Preserving and celebrating the history of Presbyterianism in North Carolina since 1964 through research, scholarship, and heritage preservation.
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Welcome to the North Carolina Presbyterian Historical Society
The North Carolina Presbyterian Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Presbyterian churches and communities across North Carolina. Founded to collect, preserve, and make available historical records and artifacts, we serve congregations, researchers, and anyone interested in the Presbyterian story in our state.
Through our archives, publications, and programs, we work to honor the past while supporting the ongoing mission of Presbyterian witness and service in North Carolina. We invite you to explore our collections, attend our events, and join us in celebrating this important legacy.
Our Spring 2026 Meeting has been moved to February 27-28 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moore’s Creek, the first Revolutionary battle in North Carolina and the South! Join us in Wilmington for a weekend of history, fellowship, and Scottish heritage.
Battle of Moores Creek - 250th Anniversary
On February 27, 1776, patriot militias led by Richard Caswell and Alexander Lillington defeated 1600 Highland Scots and loyalists at Moore’s Creek Bridge. The planks were removed and the girders greased - the loyalist charge with broadswords met quick disaster. This battle permanently ended Royal authority in North Carolina and paved the way for the Halifax Resolves.
Join us Saturday, October 11, 2025 at historic Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Huntersville for our Fall Meeting! Hopewell’s origins date to circa 1750 when Presbyterian missionary John Thompson first preached south of the Yadkin River. The church we’ll visit was built in 1831 during the prosperity brought by cotton cultivation and still serves as the core of the church property today.
Presbyterians Bring the American Revolution to Charlotte
The meeting will feature two Revolutionary War reenactors who will bring history to life:
Our Spring 2025 Tour will explore the remarkable Scots-Irish Presbyterian settlement of the Yadkin Valley! Join us April 25-26 in Statesville for a two-day journey through Iredell and Rowan Counties.
The Great Wagon Road Journey
The Great Wagon Road from Philadelphia to Georgia stretched 700 miles. Families in Conestoga wagons traveled about five miles per day - the 400-mile journey to the Yadkin Valley took about 80 days with good luck! Ulster Scots, Quakers, Germans, and Moravians poured into the valley in the 1750s. Wherever Presbyterians settled, plans for a church would shortly follow, and when a good minister arrived, talk of a school or academy began.
The Society returns to Greensboro for our Fall Meeting on Saturday, October 12, 2024! We’ll begin with registration at the Greensboro History Museum, the former home of First Presbyterian Church, which offers a fascinating look into the Gate City’s rich history.
Buffalo Presbyterian Church
Founded in 1756 - before the founding of Greensboro, North Carolina, and the United States - Buffalo Presbyterian Church has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly 270 years. The church’s first minister was the remarkable David Caldwell, who served for 55 years.
Our Fall Meeting on Saturday, October 14, 2023 will be held at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, a congregation with a remarkable history of service and progressive witness.
A Church Born to Serve NC State
West Raleigh was chartered in May 1927 to serve over 200 students and about 40 professors at NC State College. The majority of the first 60+ members came from First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh. Two visionaries were the beloved English professor Dr. T.P. Harrison and long-time Dean of Students E.L. Cloyd.
