THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY

This page celebrates the past and the present of Third Presbyterian Church. This church's beginning was in 1890 and has served the Charlotte community under its current name. It was also known as Graham Street Church and Tenth Avenue Church, and merged with St. Paul Presbyterian Church.

Over a half century ago, after a fire destroyed the Tenth Avenue Church, the congregation moved to our current location. This move also was one of the triggers for a name change, which was approved by the Mecklenburg Presbytery on April 16, 1957. Third Presbyterian Church was picked because, when the Graham Street Church was organized in 1890, there were only two Presbyterian churches in Charlotte: First Presbyterian Church (1832), and Second Presbyterian Church (1873 - which later became Covenant Presbyterian Church).

The 41/2 half acre plot of ground on Central Avenue was purchased for $21,400. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on April 26, 1956 for the first two buildings planned for the property. A dedication service was held December 15, 1956, for the Education Building, and the Fellowship Hall, which would be used for the worship services until the Sanctuary could be built. 23, 1969.

The building program for the sanctuary and enlargement of the Education Building and office space was begun with the successful $300,000 bond campaign, which kicked off on April 22, 1967. The first service was held in the Sanctuary on March 2, 1969.

On August 2, 1970, Third Presbyterian Church and St. Paul Presbyterian Church officially merged and the name Third Presbyterian Church was retained.

Another building program was committed to for a new Fellowship Hall and kitchen and to add classrooms and rest rooms on the second floor of the Education Wing. Groundbreaking was held on May 22, 1983 (Homecoming Day,) for these improvements and a dedication of the new facilities was held October 12, 1983.

We praise God for our colorful and rich history and we celebrate that the Spirit leads us continually into the future.

ST. PAUL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY

1889 - This church was organized as Sunday School by an elder of Second Presbyterian Church, at Alpha Mill on East 12th Street. It was later located on North Caldwell Street, and known as Phifer Chapel.

1906 - Phifer Chapel changed its name to Eastside Chapel, located on corner of Caldwell and Twelfth Street. Name was soon thereafter changed to St. Paul Presbyterian Church.

1922 - This church moved to North Davidson and East Twelfth Street.

1943 - This church moved again to Clarice and Westmoreland.

1951 - This church moved once again to McClintock and Westover.

1970 - Third Presbyterian Church and St. Paul Presbyterian Church officially merged and the name Third Presbyterian Church was retained.

Tenth Avenue Presbyterian Church

1883 - The women members of Second Presbyterian Church formed a Sunday School at Charlotte Cotton Mill, which developed into Graham Street Chapel, largely sustained by Second Presbyterian Church.

1889 - Graham Street Chapel became an organized church, and in 1901 erected a new building at Pine and Tenth Street and changed name to Tenth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

1956 - The sanctuary was destroyed by fire.

1956 - Decision was made to move the congregation to the property at Central Avenue & Sheridan Drive. Here the church name was changed to Third Presbyterian Churc with its first service held in the fellowship hall in 1956.

1969 - A dedication service was held for a new sanctuary, enlarged educational facilities and office space.

1970 - Third Presbyterian Church and St. Paul Presbyterian Church officially merged and the name Third Presbyterian Church was retained.

1983 - A new fellowship hall, kitchen, classrooms and restrooms were constructed.