Southport Presbyterian Church History

Southport Presbyterian Church was organized May 20, 1898, by the Wilmington Presbytery with W.M. Shaw, the evangelist for Brunswick County, serving as pastor.  Seven charter members of the congregation included Mrs. L.J. Pepper, Mrs. A. M. Vernon, and Price Furpless who was elected Ruling Elder, an office he held until 1956.

            Worship services were held in members’ homes, usually Mrs. Pepper’s at 304 W. Moore Street, until the first sanctuary was completed in 1903.  The church, of frame construction with seating for 75, was built near the southwest corner of Caswell Avenue and W. West Street, after some consideration was given to building in Franklin Square.  As with our new sanctuary worshippers entered through the bell tower.

            In 1953 with a congregation of 130, the membership started investigating the possibility of building a new church.  Once again Franklin Square was considered.  In 1955 Mr. and Mrs. James M. Harper donated property on the corner of Moore Street and Stuart Avenue and the congregation voted to build at this location.  A Building Committee was established and the architect designed a structure of modern style consisting of an education building with a sanctuary directly in front of it facing Moore Street.  Only the education building, which also served as the sanctuary, was built and dedicated in 1958.

            In 1972 the congregation voted to build a new sanctuary which would permit the education building to be used only for the purposes for which it was designed.  The Session and Building Committee commissioned the architect to design and supervise the construction of a sanctuary that would complete the church plan with a modern brick structure.  After many delays the sanctuary was completed and dedicated December 14, 1975.

            In 1998, recognizing the emerging growth in the North Carolina coastal region the Session decided to develop a long-range development plan and met with an architect, the first step in the process leading to where we are today. Starting in 1999 committees have been formed to work with the congregation and to examine priorities and options and the needs and desires of the membership. The Plans and Program Committee recommended direction for the development of additional new physical facilities; the Architect Search Committee recommended a qualified architect; the Master Plan Committee recommended a phased project including a new sanctuary, fellowship hall and kitchen, and renovation of the education building. 

             The Building Committee established in 2003 has worked closely with the architect, contractor, and 158-member congregation to execute Phase I of the recommended plan, building the sanctuary.  On March 13, 2005, a groundbreaking celebration was held and construction began in June.  The first service in the new sanctuary was held February 26, 2006.  On April 30, 2006 it was with thanks to God and with joy that we dedicated the building in God's name.

            Our thanks and appreciation go out to all the people who have worked tirelessly and diligently, who have given freely of their time and   talents, to make this vision of a new sanctuary a reality, a place to worship God and to celebrate God’s blessings.