The History of
Sardis Presbyterian Church

Sardis was already a small congregation when the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church organized the first Presbytery in the South on February 24, 1790, the date chosen as the official founding of Sardis. The families of five men - John Black, James Boyes (Boyce), William Irwin, John Kirkpatrick, and Matthew Wallace - made up the nucleus of this first church. Many of their descendants are active members today. For several years, Sabbath worship was held in homes; for the first fourteen years there was no regular minister. In 1804 Sardis called its first regular minister, Dr. Isaac Grier. To date Sardis has had a total of twelve ministers, nine associate ministers and four parish associates.

The first church was a log structure, followed in time by two frame buildings, all located across Sardis Road. In 1907 a brick structure was erected on the southeast side of Sardis Road. In 1938 the Miller Memorial Education Building was added, and an adjacent children's building was completed in 1958. The 1907 sanctuary and the Miller Building were razed in 1976. Our present sanctuary, completed in 1960, is the fifth structure used for worship. An education building with a fellowship hall was added in 1968. Upon the completion in 1998 of the present fellowship building and the new children's wing, the 1958 children's building was renovated to become the present administration building.

In 1951 the Sardis congregation voted to leave the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and unite with the Presbyterian Church, U.S. Sardis is now affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.), formed by the reunion in 1983 of the northern and southern Presbyterian churches.

This brief historical sketch can only begin to tell the history of Sardis Presbyterian Church. Our history is a story of people - God's people - who through the years, have gathered together to worship and work to further God's Kingdom.