Doesn’t Payson Park Church stand as a testament to community and faith? It has stood on this corner of Payson Road and Belmont Street for over a century. The official founding of Payson Park Church took place on June 3, 1913. Seventy-two charter members gathered for their first service. The Ecclesiastical Council acknowledged this service.
Payson Park Church remains an active part of the community today. Its centennial celebration took place on November 3, 2013. Current and former members came together. They offered support for the church’s many programs. They hoped these programs would continue throughout the next century.
At the Centennial Celebration Worship Service, clergy entered the sanctuary. The choir followed them. Members and friends joined in singing the opening hymn. Regular clergy and special guest ministers offered remarks. They led the congregation in prayers and scripture readings.
Reverend Dr. Lael Atkinson based her message on the large stained-glass window. It was installed in the Chancel. Joseph G. Reynolds designed this window. He also designed two other large memorial windows. Reynolds was a long-time parishioner.
Music has always played an important role in worship services at Payson Park Church. Mildred Lewis wrote about the early church. She said the music came from a small room. It was in the front left corner. It faced the Chancel and the congregation. Her mother played the reed organ there. Quartets sang. Today’s combined choir gathers on both sides of the platform. They present arrangements during services. Choral groups from The Jameson Singers and A New Song also rehearse at this church.
Senior Deacon Nancy Fergus read the names of the ministers. These ministers served with integrity and love. They showed faithfulness during their service. Younger members presented a Time Capsule. It marked the centennial milestone. The children invited everyone to join them. They said “CU at Payson Park 150th Birthday” in 2063.
Children enjoy their own chapel upstairs. It is a unique space for them. In the 1940s, a fund was established. In 1943, a worship center for young children was built. The Mothers Club gifted and installed a stained-glass window. This “little church upstairs” was named Mabry Chapel. It was named for Willis Mabry. He was a senior deacon. He did loving work in its construction. Today, the chapel exemplifies gifts that beautify the building. These gifts bring fuller meaning to services.
Memory Books were on display during the Centennial Celebration. Members submitted cards, photos, and letters. They highlighted their personal connections to the church. These offerings were assembled into Memory Books. Guests enjoyed them. One long-time member, Elaine McKenney Levis, viewed her page. It included pictures of her wedding. Each page highlighted significant church-related events. They marked occasions that built this caring community.
One page contained a historic photograph. It showed John Ranson Giles. He was one of the founding fathers of the church from 1913. Another page showed a couple’s “joyous journey.” It began in 2005. They became involved with Vacation Bible School. They taught Sunday School.
Betty Allen Johnson traveled from New Hampshire. She attended the Centennial Celebration. She held her wedding photo. Betty was the daughter of Earle Allen. She was the granddaughter of Alonzo Allen. They were charter members. They helped build the original stone structure.
Longtime member Irene Richard maintained her membership. She did this through pastoral visits and outreach. Carl Miller found comfort at Payson Park Church. He eased grief and shock after September 11, 2001. He found healing from post-traumatic stress. He said, “You can’t help but feel the love in this building.”
Pam Curtis first came to Payson Park Church. Her grandchildren were enrolled in the Nursery School. The church has placed an emphasis on education. Pam enjoyed listening to the Church choir. It included her daughter-in-law. After her son died, the church offered remarkable support. She considers the church her home.
Ruth Coombs Henry remembered being baptized by the first minister. Elaine McKenney Levis has been an active member for 78 years. Betty Allen Johnson was accompanied by her daughters. Her aunt Evelyn Allen was connected with the Sunday School program. In the first decade, the church grew. It went from 35 children to 450 pupils and teachers.
Payson Park Church stands strong. It continues to serve its community. Its members are inspired by devotion to God. They continue to do mighty things.