The Mission of Covenant Presbyterian Church
Our mission is to glorify God through worship in spirit and in truth. We acknowledge that we are God’s disciples chosen to joyfully proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Rooted in faith, love, and prayer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we utilize the gifts entrusted to us to fulfill God’s will.
Our Staff
Pastor
with his wife Virginia McBride
Music Director
Tiffany Ours holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Converse College and spends her weekdays working as a Social Security Disability lawyer. Outside of work, she stays active in the arts—practicing violin, guitar, organ, dance, tennis, and continuing to develop her vocal skills. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her micro miniature Goldendoodle, Elle.
Our History
The history of Covenant Presbyterian Church began in the late 1940s and early 1950s, following World War II. Spartanburg’s west side was growing rapidly, attracting many young “Baby Boomer” families. In response, members from First Presbyterian and Second Presbyterian Churches began making plans for a new congregation.
Their vision led to the purchase of a two-acre site at the corner of Greenville Highway and Tanglewylde Drive—then considered “out in the country,” just west of the heart of town.
In October 1953, a meeting was held at First Presbyterian Church for those interested in forming this new church. Dr. Clyde Foushee, pastor of Second Presbyterian, and Rev. J. Trent Howell, Jr., assistant pastor at First Presbyterian, helped lead the gathering.
Rev. Howell preached the first worship service on January 24, 1954, held in the Knights of Pythias Castle Hall on West Victoria Road. Covenant Presbyterian Church has held services every Sunday since that date.
Forty-six people signed the original charter membership roll. By April 4, 1954, the number had grown to ninety, with six more joining soon after.
Charter members came from a variety of church homes: 66 transferred from First Presbyterian, 5 from Second Presbyterian, 2 from Nazareth Presbyterian, and 7 from other churches and denominations. Two reaffirmed their faith, and eight made a profession of faith for the first time.
The church was officially organized on April 1, 1954, by Commission from the former Enoree Presbytery.
Covenant’s first full-time pastor, Rev. Clary, preached his first sermon exactly one year later, on April 1, 1955.
Even before a pastor was called, a committee had begun working on plans for both a sanctuary and an educational building.
The first service in the new sanctuary was held on April 15, 1956. Since then, many improvements and additions have been made. In 1972, plans were developed for a new three-story educational building and social hall, which was completed in 1973.