The Rockport Presbyterian Church was established in 1892 and a nice building was
erected just below the Rockport Water Works Pump House. Concrete sidewalks in front
and to the side of the Church and a wrought iron fence between the sidewalk and the
church property really set this church off. A concrete walk from the front sidewalk
leading up to the large concrete steps even added more to the character of the church.
Parking was limited, but even 50 years later, there was sufficient street parking
for all church members. Some members even walked to church and that is one of the
reasons that made a small town great.
My first memories of this nice old church was in the late forties and early fifties.
Dave Sneddon was the superintendent, Pete Mason was an Elder and Mr. Woodrow Park
was Sunday School Teacher. I can remember Dave Sneddon getting out of his old car
and walking up the walk and steps to the church. An imposing figure, indeed. In
the early fifties, the church hired a new preacher by the name of Jim Rigsby and
it seemed that the young membership increased. Jim Rigsby continued for a few years
and then John A. Lile, from Central City became the new pastor. John A. was the
pastor for only a short period of time when the church caught fire and burned. I
am thinking that the time frame was in the winter of 1957.
Rockport had lost another treasure because of fire. The church officials decided
that a move was in the best interest of the church and purchased land and built a
nice brick church on Main Street just a few blocks from Highway 62. John A. Lile
continued for several more years as pastor and the Church attendance and membership
continued to increase. John A. was a contributing factor in the nice growth of the
church, but decided it was time for a change. He was replaced by Brother Howze.
Prior to John A. Lile leaving the church, Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church was in need
of a Minister, and the decision was made for John A. to pastor Mt. Zion as well as
Rockport. Membership, by now, was in the declining stages for both churches. Brother
Howze continued to share both churches when he replaced John A. Lile, and he stayed
until it was time for him to retire. John A. Lile returned and never seem to look back.
Time and circumstances seem to have a means of changing people and things and John
A. decided to retire. For the next twenty or so years, this fine old church was
served by several different preachers. I just do not have any recollection of names
until Larry Isakson became the new Minister. Larry is from Russellville, but he
continues to do a great job as the Rockport Presbyterian Minister. May he serve
this grand old church for many more years.
See you......
jrd
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