After passing their final GA Power Witness test on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Druid Hills Presbyterian Church (DHPC) has gone solar! As part of the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Earth Care Congregation program, DHPC has made the commitment to care for the earth and pledges to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach.
Taking advantage of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL)’s Solar-Wise program, DHPC installed 117 panels onto their roof. These panels each generate 440 watts of power and will offset the utilities used by the church by 26%, producing an estimated 73,000 kWh in their first year of use. DHPC Clerk of Session, Eric Dusenbury said, “This project allows DHPC to honor God by being good stewards of our physical resources as well as our financial resources. Energy from the solar array is energy that does not come from fossil fuels. It is also money the church can spend on programs rather than overhead.”
These panels were “dedicated to the glory of God and creation” in a joyous worship service called a “Solarbration” at the church, and the energy will be used to power the campus for the congregation, along with its on-campus partners including Intown Cares (formerly Intown Collaborative Ministries), Mercy Community Church, Druid Hills Child Development Center, and Children 1st Community Development Services.
Interim Pastor Rev. Betsy Turner notes that “It’s been exciting to see this solar panel installation come to fruition and now to announce it to our neighbors! This project is a natural culmination of DHPC’s long and deep commitment to mission: this church serves neighbors, works for a more inclusive and just society, and cares for the earth, and we believe that this solar array brings those commitments together in a powerful and public way. We give thanks to God for the faithful people who have worked hard on this project, and we look forward to even more opportunities to serve.”
Located on Ponce de Leon in the Midtown / Virginia-Highlands neighborhood, Druid Hills Presbyterian Church is an opening and affirming PC (USA) congregation with a strong commitment to inviting people into the Christian community, celebrating God’s work in the world, and serving the needs of neighbors.
Nate is the Communications and Hospitality Manager for Druid Hills Presbyterian Church.
