April 28, 2026

April 20, 2026

April 6, 2026

March 30, 2026

March 23, 2026

March 16, 2026

March 10, 2026

Making the Church more Accessible for All

How grateful we are for the magnificent, commodious, and historic edifice that serves our congregation and adorns our city as one of its most beautiful buildings. A newspaper article published when the church was first completed in 1819 proclaimed that “From grandeur of design and neatness of execution, we presume this church is not surpassed by any in the United States. . . .” We are blessed to be the inheritors of such a fine structure and must be careful to maintain it and preserve its beauty.

Our historic building continues to serve us well even as social customs and habits and technologies have changed. One shortcoming, however, is that its elevated, Doric portico presents an obstacle to all who are physically unable to ascend its granite stairs. Many years ago, we installed an electric-powered lift at the rear entry of church to accommodate people with limited mobility, but this is not an ideal means of access, and it is always at risk of mechanical or electrical failure. We’ve hesitated to build a ramp to the front of church for fear of impairing the beauty of the church. Now, however, after considering all options and after careful deliberation, the Session has determined that building a ramp would be the best way to serve the needs of those with limited mobility to gain entry to the front doors of the church. The location and design of this ramp was guided by a desire that it be convenient for its users while also being both elegant and yet minimal in its design; our goal is to make it as inconspicuous as possible. It was also designed in such a way that it does not physically impact the original fabric of our historic building; it was designed to be reversable, should we decide that the ramp is no longer necessary.

As the illustration shows, the ramp will run along the south side of the church, with an entry on Oglethorpe Lane, across from the Administration Building parking lot. It will enter the portico near the south door. Some changes to the landscaping along the south of the church will be necessary to make room for the ramp, including relocating the historic bell (its new location has not yet been fully determined).

Despite our hesitation—and knowing that it will detract somewhat from the beauty and harmony of the church’s architecture—we believe that serving one another and making the church more accessible is the right thing to do. It demonstrates our love for one another and for our neighbors. To move forward with this project we must gain the approval of the Savannah Historic District Board of Review and acquire the required building permits of the City of Savannah. We are scheduled to present the project to the HDBR in April. Final design and construction will follow. Many thanks go to the committee for limited-mobility accessibility and especially to Robert Johns for his design and rendering.

–David Gobel
  Chairman of the Renovation Sub-Committee for Limited Mobility Access

March 2, 2026

Spring Quarter Sunday School Classes begin Sunday, March 8, 2026

Garmer
Teacher: Rev. Bob Ellis  Age: 70s+  Room:  1st Floor - Whitaker  Subject: "Renew Your Mind"
When Romans 12 calls us to the renewal of our mind, it challenges our thoughts, emotions, and motivations. As powerful forces in today's world seek to influence our mind, without the Lord's enablement each day, we will succumb. This class will study Scriptures specific to godly mindfulness.

Agape
Teacher: Rev. Tim Shaw Age: 60s Room:  2nd Floor - Whitaker  Subject: "1 Samuel"
What are we to learn from the examples of David, Jonathan, and Saul? What are their stories recorded for? What are we meant to glean?

Emmaus
Teacher: Mr. Ben Field  Age: 50s  Room: 3rd Floor - Whitaker  Subject: "Jeremiah"
Few biblical characters were given more challenging missions than Jeremiah, and this quarter, we'll look at the highs and lows of his life and message. For over four decades, Jeremiah stood as a lone minister of the Lord during Judah's darkest days. From oracles of destruction and exile to promises of a new covenant and a branch of David, the book of Jeremiah plays a central role in our understanding of both God's wrath and His mercy.

Berean
Teacher: Rev. Dr. Matthew Burt  Age: 40s  Room: 4th Floor - Whitaker Subject: "Running Like a Hall of Famer"
After his catalogue of the inductees of "Faith's Hall of Fame," the pastor/author of Hebrews encourages his readers to "run with endurance the race that is set before us." He then follows this exhortation with several truths that will help us to finish the race successfully. This class will work through Hebrews twelve preparing us to run with joy, encouraging us to persevere in our running, and giving us a clear picture of the great reward awaiting us as we cross the finish line.

New Covenant
Teacher: Dr. Gordon Hassing  Age: 30s  Room: #30 - 3rd Floor Axson  Subject: "The Universe - Eternal/Developed by Chance or Designed/Created"
Cultural Elites (universities, media, thought leaders) are mostly secular humanists and thus atheistic. They hold to Darwin's theory of evolution as an absolute, despite the evidence. We will explore how using relatively recent scientific discoveries demonstrate the universe had a beginning and displays strong signs of design. This is true for the cosmos as well as for all living creatures, including the uniqueness of humans. Thus there must be a Designer, i.e. our God.

Jerusalem
Teacher: Rev. Dr. Bruce Willson  Age: 20s  Room: #31 - 3rd Floor Axson Subject: "Pneumatology"
The Study of the Holy Spirit will be the subject of our examination this Quarter. Many believers have neglected this study with alarming results. Come and join us as we see how the Scripture describes the Spirit as a person, fully divine, fully equal with the other members of the Trinity. He brings the Father's plan and the Son's mediation to completion. He indwells His people and conforms them into the image of the Son. He provides gifts to those who belong to Christ and brings forth fruit in their lives. Come and learn and be struck with the glory and majesty of the Third Person of the Trinity!
 
College
Teacher: Mr. Andrew Becham  Age: Undergraduate  Room: Parlor - Hull Street Building  
Subject: "Matthew"
The first Gospel shows the character and priorities of Jesus Christ on his earthly mission, who came as a Savior, Champion, Example, and King for the citizens of his heavenly kingdom. Who is this Son of David, Son of man, Son of God--and who should he be to us?

Youth- High School
Teacher:  Mr. Dennis Boatright  Age: High School  Room: 2nd Floor, Hull Street Building
Subject: "Who Is on the Lord's Side"
God calls his people to be lights in a world of darkness. Throughout the Bible we see God using ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His kingdom. This quarter we will study some of the biblical characters to see how God used them and to continue to build the foundation based on God's Word so we too can be salt and light in our world for God's kingdom.

Youth- Middle School
Teacher: Rev. Alex Sutherland Age: Middle School   Room: 1st Floor, Hull Street Building
Subject: "Churches in Need"
One of the most common things we find in the New Testament are the Apostles confronting errors and problems in the various early churches. These were not only problems which the church faced long ago but these are also dangers and errors which we could fall into today. This quarter we will look at several situations in the early church which the Apostle addresses and try to learn from them what we should believe and how we should live as faithful Christians today. 
 


Children's Sunday School Classes

Pre-Kindergarten: (Axson Building, Room 10) "Jesus is the Savior: Jesus was sent because of God's great love" with Mrs. Donna Parrish and Mrs. Dede Roberts

Kindergarten: (Axson Building, Room 11) "Jesus is the Savior: Jesus was sent because of God's great love" with Mrs. Tricia Barrett and Mrs. Jennifer Immel

1st/2nd Grade: (Axson Building, Room 33) "Serving God: Bible Men and Women who served God faithfully" with Mrs. Abby Blevins and Mrs. Jamie McKee

3rd/4th Grade: (Axson Building, Room 32) "God's Growing Church: The spread of God's earthly kingdom - A study of Acts" with Mr. Garry McKee and Mr. Brad Taylor

5th Grade: (Axson Building, Room 36) "Job to Malachi-Songs, proverbs and prophets" with Mr. and Mrs. David and Rose Wade

February 23, 2026

February 16, 2026

February 9, 2026