Many of those forming the new church are or were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort. Several had asked to talk to the First Presbyterian congregation about breaking away from the national church but were denied, Garrett said. The steering committee for the church is seeking not only charter members, but also help finding a place to worship and a pastor.

A group of Beaufort-area residents is moving forward with an effort to start an independent church to provide a more conservative option to the Presbyterian Church USA and its local affiliates.

First Scots Independent Presbyterian Church leaders held an informational meeting Monday at Harmony Lodge on Depot Road.

Committee member Pat Garrett said the initiative was a response to a decision in May 2011 by the governing body of the Presbyterian Church USA to authorize the ordination of gay and lesbian ministers, as well as gay and lesbian elders.

“We had some problems with that,” Garrett said. Other concerns by the audience included gay marriage and the authority of the Bible.

Many of those forming the new church are or were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort. Several had asked to talk to the First Presbyterian congregation about breaking away from the national church but were denied, Garrett said.

The steering committee for the church is seeking not only charter members, but also help finding a place to worship and a pastor.

“In order to form this church and grow this church, we must keep a positive, Christ-centered note,” former Beaufort Mayor Henry Chambers said. “What the Presbyterian Church USA has done has nothing to do with this congregation.”

The Rev. Terry Johnson, pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, is assisting the steering committee. He encouraged attendees to think about the long-term goal of a new church.

For information about First Scots Independent Presbyterian Church, write to P.O. Box 1774, Beaufort, S.C., 29901; email [email protected]; or call 843-271-1795

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