Presbytery Summary
Summary of February 21, 2026, Gathering of the Presbytery of New Harmony
The Presbytery of New Harmony held its 120th Gathering at Georgetown Presbyterian church. Moderator, Rev. Ashley Cheek, called the meeting to order with prayer. Following the declaration of a quorum, the Docket and Omnibus Motion were adopted. Land and Labor Acknowledgements were presented by the Moderator. Review of and approval of the Docket and Omnibus Motion were taken. First-time Ruling Elders were welcomed and recognized. Corresponding Members were introduced and seated.
Worship was led by Rev. Dr. Laurie Ferguson, assisted by Rodney Mason, Georgetown Director of Music Ministries; Liturgist Elder Geneva Sharp, New Covenant PC, Guiding Council and CPM Member; Necrology Report (recognizing ruling elders who died in 2025) by Rev. Jen Kottler, John Calvin Supply Pastor and COM; Communion Celebrants, Rev. Dr. Ella Busby, Assoc. for Pastoral Concerns and Fellowship and Supply Pastor at Melina and Sumter Second and Rev. Joel Long Assoc for COM); Installation and Commissioning by Rev. Ashley Cheek, NHP Moderator and Pastor, FPC Hartsville, Rev. Gavin Meek, EP and Stated Clerk; and Elder James Wilson, 2026 Moderator and Elder at Melina PC.
An offering in the amount of $1,244.00 was received to help Georgetown Presbyterian Church in its ministry to the community, which is suffering with the closing of industries and businesses. Following worship, a conversation on a New Harmony Presbytery Internation Covenant Partnership was held.
Following lunch, the Presbytery took the following action:
- Received “Good News” from our congregations.
- Received a Report on the Worship & Music Conference at Montreat from Rev. Elizabeth Deibert, Dev. Mgr., Presbyterian Association of Musicians.
- Received the Stated Clerk report giving the balance of ruling elders and teaching elders on committees; the continuation of the Permanent Judicial Commission with Elder Elizabeth Munnerlyn (Bennettsville, First) as Moderator and Rev. Joan Yates as clerk.
- Received the Guiding Council Report which included approving the 2024 PADD Report authorizing the Annual PADD offering. The report also highlighted items the Council took on behalf of the Presbytery including the exploring the Global Covenant Partnership with Kajiado Presbytery, disposition of proceeds from the sale of Fraser Presbyterian Church, formation of an administrative commission for Marion Presbyterian Church, and the promotion of new outreach initiatives utilizing the Growth-Innovation-Vitality-Evangelism (G.I.V.E.) Fund.
- Received a report from the New Harvest Administrative Commission and approved a recommendation that New Harvest Church Administrative Commission, respectfully and with deep sadness, unanimously recommends that the congregation of New Harvest Presbyterian Church be dissolved.
- Received a report from the Committee on Ministry, including approval of Validated Ministers and Covenants for Commissioned and Supply Pastors. Rev. Chris Weichman, Pastor at Georgetown Presbyterian Church was introduced as was Rev. Joel Long, Assoc for COM. Rev. Tom Dendy, Celebration Presbyterian Church, was honorably retired.
- Received a report from the Committee on Preparation for Ministry including the ongoing support of Inquirers and Candidates.
- Received reports from Fraser, Fork, Hebron, Salem Black River, and Timmonsville Administrative Commissions.
Following expressions of thanks, the meeting was adjourned by Moderator James Wilson.
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