Church of the Savior

A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF CHURCH OF THE SAVIOR


On July 2, 1978 the first service was held in an old church building called Smokey Chapel. This building was later purchased from the Newland Presbyterian Church with aid from the Catawba Valley Conference of the American Lutheran Church under the leadership of the Reverend O.T. McRee and other donors.

There were many difficult negotiations between the Reverend O.T. McRee and the Presbyterian Church Board. Smokey Chapel was in disrepair at the time of purchase. It has been said that there was no heat and no indoor plumbing in this building. Several people thought the property wasn’t worth any amount of money. Despite this, the Reverend McRee and other foresighted individuals prevailed and the little chapel was purchased.

In May 1979, Holy Cross Church in Valle Crucis considered opening an Episcopal mission in Newland to serve Avery County. After consultation with both the Lutheran and Episcopalian Bishop, the current Lutheran and Episcopal ministry was established.

With the aid of various congregations in the Hickory, NC area, a new building addition was constructed that now houses our worship center. The Church of the Savior was officially organized on April, 7, 1983. The new building was dedicated on July 3, 1983. The congregation was served by the Reverends McRee, the Reverend Arthur Holder of Holy Cross Church, and the Reverend David Williams.

The congregation has continued to share both Lutheran and Episcopal traditions. Both the Book of Common Prayer and the Lutheran Book of Worship are used in the worship services.
It is served by clergy of both denominations. We come together not to confuse or mingle our traditions but to recognize, respect, and celebrate those traditions. The congregation has a greater focus which is our commonality through our Lord Jesus Christ.



Submitted by Joyce Watson
August 11, 2013