Church History
Planting New Seeds
“The kingdom of heaven is like this: A man takes a mustard seed and sows it in his field.
It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. It
becomes a tree, so that birds come and make their nests in its branches.”
Matthew 13: 31-32
CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE BUTNER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1957
National Guard Building on Central Avenue
Charter Members Mission: To witness for Christ by establishing the first Presbyterian Church In Southern Granville County
Julian Hudgins, Nellie (Grey) Hudgins, James M. Williams, Mrs. James M Williams, Gerald Williams, James Williams, Jr., G. B. Lamm, Mrs. G. B. Lamm, Thomas C. Griffin, Betty C.Griffin, D. D. Carmichael, Mrs. D. D. Carmichael, Mrs. E. B. Rea, Clyde Campbell, Elizabeth (Lib) Campbell, Margaret C. McLauchlin, Edgar C. Holt, Elizabeth Holt, G. B. Caldwell, Sr., Mrs. G. B. Caldwell, Sr., Donald E. Macdonald, Mrs. Lily Kennedy, Mrs. H. J. Sebastian, Jerry Sebastian, Nat Woodlief, Jr., Mrs. Nat Woodlief, Jr., Manley Bullock, Nell Bullock, Mrs. Mary S.Green, Thomas S. Green, Mary Parrott and Mrs. Alfred Thomas.
Our Beginning
Irvin Ellis, Grey Hudgins and Alice House’s father, and a member of the Geneva Presbyterian Church in 1957, was instrumental in planting the seed for a new Presbyterian Church in Butner. He brought it to the attention of the Oxford Presbyterian Church. The seed sprouted and began to grow!
The first service of the yet to be organized Presbyterian Church at Butner was held in the National Guard Armory in Butner, NC on February 3, 1957 by the Reverend Thomas T. Traynham of the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, NC. Dr. William H. Brownless of Duke University also served as minister until the church was formally organized.
At three o’clock, Sunday Afternoon, on June 23, 1957, the Presbyterian Church of Butner was officially organized by a Commission of Granville Presbytery, appointed for this purpose. Rev. E. J. Agsten served as chairman and presided. Other members of the commission were Rev. Tom Traynham, who preached the sermon; Rev. W. D. McInnis, charged the new pastor and newly elected officers: Elder Dennis Hall, charged the congregation; and Elder T. Morgan Daniel, led the congregation in prayer. There were 34 adult charter members, and with their children, who were church members, the total numbered 60.
Rev. Alfred Thomas was called as the first Pastor of the new church and was installed during this special service. Charges were issued to the Pastor, Officers and congregation by members of the
commission.
Elders elected, ordained and installed were Mr. G. B. Lamm, Mr. Clyde Campbell, and Mr. Julian Hudgins. These ruling elders also served as Trustees of the Church. Deacons elected, ordained and installed were Mr. Thomas Griffin, Mr. Edgar Holt and Mr. James Williams. The Reverend Alfred Thomas was called by the congregation and installed as minister of the new church. The Reverend E. J. Agsten, Minister of the West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, was chairman of the organization commission, presiding; the sermon was given by Reverend Thomas T. Traynham; the charge to the pastor and officers was given by Reverend W. D. McInnis of Henderson. Elder Dennis Hall of the Oxford Presbyterian Church gave the charge to the congregation.
Rev. Alfred Thomas, First Pastor
Rev. Thomas was installed June 23, 1957. He remained as pastor until January 1969. Rev. Thomas, a native of Wilson, is a graduate of Davidson College and Union Theological Seminary of Richmond, Va.
With his new wife, Elaine, and the help of Julian Hudgins, they moved into the church manse following their honeymoon. While living in Butner they had 4 beautiful children.
Rev. Thomas was the organizing pastor of the Butner Presbyterian Church and during his ministry served the church with distinction. Under his leadership the church carried on an effective ministry, the membership increased from a few to approximately 150, and a complete church plant was erected.
He resigned as pastor to complete studies towards a Ph.D. degree in Guidance Counseling and Personnel Work at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Early Photos
