Sion Presbyterian Church

The first mention of a Presbyterian congregation in Winnsboro, South Carolina is found in Howe's History and in a manuscript by Col. William McCreight. These sources say that "preparations were made for the establishment of Presbyterian worship in the town of Winnsborough, South Carolina for the Mt. Zion Congregation, incorporated by the legislature on March 27, 1787." There is evidence however that prior to that date Presbyterians were meeting in Mt. Zion College, in the court house and in private homes.

These early citizens came from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the South Carolina low country. They had a strong desire for education and for a place of worship. Mt. Zion College played an important role in the growth of Sion Church. Presbyterian authorities insisted on a well educated ministry.

In 1810 it is believe that the congregation had become well organized into a church named Sion. On June 18, 1809, the first sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered to twenty-seven members and three elders. The first church building was erected on Garden Street in 1810, in the center of what is now the cemetery. Rev. George Reed was the first minister here and he was also the president of Mt. Zion College. Documents note frequent professions of faith and baptisms, with the slaves receiving special care. High standards of Christian living were strictly enforced. There were many incidents of disciplinary trials which came before the session for intemperance!

Rev. S.C. Byrd served as minister after Rev. Reed left in 1903. He was succeeded by Rev. J.M. Holladay in 1907. Rev G.G. Mayes came as pastor in 1915 and the church progressed under his careful guidance for 25 years.

By 1920 this small brick church was declared structurally unsafe and too small for a growing membership. A building program was begun, and to quote, "The women of Sion supplied the energy and initiative and came to the men with a challenge of $5,000.00. The men met the challenge with $14,000.00." This led to the building of the present church, completed on September 26, 1923 on West Washington Street.

Rev. Arthur Martin, who was called as pastor in 1938, served both Sion and Union Memorial Presbyterian for a while. Mt. Olivet Presbyterian was brought under Sion's care and a chapel was established at Simpson.

In 1952 a fellowship hall was added to the Northwest portion of the church, giving the growing membership a much needed auditorium-dining hall, kitchen, five classrooms and a pastor's study.

In 1954 the Reverend Robert E. Smith of Cedartown, Georgia accepted the call as pastor after the Reverend Martin resigned to become an officer in the Synod. During the following year redecorating and improvements were completed throughout the church.

The first woman deacon, Miss Gayden Wright, was elected on October 22, 1978.

After Rev. Smith's retirement in October 1980, Dr. Robert Bankhead became minister in March of 1982.

A tragic fire in June 1982 extensively damaged the pastor's study and sanctuary. The First Baptist Church congregation offered Sion the use of their old church building, in which worship was held for several months. By March 1983 fire damage repair was completed.

During 1982-1983 the issue of reunion was carefully studied, and at length Sion committed itself to support the reunited church.

On October 7, 1984, Mrs. Walter Brown was elected the first woman elder.

In December, 1991, Dr. Bankhead resigned to take a church in Fredericksburg, Virginia. By July 1992 Sion was fortunate enough to secure Rev. Peter Creighton as pastor. The church welcomed him warmly and looks forward to his guidance for many years.

Sion can boast of having produced five ministers and one medical missionary. Miss Charlotte Dunlap served in China and Formosa for thirty-seven years. Her dedicated commitment to nursing and to her church had a profound influence on the congregation.

The women of Sion have been influential in the life of the church from its beginning. They have laid a solid foundation for those who follow, showing dedication and devotion to all phases of church work.

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Last modified: 07/13/06