Mission:

The Mission Review Committee of Westhampton Presbyterian Church began its work on February 28, 1999. Our task at that time was to evaluate where the church had been since its previous study in 1991. We were informed that churches are advised to conduct a new study approximately every seven years. We asked ourselves, "Where will Westhampton Presbyterian Church be in the new millennium and beyond?" We began our work enthusiastically by setting up subcommittees and enrolling in the Precept Group ReVision Program, a widely utilized program within the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

In April, with Dr. Cary’s announcement that he would be leaving to accept a call from McCormick Seminary to be the Frank and Jean Mohr Professor of Ministry, the purpose of our work took on additional meaning. We realized we had to prepare a document for two distinct audiences: the congregation and a prospective pastor. With that in mind, the committee regrouped and the result is the present document. It is our hope that it will be a guide for the congregation of Westhampton Presbyterian Church and provide opportunities for dialogue between a prospective pastor and a search committee.

The committee would like to thank Dr. Charles M. Cary for his assistance in helping us organize our efforts in the beginning of this study. We would also like to thank Dr. William P. Findlay for his assistance in prioritizing the information collected and helping us to keep focused on those priorities through to the completion of this study.

History:

Westhampton Presbyterian Church dates back to 1742 with a rich history of strength and activity. The present church building was built in 1887 in simple New England traditional style. We recently added classrooms, a modern office, a pastor’s study, a choir room and handicap accessible bathrooms, plus a fire sprinkler system for the entire church. A stained glass window was installed adding beauty to our church.

Where many Presbyterian churches nationwide have been sliding slowly backward, Westhampton Presbyterian has been thriving. We are a growing church, filled with members and friends who are deeply involved in a wide variety of programs. As of October 2006, WPC had almost 500 members and friends.Our dedication to mission giving has made us one of the most generous in the Presbytery, and a commitment to caring has led to many acts of involvement in local need. We have a history of being financially solvent; in fact, in two of the last three years our pledge goal was exceeded by approximately ten thousand dollars. Our church has no mortgage.

We are a member of the East End Presbyterian Parish, consisting of 14 eastern Long Island churches, which promotes fellowship between area churches and coordinates worship, training, and mission activities for member churches.

Our Memorial Garden provides a place for internment of ashes and reflection and honor for the community.