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First settlers move into the Rocky River area from Pennsylvania.
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Group of Presbyterians begins to meet at the home of William White. This is the begining of Rocky River Presbyterian Church.
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Britain and the colonies under its control adopt the Gregorian calendar.
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Rocky River area suffers a great drought. The Old Side Synod of Philadelphia gave special concideration to preaching vacancies in North Carolina. It is noted that Rocky River is the oldest church in this area.
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The French and Indian War or The Seven Years' War began.
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Rocky River is first mentioned in the official records of the New Side Synod of New York.
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Aaron Burr vice president of the United States, revolutionary, soldier, and adventurer born.
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Rev. John Martin was instructed by the Presbytery of Hanover to preach for six Sabbaths at Rocky River. It is thought that the tradition of May Meeting was begun at this time.
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Rocky River's first pastor Alexander Craighead installed. Rev Craighead criticizes the King and Bristish rule.
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The hymn "Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing" appeared in his A Collection of Hymns used by the Church of Christ in Angel Alley, Bishopgate.
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Alexander Craighead named moderator of the Hanover Presbytery. The round trip to Presbytery was more than 250 miles.
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Mecklenburg County was set off from Anson by an Act of The NC General Assembly. Charlotte was set as the county seat under opposition of the people of Rocky River.
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The Synod of New York and Philadelphia appointed two members to go to territories occupied by congregations under it's jurisdiction (NC) to assist them in setting up their churches, ordaining elders, and instructing the people in discipline.
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First reference to "the old meeting house on Rocky River" the original log sanctuary. A law was passed validating marriages previously performed by Presbyterian clergy. This was later struck down in 1772 by the King.
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Rocky River's first pastor Alexander Craighead dies. His will indicated he owned at least six slaves and four plantations.
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Rocky River, Sugar Creek, Poplar Tent, all we unable to secure a pastor for the following two years.
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Hezekiah James Balch installed as Rocky River's second pastor.
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British troops fire on a rock throwing crowd (known as "The Boston Massacre").
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The Rocky River "Black Boys" intercept British ammunition and explode the contents.
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The Boston Tea Party takes place as residents throw tea into Boston Harbor.
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Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence signed by Rocky River pastor Hezekiah Balch
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The United States declares its Independence from Britain (by apporving the Declaration of Independence).
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The second sanctuary, also of logs, was erected several hundred yards to the east of the building now in use.
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Robert Archibald installed as pastor.
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The popular hymn Amazing Grace by John Newton written.
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The fighting from the Revolutionary War came within 13 miles of Rocky River. A meeting of Presbytery was held at Rocky River in December.
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Stagecoaches carry the mail between towns in U.S.
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George Washington is sworn in as the 1st President of the United States.
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Series of revivals held early in this decade. The census of this year reveals 87 slaves were living in the Rocky River community. The pastor, Mr. Archibald, residing at Poplar Tent, reported four slaves.
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Cabarrus County was formed from Mecklenburg County. It was named in honor of Stephen Cabarrus of Edenton. Rev. Archibald was dismissed after teaching the doctrine of Universalism.
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Alexander Caldwell installed as pastor. He was described as "superior mental endowments, portly gait, engaging manners, and eminent Christian character."
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Rev Caldwell was dismissed for health reasons.
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The first gold rush in the US occurred a few years after the discovery, in 1799, of a hunk of gold in Cabarrus County.
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Heavy snowfall in Western and Piedmont NC effect church attendance.
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Joseph-Marie Jacquard invents a loom using punch cards.
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John Makemie Wilson installed as pastor.
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Lewis & Clark begin their expedition of the Louisiana Territory.
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Rocky River reports 221 members to the General Assembly. Concord was incorporated in 1806, and is the county seat.
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The third sanctuary erected was of frame construction and located on ground now included in the cemetery to the rear of the present sanctuary.
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Joseph Gates Spears deeded to the Commissioners of Rocky River the Spears Burying Ground for the sum of five cents. Oldest marked grave is 1766.
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Rev Wilson elected commisioner to the General Assembly but is unable to attend.
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Rev Wilson received an honorary degree of Master of Arts from the University of North Carolina. Rev Wilson represented the Concord Presbytery at the General Assembly in Philadelphia.
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Rocky River Academy founded by an act of the NC Legislature.
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Valley Creek Presbyterian Church, first Presbyterian church in Alabama, established near Selma by members from Rocky River.
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The NC Synod met at Rocky River but could never secured a quorum. The Alabama Territory is organized. Mississippi is the 20th state admitted to the Union.
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Illinois is the 21st state admitted to the Union.
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Members of Rocky River organize a benefit society to help the poor.
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Two Sunday Schools were being operated for the benefit of the slaves within the bounds of Rocky River.
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Rev Wilson appointed Moderator of the North Carolina Synod.
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The Florida Territory is organized.
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Mecklenburg Presbytery formed from Concord Presbytery. Rocky River Academy suspended. The Academy produced 25 pastors.
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Presbytery meeting held at Rocky River.
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The Hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" published.
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The title to the Old Burying Ground was transferred to the Trustees of Rocky River. Mecklenburg Presbytery is disolved.
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Rev Wilson is awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from UNC. Andrew Jackson and boyhood friend of Rev Wilson is sworn in as the 7th President of the United States.
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It was the custom of the day for suits and disputes to be taken to the church session rather than public courts. Rocky River gave $47.27 to form the "Young Men's Missionary Society of Concord Presbytery."
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Rev Wilson died in this year and he was the first pastor to be buried at Rocky River. A tablet to Rev Wilson now hangs in the sanctuary. It was the custom of the day to use a communion token made of pewter which allowed you to take part in the observance of The Lord's Supper.
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Daniel Lindley installed as pastor.
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Andrew Jackson and friend of Rocky River is sworn in as President for a 2nd term.
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Daniel Lindley left pastorate at Rocky River to be missionary in Africa until 1873
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The Wisconsin Territory is organized.
Arkansas is the 25th state admitted to the Union.
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Daniel Allen Penick installed as pastor. Davidson College founded.
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First existing membership roll was made.
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It is likely that the Old Session House that still stands was built in this year.
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Lands of western Cabarrus were leading producers of the southern piedmont cotton.
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William Harrison is sworn in as the 9th President of the United States and John Tyler is sworn in as the 10th President.
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The United States annexes what are now parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
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Florida is the 27th state admitted to the Union.
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An 11 day revival resulted in the reception of 88 new members.
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Daniel Baker, the famous evangelist held a series of services.
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First Railroads come to the area.
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Membership at Rocky River peaks at 650 "Total Communicates" which included 176 slaves. Silver plate communion service of 2 communion decanters and 4
goblets used
for first time at May Meeting.
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The present and fourth sanctuary was completed at a cost of $6,000. RRPC joins Presbyterians in the Confederacy. NC declares independence from US. US attacks Confederacy and the War Between The States Begins.
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"Stonewall" Jackson Defeats Union Forces. The Battle of Fredericksburg.
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Emancipation Proclamation abolishes slavery in States in rebellion against the United States. Slavery remains legal in US. The Battle of Chattanooga.
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General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea torched the Confederacy. Local civilians hide preserved foods in the walls of their homes from looting Union troops.
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Sherman Marches through North Carolina. Over 70 members of Rocky River died in the War Between The States. The Fall of the Confederacy. 13th Amendment abolishes slavery in US.
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Revival by Dr. Robert Nall added 30 members.
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Barber-Scotia College is founded by the Presbyterian church.
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Bellefonte Presbyterian Church organized out of Rocky River
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Joseph Bingham Mack installed as pastor. Season of revival brought in 54 new members.
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Session discontinues the custom of morning and evening services on Sunday settling for morning services only. Rev Mack accuses congregation of clinging to the past with his "Dream Sermon".
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Brick manse completed at a cost of $3,000.
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The session assumed less control over disciplinary actions of the congregation. The Sunday School operated through the winter for the first time in many years.
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Rocky River petitions the Legislature of NC to consider the growing problem of intoxicants.
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James Morton Wharley installed as pastor. Rev Wharley was a Chaplin in the Confederate Army. Ladies Christian Association was formed.
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Ladies Christian Society furnished a room at the new brick manse.
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History of Rocky River complied by JC Barnhardt and JD Morrison. Session decides to return to two services on Sunday "by way of trial".
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A Rocky River day of Thanksgiving was set for February, only to be canceled by bad weather.
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Rocky River Sunday School attendance surpasses all records with an enrollment of 115.
