Contributed
The congregation of First Presbyterian Church rejoices that Dr. John Owens Bumgardner has served faithfully as their pastor for the past thirty years. He began his pastorate at the church on August 22nd, 1982 after moving from Columbia, South Carolina where he was pastor of Rose Hill Presbyterian Church. 
Dr. Bumgardner attended the University of South Carolina where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. He spent several years in the business world before receiving a call to the ministry. He enrolled at Gordon-Conwell Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. He later received his Doctor of Ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. 
Under his leadership the church changed denomination in 1985 moving from the Presbyterian Church US to the Presbyterian Church in America – a denomination true to the Word of God.  Dr. Bumgardner’s leadership was vital in starting Dillon Christian School in 1991, and he continues to help the school in many ways. He and his wife Kathryn have been strong advocates for the handicapped in our community and have served as mentors to parents of handicapped children. 
Kathryn was very instrumental in starting the Dillon Christian Preschool which began as a Mother’s Morning Out at the church in 1985. She has served as chairman of the board of the Preschool for the past twenty seven years. She is a soloist and member of the church choir. The church and community have been blessed by her beautiful voice on many occasions. She has been active in the women’s ministry of the church serving in leadership positions, sharing her testimony, and serving as a mentor. 
John and Kathryn are the parents of three children Anne Hopkins, Salley Bumgardner, and Wen Bumgardner. Anne and her husband Hunter are the parents of one child Harrison. 
The church is thankful for Dr. Bumgardner’s thirty years of faithful preaching three times a week Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night.
Preaching that has been faithful to the Word of God and to the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only has he been a faithful preacher, but also a faithful pastor to his flock and to many others in our community with his wonderful gift for Christian counseling. 
As one church member has said “Dr. B. is a good man to have in your corner when you have trouble.”
The congregation is thankful to God for sending Dr. Bumgardner and his family to Dillon.