First Presbyterian Church of Morganton: Still “Lifting High the Cross”

Editor’s note: This is the last in a two-part series about First Presbyterian Church of Morganton.

Longtime Morgantonian, Edward Phifer, is enthusiastic about First Presbyterian.

“I love my church,” he says, “I’ve been attending and participating for 80 years. After benefitting from multiple children and youth activities, my involvement included singing in the choir, serving as deacon and on minister search committees to name just a few areas, but mainly I love my fellow members and the ‘litany’ of fine ministers who have served our church over those years.”

THE PRESENT SANCTUARY

Groundbreaking for the present sanctuary was begun in 1963, and the first worship service was held in the new sanctuary on March 14, 1965. The principal figure in the construction of the “new church” was T. Henry Wilson, one of the founders of Henredon Furniture Company. Mr. Wilson and his wife, Dell Bernhardt Wilson, who began the first guidance program in the Burke County school system, were active members of both First Presbyterian and the larger community.

My source for historical references, Jimmy Ervin, explains, “In addition to playing a critical role in raising the funds used to build the ‘new church,’ Mr. Wilson, as I understand it, was instrumental in designing the chapel, selecting the organ, and choosing the woods used throughout the structure. Unfortunately, Mr. Wilson died only two years after the dedication of the sanctuary, so he did not live to see the uses made of the current facilities in after years.”

A HOST OF CHURCH AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

Former Justice Ervin, himself a notable FPC member for his variety and years of service to his church, community, and state, mentions this very limited sampling of important people in the history and life of First Presbyterian, continued from last week’s column. He is apologetic about mentioning members of his own family, and the list of Ervins is by no means complete, but we both agreed they deserved to be included.

Catherine Ellerbe Ervin — Early teacher at the Burkemont Mission School; instrumental in the founding of the Community House and Morganton Public Library; and the author of a history of women’s work at First Presbyterian.

Sam J. Ervin, III — A member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, a Superior Court Judge, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and a long-time member of the Davidson College Board of Trustees.

Elizabeth C. Ervin — A member of the Morganton Board of Education who participated in the desegregation of the city schools, a long-time teacher in the Burke County schools, the president of many local organizations (including what is now Amorem), and a member of the Board of Trustees of UNC-G and Davidson College.

Carey Gregory (1912-1919 and 1922-1943) — the longest-serving pastor in the history of the church who organized Burke County’s first Boy Scout troop, helped establish the Morganton Public Library, and presided over the church during a period of substantial growth.

Beth Ann Miller (1983-1989) — The first woman to serve as associate pastor at First Presbyterian before serving as pastor at Quaker Meadows and First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir (PCUSA).

Sue Virginia Tate — Active in operation and continuation of the Burkemont Mission School, which facilitated educational opportunities for children in the South Mountains.

John D. Smith (1955-1971) — Pastor who led the movement for the construction of the current church facility and actively participated in efforts to improve relations between the White and African American populations of Morganton.

This should, in no way, be considered a complete list of FPC members who have made important contributions to their church and this community. We apologize for anyone left off the list.

CURRENT MINISTRIES AND ACTIVITIES

The Reverend Dr. John Hagmann has been Senior Pastor/Head of Staff since March 2019. He offers the following as a sample of the vibrant ministries, partnerships, and community involvement of First Presbyterian Church in the present.

“Over the past year, FPC Morganton raised funds to assist those in need and utilized its extensive church facilities by hosting community organizations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Salvation Army Food Pantry and the Blue Ridge Action Recovery preschool found temporary homes on our campus while they refurbished or relocated.

Along with our sister church, Waldensian Presbyterian (Valdese), FPC is proud to be a distribution site for the Marine Corps League’s annual Toys for Tots giveaway. FPC is a congregation that cares deeply about our community. Presbyterians are often found volunteering in local food pantries and shelters, as well as serving in leadership roles in United Way and on local boards of directors of other community service organizations. We are proud to partner with Burke United Christian Ministries, host the Mobile Food Pantry, and make significant contributions to the Souper Bowl of Caring food drive each year (often winning the contest among several church youth groups). FPC is renewing its partnership with Habitat for Humanity this fall.”

To help the less fortunate, FPC creates “Buddy Packs” each season — bags filled with non-perishable food and useful items for the unhoused that anyone can easily distribute. FPC regularly sponsors several men at the House of Refuge shelter. Financially, FPC supports numerous nonprofit ministries in Morganton, Burke County, and beyond with annual grants and also provides scholarships for high school and college students. Each year, FPC Morganton donates its entire Christmas Eve offering to a charitable institution or cause.

The church recently partnered with personal trainer Beth Pritchard to offer low-cost exercise classes focused on balance, longevity, and improved quality of life for our seniors. Class offerings have expanded to include Tai Chi, with other forms of training in discussion that may appeal to a larger demographic. Presbyterians gather at Carbon City Park on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. to play pickleball. Anyone is welcome to join.

RICH HERITAGE, HOPEFUL FUTURE

Rev. Hagmann concluded, “We are incredibly proud of the rich heritage of First Presbyterian Church. God’s goodness and provision in the past gives us hope and a sincere prayer that FPC might continue meaningful participation in God’s work in and through our community for generations to come.”