History

In 1867, Wallingford Presbyterian Church was established from a Sunday school mission of Zion Presbyterian Church. Originally called Siloam Presbyterian Church, it was organized on March 3, 1867, at 65 Wentworth St. The session met with Mr. Vanhorn presiding, alongside Elder Lawrence Mills, Daniel Drayton, and Joseph Lloyd, who served as the clerk of the session. Twenty individuals were received into the church on profession of faith, and five were received by letters.

The church building was erected at 400 Meeting St. in 1867. Mrs. E.G. Wallingford of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, made a generous donation to the Committee of Freedmen to purchase a school that would serve as a memorial to her late husband. In 1868, the school moved to 400 Meeting St. and was reorganized. On August 20, 1868, the church’s name was changed from Siloam to Wallingford. During this time, Reverend J.H. Bates served as the acting minister. On June 15, 1867, Reverend Elias Gardner, the first Black minister, moderated the session. Reverend Gardner faithfully served the church for 45 years, dedicating himself to its mission.

From 1921 to 1932, the Atlantic Presbytery appointed Reverend W.T. Frasier to Wallingford. After two years, Reverend Frasier accepted the call and became the pastor on January 1, 1921. Reverend and Mrs. Frasier worked diligently to increase membership, establish a Sunday school, and repair the church. Initially, services were held at 4 PM on Sundays but were later changed to 11 AM and 8 PM. Several organizations were established, including the Deaconess Board, Senior Usher Board, and a youth group. The church's educational program was a primary focus during Reverend Frasier’s ministry. He passed away on February 25, 1932, and Mrs. Frasier, along with their daughter Alma, continued to serve the church until their deaths.

From 1932 to 1956, Reverend Simon H. Scott was called to lead Wallingford. Under his leadership, the congregation grew both spiritually and numerically. During his tenure, several new organizations were formed, including the Junior Choir, Junior Usher Board, Trustee Board, Presbyterian Men’s Council, Elite Club, and the Wallingford Singers—a touring group directed by Harrison C. Capers. Capers also organized the Flower Club. A daycare center was established during World War II to support mothers working in defense installations. Lena Scott directed and worked at the daycare until the church relocated. Reverend Scott retired in 1956, leaving a legacy that included church education, daycare services, voter registration initiatives, Boy Scouts programs, and continued Christian guidance.

From 1959 to 1963, Reverend Ferdinand O. Pharr of Charlotte, North Carolina, served as pastor. Reverend Pharr emphasized education and expanded youth activities, including the creation of a Junior Day Camp, under the leadership of Laura Middleton and Dianna Alston. He and Lena Scott organized the United Presbyterian Women's Organization, and Eva C. Brown became the first woman elected and ordained as an elder. Reverend Pharr resigned from Wallingford in 1963.

From 1966 to 1987, Reverend Robert R. Woods was installed as pastor. He proposed relocating the church and manse, and on December 3, 1967, Wallingford Church moved to its current location. The church also purchased a house at 717 King St. to serve as a manse, an educational building, and a parking lot. During Reverend Woods’ ministry, the Willing Workers and Helping Hands clubs were organized. His ministry concluded in 1987.

From 1987 to 1989, Reverend F. Perry Metz, a retired minister, served as moderator of the session and interim minister. He served faithfully until 1989.

From 1989 to 1996, Reverend Melvin Lowery was installed on August 26, 1989. Less than two months later, Hurricane Hugo heavily damaged the church. A rededication service for the sanctuary was held on October 28, 1990. Under Reverend Lowery’s leadership, an organizational manual was developed, birthday fellowship groups were formed, a boys' basketball league was established, a newsletter was started, and the house at 711 Meeting St. was purchased. Reverend Lowery resigned on March 31, 1996, and Reverend Ferdinand Pharr moderated the session.

From 1996 to 1997, Reverend Alonza A. Washington served as the supply pastor from April 1996 through December 1997. He wrote the church's mission statement.

From 1998 to 2001, Reverend Donald Day, associate pastor from First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, became the session moderator on July 31, 1998, serving until 2001.

In 2001, Reverend Alonza A. Washington was called as pastor, assuming duties on February 4, 2001, and formally installed on March 4, 2001. His leadership greatly enhanced the spiritual and numerical growth of the congregation. He revitalized Bible study and prayer services and assisted in organizing a summer tutoring program. Under Reverend Washington’s leadership, the Senior Ministry was established on August 2, 2001.

Rev, Washington served  faithfully until his retirement on December 31, 2015

Reverend Audrey O. Deas began serving Wallingford in 2016 and became the stated  supply until September 2019 . Reverend Annette Brewer was called to serve as the full time  pastor on October 2019 and served until September 2020, Rev.  Deas was re installed as stated supply in November  of 2020 until she retired on December 31 2023. 

Effective January 1 2024 Reverend Alexander Porter joined our community of faith as the stated supply.

The Wallingford Church family continues to move forward, spreading the good news, reaching out to the community, and maintaining a faithful Christian journey.