About our church: Our heritage
Davidson College Presbyterian Church began in 1837, the same year as the founding of Davidson College. For over a century and a half, the church and the college have been linked in partnership. Davidson College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Davidson College Presbyterian Church has been the spiritual home to many of the college’s presidents, faculty, staff and students, as well as to the community of Davidson and surrounding areas.
For the first fifty years of its existence, the church held services in the college chapel, with the college president serving as ex-officio pastor. In 1885, the congregation moved to a building on the site of the present day church and, shortly thereafter, called their first full-time pastor. Because of continued growth, the sanctuary was enlarged in both 1904 and 1923.
The present church was constructed in 1950-51. The New Beginning Program in 1990 brought about a much-needed expansion and renovation of the building. In 2006, the Congregation House was built as a result of the With Hearts, Hands, and Voices campaign.
Davidson and its surrounding areas have experienced tremendous growth over the past few decades, and today, with a congregation of approximately 1,300 members, the church is among the twenty largest Presbyterian congregations in North Carolina. While still maintaining close ties with the college, our congregation is a diverse population of students, retirees, and families who live in nearby communities but who work throughout the greater Charlotte area.
Who we are
· A witness for Jesus Christ at the intersection of campus and community.
· A growing congregation in transition from its rich history to its promising future.
· Well-meaning but sinful people forgiven by God’s grace; young and old, newcomers and long-time members; students and faculty, employed and retired, single and married, fellow pilgrims on the journey of Christian discipleship.
· Reformed in theology, traditional in worship, contemporary in message, varied in viewpoint, progressive in ministries of social compassion and justice, united by our one Lord.
· People who value:
· A rich diversity of Christian Education opportunities to draw us closer to Christ in intellectual knowledge, heartfelt experience, and hands-on service.
· Worship that reflect the centrality of preaching and includes fine music and the great hymns of faith.
· The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as regular acts of community celebration.
· Our connections with Davidson College, the mission program of our denomination, and other local and global mission partnerships.
· Openness to the gifts for discipleship and leadership that the Holy Spirit gives to all believers.
· Supportive care and nurture for all ages, shared in the fellowship of the community of believers.
