For over 200 years, Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church has been nestled between large oak trees and Liberty Cemetery.

Inside, the sanctuary features beautiful stained glass windows that cast a bluish hue over the Christians as they worship. The color blue typically symbolizes heaven and heavenly love.

Built in the early 1800s, Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church was used as a hospital during the Civil War until it burned to the ground during the conflict. The church was rebuilt in 1867 along with an addition with the help of President Theodore Roosevelt, who sent the necessary building supplies. The current church was built in 1978.

Although the building has historical significance, it’s the people who make it truly special, according to Rev. Dr. Jacqueline DeBerry, who’s been pastoring the church since March.

“They are happy and loving and not all churches are,” said DeBerry. “There is always laughter in the halls, in the classes, in worship … there is no pretentiousness. I have not seen an ounce of that here, which is unusual and I’ve been a minister 38 years.”

With 120 members, many feel the same way, especially those who have grown up at Liberty CPC.

“My mom and dad were very active and it feel likes home to me,” said longtime member Susie Taylor. “The people are friendly and it’s like one big family.”

Added Allison Moore, “Our church is family-oriented and welcomes everyone. Liberty CPC is a church with a servant heart for our community and one of the ways we serve is by holding our free community meals where we come together four times a year to serve and deliver hundreds of meals.”

Liberty CPC aims to draw people to Christ, not proselytize like many churches. Proselytize means to convert someone to another belief or opinion. According to DeBerry, their goal is for people to become believers. In fact, she says not everybody would feel comfortable at the Presbyterian Church.

“They need to be where they will grow and can exercise their spiritual gifts,” said DeBerry. “I don’t believe we would be doing right by going after other churched folks. We are not going to proselytize. We are concerned about the folks who don’t know Him at all. That’s who I want to reach … those that do not know the Lord.”

As a liturgical church, the congregation use various orders of service, which is provided in a bulletin that members and visitors can use during worship. Like some churches, they observe the liturgical calendar. A typical service includes, music and singing, prayer, recitation of the Apostles’ Creed, sermon, Bible classes and an informal Bible study.

When asked about any misconceptions, DeBerry shared one important message.

“People make the mistake of equating the church with God and they are two separate entities,” said DeBerry. “The churches are made up of fallible human beings and God is infallible and His Word is infallible. They get mad at God when they are hurt at church and that is because we are human.”

Liberty CPC is located on 317 Liberty Lane. For more information on service times, visit www.libertycpc.org or call 473-3813. To learn more about the beliefs, ministries, history and structure of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, go to www.cumberland.org.