5 of
Years Serving
Christ
and Loving Memphis 1965-2015
Independent Presbyterian Church
A Celebration of God’s Wonderful and Complex Providence in the Formation and Building of Independent Presbyterian Church
W
hen 287 people
came from his position at
met at Gold-
French Camp Academy in
smith’s Civic
Mississippi to serve as
Garden Center on March 7, 1965,
Independent’s first pastor.
they could not have imagined
In October 1965, eight acres
what God would grow out of their
were purchased at 4738 Walnut
initial plans. For a little over two
Grove Road. Two years later the
years, the church worshipped in
church completed the first phase
the Plaza Theater on Poplar Av-
The Plaza Theater on Poplar Avenue
of a building and began to
enue. The smell of theater popcorn permeated the atmosphere
worship at that site. Leonard Van Horn’s ministry was blessed
as they faithfully gathered. The Reverend Leonard T. Van Horn
by the Lord and in May of 1968, the Lord brought the
August 27, 1972 groundbreaking for first Sanctuary
The original house on 4738 Walnut Grove Rd.
Church groundbreaking 1966
(from left )Assistant Minister, The Reverend Vaughn Hathaway and Senior Minister The Reverend Jim Moore 1972
Reverend James E. Moore to serve as senior
known as Camp Palmer.
minister. Both of these ministers were
In July 1974, the Reverend Robert C.
leadership, a College and Career ministry
ministers, program and support staff, which
was started and its growth impacted East
further developed into many ministries
strong theologians in the Reformed tradi-
Laman became senior minister. The Lord
Memphis and contributed in a major way
including nursery, children, youth, women,
tion of Luther, Calvin, Knox, and Edwards.
used Robert Laman and Mr. Louis Powell, a
to the growth of the church. The Lord
senior adults, music, and missions that had
In December 1973, the church began to
deacon, to begin Wednesday evening family
blessed John’s ministry and IPC began
local, regional, and global implications.
worship in a beautiful new colonial
dinner and Bible study, which have contin-
to grow in faith, influence, facilities, a
sanctuary. Under Jim Moore’s leadership
ued to play a significant role in the life of the
membership of 2,200, and an expanded
influenced by the ministries of Dr. R. C.
church. During this time the church was
sanctuary. In the mid 1990s two different
Sproul and Dr. James Montgomery Boice as
blessed to have Dr. Morton Smith and other
building programs significantly expanded
they brought the Philadelphia Conference on
the church began a ministry to Palmer
4738 Walnut Grove Road, Renovations Phase 2, 1972
Home for Children, which involved the
children of Independent
leaders from Reformed Theological Seminary serve as advisors to
the facilities. The first added a large fel-
and Palmer Home
the leadership of Independent.
lowship hall. The second project provided
attending a summer
In November 1977, the Lord brought the Reverend
camp together, now
John P. Sartelle, Sr., to serve as senior minister. Under his
For 30 years the church was significantly
The Reverend John P. Sartelle, Sr. Senior Minister 1979 – 2004
Reformed Theology and Ligonier Conferences to Independent on an annual basis.
additional educational and office space and added a gymnasium.
Under the fine leadership of Dr. Bill Wymond and Pam and
As the church grew, the Lord blessed Independent with assistant
James Brown, the Lord established a music ministry that now
Canoeing at Camp Palmer
Members of the College & Career Bible study (from left ) Jill Sartelle Street, Fred Schaeffer, Dan McEwan, and Ginny Wittichen Hawkins
James Brown conducting the IPC annual Service of Lessons & Carols, 2012 Rev. John P. Sartelle, Sr.
John P. Sartelle, Sr., at Wednesday evening dinner, 1995
Sally and John Greene John, a deacon, chaired all building committees and projects from 1973 – 2005. Carol & Jack Stokes with daughter, Cameron Stokes Knight, 1986
Building Renovations, 1995
Devoted nursery worker, Dorothy Cooper, since 1987, loving the children of IPC
encompasses children, youth, and adults.
