Our History

Our church began in 1977 when the majority of the members of Campbellton Presbyterian Church, driven by denominational differences, decided to withdraw and seek a new place of worship. Led by Dr. Ralph Richardson, they created Church of the Open Door and began meeting at the Civitan Club.

In 1978, work began on a new building and the first service in the current sanctuary building was held on September 16, 1979.

In 1982, Dr. Richardson resigned as pastor to focus on his teaching ministry and presidency of Carolina Bible College, and Roy Graves was selected as pastor.

In 1985, a 5,000 square foot addition was added to the original building and provided space for nurseries, offices, and classrooms.

In 1986, Pastor Graves resigned, and Dr. Joe Rhodes guided the church as pastor from 1987 to 1988.

In 1989, Dr. Harry Adams was called to serve as our pastor. The growth rate over the next nine years prompted the church to begin building an 11,000 square foot multipurpose building containing a fellowship hall, kitchen, offices, and classrooms. This structure was completed in April 1996.

Around the same time, the original sanctuary building was renovated to include more seating, a baptismal, and a larger nursery. This renovation was completed in October 1996.

In 1997, Dr. Adams was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and resigned as senior pastor.

In 1999, Pastor Randall Hamrick began leading the church as senior pastor until 2003, when he resigned to focus on his counseling ministry.

In 2005, Pastor Benjie Spears began serving at our church until he resigned due to health reasons in 2009.