Who we are
We are a historic reformed Presbyterian church centered on the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe scripture is foundational for all that we believe and do. We desire to be faithful to the Lord in our worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service.
While we have a rich history, the Lord has blessed us with a vibrant intergenerational congregation. On any particular Sunday, you will find folks in their 90s as well as infants and toddlers gathered together and enjoying the Lord and one another. We believe a healthy church reflects the beauty and diversity of all ages and stages.
On Sunday mornings we gather for worship at 9:00 am and 11:00 am, with nursery provided for children birth-4 years old. In between services, Sunday School is offered for all ages at 10:00 am. On Wednesdays during the school year we gather for a fellowship meal followed by Bible study for children, youth, and adults. Throughout the year, there are a multitude of opportunities for Bible study, fellowship, missions, outreach, and service. Additionally, many children, youth, and adults participate in camps, conferences, and retreats at our denomination's conference center, Bonclarken, in Flat Rock, NC.
While we have a rich history, the Lord has blessed us with a vibrant intergenerational congregation. On any particular Sunday, you will find folks in their 90s as well as infants and toddlers gathered together and enjoying the Lord and one another. We believe a healthy church reflects the beauty and diversity of all ages and stages.
On Sunday mornings we gather for worship at 9:00 am and 11:00 am, with nursery provided for children birth-4 years old. In between services, Sunday School is offered for all ages at 10:00 am. On Wednesdays during the school year we gather for a fellowship meal followed by Bible study for children, youth, and adults. Throughout the year, there are a multitude of opportunities for Bible study, fellowship, missions, outreach, and service. Additionally, many children, youth, and adults participate in camps, conferences, and retreats at our denomination's conference center, Bonclarken, in Flat Rock, NC.
where we've been
Gathered and organized in 1895, First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church has always been a congregation in the Associate Reformed Presbyteian (ARP) Denomination. Since her founding, she has been an integral part of the Rock Hill community, especially in the downtown area. Construction of our sanctuary was completed in 1898 and providentially we still worship in the same beautiful space as a result of diligent care and restoration through the years.
Dr. Arthur Small Rogers planted the church and served for nearly 53 years. Since then, only four men have served as senior pastor: Rev. William Pressly Grier, Jr. (1948-1963), Rev. Henry Lewis Smith (1963-1966), Rev. Dr. Robert J. Robinson (1967-2001), and Rev. Dr. J. Barry Dagenhart (2001-2022). These men, along with godly elders, have provided consistent and faithful leadership and vision bringing us to where we are today.
Dr. Arthur Small Rogers planted the church and served for nearly 53 years. Since then, only four men have served as senior pastor: Rev. William Pressly Grier, Jr. (1948-1963), Rev. Henry Lewis Smith (1963-1966), Rev. Dr. Robert J. Robinson (1967-2001), and Rev. Dr. J. Barry Dagenhart (2001-2022). These men, along with godly elders, have provided consistent and faithful leadership and vision bringing us to where we are today.
where we're going
Clearly, the Lord has blessed this congregation over the last 128 years. In light of our rich history we desire to build upon the faithful legacy of those who have gone before by continuing to follow God's guidance through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.
Our vision is to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) by proclaiming God's Word and sharing His love. Downtown Rock Hill is experiencing exponential growth, which presents us with numerous outreach opportunities because of where the Lord has placed our church. We pray the Lord uses us as a beacon of light to draw many to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our vision is to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) by proclaiming God's Word and sharing His love. Downtown Rock Hill is experiencing exponential growth, which presents us with numerous outreach opportunities because of where the Lord has placed our church. We pray the Lord uses us as a beacon of light to draw many to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
