The History of POPC

Our church history represents a marvelous panorama of God’s gracious work through His promise, providence, blessing and faithfulness. Psalm 78:4 admonishes us, “Tell the generations to come the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His strength and wondrous works that He has done.” Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church is a historical and on-going testimony to God.

In early 1973, Dr. Jack Scott, approached the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Mississippi, Don Patterson with an idea to plant a church in the fast growing Northeast Jackson / Ridgeland, MS area. In October of that year, The First Presbyterian Session accepted the challenge to organize the new church. A Bible study was started in the home of Jack and Fay Treloar with Associate Pastor, Bill Whitwer leading the study. God provided for every need through the congregation of First Presbyterian, Pear Orchard members and even visitors. Pear Orchard Presbyterian’s original home was donated land on Lake Harbor Road. The first official service was held in a trailer sanctuary in the summer of 1977.

The 1980’s were marked with tremendous growth both spiritually and physically. The land on Lake Harbor was sold and the church moved to Pear Orchard Road. The current sanctuary and other building were completed and God’s truth was taught in dozens of children and adult programs. Reverend Bill Whitwer and then Reverend Chuck Frost preached and ministered to a growing congregation.

POPC approached the new millennium with a heart for outreach and eager to expand God’s kingdom through the Presbyterian Church of America. Short-term mission teams were sent out and several new church plants were adopted. Ministries to neighborhood seniors and children were begun. All the while, the internal ministries grew as well. Members were hungry to hear and share the Word in worship, Sunday school, small group Bible studies, men’s prayer breakfasts, ladies circle meetings, adult & children’s choirs, and children’s educational programs. The Session also made a commitment to seek God’s will regarding a Christian Day School.

God promises to build His church and His kingdom. We are only His vessels to bring glory to His name. What a wonderful time…He has brought us all here for such a time as this.