By David Meade
The Pelzer Presbyterian Church and Williamston Presbyterian Church congregations recently voted to unify and establish a new church. The two churches have discussed joining as one church for about eight years and have actually been worshiping together as one congregation since 2013.
They have shared a pastor for several years and have been worshiping together as one congregation since 2013, with alternating monthly services being held at both churches.
Under a proposal recently approved by each of the congregations, the new church will include a new name not associated with either current name. Members will have the opportunity to submit possible names, which will be narrowed to three and then voted on.
The current pastor for both churches, Rev. Aaron Ochart, will continue to be the minister of the new church. According to Rev. Ochart, the Pelzer Church is not being dissolved. The members are combining with the Williamston Church and establishing a new church.
The proposal presented to both congregations states all assets of the existing churches will be combined into one church and explains that existing funds of the Pelzer Presbyterian Church will be held in a separate account to maintain repairs, maintenance, utilities and other expenses associated with the Pelzer church property.
The church building in Williamston will be the primary building for the newly formed congregation.
Read more at http://thejournalonline.com/2014/06/27/pelzer-williamston-presbyterian-churches-now-one-congregation/#more-14709