History
Since 1874, generations of believers at Seven Springs have opened God’s Word, worshiped Christ, and sought to make Him known. From a small gathering beneath an oak tree to the congregation that worships here today, much has changed—but the gospel has not.
Today, we continue that same work: preaching the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ in an ever-changing world, trusting the Lord who has faithfully sustained His church from generation to generation.
1874
The Work at Seven Springs Begins
Through the faithful witness of Nancy McGlocklin, families in the Seven Springs community began gathering for preaching and Sunday School, first outdoors beneath an oak tree and later in a nearby building. The work developed as an outreach of Glade Spring Presbyterian Church and was already established before 1875
1879
Seven Springs Appears in the Church Records
The first known church record using the name “Seven Springs” dates to July 4, 1879, when funds were recorded for the Seven Springs Sunday School. By 1883 the Sunday School had seven teachers and forty members, and by 1898 its enrollment had doubled to eighty.
1898–1901
The Chapel Is Built
In 1898 the officers of Glade Spring Presbyterian Church formally began plans to construct a chapel at Seven Springs. The present sanctuary was completed and dedicated by the spring of 1901, giving the growing congregation a permanent home for worship.
1958–1959
Sunday School Expansion
As the ministry grew, four Sunday School rooms were added to the rear of the church. Much of the construction was carried out by members of the congregation themselves, continuing a pattern of sacrificial service that has marked Seven Springs throughout its history.
July 30, 1967
Seven Springs Becomes a Particular Church
After nearly a century as a chapel of Glade Spring Presbyterian Church, Seven Springs was formally organized as a particular church on July 30, 1967. Rev. Richard Stone became its first pastor following its organization.
June 15, 1973
Thomas B. Sullivan Jr. Begins His Ministry
The Rev. Thomas B. Sullivan Jr. was ordained and installed as pastor of Seven Springs on June 15, 1973. His ministry emphasized biblical preaching and teaching and would span just shy of half a century.
September 14, 1978
Seven Springs Joins the PCA
Concerned about the theological direction of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, the congregation voted 48–0 to seek dismissal to the Presbyterian Church in America. On September 14, 1978, Seven Springs was received into Westminster Presbytery of the PCA, affirming its commitment to the authority and faithfulness of God’s Word. Full Document
1982
First Full Time Pastor
In 1982, Thomas Sullivan became the first full-time pastor devoted solely to Seven Springs since the ministry began in the nineteenth century. This marked another important step in the congregation’s growth from a mission chapel into an established church.
1998–1999
Preparing for a New Century
The church building underwent several improvements, including new windows, central heating and air conditioning, and additional property given by the Porterfield family for the church grounds and parking. In 1999, despite a lightning strike that seriously damaged the steeple and equipment, the Lord preserved the building from destruction.
September 19, 1999
Centennial Celebration
Seven Springs gathered for Centennial Sunday, celebrating more than a century of Gospel ministry in the Seven Springs community. The occasion looked back on generations of preaching, teaching, worship, and service while giving thanks for the goodness and faithfulness of God.
2018
The Sullivan Pastorate Comes to a Close
After forty-five years of ministry at Seven Springs, Rev. Thomas B. Sullivan Jr. retired in 2018. His long pastorate included the congregation’s transition into the PCA and decades of biblical preaching, teaching, and shepherding. Pastor Sullivan was voted by the congregation as Pastor Emeritus.
March 15, 2020
A New Chapter
In March 2020, Rev. Thomas Rickard began serving as pastor of Seven Springs Presbyterian Church. The congregation continues the work entrusted to generations before it: worshiping God, preaching His Word, and proclaiming the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ.
History From the Centennial Celebration
The below sections were compiled in for the Centennial Celebration, September 19, 1999.
The story below is about the seed that would blossom into Seven Springs Presbyterian Church. The story speaks of one faithful and passionate woman whose life changed when she heard the sweet gospel of Jesus Christ. Ms. Nancy is like a modern-day Lydia (Acts 16:11-15, 40). Through God’s providence, she planted the seed that would grow into Seven Springs Presbyterian Church.
Pastors of Seven Springs Presbyterian Chapel/Church
Rev. H. M. White, DD (1866-1875)
Rev. J. O. Sullivan (1875-1885)
Rev. Frank McCutchan (1885-1891)
Rev. P.H. Gwinn (1892-1901)
Rev. John R. Herndon (1902-1907)
Rev. G. W. Nickell (1908-1917)
Rev. C.R. Lacy (1918-1928)
Rev. David Barclay Walthall (1929-1938)
Rev. Howard M. Willson (1939-1942)
Rev H.G. Allen (1943-1950)
Rev. Dr. Ben F. Brown (1950-1957)
Rev. William F. Shouse (1957-1965)
Rev. James E. Drinkard (1966-1967)
Rev. Richard Stone (1967-1972)
Rev. Thomas B. Sullivan, Jr (1973-2018)
Rev. Thomas E. Rickard (2020- Present)