Rev. Herrin becomes first woman pastor in history of Limestone Presbyterian

Limestone Presbyterian Church Pastor Christine Herrin will preach her first sermon at the Gaffney church Sunday. She relocated to Gaffney after 10 years as an associate pastor in Charlotte, N.C. In essence, home is where the heart is.

For Christine Herrin, that place was Charlotte, N.C., where she spent the past 10 years as an associate pastor at Sardis Presbyterian Church. It was a place her family had become used to and where she had helped begin many programs instrumental in Christian growth.

But sometimes God moves people.

Herrin was recently named pastor at Limestone Presbyterian Church in Gaffney and is expected to present her first sermon Nov. 23. She is the first female to hold the position in the church's history.

While at Sardis Presbyterian in Charlotte, Herrin would preach six to seven times a year in front of a congregation of close to 2,000 people. She will see much more action as pastor at Limestone Presbyterian, but in front of a smaller crowd.

However, in some ways that is just how Herrin likes it.

"When you're part of a congregation that big, it's almost impossible to be able to greet and build relationships with all of them," Herrin said. "I'm looking forward to doing so here as we minister together."

During her time in Charlotte, Herrin focused on the areas of missions, mustard seed (or small group ministries) and guidance for young adults. She anticipates many opportunities to do so here in Gaffney.

"As an associate pastor I was able to see how a church is built and is run," Herrin said. "We were able to develop leaders and begin several committees. Being able to learn these key qualities should help me also introduce some of these things in this church and community."

Herrin expects to have a few jitters when she makes her way to the podium this Sunday, but the fact she is doing the Lord's work gives her the belief everything will be alright.

"My jitters have lessened over the years, but I expect to be a little excited and nervous at the same time," Herrin said. "But if you trust, God will speak through you and then everything will be fine. My goal when you look at it is my want to share God's word and have it be meaningful.

"I have the sense that it will not only be me; God gives a peace and confidence that He will speak through me and relay the message to the congregation."

Herrin and her husband, Dan, have two children; Jake, 10, and Lucy, 6. Though she is new to the area, some of her family roots are in Cherokee County. Both of her paternal grandparents are from Gaffney, and buried in Oakland Cemetery. It is also believed that her great-grandfather had a mill located on a local creek.