North Walhalla Church of God just celebrated 95 years of ministry in the Palmetto state. Not only is this a milestone for the church, but also for the entire state of South Carolina as North Walhalla is the first Church of God in South Carolina.
By Scott Hager
In 1914, Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States, Babe Ruth had just started his baseball career, and Congress had just established Mother’s Day. The first electric traffic light was put into use in the United States, the first Blood Transfusion took place, and Double Mint chewing gum was birthed. Also in 1914 the Federal Reserve Bank opened for business, World War One fired its first shot and the fires of Pentecost burned in the hills of Walhalla, SC.
In the summer of 1914, on July 15th, South Carolina’s first Church of God was organized with 18 members as the Church of God at Morgan Place. After several name changes the congregation accepted the Walhalla Number 2 Church of God, for most of its history, due to the fact that its address had it located on Rural Route Number 2. In the 1980’s the local church voted to change the name to North Walhalla Church of God and that name carries to this day.
On October 18th, 2009 we celebrated our 95th Homecoming! The State Administrative Bishop, M. Thomas Propes, was the guest speaker for this great day. The General Overseer, Dr. Raymond F. Culpepper, and the First Assistant General Overseer, Dr. Timothy M. Hill, both sent their congratulations, with the assistance of the Communications Department, by video, which was played during the service. This was a great day as we celebrated our heritage which gives us strength and realized that it is the flames of Pentecost that will give us light in our future. Yvonne Bell Wilkes, daughter of former pastor Rev. Wade Bell, provided our special music for the day. We are thankful for all that God has done for the mother church of South Carolina and for all that we know that He is going to do.
The foundation that North Walhalla began building on some 95 years ago is the same foundation it stands on today. North Walhalla’s buildings look different, its music sounds different, and even its methods of ministry are different. But one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the church’s commitment to being a “House of Hope for all People”
To see what is happening at North Walhalla please visit the website:
www.nwcogonline.com
G. Scott Hager, M.A. is pastor of the North Walhalla Church of God in Walhalla, S.C.