About Highlawn Presbyterian Church

Highlawn Presbyterian Church just opened a new chapter in its history when Mark McCalla arrived on 1 March 2004. The search for our new pastor began when Jack Haga retired in 2001, after nearly 30 years of service at HPC. Larry Lapelle chaired the Pastor Nominating Committee that was charged by the congregation to find a new minister. Until the position was filled, interim pastor Mike DeArruda and stated supply Beth Bondurant led our congregation.

Finally, as 2003 drew to a close, the PNC brought to the congregation Mark's nomination to fill the pastorate at HPC. To use Larry's words, "We didn't find Mark, he was sent to us by God." With Mark's arrival, the PNC was dissolved, after two years of dedicated service, and we can't thank Larry, Sally Lowe, Tom McCray, Nick Reynolds, Ann Schurmann, Charlie Shumaker III, and Mertie Woolcock enough.

The roots of Highlawn Presbyterian Church can be found in a group known as the Highlawn Mission, which was colony of the First Presbyterian Church of Huntington, WV. The Highlawn Mission began meeting in 1910 in a room above the old Highlawn Pharmacy. Under the direction of Rev. William E. Hudson, Highlawn Presbyterian Church was organized on 30 October 1913 as the Third Presbyterian Church.

The first pastor was Rev. A. J. Allsup, who led worship in a small chapel on 26th Street which was purchased by First Presbyterian Churc. In April 1919, Rev. W. P. Hooper became the pastor and the name of the church was changed to Highlawn Presbyterian Church in June 1919. Growing from the original membership of 20, HPC purchased the lot on Collis Avenue where the church currently resides. Construction began on 22 October 1922 and dedicated on 30 September 1923 for a total cost of $50,000, including furnishings.

The Depression struck the country in 1929 and HPC was not left unscathed. The debt on the church was nevertheless paid off through the dedication of the members and the tireless efforts of treasurer Charles North. After the war, The Education Building was built in 1954 and renovations were made on other areas of the church, including the parlor, pastor's office and kitchen.

The church continued to grow through the 1950s and 1960s. Harry Fleming started a Presbyterian basketball league in the city and games were played in the old Fellowship Hall (now the basement). "Cap" Fleming is remembered as not only a popular basketball coach, but as a Christian teacher who not only made his players better at the game, but better people as well. The Highterian made its debut in March 1953 with Gretchen Bernhardt and Nancy Weider as its editors. The Shantz pipe organ was purchased in 1969 and the sanctuary was remodeled to accommodate the new organ.

The current incarnation HPC was completed when the Fellowship Hall was completed in 2001. We look forward to continuing the tradition of community outreach, Christ-centered education and evangelical mission that was made so important by the ministers of our church, William Hudson, A. J. Allsup, W. P. Hooper, Albert J. Conley, Jack Haga and now Mark McCalla.

Thanks to Debbie Shonk, Phyllis Primm, Cec Hollar and Harold Schoenlein for their work on the history of HPC.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about HPC

How do I get to HPC?

We are located at 2814 Collis Avenue in Huntington. To get to HPC, go to 29th Street and 3rd Avenue. Turn on to 29th Street going towards St. Mary's Hospital. Turn left before the hospital, and then go straight through the next stop sign. HPC will be on the right.


Map provided by Mapquest

How do I join HPC?

HPC accepts new members regularly. Anyone who confesses Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior is welcome in our family. If you would like to join HPC, please contact one of the elders after Sunday worship. New members are accepted through profession of faith, reaffirmation of faith or transfer of membership.

What sort of Christian Education Activities does HPC offer?

Each Sunday morning, classes meet for people of all ages in the Christian Education Building. On Wednesday nights after dinner, Pastor Mark conducts a bible study for adults and there is a program for youth. For more information about CE activities, call or email the church Christian Educator, Pam Curtis.

I would really like to serve on a standing church committee. How do I join one?

Any church member is welcome to serve on one of the church's standing or ad hoc committees. If you are interested in serving the church on a committee, please contact the Church. HPC currently has 7 standing committees:



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