Thornwell has always been a ministry of the Presbyterian Church through its connections to local churches and presbyteries, and its covenant agreement with the Synod of South Atlantic.


We believe there can be no wholeness in a person unless the soul is at peace with God. For many of our children, Thornwell is their first exposure to God and to a family that loves and cares for them. For that reason, faith development permeates every aspect of living here at Thornwell.

Faith Development: Hartness-Thornwell Memorial Presbyterian Church

There are daily devotions in every Teaching-Family cottage, church school classes every Sunday, worship services on Sundays, youth group activities on Sunday evenings, and prayers offered before every meal. Prayers open and guide our staff meetings, as well.


Symbolically located at the center of our campus, the Hartness-Thornwell Memorial Presbyterian Church is a constant reminder that faith in God is at the center of any healing ministry. Not only is our church the foundation for our children’s spiritual guidance, but it also serves as the catalyst for their faith development and personal growth.


With a full-time pastor and Christian educator, our church offers joyful worship services, as well as a full range of programs and opportunities.

• Worship services (Sundays, 11:00 a.m.)
• Sunday school program for kindergarten – 12th grade (Sunday mornings)
• Youth fellowship groups (Sunday evenings)
• Ongoing mission trips, weekend retreats, and summer camps and conferences
• Children’s Choir, Youth Choir and a Handbell Choir

Periodically, a Confirmation class is offered for youth in the seventh grade or above to explore the tenets of the Presbyterian Church. The class offers youth instruction in the Bible, the confessions of the church, church history, church government, and how to join the church’s membership. Those who participate in this experience come away with a greater understanding of the role of faith in our personal lives. Each participant can also decide if church membership is a commitment he or she wishes to make through a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.


We cordially invite you to join us as we worship, fellowship, study, and serve. If you would like more information, call Finley Sutton at 864-938-2714 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              864-938-2714      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.


First organized on May 11, 1909, our church was gifted with a new sanctuary, chapel, and educational building in 1966. That year, Mrs. Tom P. Hartness of Spartanburg, SC, added to her already monumental contributions the gift of the Hartness-Thornwell Memorial Church, the Baumgartel Chapel, and the Jo and Tom Education Building. She also provided for additional furnishings, as well as the grand pianos, organ, and pews.


Inside our sanctuary are spectacular stained glass windows designed by the Willet Stained Glass Studios of Philadelphia (www.willethauser.com). The chancel window is the children’s window featuring scenes of the life of Jesus as boy and man, and Christ welcoming the children with the words, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.” Ten additional nave windows illustrate the events of the Old and New Testament, while the four chapel windows chronicle church history with an emphasis on the Presbyterian Church, missions, and education.