Our History

Our History

In 1962, an Organizational Committee and a Building Committee were formed with James C. Spencer and William Sale, respectively, chairmen.

In July, 1964, Raymond C. Flitton was installed as Pastor of King's Grant Presbyterian Church. A ground-breaking ceremony was held on September 12, 1965, and, on November 27, 1965, the cornerstone of the church was laid. This was an exciting and blessed time in the life of the new church. However, Pastor Flitton died suddenly in October, 1967. The sanctuary was dedicated as the Raymond Cole Flitton Memorial Chapel.

In August, 1968, Stan Sizemore became Pastor and served until September, 1975. Janice Eggleston became the first woman Clerk of Session, the first church newsletter was published, the first Youth Club was formed, Pioneer Youth Fellowship was established and a lay renewal was held in 1972. The congregation approved an addition to the church (Fellowship Hall, kitchen and storage room) and enlarged the sanctuary. Harry C. Mayo chaired the Building Committee, construction was completed in April, 1974 and a dedication service was held on June 9, 1974.

In 1975, Mary Ellen Sale and Judy Marshall, with the help of the Women of the Church, developed the tradition of the Chrismon Tree.

Dr. Edward A. McLeod began his pastorate of King's Grant Presbyterian on March 1, 1976. He served until March, 1992. During this period, the church held its first Lay Renewal and Faith Discovery Weekend, Janet Phelps became organist and Choir Director and Selden Harris, Jr. became KGPC’s first Associate Pastor. A new pipe organ was installed in 1985. The Planning and Development Committee issued a five-year plan and the new education and office wing was constructed in 1990. Church membership grew to over 400.

In 1992, Dr. McLeod retired and was elected Pastor Emeritus. J. Allen Johnson became Interim Pastor and served until September, 1993.

In October 1993, Dr. Brian Dill became Pastor. In the same year KGPC celebrated its 30th Anniversary. The new stained glass windows and Columbarium were dedicated. The Last Supper reenactment was presented by the men of the church on Maundy Thursday, the youth performed the Story of Daniel and the LOGOS program was launched. Church membership grew to over 500.

In 1998, Dr. Dill submitted his resignation and Rev Joan Wooten became the Interim Pastor until December 1998 when Rev. Selden Harris, Jr. was called to the pulpit.

After fourteen years of service to KGPC, Rev Selden Harris resigned in June 2012. During his years of service, KGPC has grown spiritually and programmatically. The church initiated a new contemporary service, and we will hold our 400th contemporary worship service this year. During his tenure, The King's Academy of Fine Arts also began offering pre-schoolers lessons in music, art, and dance. The church began its annual "Bethlehem Walk," a Christmas present to the Little Neck community and beyond.

While we sought God's guidance in our search for our new pastor, we were thankful to have our interim pastors, Rev. Randy Bremer and Rev. Jenny Spivey, to care and nurture us to our permanent pastor.  Reverend Doctor Christina (Chris) Marie Berwanger Carrasco joined us in January 2015 and is guiding us in a new chapter for our church family.