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.