History of Altama Presbyterian Church

In the early 1960's The Reverend Robert L. McBath, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, along with the session of that church decided that there was a need for another Presbyterian congregation in the Brunswick community.  On January 22, 1968, the First Presbyterian Church called a meeting of all people interested in the development of a new congregation in North Brunswick.  A local planning Committee was named by the session of First Church. Plans were completed and the Committee set initial, services for Sunday, February 4, 1968, at 9:45 A.M, at the Gibson Hart Durden Funeral Home on Altama Avenue.

The Reverend Dan Thomas, the newly arrived Pastor Of First Presbyterian Church, preached at these services and provided pastoral leadership.  Approximately 70 people attended the initial service held on February 4.  On March 9, 1968 church school classes were initiated.  The classes were held at 11 a.m. at College Place United Methodist Church.

Presbytery called The Reverend Scott Poole as the organizing pastor of the Altama Church.  He began his ministry on August 10, 1968

When Savannah Presbytery met in Brunswick on April 15, 1969 the Altama congregation petitioned Presbytery for organization as a church, On April 27, 1969 the congregation voted to name the church Altama Presbyterian Church. Howard J. Brown suggested the name and pointed out that the word "Altama" not only designated the street name, but was an early name for the Altamaha River.  The source of the name was Indian. The Indian Village Of Tam was located in the forks of the Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers.  The Indians on the coast traveling to this village went by way of this river, which became known as Al-Tama meaning, "the way to Tama.”  Howard Brown said that hopefully we would be on our way to heaven by way of Altama.

Altama was formally organized with 97 charter members.

On March 28, 1971 ground was broken on four acres of land for the Altama Presbyterian Church.  The first building was consecrated on November 28, 1971.

In 1973 a weekly kindergarten was opened with 54 students and a staff of three teachers.  Marge Evens was the first director of the preschool.  It continues today as a preschool Program for 3 and 4 year olds.  We have an enrollment of 35 students and 2 teachers.  We pride ourselves for having what others have told us is the best preschool in Glynn County.

On Easter Sunday of 1977 the educational building was dedicated.

Dr. Poole retired in 1987 and Dr, Barney Eby and the Reverend Frank King served as interim pastors until Dr. Maynard Pittendreigh arrived in August of 1987.  In 1991 the first Holiday Round-up Yard Sale and Bazaar was held.  This event is still held in early November of each year with the proceeds split equally between worldwide missions, local missions and a special project at the church.  This yard sale/bazaar led to the development of the Helping Hands Thrift Shop which we operate with volunteer help every Saturday from 9 - 1. Through this we have helped many families in a time of need,

In 1994 Dr, Pittendreigh accepted a call in Tennessee, The Reverend Gil Ward and his wife Dr, Joan Vassar-Williams served the congregation as interim pastors.

Dr. Albert T.  (Bert) Cramer began his service on January 1, 1996 and continues today.

On April 25, 1999 we celebrated 30 years of faithful service to God and the community and look forward to many more years of service.