History of SMPC
Loving Our Neighbors Since 1900Starting Small
Sampson’s Mills has deep roots in the White Oak community, dating back to well before there was even an official White Oak.
Sampson’s Mills began as a simple Mission Sunday School in 1892, having a variety of meeting places throughout what was then known as Versailles Township. These included private homes, a school house, and eventually, a building known as the Election House, located near the Sampson Homestead (around the 2100 block of Lincoln Way) .
This small gathering of people grew and grew, so that in 1900, the church formally organized as Sampson’s Mills Presbyterian Church.
The first dedicated church building was completed in 1902 at 1978 Lincoln Way on a gift of land from the Sampson Homestead parcel. The official church charter was granted in 1925 making Sampson’s Mills Presbyterian Church an official part of what was then Versailles Borough, but now is called White Oak.
Time to Move and Grow
Over the next 25 years, the church grew and flourished so much that their physical space could no longer hold everything and everyone involved. In 1954, they purchased the property at 1665 Lincoln Way and started to build what we all now know as Sampson’s Mills. The building was constructed in two parts. The “Christian Education Building” as it was called was the first to be built in 1957 with the fellowship hall serving as the Worship space for Sunday mornings. The sanctuary that we know now was completed in 1973.
We Are the Church
The church is much more than a building with stained glass windows. The congregation at Sampson’s Mills is what makes the church what it is. From it’s very beginning, the church has been filled with people of faith with strong hearts for God and a desire to grow God’s kingdom right here in White Oak.
At the 40th Anniversary Celebration, it was stated “May our church always be a missionary church- ministered to the spiritual as well as the other needs of the people”, and this has continued to be evident throughout the ministries of Sampson’s Mills through the years.
In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary to pause in-person gatherings, Sampson’s Mills never missed a beat with continuing to BE the church. Our online presence soared and we quickly saw the value in being able to minister to those unable to attend in person. During the height of the pandemic, we had virtual worship and learned how to create sacred spaces in our home to draw closer to God in the trying times.
The Church Continues in a New Era
Sampson’s Mills continues to thrive in White Oak with a very community centered focus. We understand that the key to living in God’s kingdom is not to look inward, but to look outward and meet people where they are. We have learned the value to being connected to one another and building community through relationships and partnerships with other organizations. We strive to be a church where everyone feels welcome, whether it’s your first Sunday or your hundredth year. Thanks be God for the journey thus far and may Thy Word continue to light our path.
SMPC Vision: We embrace our call to love and serve Jesus Christ as we cultivate community and empower our neighbors.