Independent currently has two
The year 2000, saw another benchmark
Over the decades the names of people that have served as
Associate Ministers: Dr. Murray Garrott,
members, ministers, elders, deacons, and staff have changed, but
event in IPC’s history. After 35 years of non-
Executive Minister, and the Reverend
the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues through the
affiliation, the congregation voted to unite
Ed Norton, minister to the 50s Community.
weak vessels of every generation. Each generation calls to the next
with the Presbyterian Church in America
Assistant Ministers are Dr. Bill Hogan,
to continue to confess, repent, and love the abundant Gospel
(PCA). The Presbyterian Church in America
Pastor Emeritus, the Reverend Samuel
of Jesus Christ. Each generation stands on the shoulders of
Husband, minister to the 20s Community,
those who have gone before them holding to and growing in that
was formed in 1973, with the desire for a scriptural, evangelical and Reformed witness
The Reverend Richie Sessions Senior Minister 2009 – 2015
the Reverend Parker Tenent, minister to
for Christ. For many years prior to joining, IPC played a
the 30s Community, the Reverend Jeremy Jones, minister to the
significant role in the PCA through its ministers and its giving.
40s Community, the Reverend Mike Malone, minister to the
ancient Biblical theology given to our fathers in the faith by God
Rev. Richie Sessions, Rev. Brad Robson, Rev. Samuel Husband, Rev. Jeremy Jones, Rev. Parker Tenent, Rev. Ed Norton and Rev. Mike Malone (not pictured: Dr. Murray Garrott, Dr. Bill Hogan and Rev. Justin Jones)
Himself. Our constant doxology at Independent is the one given by the Holy Spirit to Paul:
In 2006, Dr. John Hardie was called to serve as senior
60s Community, the Reverend
Ministry; Elizabeth Fowlkes, Director of Children’s Ministry;
minister. During his brief ministry, the Reverend Richie Sessions
Justin Jones, Director of Senior
Rhona Gibson, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry; Barbara
joined the staff and in 2009, became the sixth senior minister to
High Ministry, and the Reverend
Collins, Director of Women’s Ministry; Lisa Turner, Director of
God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing
serve Independent. Under Richie’s leadership, the Lord blessed
Brad Robson, Director of Junior
Congregational Life; Debbie McCallen, Director of Covenanters’
out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his
his preaching and teaching in powerful ways, brought unity to
High Ministry.
Corner Bookstore; James Brown, Director of Music and Worship
counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?
+
the church, and he and the Session renewed the church’s com-
Ministry; Pam Brown, Director of Children’s Music Ministry;
The church’s program staff
mitment to preach the Gospel to all people— in Memphis and
serves by leading essential
Jennifer Velázquez, Organist and Music Ministry Associate;
throughout the world. In 2014, a building renovation brought
ministries on a daily basis:
Adrienne Hillyer, Assistant Director of Recreation and Fitness
improvements to the sanctuary, chapel, classrooms, and the
Cindy Wright, Director of
Ministries; Rob Howard, Director of Recreation Ministry; and
relocation of Covenanters’ Corner, the IPC bookstore.
Preschool and Nursery
Mary Virginia Felker, Assistant Director of Senior High Ministry.
March 7, 1965
1967
• 287 people began meeting at Goldsmith’s Civic Garden Center • Soon after, began worshipping at Plaza Theater on Poplar Avenue (2 years)
• Purchased property at 4738 Walnut Grove Road
October 1965
1973
• Began worshipping in the first phase of a building at 4738 Walnut Grove Road
• The Reverend James E. Moore began serving as senior minister
May 1968
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of
2000
November 1977
• Began worshipping in the newly built Sanctuary • Church began a ministry to Palmer Home for Children and developed Camp Palmer
• The Reverend Robert C. Laman became senior minister • Began Wednesday evening dinner & Bible study
July 1974
Mid 1990s
• The Reverend John Hardie became senior minister
2006
April 2015
• The Reverend Richie Sessions became senior minister
• Membership grew to 2,200 • Building Renovations of fellowship hall, office space, sanctuary, and added a gym
the glory forever! Amen.”
2009
• Independent joined the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
• The Reverend John P. Sartelle, Sr., became senior minister
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be
• Independent Presbyterian Church celebrates her 50th Anniversary
• Building campaign renovation brought improvements to the sanctuary, chapel, classrooms, and Covenanters’ Corner bookstore
2014
Romans 11:33-36
“Returning to Memphis after college, I had some friends invite me to IPC’s College and Career Bible Study. I enjoyed it so much I started going on Sunday mornings and heard John Sartelle say, ‘ There is nothing you can do good enough to make God love you any more and there is nothing you can do bad enough that will make God love you any less.’ When I heard that picture of GRACE, my life changed and I decided to stay at IPC. I eventually met my husband here and now we are raising our two precious children with that same understanding of grace.” - Mari Elliot Dorrill, member since 2006
“God used IPC to totally change my life. I walked into a worship service 25 years ago a non-Christian and walked out a Christian. I will never forget the moment the sermon ended and everyone got up to leave but I sat in my seat in stunned silence. I wanted to grab everyone and say ‘where are y’all going? Didn’t you just hear that?’ It took me a few months to figure out what had happened but eventually I learned that Jesus changed my heart during that first sermon I heard at IPC. God used IPC and a John Sartelle sermon to not only change my life, but the entire direction and future of my family as well.” - Josh Davis, member since 1991
IPC deacon, Gabe Gabrielleschi, coaching IPC’s little league team, 2001
ipc memories “IPC has been one of the constants in almost every milestone of my life since 1965. Starting with being baptized at the Plaza Theatre, married in the old chapel, the baptism of my son, funerals of my parents and daughter, and the countless ways the Lord has used my family in His work; IPC remains a large part of my life. IPC is where I came to know Christ. In the early days I thought it was great to go to church in a movie theatre. Towards the end of the service we would smell the popcorn for the Sunday matinee and it was hard to concentrate on the sermon.” - Anne Seiler, member since 1965
“As a musician, IPC has given me a unique opportunity to worship the Lord with musical praises. The music program has helped me grow as a Christian both spiritually and musically. Giving glory to our Lord through music is an honor, whether it’s playing the prelude on the organ, singing “Jesus Loves Me” with a class of two-year-olds, or preparing for Lessons and Carols.” - Emilee Garrett, member since 2004
Camp Palmer, Grace Thompson and Joey Saltsgiver (Palmer Home resident )
Girls prepare to ride the zip-line at Camp Palmer Members of IPC Women’s Ministry featured in The Commercial Appeal
“What does IPC mean to me? Sure, I like the place itself – it’s where I walked down the aisle to “Crown Him with Many Crowns” to marry. It’s where we gather weekends and weekdays for worship, insight, and renewal. But it’s the places I’ve been because of IPC that strengthen my Christian walk. An elder’s home is where we gathered after burying our first baby. A young widow’s home is where my husband and I gather most Mondays to love with intention. IPC is a church where stray members are taken in at holiday meals at a moment’s notice. All generations, all walks, we’re broken; we struggle; we share the gospel. It’s a mix that makes for an honest, beautiful-ugly, caring environment that changes people, crystallizes priorities, and points to Jesus. There’s no way I can describe adequately what IPC means to me. I just know I feel its love, and I am so thankful.” - Lee Holt, member since 2011
The Scooby-Doo gang at Camp Palmer, (from left ) Michelle Crews as Velma, Elizabeth Fowlkes as Daphne, Kathleen McCallen, Miriam Avery Hart, Bill Johns as Scooby, Scott Walker as Shaggy, and Rob Thompson as Fred
The only full-time women on IPC church staff in 1985 (from left ) Kathy Pensak, Lisa Francis Turner, Lucy Wittichen Green, Betty Brown, Jenny Wunderlich, and volunteer Joyce Johnson
“When Chris returned from Vietnam, our goal was to find a church which preached the inerrant Word of God. Our first and only venture was to hear Jim Moore and then later have a close association in IPC’s two week Bible School, in which our covenant children memorized scripture; all verses of “Jesus Loves Me” and others; learned answers to many questions from the Children’s Catechism; the ABC’s of Scripture — and were given prizes. Our family is SO blessed to be a part of IPC — Jesus’ Bride.” - Freddie McEwan, member since 1968
“I moved to Memphis as I was going into 9th grade because my dad had taken a job at IPC. Although it was a hard move for me, I had no idea how God would use IPC in my life for years to come. Independent has been a great blessing in my life. I have been encouraged in my spiritual life through the preaching of the Word of God and have learned more about His grace and my absolute need for Him. I have been so very encouraged in the women’s Bible studies of which I have been a part. The Lord has used IPC to give my family and me such a sweet community to encourage us in our faith and point us to Jesus. Now, our two and half year old twins are being loved and cared for by our community and the nursery at IPC. They are being taught about Jesus and for that my husband and I are so grateful.” - Halley Williams, member since 1999
(from left ) Hugh Francis, Jr., Chris McEwan, and John P. Sartelle, Sr.
