First United Presbyterian Church, Charlotte
The First United Presbyterian Church in Charlotte holds historical and cultural significance on two fronts. Firstly, it stands as one of the city's older Gothic Revival churches, showcasing its architectural heritage. Secondly, it plays a pivotal role in the history of the black community in Charlotte.
Following the Civil War, as black people in the South sought to establish their identity in a society marked by discrimination and limited opportunities, they began creating their own institutions. Churches became crucial in nurturing skills and fostering community bonds.
In 1873, the Charlotte Colored Presbyterian Church acquired land at East Seventh and North College Streets. In 1876, they secured a loan for $800 from the Church Erection Fund. Once their new facility at East Seventh and North College Streets was ready, the congregation renamed itself the Seventh Street Presbyterian Church in 1877.
The current church building, constructed in 1894, was funded with a $1000 loan secured in 1896. Members themselves built the structure, working in the evenings and on weekends. The church merged with Brooklyn Presbyterian Church in 1968, forming the First United Presbyterian Church, which still occupies the historic building on the corner of North College and Seventh Streets.
Throughout its history, this church was closely linked to the early history of Biddle Memorial Institute, later Johnson C Smith University. Stephen Mattoon, a minister at the church, even served as the president of Biddle Institute, further illustrating its enduring legacy in Charlotte's black community's development.
Following the Civil War, as black people in the South sought to establish their identity in a society marked by discrimination and limited opportunities, they began creating their own institutions. Churches became crucial in nurturing skills and fostering community bonds.
In 1873, the Charlotte Colored Presbyterian Church acquired land at East Seventh and North College Streets. In 1876, they secured a loan for $800 from the Church Erection Fund. Once their new facility at East Seventh and North College Streets was ready, the congregation renamed itself the Seventh Street Presbyterian Church in 1877.
The current church building, constructed in 1894, was funded with a $1000 loan secured in 1896. Members themselves built the structure, working in the evenings and on weekends. The church merged with Brooklyn Presbyterian Church in 1968, forming the First United Presbyterian Church, which still occupies the historic building on the corner of North College and Seventh Streets.
Throughout its history, this church was closely linked to the early history of Biddle Memorial Institute, later Johnson C Smith University. Stephen Mattoon, a minister at the church, even served as the president of Biddle Institute, further illustrating its enduring legacy in Charlotte's black community's development.
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First United Presbyterian Church on Map
Sight Name: First United Presbyterian Church
Sight Location: Charlotte, USA (See walking tours in Charlotte)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Charlotte, USA (See walking tours in Charlotte)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Charlotte, North Carolina
Create Your Own Walk in Charlotte
Creating your own self-guided walk in Charlotte is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Charlotte Introduction Walking Tour
The city of Charlotte was settled by Europeans from Northern Ireland around 1755. Its namesake was Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III and Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. It was from this name that Charlotte earned its nickname "The Queen City."
Another nickname of Charlotte is "The Hornet's Nest," which originated during the American... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical Churches
Charlotte, North Carolina, is home to a variety of religious sites, representing a range of religious denominations. The city's historical churches date mostly to the first half of the 19th century and stand as both spiritual sanctuaries and architectural landmarks.
One of the notable places of worship in Charlotte is Saint Peter's Catholic Church. Founded in 1851, it boasts a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Charlotte's Historical Buildings Tour
Downtown Charlotte or Uptown (as it is colloquially called by locals) is home to a number of historic structures that remind people what the city once looked like. Fourth Ward, Charlotte's oldest surviving downtown residential district filled with flowering plants, shrubs, evergreens, and tall deciduous trees, is long known for its well-preserved Victorian-era heritage.
Among its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Among its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles