded to add an
educational wing, and in 1990 a fellowship hall and second story to the
educational building were completed. Under the pastoral leadership of
Dr. Roy Hall, the spirit of acceptance and tolerance exemplified by the
two separate congregations united in the body of Christ lives to this
day.
Christian education has been emphasized in the
Scottsboro church since the Rev. Morris Pepper made it a priority in
the early 1960's. That emphasis led to the construction of the
educational wing in 1965 which has been used for new classes for the
growing youth membership and a community clothing room. Our Mother's
Day Out Program, a service to the entire community, began in the 70's
and remains an important mission of the church today. The current need
for more classroom space will soon be met with four new classrooms on
the second floor of the educational building.
Under the leadership of John Radavsky, the youth of the church grow as
Christians and play an important role in our Christian community. This
summer, the youth revived an old tradition of the church youth groups
when a group of 22 returned to Choctaw presbytery and Camp Israel
Folsom in Oklahoma for a week of mission work among our Native American
brothers and sisters. The youth also do mission work at Christmas for
underprivileged families, and are looking for plans to expand their
mission working the future.
Music has always been important at the Scottsboro Church. Under the
leadership of Nora Inglis as Music Director, organist and pianist, the
adult choir numbers 24. Other musical groups are a youth choir, a
handbell ensemble, and the beginnings of a wind ensemble.
In mission work, the Scottsboro church supports the denominational
program, and members have participated in mission trips to Liberia,
Hong Kong and China. Kenneth Hopson recently visited in Scottsboro,
inspiring support for his work in Uganda. A sock and mitten tree at
Christmas helps with the needs of the children of Choctaw Presbytery
for winter clothing. After the success of the recent mission to Choctaw
Presbytery, adult mission trips are being considered. At the local
level, the Scottsboro church supports the CASA program in providing
assistance for the aging poor; and several members serve on the CASA
review committee. The Scottsboro church also participates in the local
ministerial association's program of aid to transients.
In 2004, we find ourselves on a journey begun by ancient generations
and carried forward by ages of faithful Christians. With Hebrew 12,
verses 1 and 2, as our guide, we pray that we would be faithful to that
spirit.
Bill Tally
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