 | Purity Presbyterian Church |
History of Purity
As we celebrate two hundred and twenty-one years of life for this family of faith, we give thanks for God’s great love, the rich heritage entrusted to us, and for members past and present.
As early as 1770, Scotch Irish Presbyterians worshipped in
the sparsely settled South Carolina Back Country at a site
two and one-half miles southeast of the present city of
Chester. They gave their small log meeting house the name of
a nearby creek, Bull Run. Presbytery records of 1787 reveal
that the congregation had changed the name from Bull Run to
Purity and listed the names of three elders, the earliest
existing record of a Purity Session. Members built a larger
log house on the same spot in 1795. The rock wall that still
surrounds the burying ground was paid by subscription in
1813. The congregation erected a spacious clapboard church
on the site of the earlier structure in 1832.
When John Douglas, a son of the congregation, became the
minister in 1836, he saw that the village of Chester
Ville was growing but had no Presbyterian church. With
his own finds, he built a brick “lecture room” in the
village. The congregation in town flourished. Purity
became a strong growing church with its strength now
turned more to the town than the country. In 1854
members erected the present brick sanctuary on Wylie
Street “near the new court house”. Regular services at
the church in the country were discontinued in the
1880s.
By 1850, Purity ordained deacons as well as elders. The
first mention of Purity’s organized church women
appeared in 1870. They have been a vital force in the
life of the church, promoting missions, Bible studies,
and local causes. Since 1975, they have served as
deacons and elders.
Members met the needs of the growing
congregation by enlarging the sanctuary
in 1890, changing the façade to two
spires instead of one, adding a pipe
organ, and the magnificent stained glass
windows. They built the three-story
Sunday School building in 1916 and the
Fellowship Hall in 1983. In 2003, the
congregation embarked on and completed a
major restoration and renovation of the
sanctuary, added a kitchen in the
Educational Building, and enlarged the
parking area.
Through the years, music has been an
important aspect of worship. Purity
continues to be blessed with
talented voices and instrumentalists
who give graciously of their time in
the Chancel and Handbell Choirs, and
as directors of Youth choirs. A
Schulmerich electronic carillon was
installed in the bell tower in 2002.
During its long history,
twenty-five ministers have led
the work and worship of this
congregation.
Purity established two other
local Presbyterian churches as
well as several area missions.
Twenty-two sons and two
daughters of this congregation
became ministers of the Word.
One son and five daughters
entered full time Christian
service. Within the Chester
community, this church has been
a forerunner in beginning a
weekday kindergarten, radio
ministry, food pantry, and LOGOS
youth ministry. Keenly aware
that children are treasures to
be cherished and nurtured in the
love of Christ and His Kingdom,
dedicated members work and teach
in the Sunday School, Youth
Group, Playschool, Scouts,
Children’s Church, Bible School,
and LOGOS program.
As Purity’s people move forward
into a new century, we are
thankful for God’s many
blessings and are aware that new
challenges and opportunities are
ahead. With the guidance of the
Holy Spirit, we will seek His
will in sharing the Good News
and expressing the love and
compassion of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Interested in more history of the church?
Be sure to check out and purchase the book Art of Purity.