Our History
Our History
In October 1841, several individuals in and around Carrollton, GA, requested that the Flint River Presbytery be formed into Carrollton Presbyterian Church. And so, on Saturday, December 18, 1841, Carrollton Presbyterian was created with the following members: Horace Smith, Paschal P. Grow, Mary Ann Kingsbery, Mrs. Elmira Grow, Elizabeth Baxter, Mary Springer, Eliza Baxter, Catherine Rogers, and Mrs. Delia G. Wick.
History of Pastors
- Rev. J. T. Alexander 1841-1856
- Rev. B.D. DuPress 1856-1872
- Rev. William Dimmock 1872-1880
- Rev. James Stacy 1881-1888
- Rev. W.W. Nesbit 1888-1892
- Rev. R.D. Perry 1893-1894
- Rev W.E. Dozier 1894-1915
- Rev F.L. Barber 1920-1930
- Rev J.L. McGirt 1930-1937
- Richard Orme Flinn Jr 1938-1970
- Rev. James W. Wofford 1971-1979
- Dr. Thomas Ballard 1980-1992
- Rev. Jerry Patton 1993-1995
- Rev. David Shelor 1996-
During Rev. Dozier's pastorate the current church structure was built (1902-1903). In 1922, with Rev. F.L. Barber as pastor, the pipe organ was installed.
A report dated October 1927 read: "The Sunday School is flourishing. The Women's Auxiliary and Westminster Society are doing good work, and the Christian Endeavor Society is growing. The Church also has a well-organized troop of Boy Scouts, which has been in existence for five years."
Carrollton Presbyterian has been pivotal in forming various local ministries and institutions, including Oak Mountain Academy, the Carroll County Soup Kitchen, the Carroll County Emergency Women's Shelter, and West Georgia Habitat for Humanity.
Our Building
Carrollton Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest structures in Carroll County. It was built in 1902. And its neo-gothic style architecture reflects the Scottish heritage that was principle in forming the early Presbyterian denomination. You can see two towers of different sizes on the front of the church. The right tower is higher than the left. This represents the Reformed church, our constant and never-ending journey to strive toward Godliness, and our certainty that we, humans, can’t attain it.
The sanctuary has been preserved in an almost pristine original state, with handsome millwork and plaster columns adorned with acanthus leaf details. It is worth visiting us during Worship on Sunday to see it! In 2011, we extensively renovated the stained glass windows to return them to their original condition.
Although the current brick structure was completed in 1902, the organized church is still older. In 1841, two decades before the Civil War began, West Georgia was a frontier community bordering the unknown wilds of Alabama. Individuals who lived in the area requested the Flint River Presbytery (in session at West Point, Georgia) to be constituted as Carrollton Presbyterian Church. In response, the Presbytery directed two of its members to repair to Carrollton and organize a church. This makes Carrollton Presbyterian the oldest organized church in Carroll County.
When the church was built in 1902, an article in the Carroll County Times – Feb. 13, 1902, read:
“The present elegant and lasting edifice is the outcome of studious investigation, extending over several years past by members and friends of the Church, with a view of originating a building plan, not too expensive for the means of the Congregation, and yet one which, while meeting every requirement of taste and comfort in its interior appointments, would insure a structure creditable in the estimation of the community and responsive to civic pride in our growing and ever progressive City.”
An interesting feature of the church is that the founders chose not to put their names on a cornerstone, preferring instead to dedicate the building to the glory of God.
