Pea River Presbyterian Church is celebrating its 190-year history with the publication of “A Complied History of Pea River Presbyterian Church” that was put together by Mary P. Williams, an active and involved church member.
“This book has been a 10-month labor of love for the Glory of God and the great things He has done for Pea River Presbyterian Church over the last 190 years,” Williams said. “The book consists of 10 chapters that trace the migration of the Scots from Scotland to Richmond, North Carolina and to Barbour County and tells why settlers came to this area in the 1820s and 1830s.”
“A Compiled History of Pea River Presbyterian Church” has 354 pages and includes more than 400 photographs.
“Some of the photographs are of the dogtrot homes built by the pioneers and there are some of Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church in Richmond County, N.C.  which is the mother church of Pea River Church,” Williams said. “There are photographs of the different church buildings over the years and brief histories of the sister churches and daughter churches of Pea River Church. The book includes a brief history of preaching services held at Reynolds School House.”
The book includes histories and photographs of the different church programs over the years – Vacation Bible School, Christmas and Easter services and summer camps and revivals.
“Special events like the erection of the historical marker, the printing of the first church cookbook and a visit from a special guest from Richmond County, North Carolina are included,” Williams said.
One chapter is devoted to the years 1854 -1867.
“Daniel Currie wrote about events of the church during the Civil War and the members that were lost due to the war,” Williams said. “There is also a chapter with a list of the 49 Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.”
Another chapter is a collection of poems about the church for different events and by different members of the church.
“Chapter 10 is the largest chapter in the book and is a listing and location of all the marked graves in the church cemetery, more than 1,800,” Williams said.  “Anyone with a history at or connection to Pea River Presbyterian Church would appreciate having a copy of this historical book.”
Those wishing to purchase a copy of  “A Compiled History of Pea River Presbyterian Church” may reserve a copy at the pre-sale price of $60 plus $10 by sending a check made to Pea River Presbyterian Church and to Mary P. Williams, 150 Clio Short Road, Louisville, AL 36048.