ipc memories “I had just turned three when the church started, but I remember the services being held in the old Plaza movie theatre. The nursery was first kept in the “crying room” upstairs, and I remember smelling the popcorn cooking for the afternoon shows! We would hold the night service at the Lions’ Club on Semmes Ave. It was things like picnics, square dancing, and fun gatherings with silly skits that brought our church together. We were too small to departmentalize, so all ages entered into things together. That brought us close and felt like a family.” - Peggy Rowan, member since 1972
“At 25 years old an elder of IPC invited me to coffee. At this time I knew I was messed up, but felt I didn’t belong. I thought something was wrong with me due to the thoughts or background I had. At this coffee I heard a man who I thought was wealthy, successful, and much more advanced than me tell me about his life, his need for Jesus, his imperfections, and how he felt he didn’t have it all figured out. That was a key moment in life where I started to be willing to push through fear and go to Sunday School.” - Sam Coates, member since 2012
IPC bookstore, Covenanters’s Corner, Debbie McCallen Manager
Building Renovations 1990s Deacons from left: Hollis Halford, Ed Kennedy, Montgomery Martin, Tom Philips, Rick Powell, Son Williamson, John Greene, Carroll Andre, David Terry, Matt Olson, Charles Duggan, Sam Graham, and Larry Shelley
“Stories...stories like you are reading in this booklet...some stories that have been forgotten and some stories that have remained untold. The Reverend Jim Moore quoting the Lord’s Day Scripture from the pulpit instead of reading it....The phone call from Dr. Sproul to Dr. James Boice as he “bargained” to bring the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology to Independent....The Saturday evening worship when the Holy Spirit thundered from the pulpit of IPC as never before through Dr. John R. Dewitt. The countless stories of men and women, boys and girls, meeting Jesus quietly or dramatically in worship services, weddings, funerals, Bible Schools, camps, Sunday School classes, high school and college Bible studies, etc. The macro story of how Independent came to fill a unique niche among the churches of Memphis. Then there are the stories about which I am most excited...those are the stories that have yet to be lived, told, and written as God in His gracious and complex providence continues to build His church at 4738 Walnut Grove Road.” - The Reverend John P. Sartelle Sr.
(above and below) Martha Mcguire and helpers assembling Christmas food baskets for underprivileged families
“The Lord has blessed our family through the ministry and fellowship of IPC since its beginning. As part of the third generation of four generations that have been members of IPC, our family has had the opportunity to get to know people and families of all ages throughout the life of the church. Also, it has been wonderful to have IPC involved in the full spectrum of our family’s lives, from Baptisms and professions of faith to weddings and funerals. In addition to IPC’s great reformed teaching and worship, IPC has also been a great place for our family to be able to serve the Lord and serve others through choir, teaching Sunday school and VBS, serving as deacons, elders, women of the church board members, going on foreign mission trips and serving the Memphis community.” - John Crews Jr.
ipc memories “One of my most special memories of my time at IPC is of the Thursday night College and Career Bible Studies held at Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Francis’s house. Doc and Ruth always welcomed us with warm open arms every week. Doc opened the Word giving us all insights to ponder as we walked through our week. Ruth graciously prepared some refreshment to satisfy our appetites for physical food as well. Then there was usually a group who set out on a run of 6 or so miles. Conversations during each of those events were times of finding real connections of relationship that assured me IPC was a place where I belonged.” - Carol Hoyle, member since 1980
“Before there was IPC or Dorothy Cooper, there was God’s plan. It was in His plan to develop a friendship with IPC and the nursery. Serving almost 28 years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful families. For that, I am thankful. It’s an honor knowing how many lives I’ve touched within my many years at IPC. To some, I’m more than just an employee. I’m more like family.” - Dorothy Cooper, in the IPC nursery since 1987
4738 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, Tennessee 38117 www.indepres.org
James Brown, Director of Music & Worship Ministry
, 2015 Newly renovated sanctuary
Jennifer Velázquez, IPC organist since 1998
Baptisms at Independent include the whole congregation
The Church family was growing in the 1990s © 2015. Independent Presbyterian Church.