Weekly Announcements || Celtic Christian Abbey || Mission & Vision Statement
From the church organized by Rev. Henry Ruffner on March 14, 1819, called Kanawha Presbyterian Church at Kanawha Salines (Malden) and Charleston, came the Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church. The two congregations, having common interest, under one organization and pastor, held alternate services until 1841 when it was thought expedient for the Malden people to have an organization of their own.
First services were held in homes, and later in a building known as “Colonel Ruffner’s Meeting House.” The main church edifice now in use was erected in 1839-40, on a lot donated by Col. David Ruffner. The building was dedicated December 13, 1840, the Rev. James M. Brown, Pastor, and the Rev. Henry Ruffner officiating, there being two elders and forty-eight communicants at that time.
Separate organizations as Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church was effected September 1, 1841, with Rev. James M. Brown continuing to serve both congregations. On December 1, 1841, Rev. Stuart Robinson (later Moderator of the General Assembly) became Stated Supply, and was installed April 4, 1843 as the first resident pastor, serving until 1847. Through the ensuing years, several ministers have served the congregation, the longest pastorates being those of Rev. John Calvin Brown (1867-92), Rev. John W. Carpenter (1907-18), and Rev. J.E. Wayland (1930-44).
Kanawha Presbytery was organized in this church April 9, 1895, and New River Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America, the denomination with which Kanawha Salines is now affiliated, was organized here June 22, 1974.
Putney Memorial and DuPont City Presbyterian Churches were organized through efforts initiated by members of Kanawha Salines.
A new Sunday School building was erected in 1933 and dedicated January 28, 1934. This fine addition was a bequest of Mrs. John Q. Dickinson.
In 1951-52 extensive renovation of the sanctuary became necessary to save the building. Installation of supporting steel for the walls allowed the removal of a large center pillar directly in front of the pulpit, and the floor was replaced with a concrete base to strengthen the foundation. The choir loft and pulpit areas were enlarged, lighting improved, and the indoor shutters, similar to the original ones, were installed at the windows. On June 2, 1987, Kanawha Salines received the Martin property (east of the building), a gift of Alma Eastwood McConnell in loving memory of John Alexander and Amelia Hill Martin (both deceased), her grandparents and former members.
The original custom of receiving the offering in bags at the end of long poles has been retained, and the church is successfully supported entirely by a free will, no-pledge system of revenue, which was initiated during the ministry of Rev. J.E. Wayland.
In this building, built for the glory of God, we continue to teach the unsearchable riches of Christ, that there may be many, who may, here, learn of Him who died to saved from sin and lives in the lives of those who trust Him. This heritage is cherished by those who presently worship here, thankful for the gracious blessings of God upon this, His House.
