The smell of fresh paint filled the halls of Valley Creek Presbyterian Church on Thursday as workers pushed through renovation projects in preparation for the church’s 200th anniversary and 88th homecoming.

The annual event will be held on Sunday, May 15, with a worship service at 10:45 a.m. and roll call at 12:45 p.m. Lunch at the grounds will immediately follow.

“Everybody just brings some dishes, and it’s just a good time of fellowship and renewing acquaintances and family relationships,” said pastor Dr. Cecil Williamson. “We are just delighted that the church has had a ministry here for 200 years and pray that we will be here for another 200 years preaching the word.”

The church is located on County Road 65. Anyone interested in attending the homecoming is welcome.

Eight families emigrated from Scotland to pursue religious and educational freedoms established the church, according to Valley Creek Memorial Association president Christie Cummings. The eight families traveled through North Carolina and eventually made to Dallas County, where they established root.

“As soon as they reached the area, they wanted to build a church and that was the first thing they did,” Cummings said.

She said the homecoming is a time for family descendants to congregate for worship and to celebrate the families who founded the church.

“I think back of all the people that had worshiped here in my family and in all the original families that came to the church,” said church member and association secretary Mary Cook. “It really means a lot to be able to come out here.”

Carson Llewellyn is a descendent of one of the families and is in charge of the church’s renovations. He currently lives in Houston, but spent his childhood summers in Valley Grande.

“The important thing is that the church is still viable and ongoing. We want it to be an active church and not just a memorial association,” Llewellyn said. “When I go into that sanctuary, within minutes I realize who I am and that God Almighty is in charge and I get a feeling that everything is going to be okay.”

The church holds services twice a month, on the second and fourth Sundays.