A Very Brief History
Balmoral was started as a new church development in East Memphis by the Presbytery of Memphis in the summer of 1967, with the Presbytery’s challenge to be a “new thing.” Our first worship service was held in the fall of 1967 and was attended by approximately 70 curious people. Balmoral was chartered in September, 1968.
Over 40 years ago, our founders expressed a goal of “striving to make Christianity as intelligible as science, as appealing as art, as vital as the day’s work, as intimate as home and as inspiring as love.”
In the early days of the church, the congregation extended an invitation for others to join them on a journey of faith and, in particular, to apply the lessons of the gospels to the problems of life in today’s society.
We have tried over the years to live up to those early challenges. We have centered our church life on worship, learning, service and fellowship, all in an atmosphere of authenticity and informality.
Throughout Balmoral’s history, God has brought together dedicated people from a variety of backgrounds who have shared their life experiences, opinions and diverse gifts. The history of Balmoral is the story of its people and what God has done in and through them.
| 1967 | Presbytery of Memphis approves new church development in East Memphis. Vernon Hunter is called as new church Evangelist and then as Pastor (1968). First worship service is held at Hutchison School’s chapel. |
| 1968 | Presbytery charters Balmoral with 113 communicant members. Annual Family Camp weekends begin at Petit Jean State Park. Tradition continues at NaCoMe Campground. |
| 1971 | Ground is broken for church building at 6413 Quince Road. Fran Smartt (Addicott) becomes Music Director. Rosemary Banta is hired as Director of Christian Education. |
| 1972 | New church building is dedicated in November. Frank Beck becomes Balmoral’s first Youth Director. |
| 1973 | Mother’s Day Out program begins. Participation in reading enrichment program at Dunbar Elementary School begins. |
| 1975 | Pre-school wing is completed. |
| 1977 |
Jim Latta is called to be Associate Pastor. |
| 1978 |
Vernon Hunter accepts a call to Mobile, AL. East High School is adopted in initial Memphis City Schools program. |
| 1979 |
Lee Waltz is installed as Senior Pastor. Jim Latta accepts a call to Woodland Presbyterian Church. |
| 1983 |
Partnership is begun with Parkway Gardens Presbyterian Church, a largely African- American congregation. |
| 1985 |
Eastminster Presbyterian Church merges with Balmoral. |
| 1986 |
Lee Waltz accepts clinical pastoral education position in Annapolis, MD. |
| 1987 |
Bill Jones is called to be Senior Pastor. |
| 1990 |
Ann Held accepts a call to Harrisonburg, VA. |
| 1993 |
Balmoral celebrates its 25th anniversary. |
| 1994 |
Libby Whiteley becomes Director of Christian Education. |
| 1996 |
Hosting of homeless families is begun as part of Memphis Interfaith Hospitality Network. |
| 1997 |
New sanctuary building completed. |
| 2000 |
Intergenerational mission trip builds Habitat homes in Covington, LA. Stained glass hangings created in memory of Will Fischer. |
| 2001 |
Bill Jones retires to pursue a career in storytelling. Ridgeway Middle School, a neighborhood school, becomes our adoptee. Intergenerational mission trip assists in relocation of Presbyterian Neighborhood Center in Louisville, KY Balmoral launches bi-annual Storytelling and Music Festival, featuring renowned storyteller, Donald Davis. |
| 2002 |
Libby Whitely accepts position in Albuquerque, NM. Adult Choir tours England and Scotland. Youth mission trip helps Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. |
| 2003 | Carla Meisterman is called to be Pastor. |
| 2005 |
Major renovation of original building is completed. Meg Overstreet, seminarian at San Francisco Theological Seminary, begins a year of service at Balmoral. |
| 2006 | Youth mission trip assists in Katrina recovery in New Orleans. Ivan Herman is called to be Associate Pastor. |
| 2007 | Anne Hagler called as Parish Associate for the year. Partnered with Memphis School of Servant Leadership for Lenten Series. |
| 2008 |
Fran Addicott retires as Music Director. |
