09/02/2026
Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church
In the years prior to 1752, families from Pennsylvania migrated to this area. Some of the families who settled here bore the names of Adair, Duncan, McCray, Beasley, Copeland, Bell, Holland, Ramage, and others. The creek nearby was named after John Duncan, and the church’s location near the creek became the basis for the church’s name.
As these early settlers began shaping their new lives here, they began worshipping together in 1752 under a brush arbor constructed on this hill. In 1764 the congregation of Duncan’s Creek Presbyterian Church was organized. Some of the church’s first officers were ordained in Ireland.
At that time, the congregation built a church of logs. Years later, after it burned, a frame structure was built. There was a slave gallery with the door on the right side near the corner, so the slaves could go up and worship.
In 1778, the Reverend John Newton was ordained and installed to the ministry here. Another early minister was the Reverend John Kennedy, who was also ordained here. He served the church for fifty years, and he, his wife, their daughter and her four children are buried in the church cemetery. It is said he lived near the church, so he could watch from his front door as people came to worship.
This rural congregation has always been a small fellowship; there have never been more than sixty active members at a time. Like much larger churches, though, it has had its own challenges in remaining one in Christ. There was a split in the church in 1778 over whether the congregation would sing Rouse’s or Watt’s version of the Psalms. The local Methodist and Baptist Churches came out of this split. It was also around this time that the Reverend Kennedy was almost beheaded by angry congregants. Today, the members of the congregation enjoy close fellowship and service with one another and with all congregations that honor and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
The current stone building was constructed in 1843, and in 1973 the church and cemetery were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1975, the fellowship hall was built, and it was dedicated on Homecoming Sunday in 1976. Some of the older tombstones have crumbled or been destroyed, but there is one standing with the date 1776.
Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church has a rich history. In addition to being the oldest congregation in the area, it has been served by a string of distinguished pastors, such as the Reverend Zelotes Holmes, who along with his ministry is known for building the Octagon House in Laurens and the pulpit that is still used in the sanctuary today, and Dr. James S. Gary, who served as pastor for almost twenty-five years while working as a professor at Presbyterian College. Other notable early pastors include the reverend W.S. Bean, F.D. Jones, and William Plumer Jacobs, founder of First Presbyterian Church, Thornwell, and Presbyterian College.
This congregation continues its faithful ministry today. Though its location and small membership have not changed over the years, individuals and families are still finding their way here.
Go out into the world in Peace, have courage, hold on to what is good, return no one evil for evil, Strengthen the faint hearted, helping the suffering. Honor all Persons, Love and Serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Announcements:
We are grateful to have Rev. George Mahida ministering the Word to us this morning. Thank you, George!
Rick Grady will be ministering at Hanson Circle this afternoon. Next Sunday we will have a joint afternoon service at the Presbyterian Community.
Our Ministries Include:
Hanson Circle. Piedmont Women Center, Palmetto international Missions Inc.
Mission Possible, Pride of Clinton, Boys Scouts troop 111 & 833
Cub Scout pack 21, Wednesday Study
Homecoming is October 11, Invite your friends. Services start at 11:00 AM
Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church
795 Golden Acres Road
Clinton, SC 29325
Working for the Lord, All Are Welcome
Sunday, September 6th, 2026
Clinton, South Carolina
Established 1752
Preacher: The Rev. Herb Codington
Follow Us on FACEBOOK
E-Mail: [email protected]
Elders: Colie Weir, Lance Taylor
Music: Sue Adair
Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church
“All Are Welcome”
Call to Worship:
One: The hidden treasure and the pearl of great price
ALL: Is to show that God's kingdom is worth more than anything else on earth.
*HYMN: 87 “Fairest Lord Jesus!”
Prayer of Adoration
CALL TO CONFESSION:
Whether or not they really did understand everything is up for debate, but, nevertheless, Jesus seeks to build on their understanding Gods’ Kingdom is worth more than anything else on earth. In Jesus’ name, we pray through Christ our Lord Who taught His disciples to pray: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS:
Friends, God is for us and not against us! For that very reason, God sent his only son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be,
saved through him. . .
Believe the good news; in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
*Gloria Patri: 813
* Passing the Peace:
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you all!
And, also with you!
*HYMN: 79 “My Jesus, I Love Thee!”
Concerns of the Church
Prayer:
Sharing God’s Word: Matthew 13: 44-58
Thanks Be to God
Sermon “Do You Understand Me??”
Pastor: Rev. Herb Codington
Prayer:
Offering:
*Doxology: 815
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: Christians! What do you believe? The Apostles Creed (Front cover of Hymnal)
*HYMN: 665 “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee!”
*Benediction
*HYMN: 342 V1 “Rock of Ages!”
* Please stand if able
