Preserving and celebrating the history of Presbyterianism in North Carolina since 1964 through research, scholarship, and heritage preservation.
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.
The Fall 2026 Newsletter is now available, with details on the Saturday, October 10 Fall Meeting at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines and the tours of Old Bethesda and Faith Presbyterian Churches in Aberdeen.
Inside this issue:
Join us Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Southern Pines at the Brownson Presbyterian Church location for the North Carolina Presbyterian Historical Society Fall Meeting. A newsletter with additional details will follow in a week.
Bethesda P.C. started as the Church at the Head of the Rockfish (Creek) and was formally recognized in 1788. Old Bethesda was built before the Civil War and is now used for special occasions; it has a magnificent cemetery.
The North Carolina Presbyterian Historical Society mourns the passing of Charles Latimer, who served as Treasurer of the Society for fifteen years until the early 2000s. Charles also wrote a history of White Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1996.
Read the full obituary at Legacy.com
Cary, North Carolina — Preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Louise.
Charles is survived by sons Keith, Kevin and wife Caron; sister Joanne, her children, Jim, Nancy, Dianne, Beverly; niece Susan, husband Bob, their children Bill and Jill; nephew David; Charles’ present wife JoAnne Kistler, her daughters Barbara, Janice, Mary Bea, plus 13 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.
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.
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.
The meeting will feature two Revolutionary War reenactors who will bring history to life:
