“An Amazing Day!”

That’s how more than one person described October 5^th, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia—and specifically at Atlanta Reformed Presbyterian Church.  On that date, our mission church was, at long last, formally organized as a congregation.

I’m beginning this issue of Penny’s Pen by sharing the observations of Rev. Joshua Smith, the pastor of Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church, Prairie View, Illinois; and representative of Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery on the Home Mission Board, who led the organizational service in his capacity as Moderator of the Commission:

I was given the opportunity to take part in the incredible organization service for the Atlanta Reformed Presbyterian Church on October 5, 2025. This is something that many have been in prayer for many years. But the blessing of that weekend did not only take place that Lord’s Day. It began the day before when the Atlanta commission interviewed a new member. It was such a blessing to get to hear a woman give her testimony of her faith in Christ and how the work of Pastor Frank Smith has impacted her life. It was truly a testament of the great effort that he has put into seeing the Gospel of Jesus Christ be proclaimed in that area. I was also given the privilege of getting a tour around the ministry area by Pastor Smith. He showed those of us who were there the different places in which they had met throughout the years of ministry. It was truly amazing to see where their humble beginnings were and knowing how the Lord has graciously provided for them their own building in the shadows of downtown Atlanta.

The Lord’s Day was one of the most joyous and blessed days of my life, and I mean that with no exaggeration. Being surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ, some who I already knew, many others who I met for the first time, was a foretaste of what awaits us in glory. By the grace of God, there were around eighty in attendance for the organization service of Atlanta RPC. This included the retired minister of the former congregation which had previously owned the building, ministers and elders from other local congregations, a city council member, and a representative from the mayor’s office. They spoke of how amazed they were to see the work of Pastor Smith and the Atlanta RPC congregation in that area and how the congregation was impacting the community in ways that may not even be seen. This is an incredible encouragement considering impacting the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is what we are all called to do, and it is something that we at the Home Mission Board look for in our church plants. While the area in which that ministry is taking place does seem to be changing over the years, the greatest need of the area remains the same. That is why Pastor Smith and the Atlanta congregation will, Lord willing, continue to see fruit from their labors and make an impact in the community, because they know that the community needs the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As the service began on that Lord’s Day, there was an overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit among us. The singing of Psalms was joyful and loud as the saints of God from several different states and multiple denominations all lifted up a shout of exaltation unto Jehovah for His goodness and mercy. Prayers were offered unto the Lord for His great provision throughout the years, for His great blessing in more recent times, and for His continued favor moving forward in seeking to see not only the community but the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, the United States of America, and all the nations of the earth won for Christ’s crown and covenant. Rev. Colin Samul then preached an incredible sermon on unity within the congregation from Psalm 133, something which is essential if the congregation is to have lasting success. Afterwards, the administration and signing of the vows of communicant members were done. Then the administration and vows to install Rev. Dr. Frank Smith as pastor and Elder T.J. Patillo as church governor for the newly established congregation were done. The service then concluded with further time of praise and receiving of God’s blessing.

After the service, there was a time of food and fellowship. This was an incredible opportunity to get to know some of the congregants of Atlanta and to hear of how they are personally engaging in the work of the ministry there. While my time with the Atlanta Reformed Presbyterian Church congregation was much too short, it was overwhelmingly sweet, and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to go there and be part of that historic occasion. It is my prayer that the Lord would continue to bless the saints there, to bless the work of Gospel ministry under the leadership of Pastor Smith and Elder Patillo, and that we would see that congregation grow into a mighty work for the cause of Christ. It is also my prayer that we would see more congregations raised up throughout our nation, but especially in the long-neglected South, and that ministers would not be apprehensive about stepping out in faith and trusting the Lord will work something mighty just as what happened when Pastor Smith began in Atlanta.

Well, as you can imagine, we are still basking in the glow from this great occasion.  We are also rejoicing in the ordination of a new ruling elder, David Leap.  His election, ordination, and installation became necessary as our longtime ministerial intern, T.J. Pattillo, had to relinquish his post on the Session as he and his family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so he can finish his ministerial training in person at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  

Four different denominations were represented in the ordination service as men from several congregations laid hands on the ordinand. From left to right are Dr. Patrick Coppock (Tucker [Ga.] Presbyterian Church [PCA]); Ruling Elder T.J. Pattillo; Ruling Elder David Leap; Dr. Frank J. Smith; Dr. Robert Horton (Covenant Presbyterian Church, Buford, Ga. [OPC]); and Ruling Elder Jake Wasdin (White Oak Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Senoia, Ga. [ARP]).

Finally, in addition to rejoicing in these two recent developments, we are very thankful to the Lord for how bountiful He has been in providing the resources that have enabled us to complete viritually all of the building renovations. The rotting, mildew-smelling, dingy old structure evident in the photos in previous Penny’s Pens, has now been replaced by a building with an attractive, inviting interior. Everyone who remembers how it used to be is simply amazed by the trasformation. They are particularly struck by the sanctuary, with its ceiling of redwood-coloured planks, dark brown beams and period-style light fixtures which give the room a warm glow, contrasting with the white walls and French doors. It’s hard to believe that this house of worship was once a broom factory built in 1947.

We were so blessed by the generosity of many of you about a year ago when we made a financial appeal. Those donations enabled us to make these renovations, However, as is often the case on a project like this, things sometimes cost more than anticipated and we would therefore be grateful if you would consider a further contribution which would allow us to completely finish the interior and smarten the outside of the building.   

As we labour for Christ’s crown and covenant in Atlanta, we remain aware of the truth of Psalm 127, that unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Please join us in praying that He would continue to grow this congregation in the heart of this great city.

P.S. We have for quite some time been recording our sermons and posting them on SermonAudio. All of those messages are available through the Sermons tab on our website. More recently, through the good work of a member of our church, Daiyaan Winston, our services are being Livestreamed, with access through our YouTube channel (Atlanta Reformed Presbyterian Church). The organizational service and ordination service described above, along with all the other previous services, remain available for viewing.