Seeds that are planted early can shape the outcome of a child’s future education, and for 50 years, First Presbyterian Church has been nurturing the youth of the community.

More than 2,000 children have been served through the church’s kindergarten and preschool program, and on Sunday, during the 10:30 a.m. worship service, current and past staff members and students will be recognized.

The idea to offer a preschool and kindergarten program was proposed in 1965 by Dr. Mansell, who was a former pastor of the church that served from 1940 until 1975, kindergarten director Jennifer Coulter said.

As a result of this proposal, Mrs. L. W. (Bettie) Womack and Mrs. W. G. (Martha) Beanland led a small group of students in the fall of 1966, Coulter said.

Afterwards, the church realized there was a definite need in the community, so more teachers were hired and the 5-year-old kindergarten program formally began on Sept. 5, 1967.

“In the late 80s we added a 4-year-old kindergarten program and in the 90s classes for 3-year-old preschool began. In recent years we have added Infant and toddler classes,” Coulter said.

Acting as the school’s first director from 1967 to 1969 was Bettie Womack, Coulter said, with Martha Beanland serving as a member of the governing committee for many years.

Also serving in the early years of the program were Mary Sloan, Patsy Halford, Dot Fenwick, Peggy Teller and Martha Martin.

“Martha Martin, who served from 1967 to 2007, truly embodies the vison and life of the kindergarten and preschool program,” Coulter said.

“She was the backbone of the program for 40 years. She started out teaching, then directing the program while teaching and in the last years served as the music teacher,” Coulter said.

“She (Martin) was a no nonsense, creative teacher beloved by students, teachers and parents.  I have former students that are now parents and grandparents of students ask about Mrs. Martin and recall many fond memories of their time here with her as their teacher.”

Coulter said Martin still attends church every Sunday and is greeted and hugged by former students and parents.

Memories and legacy

Church member Blake Teller said one of his fondest memories of Martin’s class was during the Thanksgiving season. Martin had the class dress up like either an Indian or Pilgrim and then students enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving feast of nuts, popcorn and berries.

Teller, whom all three of his children attended the kindergarten and preschool under the direction of Martin, said he also remembered playing on the playground merry-go-round with his still best friend, Larry Derby, and eating graham crackers for snack.

Church member Schuylyer Braddock Oaks also attended the First Presbyterian kindergarten program, and she said she remembers hatching chicks in an incubator and getting to take one home with her for the night. She also recalled playing in a wooden car with a working steering wheel.

“We still have these cars and they are still very popular,” Oaks said.

Like Teller, both of Oaks’ sons also attended the school.

Coulter said since its inception the program has evolved.

“We have added classes for younger children and currently, classes are offered for children aged 8 weeks through kindergarten. Also, as our building has grown we have installed a poured in place playground surface with age appropriate playground equipment for daily play and a covered entrance, and last year, we added IPads to our four and five year old Kindergarten classrooms to enhance learning concepts,” Coulter said.

“We also keep current on the latest curriculum and teaching methods to assure our children leaving us are properly prepared for their next school experience.”

Coulter said the school still strives to provide a loving, Christian environment to children in the community, where they can grow and learn.

“We promote independence, encourage children to be active learners and emphasize God’s love for them through scripture and song. The curriculum includes the use of manipulatives, movement, music, art, games, play, pretend, experiments, pictures and other fun sensory methods to experience and enjoy learning,” Coulter said.

During the anniversary service on Sunday, in addition to directors and teachers being recognized, Coulter said the older preschool children will sing during the worship service and a reception will follow in Ward Hall. 

Former teachers who have taught throughout the years, Coulter said, who will also be recognized include Susan Athow, Brenda Sellers, Lynnette Smith, Bradley House, Shane Purvis and Kari Dupree.

In addition to Coulter, First Presbyterian’s current teachers are Shannon Bell, Becky Lofton, Teri Conerly, Starlytte Jones and Megan Alexander.