History of the Mills River Presbyterian Church

The Mills River Presbyterian Church had an early beginning in this beautiful Mills River Valley. As early as 1797 Presbyterians were interested in religious education. A small log church erected on 10 acres of land given by Colonel James Brittain was first used for school and religious purposes. In 1830 a two-story building known as the Mills River Academy replaced the log building. School was held on the first floor and Church on the second floor. The arrangement continued until 1908. This was the first Henderson County School. James King and his slaves made the bricks for this building. Few records exist today of the war years but it is known there were two groups, “the old school” and the more liberal “new school.” In 1859 the two groups became one. In 1864 the Church became a member of the Concord Presbytery. The Church continued to worship in the Academy building. In 1906 Mrs. Martha Reid deeded ˝ acre of land to the Trustees of the Church. With $1,600 raised, and from the sale of 5 acres to Jess Barnett for $100, $1,000 from the Fulton Fund, and $500 raised by the Church, the work began on the Sanctuary completed in 1908. This building is used today for worship. Over the years improvements have been made. In 1930–32 Sunday School rooms were added. In 1950–54 a new manse was built and the old Manse sold. In 1960–70 a new choir loft was added and the Sanctuary remodeled. In 1955–60 we celebrated the one hundredth birthday of the Church by burying a Time Capsule in the cemetery containing many pictures and articles of the day to be opened in 2009. In 1975–78 two new Sunday School rooms were added to the Church. A new Manse with 1.7 acres of land was purchased and the old Manse was converted to the Christian Education building. Mrs. Wilsie Nesbitt gave 0.744 acres of land to the Church located at the back of C.E. Building on July 21, 1971.

The newest project is the Fellowship Hall dedicated May 24, 1998. This project was in the back of many minds for years. It was in 1995 when plans were approved by the congregation to begin the building. Many people gave of their moneys, time, energy, prayers, hard work, and thoughtful planning toward building this lovely Fellowship Hall. Being almost paid for at the time of completion proved how important it is to trust God to provide the Church needs if everyone does his part. It was a great day for this Church in 1995 when the congregation unanimously approved the plan that was affordable and still met the needs of the Church. Those who had the foresight to work out this plan should be congratulated. After approval, the backing was great. Money and workers came forth and, after a few snags, the building was completed. And so with grateful hearts to many who helped and Thanksgiving to God, the building was dedicated on May 24, 1998, to the Glory of God and to be used to further His Kingdom.

The improvements indicate a healthy and growing church and are an important and necessary part of Church History. But also included in the History are the present and former members, the changed lives, the mended hearts, the love and compassion shown others, the Bible study, the many prayers said, and the hymns sung in praise. With almost 140 years of service to the cause of Christ, the Church is looking forward with great anticipation to the 21st Century and the wonderful opportunity to present the “Good News” of God’s everlasting love to all humankind just as it has done down through the years. Today the Church buildings sit prominently on a knoll overlooking the Mills River Valley, inviting all to come and worship.

– Edna Ray Guice, Historian