First Presbyterian Church of Mount Airy
336-786-2803
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​A Brief History of FPCMA

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As early as 1848, a small number of Presbyterians living in Mount Airy made attempts to organize a church in this small foothills village. After several attempts to form a church, it was not until June 6, 1858 that First Presbyterian became the second church to be organized in Mount Airy.

There were seven charter members of the new church. The group met in schools and the Methodist church until enough funds were donated to start a church building in the winter of 1872. It was completed in the spring of 1873 on a lot donated by Robert S. Gilmer, where the church now stands. The funds had been raised earlier, but construction was delayed by the Civil War and Reconstruction. Mr. Gilmer, one of the founders, served as the only elder of the church for 14 years after the organization of the church. In 1902, Mount Airy Presbyterian Church helped organize a mission Sunday School in Flat Rock that grew into Flat Rock Presbyterian Church. 

The original church building was a plain frame building. To early members, the church was a wonderful sight with its flowered carpets, pine ceiling, ruffled curtains and horsehair pulpit furniture. The pews were straight, uncomfortable and unattractive. A church bell was hung in the corner of the church in 1878 and a bell tower was added to the front of the church in 1887.  

The granite church that stands today was started in 1907 and completed in 1914.  

First Presbyterian Church of Mount Airy has always been the recipient of gifts from members of the church, sufficient to meet the needs of the congregation.  
  • The Robert S. Gilmer family, four of the charter members of the church, donated the land for the first building.
  • The church bell was donated and originally hung in Mrs. Gilmer’s stable near the church.
  • The first communion service was given by Lizzie A Gilmer. Part of this service, the baptismal font, continues to be in use today.
  • Women of the church held suppers to raise money for the foundation and roof of the granite building in 1907.  
  • The current  pews were donated by Mrs. R. J. Reynolds.
  • The communion table was donated by Mrs. W. E. Merritt.
  • The Celtic Cross was donated in 1968 in honor of C. B. Naylor.
  • In 1951 the church dedicated a new educational addition and in 1990, a new fellowship hall and Sunday school addition was added.
  • The Koinonia Room (in the original New Testament Greek meaning “fellowship”) was renovated in 1997-98, next to the sanctuary and almost doubled the worship area. New stained glass windows in the Koinonia Room and the hallway were added to beautify the worship area.
  • In 2013, the Columbarium was added and the court yard renovated. 
​These major additions and renovations were made possible by successful capital campaigns and donations.

For over 150 years, First Presbyterian Church of Mount Airy has been a witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ in Mount Airy and the larger world. We continue to trust God to guide us in the years and decades ahead.

Ministers of the Church

William N. Mebane
Charles M. Payne
John Monroe Anderson
Benjamin Watkins Smith
Egbert Watson Smith
W. C. Alexander
J. Earnest Thacker
Benjamin Watkins Smith
John A. Gilmer
Tipton Clinton Bales
Zebulon Vance Roberson
James C. Grier
J. N. McFall
James B. Ficklin, III
Davis S. McCarthy
Thomas B. Bagnal, Jr.
Paul Austin Layton
David C. Kennedy
Paul N. Ridolfi
Robert C. Bruce
Stephen B. Lindsley
1848-1858
1872-1873
1876
1881-1882
1887-1890
1892-1894
1897
1902-1906
1907-1913
1914-1918
1919-1923
1925-1927
1928-1938
1938-1948
1947-1965
1966-1970
1971-1977
1977-1982
1983-1998
2000-2001
​2003-2013
Picture of Zebulon Vance Roberson (1919 - 1923)
Zebulon Vance Roberson (1919 - 1923)
Picture of Thomas B. Bagnal, Jr. (1966-1970)
Thomas B. Bagnal, Jr. (1966-1970)
First Presbyterian Church of Mount Airy

CONNECT WITH US
Physical Address: 326 S. Main St.
Mailing Address: PO Box 1286
Mt. Airy, NC 27030

​Phone: (336) 786-2803 
Email: office@fpcma.com
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