What does it mean to be Presbyterian?

Questions are a valuable part of our faith journey as we seek to understand more clearly who we are as Christians. Ours is a “faith seeking understanding” as the classic definition of theology suggests. The nature of our faith to impels us to search for answers to our questions. We are people who seek to grow in our knowledge of who God is, what God has done in Jesus Christ and what it means to be Christian in the 21st century.

People arrive in Presbyterian pews from a variety of faith traditions and Christian traditions with great questions such as: What do Presbyterians believe? What is the “Reformed Tradition” and what beliefs are essential? What practices do Presbyterians share with other Christian churches? What is the authority of the Bible and how is it lived out in everyday situations? How do beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, the Spirit, and the church affect my values and decision making? 

These are among the questions we will explore in the “Gentle Faith” discussion at Marshall Presbyterian Church on Sunday mornings at 10:00 beginning April 7*. The door is open, the coffee is hot, and all are welcome!  Please join the discussion.

*Please note: MPC will be sharing services with Walnut Presbyterian, at Walnut, on Sunday April 21, so no Gentle Faith class will be held on this day. 

Welcoming Rev. Merri Alexander as our Interim Minister

Since the retirement of Rev. Melissa, we at Marshall Presbyterian have been enjoying hearing from a range of excellent ministers. Honestly, it's been invigorating to receive the Good News of the Gospel in so many different "dialects," since every minister has their own voice, their own preaching styles. We're now ready to enter the next phase of our church life together. 

We're delighted to announce that Rev. Merri Alexander has accepted the charge to shepherd us through the process of searching for a permanent pastor. She'll be leading us in worship on Palm Sunday, and again on Easter Sunday, before formally starting on April 1. Please join us in welcoming her to our congregation, and our Madison County community! 

One of the first things she told us is that God has already chosen our next pastor. We can't help but think that Holy Spirit has led us to find Merri as our interim pastor as well. 

"I’m convinced without a doubt that God has already chosen your next pastor. The trip you’re on is to journey towards that person. That person has no idea yet that they’ve been chosen to be your minister." 

Merri Alexander is a retired minister member of Western North Carolina Presbytery and currently serves as the chairperson of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Most recently specializing in transitional ministry, Merri has served congregations in North Carolina and Tennessee as they journeyed through changes in pastoral leadership. Prior to entering pastoral ministry, Merri served over a decade as a vice president at Montreat Conference Center responsible for adult conferences, partnership development, and Sunday worship. Merri holds degrees from the Southeastern Center for Photographic Studies, St. Andrews University, and Union Presbyterian Seminary. 

Join us Easter Sunday with musical guests Newfound Gap

 Please join us for our Easter Service on Sunday, March 31 at 11:00. We'll be led in worship by Rev. Merri Alexander, and special music will be provided by siblings (who also happen to be award-winning musicians) Bayla, Sylvie, and Judah Davis who perform together under the name Newfound Gap. Some of you might remember them from the Christmas Concert Fundraiser for Neighbors in Need, where they brought the house down! Others may have heard them play at venues including Merlefest, The Earl Scruggs Festival, Folkmoot, Woodsongs, The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and many more. 

We're very excited to welcome them back to Marshall Presbyterian. 

Taizé Services during Lent

Gather together Sunday evenings, at 5:00 p.m., through March 24  for quiet, meditative Taizé  services.

Taizé is a simple, meditative form of worship that prompts us to dwell deeply on Christ’s presence—around and within us.  It’s based on an ecumenical style of worship developed in the 1940s by the Taizé community, located in eastern France, in Burgundy, among rolling hills covered with vineyards.  This service is comprised of sung prayers, music, silence, and prayers.

November 12th celebration video

Thank you, Byron Anthony Wade, for sharing this short video of our festivities last Sunday as we joined together with Walnut Presbyterian Church to celebrate 125 years of service and ministry here in Madison county.

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhm9pjf_4PQ

Marshall Presbyterian Church was founded 125 years ago Nov. 12

 Marshall Presbyterian Church at 125 years

 

 

When the railroad first rumbled into Madison County in the late 1800s, it brought commerce, tourism, and evangelism to remote corners of Western North Carolina. 

 

On November 12, 1898, a new congregation was chartered in Marshall as Couper Memorial Presbyterian Church.  The founding members quickly made plans to build on a rise overlooking the old Catawba Trail (a.k.a. the Drovers’ Road), the rails, and the French Broad River.  Soon their sanctuary stood on the site, and a long record of Christian outreach began. 

 

Early activities in the wider community included establishing Marshall Academy on Hill Street, the first public school in Marshall.  The congregation also opened a recreation center on Main Street to provide an activities space for local youth.  A free, public library was established in the old Couper Memorial Church in June, 1901.

 

Evangelism in Madison County included coordinating with other Presbyterian communities at Walnut and Hot Springs, as well as a school, chapel, and hospital at White Rock.

 

In 1950 the Marshall church’s current brick structure emerged from the metamorphic escarpment at 165 South Main Street, under the new name Marshall Presbyterian Church.  Its distinctive front staircases, portico, bell tower, and octagonal spire became landmarks.  And its community outreach expanded.

 

Through the decades, this congregation’s work has evolved to include its current support of Scouting, Neighbors in Need, addiction recovery groups, Quaker Circle, artistic and cultural initiatives, and other services.   Its annual Community-wide Christmas Eve Service inspires locals and seasonal visitors alike.

 

Marshall Presbyterian’s mission statement echoes its sense of calling: “Broadly, deeply, joyfully sharing the good news of Christ with Marshall and Madison County for 125 years.”

 

On Sunday, November 12, 2023, Marshall Presbyterian Church celebrates its 125^th anniversary, with a special worship service at 11 a.m., and covered-dish fellowship to follow. 

125th birthday of Marshall Presbyterian Church

Rev. Dr. Byron Wade, 
General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina 
Rev. Dr. Cam Murchison,
Stated Clerk of our Presbytery