OUR HISTORY
150+ Years of god's faithfulness
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
Psalm 77:11
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
Psalm 77:11
humble beginnings
1874
Less than a decade after the Civil War. The President’s name was Grant. In an agricultural community in northeast Georgia, a new Presbyterian church was organized along the strategic “Old Federal Road” in Chestnut Mountain, Hall County, about 10 miles south of Gainesville.
In CMPC’s first 80 years, 27 pastors served on a part-time basis. During those years, the congregation worshipped in a white clapboard structure built at a cost of $420 in 1874.
In CMPC’s first 80 years, 27 pastors served on a part-time basis. During those years, the congregation worshipped in a white clapboard structure built at a cost of $420 in 1874.
Growing in Grace
1954
The church called its first full-time pastor, Rev. Matthew McGowan, in 1954. Under his direction, CMPC constructed its second building. During the next 33 years seven other men served as full-time pastors. CMPC joined the new Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) in 1973.
In 1981, a number of people were beginning to drive from Gainesville to Chestnut Mountain in order to be a part of a PCA church. Seeing a great opportunity, CMPC planted a daughter church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, in Gainesville.
In 1981, a number of people were beginning to drive from Gainesville to Chestnut Mountain in order to be a part of a PCA church. Seeing a great opportunity, CMPC planted a daughter church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, in Gainesville.
Vision for the Future
1994
As both the congregation and the community grew, the church looked to the future and in 1991, the congregation voted to purchase more than 16 acres at Chestnut Mountain Circle and Highway 53. The church’s new home opened in November 1994.
Less than four years later, CMPC would have to enlarge the sanctuary and build a new educational wing.
Less than four years later, CMPC would have to enlarge the sanctuary and build a new educational wing.
Ministering to the Community
2008
In February 2008, CMPC completed the first phase of her most recent building expansion. This addition included a new nursery and youth wing and several classrooms. The second phase of our current building project is a Covenant Life Center (CLC) and was completed in October 2008. The CLC was dedicated to the Lord and His purposes during a special combined worship service held in the CLC on October 26th, 2008.
In addition to our commitment to global missions, CMPC is committed to local community outreach and church planting. CMPC has planted four other PCA churches.
Our community outreach includes in-house ministries as well as Word and Deed partnership projects with local non-profits, such as Habitat for Humanity, Eagle Ranch, Gateway House, and Good News at Noon.
In addition to our commitment to global missions, CMPC is committed to local community outreach and church planting. CMPC has planted four other PCA churches.
Our community outreach includes in-house ministries as well as Word and Deed partnership projects with local non-profits, such as Habitat for Humanity, Eagle Ranch, Gateway House, and Good News at Noon.
today
2024
The bank loan is paid off and our latest church plant, Reformation Presbyterian Church, has begun in Jefferson, GA.
Every member of Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church is part of our history! Find ways to Get Involved in areas of ministry from the link above or opportunities to volunteer.
Every member of Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church is part of our history! Find ways to Get Involved in areas of ministry from the link above or opportunities to volunteer.