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Rocky River Sunday School attendance more than triples with an enrollment of 371.
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A new bridge installed over Rocky River allowed members to attend when the river ran high. Wednesday night prayer meetings at the Academy are well attended by the young people of Rocky River. Sunday School enrollment reaches 428. Congregation petitions the session for an organ.
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The first organ installed at Rocky River at a cost of $165.00. The Charleston earthquake cracks the back wall of the Manse.
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Daniel Baker, the famous evangelist held a series of services. James W. Cannon opened his first plant Cannon Mills. Rev DS McAllister was called but declined when he discovered he was unable to project his voice in the large sanctuary.
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John Gray Anderson installed as pastor. Agnes Penick Benevolent Society furnished carpet for the sanctuary.
The Young People's Missionary Society organized.
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The Agnes Penick Benevolent Society contributed money to support
Miss
Claude Grier (later Mrs. Mercer Blain) of the congregation
who was a
missionary to China.
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Richard Venable Lancaster installed as pastor.
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Cornelius Miller installed as pastor.
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Robert Hunter installed as pastor.
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Harrisburg Presbyterian Church organized out of Rocky River. Wright Brothers first manned flight, Kitty Hawk.
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James Lapsley installed as pastor.
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Boy Scouts of America founded.
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2500 attend the home coming of 1912. American Girl Guides founded; changed name to Girl Scouts of
America in 1913.
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World War I begins.
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Thomas Spence installed as pastor.
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Home Mission Rally for all Presbyterian Churches in Cabarrus
County
met at Rocky River.
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World War I ends.
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Influenza epidemic in Rocky River community.
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The Agnes Penick Missionary Society changed its name to the Rocky
River Auxiliary.
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Women's Auxilliary made two quilts for Barium Springs Orphanage.
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Women's Auxilliary made two quilts for Barium Springs Orphanage.
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Women's Auxilliary made two quilts for Barium Springs Orphanage.
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Stock Market Crash; begining of The Great Depression. Women's Auxilliary made several quilts for Barium Springs
Orphanage.
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Women's Auxilliary made two quilts for Barium Springs Orphanage.
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John Ricks installed as pastor.
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Home coming of 1933 celebrated the 179th anniversary of the church. Women's Auxilliary made 75 garments for the Red Cross and two
quilts for an invalid.
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Individual communion service presented to the church and used for
the first
time at September Meeting. Women's Auxilliary made five quilts for an invalid and three for
Barium Springs
Orphanage
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Church club house was remodeled and the kitchen furnished (The
house that
used to be the sexton's house across the road from the
church on the corner
served as the "club house" prior to the Educational
Building.
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A Sunday School library established. Church Session records sent to Montreat Historical Foundation.
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The Rocky River Auxiliary started meeting monthly in circles with
membership
set by geographical areas. A "business girls" circle was mentioned in the women's records.
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Vacation Bible School instituted at Rocky River. Dr. Edward Mack, Moderator of The General Assembly preaches at May Meeting.
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George Wilcox installed as pastor. The children at Vacation Bible School pieced a quilt. It was
quilted by the
women and sent to Barium Springs Orphanage. Pearl Harbor attacked, US enters World War II.
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The annual Brunswick Stew Supper began about this time.
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Rocky River Auxiliary sponsored restoration of the Session House
to be used
for Beginners Sunday School class, nursery during church
service and class
at Vacation Bible School.
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Women's Auxilliary supplied food for the Canteen in Concord.
Clothing was
collected for Relief in Europe. A newsletter entitled,
"Rocky River Review"
was sent to service personnel from the church.
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End of World War II
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First electric organ is installed.
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Boy Scout Troop 83 organized. Church hired a sexton for the first time.
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Ground breaking for Educational building, June 27
Rocky River Auxiliary changed its name to Women of the Church. Audio visual equipment was
given to the
church in memory of John Daniel Boger, Rocky River's
only member who was
killed in World War II.
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Education Building is dedicated at May Meeting. First May Meeting with everyone invited to eat together instead of
separate
family tables. A couch described as the
oldest piece of
furniture in the church, was refinished and
re-upholstered prior to May
Meeting. The polio situation
became rather alarming
and caused a decrease in attendance at church, Sunday
School.
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Concord Presbytery met at Rocky River.
