Preserving Our History: First (Scots) Archive Committee
by Suanne Trimmer
Every pastor’s portrait, every sanctuary plaque, and every faded photograph tells a story. These aren’t just relics; they are the DNA of First (Scots). To ensure our legacy is never lost – and to uncover the stories yet to be found – the Archive Committee is officially at work.
Why This Matters Now
As our congregation grows and evolves, it is easy for the past to slip away. By formalizing our archives, we aren’t just filing papers; we are protecting the legacy of our church. We research, collect, preserve, and organize our historical records and artifacts to honor those who came before us and to inspire those who will come after us.
Did You Know?
Our work has already yielded incredible treasures:
- A 1758 Scottish Catechism: Found in a plastic bag at the bottom of a box! It has now been expertly preserved by the Charleston Library Society.
- Lost Images: Photographs showing the aftermath of the 1945 sanctuary fire.
- Legal History: Original 19th-century documents regarding church land and
buildings.
Ongoing Projects: We are currently registering our church tartan with The
Scottish Register of Tartans and searching for the cornerstone of our 1814
sanctuary.
How You Can Help
We are looking for treasures, talents, and sponsorships. You can play a vital role in this mission: Do you have church memorabilia or photos tucked away at home? We need volunteers to help sort and label findings, as well as tech-savvy individuals to scan documents and manage digital files. Would you like to sponsor the expert restoration of a specific book or artifact?
Ready to get involved?
Please call the church office with your name and contact information. Debbie Rice-Marko or Suanne Trimmer will be in touch to discuss how you can help.