First Presbyterian Church Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday with Patriotic Worship Service while Honoring 103-year-old WWII Veteran

First Presbyterian Church of Greenville welcomed the community on Sunday for a special Patriotic Worship Service celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The morning offered a tribute to faith, freedom, and those who have faithfully served the United States.

Centered around the theme “In Liberating Strife,” Church officials describe the service as blending Scripture, prayer, music, and patriotic traditions in an attempt to remind worshipers that the freedoms Americans enjoy are both a "cherished blessing and a sacred responsibility."

Highlights of the service included musical selections such as Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, Of Faith and Freedom, America the Beautiful, God Bless America, and God of Our Fathers. The Greenville Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol presented and retired the colors as the congregation joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing The Star-Spangled Banner. As part of the service, the Honorable Chief Justice, John W. Kittredge of the South Carolina Supreme Court, presented the congregation with a proclamation on behalf of the State, recognizing the significance of the nation’s semi- quincentennial birthday. Church officials describe the congregation as being deeply honored that Chief Justice Kittredge then led in a prayer for our Nation. 

During the 11:00 a.m. worship service, First Presbyterian recognized several distinguished guests, including representatives of the city, county, emergency services, state, judiciary, and the US Senate.  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham presented World War II Veteran and centenarian Bill Quarles with letters of recognition from both himself and Senator Tim Scott, honoring his military service and lifetime of dedication to our country. Quarles served in World War II, flying combat missions as a B-24 bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Forces' 13th Bomber Group in the South Pacific. Senator Graham also presented Mr. Quarles with an American flag which was flown over the US Capital in his honor. South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, sent a certificate of recognition as he also thanked Mr. Quarles for his service. The Clemson University football team and former Ambassador, David Wilkins, presented Mr. Quarles with a personalized football jersey, which included his name and number “103”. 

“As our nation marks 250 years of history, we are grateful for the opportunity to honor those whose courage and sacrifice have preserved the freedoms we celebrate today,” said Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons. “Our prayer is that this service reminds us that faith has long been woven into the fabric of our nation’s story and continues to call us to serve God and our neighbors with gratitude and humility.”

Church officials noted that The Patriotic Service is part of First Presbyterian Church’s ongoing efforts to encourage thoughtful reflection on America’s heritage while pointing people to the enduring hope found in Jesus Christ. The celebration continues this week with Proclaim Liberty, a patriotic concert and community celebration on Wednesday, July 1, at 6:00 p.m. in the church’s Sanctuary.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 200 W. Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29605