Purity Presbyterian Church

Founded 1787

As we celebrate two hundred and sixteen 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 Hand bell Choirs, and as directors of Youth choirs. A Schulmerich electronic carillon was installed in the bell tower in 2002.

During its long history, twenty-four 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.