200+ years and counting...

The Presbyterian Church traces its beginnings back to the work of reformer John Calvin (1509-1564) in Geneva, Switzerland and to John Knox (1514-1572) of Scotland, Many early immigrants brought the Reformed Faith to eastern North Carolina from Scotland, Switzerland and the German Palatinate. 

In New Bern, the First Presbyterian Church formed in 1817 with 13 founding members. John Knox Witherspoon, grandson of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was the organizing Minister. The current Sanctuary was constructed in 1819-21, and dedicated on January 6, 1822. During the Civil War, the Sanctuary was occupied as a Union hospital. First Presbyterian Church has benefited form the leadership of several long-tenured pastors.
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The Rev. L.C. Vass was Minister following the Civil War until 1890. He wrote a detailed history of the church. In the 20th century, Rev. J. Murphy Smith served the church for 28 years, form 1951-1979. Rev. Smith continued writing the church's history through 1987. Both writings are combined in one volume, available in the church library. There is an active Church History Committee. The Donald Taylor History Room is located in the Session House for those who wish to learn more. The church is listed on the National Historic Register. 

First Presbyterian Church of New Bern is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.SA.) denomination. Headquartered in Louisville, KY, there are approximately 1.3 million denomination members nationwide. The Constitution of the PCUSA is comprised of the Book of Confessions and the Book of Order. The church is representative in its form of government, with each congregation electing its own Elders and calling its own clergy. National government decisions are made at bi-annual General Assembly meetings. In Eastern NC, the Presbytery of New Hope is made up of 113 PCUSA churches. Presbytery offices are located in Raleigh. 

First Presbyterian Church offers extensive program opportunities for children, youth, adults and seniors. Visitors and members are invited to participate in all aspects of church life.