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HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
OF CYPRESS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In 1769, Alexander Cameron
was among the first settlers in the Cypress community. Tradition
tells that a man by the name of Smith lived in front of Cypress. On
one clear and brisk morning he climbed the hill and began playing
his bagpipe. Cameron heard him and with ax in hand, cut a trail.
This trail was named Bagpipe Road and runs on the Eastern side of
the church.
Since there were no
written records prior to 1833, an accurate early history cannot be
shared, but it is known that Cypress Church derived its name from
Cypress Creek located about a mile from the church. Also, family
names found among early members from Scotland were Shaw, Cameron,
McGregor, Johnson, Smith, McKeithen, Monroe. McCallum, and McLeod.
The first church was
built about 1823 and rebuilt and enlarged in 1853 on the old
foundation. In 1882, it was rebuilt again and extensive repairs were
made in 1934. The old hand-made pews, made from lumber from the
McLauchlin property, remain in the sanctuary today. The descendents
of Mr. Patrick McMillan tell of his helping to build the pews at a
cost of fifty-cents per pew.
Other improvements in
facilities and buildings have occurred through the years.
- In 1937, a light
plant was installed at a cost of $40.00 and classrooms were
added.
- From 1946-1948, a
vestibule was built; electricity was installed through REA; the
church steeple and a bell were added. The bell is from an old
train engine at Overhills.
- In 1957, six
classrooms, a choir loft, a kitchen and two bathrooms were the
additions.
- Central heating
came in 1964;
- new sanctuary
lights in 1965 and
- central air
conditioning in 1970.
Old Session records
tell of the great effort made to maintain high moral standards in
the church through discipline. Members were cited to appear before
the Session for profanity, absence from church, selling ardent
spirits, drinking ardent spirits in excess, excessive anger and
dancing.
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particular anecdotal interest is that of Archibald
McGregor who came from Scotland with a fondness for
dancing. He was brought before the Session for his dance
parties and his dancing. On one occasion, he held a
dance when all the family was at home for Christmas and
neighbors were invited. Having been called before the
Session, this time McGregor refrained from dancing as
long as he could. Finally he said, "Session or no
Session, McGregor is on the floor!" And finally
understanding that McGregor was just keeping a long
established Scottish custom, the Session dismissed the
charge and allowed him to hold an annual dance at his
home for his lifetime. |
Members of Cypress have
always played a great role in the nurturing of the spiritual life in
many places and churches far and wide. Three persons have gone into
the ministry from Cypress. From the old days of the catechism,
Sunday School, Bible School, Youth training and our ministry,
Cypress can be proud of its influence in the world.
Among some of the
earliest ministers were the
- Rev. Robert H.
Morrison (1827);
- Rev. Colin Mclver
(1829);
- Rev. Angus
McCallum (1830);
- Rev. Letcher
Smith, and a long list of ministers to follow up through the
- Rev. Richard Rodda,
who retired in 2005 after twelve years of ministry. Under the
leadership of the Rev. Mr. Rodda and the Session, great
improvements were accomplished and the membership was brought to
over 200 members.
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