First Presbyterian Church has been a presence on Waynesville’s Main Street since 1882. Organized on November 27, 1875, through the desire of a group of devoted Presbyterians seeking a place of worship and assisted by Evangelistic Presbyterian from Charlotte, it came into being. The eight original members were: James Parks, Jeremiah Ratcliff, Ruth Owenby, Harriet Frances, Helen Brown, Mrs. E.M. Wallace, Capt. and Mrs. Julius Allison.
Until 1882, the congregation met in the old Methodist Church on “Cemetary Hill”. With a gift of a lot in 1880 from Col. R.G.A. Love, the members were able to build a small structure. This was later moved, allowing a larger masonry structure to be erected on the site in 1907. Many interior changes took place as dictated by the needs of the growing congregation. Such changes included a full basement dug out by the men of the church, installation of organ pipes, and enlargement of the sanctuary by removal of a dividing wall. In 1988, a long awaited and much needed two-story educational building was added. The distinctive architecture and terra-cotta roofing of the original building were preserved in the new addition.
There have been 25 pastors and nine intermim pastors serving during 133 years. The governance of the church, formerly by elected Deacons and Elders, is now handled by a Session of nine elected Elders.
