Celebrating 200 Years in the Heart of Charlotte
2021 marks the bicentennial year for First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. To celebrate, we’re hosting special events and welcoming guest preachers throughout the year. Below you’ll find history articles, member videos, and popular member recipes.
History Book
The highly-anticipated First Presbyterian Church history book is now available for purchase! You can purchase a copy in person before or after church or online through the button below. The cost of the book is $50 and all proceeds go to Roof Above. Shipping is available for an extra charge.
If you have questions about your history book order, please email Jean at jeanmcochrane@gmail.com.

History Articles
General Assembly of Presbyterians to Meet at First Presbyterian Church
If you are a Presbyterian in The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), our denomination, the annual meeting of the General Assembly is a big deal. And, if you happen to worship at First Presbyterian in Charlotte, it is even a bigger deal if the General Assembly is hosted by your home church, which First Presbyterian has done […]
History of the Sanctuary Buildings
Most locals know that Charlotte exists where is does because of the intersection of two ancient Native American trading paths at the spot we now know as the Square – the intersection of today’s Tryon and Trade Streets. But how and when did a beautiful Gothic style church building for the Presbyterians of Charlotte, set […]
The Manse/Parsonage
On December 22, 1876, The Charlotte Democrat reported that a new and elegant Parsonage had been completed for the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. The paper reported “We wish every Christian Minister of the Gospel in the land had as nice a house to live in.” According to A History of First Presbyterian Church by […]
Partnership with Accion in Merida, Yucatan
Accion began in the early 1980’s under the direction of the Rev. Oscar Dorantes of Merida, Yucatan. Oscar, a native of Yucatan, was educated at Birmingham Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama in the 60’s. After returning to Mexico, he was ordained and served a number of small churches in the peninsula, including First Presbyterian in […]
An Old Window Gets a New Life
You never know what kind of calls you’re going to receive when you’re the church receptionist…
When we were building the Poplar Street Building in 2000, our receptionist answered a call from a former member who said she had a stained glass window that was original to the church and would like to give it back!
Those Magnificent Chandeliers
We are blessed with a beautiful church, “a model of elegance and good taste” The Mecklenburg Times announced in April 1895 in anticipation of the re-opening of the First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte following an extensive and quite expensive (just over $30,000) rebuilding and remodeling of the church. One of the new and much anticipated […]
If Walls Could Talk
Most members of First Presbyterian have seen the photographs of all the ministers who have served our church that hang on the walls of the Session room. But do you know what other room in the church has walls covered with photographs showing 100 years of our history?
The 2021 Bicentennial – Should we be Waiting until 2032?
Perhaps you have noticed the large bronze tablet to the left as you enter the church. It says “First Presbyterian Church Organized 1832.” And if you had been around First Presbyterian in 1932, you would have been here for the Centennial Celebration. So what gives – why are we celebrating our Bicentennial in 2021? Turns […]
60+ Years Serving Christ in the Heart of Charlotte
“FPC is fortunate to have a number of members who have been part of our congregation for 60 years or more! Their wisdom, service, and experience have been invaluable gifts to the church. We apologize if your name was inadvertently omitted from the list…these records are not computerized.” -Carol Childress and Lisa Dillard
Frances Alexander
Elise Barksdale
Ernest Barry
John Barry
Mary Barry
Joyce Blue
Bob Bradford
Miriam Brauda
Bob Brown
Herb Browne
Jerry Clark
Woody Clark
Katy Cochran
Jean Cochrane
Betsy Conte
Jim Edwards
Megan Ellis
Laura Gilchrist
Bruce Grier
Nancy Helton
Charlie Henley
Brown Hobbie
Boyd Hood
Helen Jones
Anna Katz
Sissie Kelly
Tim Kornegay
Wardie Martin
Alan Mayfield
Gloria McClintock
Julia McLean
Bill Milner
Emily Nantz
Joe Nantz
Helen Neil
Marie Porter
Dick Ridenhour
Susan Schultze
Reid Shoemaker
Rosemary Shaver
Morris Spearman
Morgan Speir
Frances Taylor
Libby Willard
Andy Zoutewelle
Video Spotlight
Each week, we share a video from a member. Sometimes the videos tell of heartfelt memories, sometimes they describe silly stories, but they always give us a glimpse into First Presbyterian’s rich history.
Lunch on the Lawn
Check back for FPC member favorite recipes.

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