Our history
Our beginning
1956 Our property was purchased by Enoree Presbytery and First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg. A survey indicated 27 families interested in starting a new church.
1959 The Reverend Leonard Topping of First Presbyterian Church leads these families in worship service at Spartanburg High School (125 members). In October, a petition was presented to the Presbytery to formally charter the Church on December 30, 1959.
1960 The Reverend Joe Brooks becomes our first full-time pastor. In January, the Building Committee was appointed to raise $53,000 for Fellowship Hall and 15 classrooms. The church was incorporated on June 6 as Westminster Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Inc.
1962 Our first service was held in Fellowship Hall on June 10th.
Watch Us Grow
- 1965 A Building Committee was appointed for more Sunday School classrooms and a sanctuary.
- 1970 Our sanctuary and Sunday School classrooms were completed.
- 1979 Rev. Charles Horne was installed as the third senior pastor
- 1983 Our offices moved to the former manse on Pineville Road. T.O.T.A.L. Ministries was launched by church members and the community.
- 1985 The 'Emory Road House" (105 Emory Road) was purchased. It was used as a manse for the associate pastor. The "Emory Road House," as it is affectionately known, is now the youth meeting rooms and youth staff offices.
- 1987 Our gym and kitchen were added to the existing church structure.
- 1988 Our partnership with Young Life began.
- 1991 Added parking, a new playground, and other projects. Also, our organ was dedicated in the sanctuary.
- 1994-1995 Our fellowship hall, gymnasium (sound), and parlor were remodeled; Steve Wise was ordained and installed as Pastor to Youth and Youth Outreach.
- 1996-1999 Financial Freedom Campaign began as a means to become a debt-free church
- 1999 Celebrated a debt-free church. The church also started a Capital Fund with Spartanburg County Foundation to stay debt-free
- 2000 Charles Horne retired after 20 years of service.
- 2002 Paul M. Petersen was installed as our fourth senior pastor.
- 2006 We launched a new worship service in August with contemporary elements.
- 2011 Our current mission and vision statements were approved.
- 2013 Westminster moved from the PCUSA to ECO to better align with our theological and reformed identity.
- 2014-2016 Developed strategic objectives to focus on leading the next generation to Jesus Christ, strengthening families and marriages, and connecting people to smaller communities.
- 2017 A Master Plan Steering Committee began the discerning work of building expansion and impact on our local neighborhood. This work allowed WPC's leadership to understand and prepare for future building needs.
- 2018 WPC's Session (leadership board) was reduced from 30 to 18 elders, with a new emphasis on Ministry Teams to lead various ministries throughout the church.
- 2019 Rev. Dr. Paul Petersen retired after 17 years as senior pastor; Rev. Dr. Steve Wise was installed as WPC's fifth senior pastor.
- 2020 WPC began streaming services in response to COVID, but continued to meet for weekly worship.
- 2021 Membership surpassed 1000 covenant partners.
- 2022 Launched a new Parent Ministry to engage young parents and provide resources to help them grow as spiritual leaders.
- 2023 The Session approved relocating office space to a renovated home nearby to make room for future small groups. Over 270 children participated in Vacation Bible School.
Cross & Light
The faceted glass windows in our Sanctuary were designed by the Willet Stained Glass Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (now known as Associated Crafts).
The Theme is a combination of The Cross and The Light. Christ is the center of our faith and on the Cross. He was crucified for the sins of mankind, and it is through Him that we receive our salvation. Light surrounds the Cross because of many scriptural references, because light is associated with knowledge and understanding, and because the Church is a place for the illumination of the Christian life and Christ's teachings.
Note three lancets of the windows which represent the Trinity. Each member of the Trinity is in touch with the world, shown as buildings, factories, and homes at the base of the three lancets.
God the Father (left lancet) - Creator of the Universe, who saw that the light was good. Note God's hand as it reveals the sun, moon, and stars. Birds are seen above the mountains and fish in the sea.
God the Son (center lancet) - Savior of the world, is symbolized by the Cross and overlaps all three lancets. The Cross is surrounded by the sunburst of light. The Cross towers over the cities and represents the Mediator, the great High Priest, who links Heaven and earth, God and man.
God the Spirit (right lancet) - God with us and within us, the Holy Spirit is symbolized by the descending dove. The seven flames of light represent the seven gifts to which Christ the Redeemer is entitled -- these are Praise, Glory, Wisdom, Thanksgiving, Honor, Power, and Strength (Revelation 7.11).
