History
The Harrisburg Presbyterian Church is a part of the Presbyterian Church, USA. It was organized on July 21, 1903, by a commission of Concord Presbytery. For several years prior to this, pastors of the Rocky River Church conducted services in Harrisburg. Area residents saw the need for a church nearby where services could be held every Sunday. The first congregational meeting was held on August 8, 1903, and it was at this meeting that the first officers were elected.
The members soon appointed a Building Committee and began raising funds for a church building. The first building was erected at a cost of $275.50. The first service was conducted in the new building on March 13, 1904. In 1909, the Ladies Aid and Missionary Society of Harrisburg Presbyterian was formed. It is now referred to as The Presbyterian Women.
In the early years, the church was served by ministers of the Rocky River Church. In 1931, the congregation called its first full-time pastor, the Rev. Frederick Noyes Wilson, who served until 1939. Soon after he came, the congregation built a large and attractive manse for the Wilsons. It was named “The Wilson House” in their honor. Sunday school classes met in the Sanctuary from 1939-1946.
From 1947-1953, the church adopted the system of rotating officers, organized the Men of the Church, and began the church library. It was during this time that the congregation began plans for a new church and educational building. The new facility was completed in 1952 at a cost of $95,000. In the years 1953-1961, a church paper, “The Herald”, was started, the first choir director was hired, and Junior High and Senior High Youth Fellowships were organized. In 1976 to 1978, the congregation purchased a new manse and began sponsorship of a Child Development Center. The 75th Anniversary was observed in 1978 and the church began broadcasting the worship service once per month. A fellowship building was constructed in 1982 and has been extensively used for various church activities. The Wilson House became the new home for the Scouts, Mother’s Morning Out, and after school programs.
Recently building a new Family Life Center that includes the Child Development Center and a Gymnasium, the Harrisburg Presbyterian Church continues to grow in one of the fastest growing communities in North Carolina.
Who are we Presbyterians?
As far back as 1837, the General Assembly declared that the church, by its very nature, is a missionary society whose purpose is to share the love of God in Jesus Christ in word and deed and with the entire world. Witnessing to the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world, Presbyterians engage in mission activities, seek to alleviate hunger, foster self-development, respond to disasters, support mission works, preach the gospel, heal the sick, and educate new generations for the future. In partnership with more than 150 churches and Christian organizations around the world, the missionary efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) involve approximately 1,000 volunteers and compensated personnel.
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian Church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.
Joining the Church
Harrisburg Presbyterian Church welcomes all candidates for membership. If you are interested in joining the church, you may indicate this on the Friendship Pad located on the Sanctuary pews. You also may contact the Pastor following the service, through the Church Office, or through the Contact Us page.
Whether you already are a member of the Presbyterian denomination, are coming from another denomination, or are new to church life altogether – you are warmly invited to become a part of the Harrisburg Presbyterian Church family of faith!
Service Times
Sunday School 9:45 AM
Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
Directions
Located north of Charlotte on HWY 49, (Link to Yahoo Maps in Window?) just minutes north of University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC) at the corner of Robinson Church Road and Highway 49.
Harrisburg Presbyterian Church
4815 Hwy. 49 S
P.O. Box 310 • Harrisburg, NC 28075
Church Office: (704) 455-2491 • Fax: (704) 455-6829
E-mail: info@harrisburgpc.org
Child Development Center Office: (704) 455-5800
Staff
