First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh, Raleigh

The First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh, located at the corner of Morgan and Salisbury Streets in downtown Raleigh, stands as a historic and influential institution in the community. Established on January 21, 1816, during a meeting of Presbyterians at the North Carolina State House, it has since played a significant role in the spiritual and civic life of the city.

In 1818, the congregation built its first brick meeting house in a colonial design at its current location on the southwest corner of Salisbury and Morgan Streets, adjacent to Capitol Square. This original structure, used for nearly 80 years, was not only a place of worship but also served as the site for the 1835 State Constitutional Convention and as the temporary home of the North Carolina Supreme Court after the original State Capitol was destroyed by fire in 1831.

In 1900, the congregation replaced the original meeting house with a new sanctuary, constructed in the Romanesque Revival style. The project began under architect A.G. Bauer, who had to withdraw due to health issues. Architects Charles E. Cassell and Charles Pearson took over, completing a design that has since become an architectural landmark in the area. The sanctuary was extensively remodeled twice—in 1955 and 2012—preserving its historic character while accommodating modern needs.

Today, the First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh remains committed to its mission of “Serving Christ from the Heart of the City to the Ends of the Earth with Love, Faith, and Action,” continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of faith and community in downtown Raleigh.