Biography

The Columbian Museum and Savannah Daily Gazette wrote that “from grandeur of design and neatness of execution, we presume this church is not surpassed by any in the United States. It is seldom that we discover a scene more affecting and impressive than this solemn ceremony afforded; and in this city we never witnessed such an immense congregation, so large a portion of which was formed by female beauty.” 
 Lowell Mason, noted hymn tune composer and father of public school music, served as organist. His works are familiarized in “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Nearer My God to Thee,” and “From Greenlands Icy Mountains.” 
 Calvinistic orthodoxy and religious revival have been characteristic of the church since its founding. Fruitful ministries were experienced under her godly leadership. Southern Presbyterian luminaries such as John L. Girardeau and Benjamin Morgan Palmer preached from the High Pulpit with great effect. 
 The authority of the word of God, symbolized by the massive mahogany pulpit, remains the focal point of its ministry. Without apology, Independent proclaims the unchanging gospel of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ. Its enduring commitment to the application of the word of God to every sphere of life made this a church that is ever contemporary, addressing the ancient Scriptures to the needs of modern times.