HATTIESBURG, MS (Day 2).   Attended church at the First Presbyterian Church (PCA), where Jim McCarthy is now Senior Pastor.  Check out their web site at http://www.fpcpca.net/about-fpc/staff/

Warmly welcomed even on a rainy day.  A large set of beautiful buildings on well manicured grounds.   It was built beginning in 1990 after the church relocated from downtown.  The further expansion of the buildings was done in recent years, giving the entire complex a very new appearance.  Very friendly people in a family-like environment, and a great and well-deserved promotion for Jim.  We appear to have taken the last parking place in the lot, after searching the area for visitors parking and finding only one space left.  A popular place.

The 11 am service was a tasteful focus on the worship of God, which may sound obvious, but years of experience and travel across the country have shown us that serious, tasteful focus on true worship is rare.  There were numerous anecdotes and some humorous illustrations in the sermon, but always to direct the worshipper toward the theme of the sermon, based upon Genesis 11:1-9, the Tower of Babel.  Sermon title:  "For Whom Are You Building?"  It was delivered with energy and passion.  After the service, when he saw Betty and me, he threw his arms around us with a great hug, then apologized for being "sweaty" from preaching.  Sounded like Spurgeon.

Seventeen family groups joined the church this morning, with 100 having joined the first year since Jim arrived.   After the receiving of new members, there was the Prayer of Intercession, recitation of the Lord's Prayer, and the congregational singing of "Blest Be the Tie That Binds."

There was a pipe organ embedded into the back wall of the chancel area, with the choir seated on either side.  This morning there were only 20 choir members, but the loft could accommodate many more.  The enthusiastic singing was an integral part of the service, which Betty and I enjoyed very much. 

  

The social gathering after the service was large and energetic.  Clearly an upscale church in an upscale part of town, yet the people who joined this morning were from a variety of backgrounds.  It was a joy to watch Jim work the crowds, a true extrovert in the best sense.  His mother was visiting today, so she joined us in photos along with Jim's family.

Beautiful Grounds and Buildings of First Presbyterian Church

Frontal View

Interior View

Steven, Jim, Betty, Barbara (mother), Jordan (wife), Locke, Ellie, Julia