Untitled Document

A Brief History

     The University of North Carolina opened its doors to students in Chapel Hill in the fall of 1795. The first president and most of its early faculty were Presbyterian Ministers. The first Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill was organized by Orange Presbytery in 1845. Prior to that time, however, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Episcopalians maintained a Union Church with a building on the property now occupied by University Presbyterian Church.
     It is clear, then, that Presbyterians have from the beginning played an active role within this university. For many years, this Presbyterian presence was represented by the pastors and congregation of the University Presbyterian Church, which until 1967 was called "The Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church." This church has generally been conscious of itself as having a campus mission, and has for most of its history included many faculty members and students in it, its membership and leadership. Its aim has been that of proclaiming the gospel in terms relevant to those living in a university community.
     During the 1930's and '40's, funds specifically for a campus ministry were received from the synod and presbytery. In 1953 a covenant of support and accountability was established between Synod of North Carolina and the Session of University (then Chapel Hill) Presbyterian Church, and the first full time campus minister was called. Working closely with the pastor and the congregation of University Presbyterian Church, that first Presbyterian Campus Minister in Chapel Hill led in the formation of a campus ministry program that was viewed by many around the nation as a model.
     In 1956 the synod and the congregation of University Church agreed to work together for the provision of buildings that would be needed for the present and future Presbyterian mission in Chapel Hill. These joint efforts were made more difficult - but not defeated - by a destructive church fire in 1958. In the fall of 1959 the Presbyterian Student Center and Education Building were dedicated. A new sanctuary, planned for inclusion of students into worship, was completed in 1962.
     The Presbyterian Student Center, held in trust by University Presbyterian Church for Campus Ministry under guidelines from the Synod of North Carolina (and its successors), has provided a place for student gatherings, worship, forums, study groups, prayer and fellowship - as well as offices for the campus minister.
     In recent years, with a growth of Presbyterianism in this area, the local support and supervision of campus ministry have been broadened to include the Church of Reconciliation, Triangle Presbyterian Church, New Hope Presbyterian Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.
     The aim of the Presbyterian Ministry on this campus has been and continues to be that of proclaiming the Gospel and enabling Christians to respond faithfully in this crucial and exciting environment.

"Open Minded, Open Hearted"

The Presbyterian Church (USA)

That call, that claim is at the core of the campus ministry done in New Hope Presbytery. With open minds and with open hearts we invite you to join us in this journey of Christian discipleship. We invite you to go the distance with us. With open minds and with open hearts, we welcome you to explore ideas and to act on what you believe. Along the way you will learn to better articulate your beliefs. You will grow in your understanding of God's love. You will come to see what gifts you can share with others and our world. In the company of others you will find wisdom that goes beyond the learning of facts. The wisdom needed to carry you into the rigors of life beyond the campus.

Campus Ministry- the oldest continuous ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA). A wondrous tradition of being open minded and open hearted with those who place themselves at one of the most time-honored cutting edges of our society, namely the college and university.

We hope you will join us in this ministry!