First Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, NC, History

History of First Presbyterian

sanctuary

In 1859 there was a group of people in Winston, NC who loved the Lord and wanted to grow in their faith. They invited Revered Johnson from Lexington to share some teaching with them. By 1861, as the Civil War fast approached the city, that group purchased a lot at 3rd and Cherry for $86 as the site of the Presbyterian Church of Winston. That faithful congregation built its first sanctuary and dedicated First Presbyterian Church in 1862.

By 1890, with 163 members, the second sanctuary was built to accommodate the growing body of believers. By 1906, the Caldwell Memorial Sunday School building stood where the Cherry Street Female Academy had been previously, continuing a legacy of education and learning on that site. In 1932, the current three-story Sunday School building was erected in the midst of the Great Depression. During the 20th Century the church body was tested by wars abroad and by waves of social change; but, church members persevered and the congregation grew through its dedication to serving God and the community. In 1972, the third and current sanctuary and fellowship hall was dedicated.

DR trip

Regardless of our facilities, the congregation has been faithful in service to God and to people here and abroad. First Presbyterian has been active in sending mission trips to the Dominican Republic for years and we have continued to reach out in Christ’s love, grow with God and others, and go into our community and the world. The launching of an evangelistic ministry through Sundays at Sawtooth from 1997-2006 is evidence of that commitment.

building In 2005, we began a capital campaign which included a new Worship Center , renovation of an old bank building and repair and renovation on the existing sanctuary. Our faithful dedication to serving God from 3rd and Cherry St. has grown a congregation that pushes the capacity of the facilities to meet the ministry needs of those God brings to us. Children’s programs, youth programs, choirs and music ministries, outreach and evangelism efforts, support of missionaries overseas and at home, and our ability to meet the needs of the homeless—all these important ministries were at risk of decline unless we could provide the facilities to nurture the church life of our congregation whose members serve God faithfully.

In 2007, we opened our new Worship Center with a first time attendance of 1400, and went from one building to a campus of Buildings A, B, and C. In 2008, the renovation of the sanctuary was complete and a rededication was held. We saw God’s faithfulness clearly as the capital campaign came to a close and now we look forward with a strong vision and determination to use our resources for the glory of God.

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