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Pageland RP Mission Church
Location: Pageland, S.C.
Organized: October 2011
Presbytery: Great Lakes-Gulf
Members: 14 communicant; 5 baptized
Pastor: Ian Wise
Website: www.pagelandrpc.com
The town of Pageland, S.C., located in the Sandhills region of the Carolinas, is 20 miles southeast of the Charlotte metro area. Pageland is known as the watermelon capital of the world for its prolific production of that summertime favorite.
The mission church began in the spring of 2010 when two local families began holding a home Bible study under the auspices of a church extension committee of the Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery. By fall, Sabbath evening services had begun, and in summer 2011 Ian Wise was called to be church planter. There are now 25 souls who are a regular part of the fellowship.
Unlike many mission churches, we are blessed to have several older members who have committed to the challenges, joys, and uncertainties of a new work. Having two men who have served as RPCNA elders, and two more who have served as Associate Reformed Presbyterian elders, provides a welcome maturity to our group.
Each Lord’s Day we meet in a rented storefront for Sunday school and worship, followed by a shared lunch. On Wednesday evenings we gather again for prayer, study, and singing. Our members are active in the community, inviting neighbors to church and seeking to be salt and light. Several of us are involved in the local Christian school, including our pastor, who teaches and coaches there full-time. Other ministries include door-to-door outreach, diaconal help to the needy, and a presence at the annual Watermelon Festival. In a small town it is easier to make acquaintances, and our members are eager to see these relationships used to God’s glory.
Pageland is intersected by two major “beach highways” and is two hours from Myrtle Beach, so if you are planning a vacation on the South Carolina coast, consider making us a stop along the way.
Prayer Requests
- That the Lord would work conversion among those in the community to whom we minister.
- For strength and encouragement for two member families who help with the raising of grandchildren.
- For continued and growing peace and love in the body, that others might be drawn to Christ.
- For continued financial provision.