NRPC Beginnings
In the early 1980’s, Orange Presbytery and the Presbyterian Urban Council of Raleigh recognized the need for a new church development in northwest Raleigh. The Rev. Wilson Gunn was called in July 1982 to serve as evangelist and he began work in September. A Steering Committee of Pastors and Elders from other churches worked with Wilson in developing the church.
From September 1982 until July 1983 worship was held at the Children’s World child care center, on the corner of Ray Road and Strickland Road. A Presbytery Task Force looked for land while the small congregation began to grow. Quickly, the worshipers outgrew the child care center and Lynn Road Elementary School became the second worship site in July 1983.
Charter and Incorporation (1984-85)
On May 20, 1984, North Raleigh Presbyterian Church was chartered with 113 members. The church was incorporated September 27, 1985.
After 5 acres were purchased for a permanent site, the Rev. Tim Bird was called as Pastor. The first service in the new sanctuary, now called the Faith Ministries Building, was in May 1989. In 1999, plans began for a capital campaign to expand our facilities.
Memorial Garden (2011-12)
In 2011, the Session approved moving ahead with two projects that the church had been extensively studying. One was moving ahead with plans for the building of a Memorial Garden next to our sanctuary.
The plans had been on the drawing board since the sanctuary was completed. In early 2011, the funds were appropriated from NRPC’s Building Fund to begin the construction work and the Memorial Garden was completed and dedicated in 2012.
First Board of Deacons Installed (2012)
Based on a congregational study, in 2011 the Session also approved moving ahead with the development of a Board of Deacons at NRPC. The first class of 18 Deacons was nominated and elected in the fall of 2011 and installed in January 2012.
Sanctuary Groundbreaking (2002)
Groundbreaking for the new sanctuary was Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2002. On September 28, 2003, the congregation processed from the old building into our new sanctuary for the first time. Dedication Day for the sanctuary took place on October 5, 2003.
FMB Renovation (2022-23)
Coming out of COVID in 2021 and into 2022, NRPC began to lay groundwork for a major renovation of the Faith Ministries Building. The congregation voted for the plan in early June of 2022 and the renovation was completed in September of 2023. Highlights of the renovation included additional office and conference spaces, updated partitions for flexible space and a major kitchen upgrade.
