Presbytery Summary
Summary of August 22, 2026, Gathering of the Presbytery of New Harmony
The Presbytery of New Harmony held its 122nd Gathering by ZOOM. Moderator, James Wilson (Ruling Elder at Second P. C., Sumter) called the meeting to order with prayer. Following the declaration of a quorum, Land and Labor Acknowledgements were presented by the Moderator. The Docket and Omnibus Motion were adopted. First-time Ruling Elders were welcomed and recognized. New Corresponding Members were introduced and seated.
Presbytery took the following actions:
- Received a report by Young Adult Advisory Delegate, Lydia Cheek (First, Hartsville); Ruling Elder Commissioners Robert Callender (Celebration) and James Wilson (Melina); Teaching Elders Ashley Cheek (First Hartsville) and Tom Langston (Celebration) on their experiences at the 227th General Assembly.
- Received a report asking for participation from churches and individuals in a campaign by the South Carolina Inn at Montreat to replenish $135,000 from emergency funds used to replace a wall and expand a picnic area.
- Received a report from the Guiding Council and approved a $.47 raise in per capita for presbytery making the total per capita $25.50, $8000 from the Tithe Fund to furnish dorm rooms at the Mother Esther School and Rescue Center; and receiving the first reading of the 2027 Budget. Presbytery also received action taken by the Guiding Council to establish an Administrative Commission to dissolve the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, McColl.
- Received a report from the Committee on Representation and Nominations and elected Teaching Elder Rodney Foster (HR) to the Committee on Ministry and Teaching Elder Chris Weichnam (Georgetown) to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.
- Received a report from the Committee on Preparation for Ministry concerning support for candidates, inquirers and commissioned pastor applicants and, after examination, approved Inquirer Darren Wilson to proceed to Candidacy.
- Received a report from the Committee on Ministry including committee action approving covenants and terms of call not previously approved; increasing by a 3% cost of living adjustment to the minimum Terms of Call for all installed pastors and recommending that this 3% increase be a minimum adjustment for all church staff, especially for pastoral leaders. The COM continues to support larger parish ministries, administrative commissions, and review of session records.
- Received reports from Administration Commissions for Fork, Hebron, New Harvest, Ruby, Salem Black River.
Upcoming Presbytery Gathering Dates
- Nov. 17 (Tuesday) Melina – preacher: Moderator or Clerk, Kajiado Presbytery (Hopefully!!!)
- 2027 NHP Gatherings
- Feb. 20 (Saturday) Murrells Inlet
- May 14-15 (Friday/Saturday) SC5 (SC Presbyteries) at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia
- Aug. 21 (Saturday) ZOOM
- Nov. 16 (Tuesday) Manning
Following announcements and expressions of thanks, the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Moderator James Wilson.
