MINISTERS AND THEIR LENGTH OF SERVICE
1809~1819 - Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell was the first pastor of Paw Creek Church. We are told that he was called to preach for one year on the fourth Monday of each month. Upon the expiration of this year the congregation called him to preach on the first Sabbath of each month. In the spring of 1819, Mr. Caldwell resigned as pastor of the church. During his pastorate, the foundation stones of the church were laid sure and fast and have been solid down through the years.
1819~1842 - Rev. John Williamson Following the resignation of Mr. Caldwell, Paw Creek was grouped with Hopewell securing as pastor, for a fourth of his ministerial labors, the Rev. John Williamson. In 1839 he gave the church a third of his labors. His pastorate extended through twenty-three years. and was brought to a close on September 11, 1842, by his death. During his ministry the log building which had been used by the congregation from the organization of the church was replaced by a large frame structure. This new house of worship was finished and dedicated in the autumn of 1826. The building stood just outside the southern wall of the old section of the cemetery. There was a gallery in the west end of the church for the accommodation of the Negro population.
1842~1843 September 11, 1842 until April, 1843, a period of six months, the church was vacant.
1843~1858 - Rev. H. B. Cunningham (D.D.) The church was still grouped with Hopewell at this time, and he gave the church one-third of his labors. From July, 1843 to January 1, 1845, the church secured one-half of his labors. The pastoral relations were dissolved on July 11, 1858. The first sessional records were kept at the beginning of Mr. Cunningham's pastorate. During his pastorate 170 members were added to the church, bringing the total to 270 at one time.
1858~1864 - Rev. Robert Burwell Stated supply until October 12. 1861, when he was installed as pastor serving one-half of his time at this church. Mr. Burwell's pastorate was terminated by ill health on August 26, 1864. During his pastorate forty communi-cants were received into the church. Nearly all of these were women and on profession of faith. At this time the men were in the army, and collections were taken and forwarded for the support of sufferers in the Confederate Army. For a number of years after the close of the war there was much distress among the people and the session repeatedly ordered special collections for the poor.
1864~1869 - Rev. S. C. Pharr (D.D.) On the fourth Sabbath of September, 1864, the Rev. S. C. Pharr was called as stated supply. On September 29, 1867, he was installed as pastor for one-half of his services. In the four years he served the church 57 persons were added to her communion. The majority of these were received in 1866 and 1867 when the men returned home from the army and were giving attention to their decision for the Lord and His Church. Prior to the pastorate of Dr. Pharr much of the Negro population in the community united with Paw Creek. But after the close of the war very few joined this church, but drifted more and more into their own churches. Out of Paw Creek the Woodland Colored Presbyterian Church was largely organized.
1869~1872 - Rev. James S. Barr Served the church faithfully for about two and one-half years before his death on February 2, 1872. 1872-1874 - From February, 1872, until the spring of 1874, the church was vacant except for three or four months in the summer of 1872 when the church was filled by a licentiate.
1874~1877 - Rev. R. H. Chapman (D.D.) On May 9, 1874, he was installed as pastor of the church for one-half of his services. The records tell us that he declined to preach to the congregation on February 25, 1877.
1877~1888 - Rev. George L. Cook The church was vacant only a few months when the Rev. G. L. Cook was called by the congregation as stated supply. He continued to serve the church in this capacity until May 1, 1888. His coming was distinctly providential. An evangelistic meeting was in progress in the church when the visiting minister was called home. It was learned that a Presbyterian minister from Virginia was visiting in Charlotte. Mr. Cook consented to come and continue the meeting. He made a most favorable impression upon the congregation and was invited to. become stated supply of the church. This was the first period in the history of the church in which a minister devoted his full time to Paw Creek. He was the first to live within the bounds of the congregation. Many preaching points within the bounds of the congregation were established. He preached regularly on Sunday afternoon at Hart Grove School near Moore's Chapel, at a point near the Mulberry Church, at one near Cook's Memorial, and often at Mount Holly. His outstanding accomplishment was his leadership in the building of the third house of worship in 1881-1882, at a cost of $2,500.00. A furnace was also installed, the ladies of the church furnished the carpet and window shades. Miss Sophie Alexander and sister of Charlotte gave the pulpit furniture and communion table. General Young of Charlotte gave the baptismal bowl. The Sabbath School and Ladies Aid Society were organized during his pastorate. Both of these organizations grew and were very forceful in the growth of the church. (Includes photograph)
Through the years, the Women became more thoroughly organized throughout the General Assembly and the original Ladies Aid Society became the Paw Creek Woman's Auxiliary with its various circles. Today it is known as the Women of the Church and is a vital arm in the work of the church.