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Rocky River celebrated Bicentennial of the church at May Meeting. The Young Men's Class gave a "handsome" pulpit Bible.
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The two silver vases we use on the pedestles and the marble-top
table were given
to the church and first used at May Meeting. Korean War ends.
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Publication of Thomas H. Spence's book The Presbyterian
Congregation
on Rocky River. A Senior High Fellowship Convention was hosted by Rocky River.
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Robert Fred Park installed as pastor. Approximately 50 men, women and children of Rocky River
participated in the
historical drama Voice in the Wilderness by LeGette Blythe.
The play was
produced at the fairgrounds in Charlotte on June 14,15,16, &
19 to more
than 20,000 people.
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Rails with curtains were placed in front of the Youth and
Adult Choirs in
the sanctuary.
Publication of Historic Rocky River Church Buildings and
Burying Grounds by
Clarence F. and Mabel Blume. A Junior Fellowship for grades 4-6 was organized. Church
members collected
200 pounds of clothing for Church World Service and
patient gowns were
sent to Korea. A Golden Age
Banquet was given that year for the first
time.
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An individual communion set was given to the church to
facilitate communion
being taken to shut-ins.
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Charles Wesley Jennings installed as pastor. In addition to communion being observed at the traditional May
and September
Meetings, in 1960 communion also started being observed
the first Sunday in
in January and the first Sunday in October. The Young
Adult Sunday School
Class gave a "much needed" water cooler. Clothing and blankets were collected and sent to The
Congo.
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Present day baptismal fount installed. The old pulpit
Bible was rebound and placed in the Session Room. A
men's chorus was
organized, which sang at church functions and some
functions in the community
at least until 1963. A daytime circle was started, in
addition to five night
circles to better serve stay at home mothers and some of
the older ladies.
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The church choirs presented a "Singing Christmas Tree." A
Cherub Choir was
organized.
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The Women of the Church made 43 dresses for White Cross.
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Sewing, school, and health kits were assembled for Church World
Service. U.S. begins air strikes in Vietnam
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A women's church newsletter was instituted in October. It was
called "Rocky
River Ripples." It was done every month for one year.
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The Dandridge Price Jennings Scholarship Loan Fund established to honor memory of Rev. C. W. Jennings' wife who died on January 10. The manse was remodeled.
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Eugene Boelte installed as pastor.
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Ceiling of the sancturay replaced. Women of the Church had new carpet installed in sanctuary. Neil Armstrong is first person to walk on the moon.
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Ruth McCachren Sappenfield retired after 34 years, seven months as volunteer organist for the church. The Women of the Church rolled cloth bandages for White Cross.
The highway
historical marker was unveiled and dedicated on May 2.
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"Rocky River Ripples" was reinstituted, but only twice-a-year.
The church had
perhaps an all-time high of 22 college students. U. S. withdraws from Vietnam; POWs released.
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Exterior brick of the sanctuary is restored. The church sponsored a weekday kindergarten.
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With the expansion of public kindergarten, the church's
kindergarten was changed
to a playschool for 3- and 4-year-olds in the fall of
1975. The Rocky River
Home Extension Club was organized and met at the
church. The Fourth
Tuesday Club was organized and the monthly meetings
alternated between
Rocky River and Rocky Ridge United Methodist Church.
Bible Studies were
held on Wednesday nights and Sunday night worship
services were held.
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Centennial of Rocky River Women of the Church celebrated on Dec. 12. Publication of A Century of Challenge, Change and Service by
Cleone D. Morrison. The church started a Summer Day Camp for first through sixth
graders, three
days a week for three weeks.
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The Harrisburg Area Ministerial Association started a clothes
closet, which was
housed at Rocky River.
Grace Presbyterian formed from Rocky River.
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1979 A fireproof safe was purchased for the safe keeping of church
records. Twenty
new folding tables were purchased for the Fellowship
Hall. The manse was
renovated and air-conditioning was installed. A monthly
blood pressure clinic
was started.
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James Murray installed as pastor. Members of Rocky River started volunteering with
Meals-on-Wheels.
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Typed membership and baptismal registers were presented to the
church.
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A living memorial of shrubbery and other flowers was given to
the church to
beautify the front of the Educational Building. Rocky
River was on the fall
tour of the North Carolina Presbyterian Historical
Society.
