Second Presbyterian Church: A Brief History
In the fall of 1890, the minister of First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg created a Sunday School Mission for the workers at the new Spartan Mills. The Sunday School sometimes met in the homes of workers and sometimes in a room located above the mill store until Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Ravenal donated a lot at the corner of Wofford and Wolfe Streets, where the new church built its first building - a wooden structure consisting of an "auditorium" and a session room. In February 1891, Spartan Mills Presbyterian Church was organized, with 14 members and two ruling elders. In 1900 the name of the small, struggling church was changed to Second Presbyterian, and in 1907, following a major fire in the mill village, the church moved to its present location at the corner of Church and College Streets.
In 1926 the present sanctuary was built. During a six-year period, ending in 1941, an educational building for the Sunday School was built and the auditorium reworked, including the installation of a fine new Pilcher organ, which is still in use. In 1955 the new educational building (now known as Price Hall) was built on the site of the original building, or the "Little Church." Groundbreaking for the CMB, now named the Gus Prill Christian Ministries building and home to the Soup Kitchen, took place in 1978 and was dedicated in 1980.
During its history, Second Presbyterian Church has been involved in many outreach programs. The Soup Kitchen opened its doors in 1982 and continues to serve meals 365 days a year. The Haven, an emergency shelter, was opened in 1983.
Second Presbyterian has always been a mission church, and we will continue to serve God and our neighbors, wherever they may be.
