Celebrating 60 Years

60th Anniversary

Compiled by David McCowan and Rev. Camille

 

“Our church came into being as a result of the interest shown by a group of Presbyterians in the Tucker area. Members of the Church Extension of the Atlanta Presbytery met with us at the home of Dr. George W. Bohne on July 10, 1960 and it was determined to begin services on Sunday, July 24, 1960 at the Tucker Elementary School. Because of the enthusiasm and support of our group, Atlanta Presbytery, meeting in Griffin on September 27th, appointed a commission to organize our congregation. The members of this commission are:

Rev. Kirk N. Nesbit, Rev. S. H. Christopher, Rev. R. E. Randolph, Rev. Hubert Wardlaw, Rev. Bonneau Dickson, Rev. J. W. Newton

Theron L. White, Sr., Robert F. Head, Ben M. Butler, J. R. Carmichael, and Merritt Duncan.

 

The Commission met with the proposed congregation at a Fellowship Dinner at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Otis L. Baskette on October 5, 1960. It was unanimously voted by the Commission that the congregation be organized, this being the 99th Church in the Atlanta Presbytery.

 

The church was organized October 23, 1960, four Elders and Deacons were installed, and 67 charter members were received. The name St. Andrews was the unanimous choice of the congregation. Lettie Hudson is the charter member who is still active in the life of the congregation.

 

Rev. J.W. Newton served as supply minister from the beginning until Rev. F. Clay Doyle came in August 1961. Rev. Newton returned as supply pastor in January 1963 until Rev. Richard A. Dodds came to St. Andrews in January 1964. Rev. Dodds served until July 1973. From December 1972 until June 1974, Rev. Edward C. Langham Jr. came as the first Associate minister.

 

The church grew from 67 members to 1200, a 9-acre tract of land was purchased, an interim sanctuary and fellowship hall was provided in early 1966. A nursery-kindergarten-children’s building was completed in June of 1969. The completion of that building program afforded the possibility of beginning a Weekday Kindergarten. With a vote by the session, St. Andrews School began 1969 and has continued to evolve to provide a safe, nurturing, Christian environment for young children in the community to grow and learn.

 

Rev. Dr. Joe Sandifer, Jr. accepted a call to Andrews on April 1, 1974.

In 1974 a youth building was constructed and later became the Office building.

 

The pastors following Joe Sandifer (’74-’83), were Bruce Robertson (’84-87), Rush Otey (’86-’93), Steve Montgomery (’94-‘00), Dave Kivett (’00-’13), and now Camille LeBron Powell (’15- present). Associate Pastors have been Jim Watkins (’75-’82), Rush Otey (’82-’85), Jeff Clayton (’88-’92), Jeff Reynolds (’93-‘94), Rindy Trouteaud (’89-‘98), Nancy Mikoski (’99-’03), Carla Pratt Keyes (’04-’05), and Morgan Hay (’08-’13).

 

A re-working of the existing buildings, an addition of Heffner Hall, a remodeling of the old office wing into youth classrooms also resulted in re-orienting the sanctuary by rotating the space 180 degrees. This moved the entrance from facing LaVista Road to the west parking lot side. In 2010 the Sanctuary was enlarged to more seating with a larger Narthex, restrooms and a parlor/bride’s room.

 

In the 60 years since the charter, St. Andrews has lived out its commission to be Christ’s hands and feet through a long, strong tradition of supporting mission and outreach programs locally, nationally, and internationally. The music ministry of the church has also been an essential part of the life of the congregation. Vocal and instrumental solos, ensembles, and groups have led the congregation in worship with song. The music ministry has also been a place for fellowship, care, and education for people of all ages and abilities. Of course, none of these pastors, programs, or projects would be possible or worth noting if not for the faithful members through the years who, when God asks, “Whom shall I send?”, like Isaiah answer, “Here I am, Lord!”

 

We give thanks that God continues to call faithful pastors, staff, elders, deacons, leaders, and community members to be the church together, loving God and loving our neighbors at St. Andrews