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Pew cushions installed in sanctuary. The church started having a fall festival and Christmas party
for the children. The
sexton's house was renovated. Sally Ride, first American woman in space.
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The Adult Choir got new off-white choir robes. The sanctuary
was air-
conditioned. The congregation voted to dissolve the
Board of Deacons
effective January 1, 1985, and increased the Session
from 12 to 15 Elders.
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Carillon installed rings in music to the community. The 2-cents-a-Meal was started. Cloth bandages were rolled and sent
to Kananga. Money
was collected to provide 68 blankets for Church World
Service. The
Angel Tree was established.
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Church properties entered on the National Register of Historic Places. Cloth bandages were rolled and sewing and school
kits were assembled for
Church World Service. "Challenger" space shuttle explodes killing 6 astronauts and
teacher Christa McAuliffe.
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Pictures of ministers hung in Session Room. A
Rodgers organ was purchased for the sanctuary at a
cost of $30,450. The
Educational Building was air-conditioned. An update
of the cemetery book
was completed and the cemetery book was reprinted.
Electronic hearing
devices were purchased for use in the sanctuary.
The Session established a
Long-Range Planning Committee.
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The maroon "The Hymnbook" was purchased to replace blue "The
Presbyterian
Hymnal." The nursery, Little Folks classroom, and
restrooms were
redecorated. The library got new furniture and
shelving. The Presbytery of
Concord celebrated 200 years of Presbyterianism in
the U.S. with a tour of
15 historic churches, including Rocky River.
Handbells were purchased at
a cost of $3,155.
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New shrubbery was planted as the front and eastside of the
sanctuary were re-
landscaped. Playground equipment was installed.
The asbestos roof of the
Eductional Building was removed and a new roof
installed with new
guttering. Restoration of the Session House
began. Hurricane
Hugo took down about 30 of the trees in the church
yard, but none of the
buildings were damaged.
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Rocky River hosted an evening meeting
of the Presbytery of
Charlotte with more than 500 in attendance. The stage was removed from the Fellowship Hall, and
the kitchen and
Fellowship Hall were renovated. The women purchased
a monogrammed
cloth for the communion table. The women shipped
boxes of homemade
cookies and other items to Cabarrus County military
personnel serving in
Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Shield. The church budget
topped $100,000 for the
first time.
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Heritage quilt was made and hung in Fellowship Hall.
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Cabarrus County bicentienial events held at Rocky River. Rocky River son Keith Freeman called to the ministry. Joint worship at Rocky River with Bellefonte Presbyterian. New sound system and new pew and pulpit Bible.
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New Rocky River sign installed. The sexton's house was demolished. The Faithful
Servant Award was
instituted. Plastic canvas Chrismons were made to
replace many of the old
styrofoam ones. The Girl Scouts, middle school
youth, and some other
church members volunteered to help Samaritan's Purse
with the "Boxes for
Bosnia" project which became "Operation Christmas
Child." The Hanging
of the Greens service was held for the first time.
The youth puppeteers
performed throughout the year. The prayer list was
started.
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Established an Internet web site. Corey Ingold installed as pastor. Manse renovated. Rocky River contributed $1,800 and many volunteer hours for
the first
Cabarrus County Presbyterian Habitat for Humanity
House. The
first annual Mother-
Daughter Banquet was held. Two satin advent banners
were made for the
sanctuary. A youth group was started for third
through sixth graders.
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The Saltshakers fellowship program was started. Rocky River
contributed
$1,900 and many volunteer hours for the second
Cabarrus County
Presbyterian Habitat for Humanity House. A toddler
nursery was added
during the Sunday worship hour. A Children's Choir
was begun in February.
A weekday Rocky River Playschool was started. Boy
Scout Troop 83
celebrated its 50th anniversary. An artist created
a new logo for the
church. Members collected 110 gift-filled shoeboxes
for Operation
Christmas Child.
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The women of Rocky River help build a Habitat for Humanity House totally built by women. The Presbyterian Women published a combination
cookbook/memories book
entitled, "Rocky River Recipes & Memories."
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Presbytery reports Rocky River is the 9th fastest growing church in our Presbytery. Rocky River worships with Bellefonte at Bellefont Presbyterian.
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2000 years of Christianity. Y2K. Bellefont worships with Rocky River.
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Rocky River will celebrate it's 250th anniversary.
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