About First Presbyterian Church

We are a historic, mission-minded church with Christ-centered, traditional and relevant worship eager to include everyone in our church family.

Mission

Led by the Spirit, we aspire to grow together in faith, connecting to one another and our community, as we serve people in need. Whether you're new to the area or have called Greensboro home for years, we invite you to join us in our journey towards a deeper understanding of God's love and grace.

Our Pastor, The Rev. Meg Jackson Clark, leads us in listening for the Spirit, applying God’s Word to our everyday lives, and following Christ’s example of unconditional love and service. Feel free to reach out to her personally at 706-453-4956 if you have any questions or would like to get involved.

Come, be part of our family, as we worship, learn, and serve together.

History

Since the early gatherings at the Siloam Meetinghouse in 1790, the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro has been a beacon of faith and love. We've built our foundation on the teachings of Christ, embracing the lessons of history to guide us forward. Ours is a living history, continuously seeking to serve God and our community. As we add our prayers and praises to this holy ground, we remain eager to share the love of Christ with all who enter our doors.

The Beginnings

Starting in 1790, Presbyterians gathered in the Siloam Meetinghouse on the waters of Richland Creek. The first records of an organized Presbyterian Church in Greensboro are dated 1820. Our roots deepened when we joined with the Baptists to build the Union Church in 1829.

(1790-1829)

Growth and Challenges

From selling our interest in the Union Church in 1858 to the building of a new handmade brick church in 1859, we've persevered through fires, wars, and reconstruction. The completion of a new building with an iconic steeple and bell marked a new era in 1893.

(1829-1893)

Community and Modernization

With additions like the "manse," the Sunday School building, and key restoration projects, we continue to thrive. Our church building, with its grand steeple and communion set, stands as a testament to our resilience and commitment to our community.

(1920 - Present)

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern the will of God.

Romans 12:2 (NRSV)

Worship Times

What's a Presbyterian?

Being Presbyterian means walking a path paved with Reformed traditions, governed by grace, and driven by a belief in direct communication between the individual and God. Our Presbyterian identity shapes not only how we worship but also how we live, learn, and engage with the world. We invite you to join us as we seek to be transformed by God’s grace. We celebrate our faith as:

Worship Times

Reformed and Always Reforming

Grounded in the teachings of Luther, Calvin, and Knox, Presbyterians believe in God's continuous transformation of the world into a just and loving creation. We accept that we are reformed and always reforming, allowing for diverse opinions within the unity of faith.

Doctrine and Beliefs

Our association with the doctrine of predestination emphasizes that God is the Creator and that life is an unearned gift. Salvation is given, not earned, and God alone knows who will accept or reject this gift.

Governance and Leadership

'Presbyterian' means 'elder,' a term signifying wisdom. Our church is governed by elected Ruling Elders, who form the Session. Both women and men can be ordained as elders, including pastors as Teaching Elders in the PC(USA).

Worship and Sacraments

Our worship includes prayer, music, scripture reading, and the celebration of baptism and the Lord's Supper. We welcome all believers to our communion table and affirm our faith through creeds like the Apostles' Creed.

Community and Mission

As part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we are governed by the Book of Order and guided by the Book of Confessions. We strive to embody Christ's love, welcoming everyone to explore and grow within our church family.