Southminster Presbyterian Church

In 1960, a vibrant seed of faith was planted in Oxon Hill. This seed blossomed into Southminster Presbyterian Church. Southminster Presbyterian Church held its first service on September 11, 1960. The Reverend John R. Harlan led the congregation. Over 350 people attended this inaugural gathering. This included 113 charter members. For three years, the congregation worshipped in local schools. They used Oxon Hill Elementary and Oxon Hill High School. The current sanctuary opened its doors on September 8, 1963. The official dedication followed on October 20, 1963. Around 250 people attended the dedication. The church quickly established its leadership. The first Ruling Elders were ordained on November 2, 1960. The first Board of Deacons was elected on March 22, 1961. The Women’s Organization formed soon after on April 5, 1961. By this time, Southminster Presbyterian Church had grown to over 250 members. They held two services and boasted two choirs. Southminster Presbyterian Church has been led by a series of dedicated pastors. Following Reverend Harlan, the church welcomed Reverend Richard E. Ittner, Reverend Dr. James Gardiner, Co-Pastors Reverend Jacalyn and Richard Thomas, Reverend Elenora Giddings Ivory, and currently, Pastor Le Quan Turner. Reverend Thomas Woodward and Reverend Roger Woods served as long-term interim pastors. Southminster Presbyterian Church has always had a strong community focus. It has opened its doors to community organizations. It has also actively reached out to those in need. One of the earliest outreach programs involved sponsoring a refugee family from Uganda in the early 1970s. The Bhimji family, consisting of seven members, found a temporary home with church members Bill and Marion Ross. The church also sponsored a young Vietnamese man after the war. They helped him find housing and employment. Southminster Presbyterian Church’s community work extended to several other areas. Marion Ross ran an enrichment program for preschoolers. The church partnered with Oxon Hill Elementary School to provide school supplies and winter clothing. They collaborated with other churches on programs like Warm Nights and ecumenical services. Southminster Presbyterian Church also participated in the Intercommunity Action Council’s food pantry. They supported programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Meals on Wheels, and Food N Friends. The church hosted Vacation Bible School, Story Hour, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and gatherings for other churches and community groups. They held seminars on domestic violence and ran literacy programs. Southminster Presbyterian Church has also taken a public stand against gun violence. The church has always fostered a vibrant social life. The Mariner’s Club, Men’s Group, Women’s Group, Christian Men’s & Women’s Fellowship have provided opportunities for connection. The church hosted potluck dinners, ice cream socials, Easter egg hunts, annual picnics, Halloween parties, movie nights, health fairs, and youth fellowship events. They sponsored church choir concerts and hosted international youth groups. Southminster Presbyterian Church continues to be a diverse and welcoming congregation. It embraces people of different races, theological viewpoints, and backgrounds.