Who We Are

            The early Scottish settlers who found their way to Moore County in the 1700’s followed their old country customs of assembling in someone’s home, a tavern, a school or whatever building was most central for worship on the Lord’s Day.   The lack of an ordained minister never deterred them from the teaching of the catechism and proclaiming their faith through the singing of the old familiar psalms.

            The history of Eureka Church is tied into the history of next-door Farm Life School, which came into being around 1850.   A Sunday school was held at the school building and if a visiting minister were found, church services were also conducted.   Eureka Church derives its name from a Greek exclamation meaning “I have found it”.   The first teacher at Farm Life School, Mr. John Black Ray, selected the name for Eureka.   He felt here was the culmination of a dream for those who were looking and “I have found it” was their answer.  

            Eureka Church was officially organized in 1916.   There were 79 charter members who came from neighboring churches.   Land was deeded for the building of a church in 1923.   The church was built by the members, and was officially dedicated in 1935.   A manse was completed in 1958.   New Sunday school classrooms, a kitchen and activity room and a garage at the manse were begun in 1968.   Homecoming was set for the first Sunday in May.   On homecoming Sunday May 2, 1976 a dedication was held and a note burning ceremony for the $10,000 which was borrowed in order to finish the building projects.   This was a great day in the life of the church.   Much of the work had been done by the people of the congregation and today stands as a monument to the faith and perseverance of those first Scotch settlers who followed the Buffalo trail across the sandhills to Eureka.

            Today a different kind of settler has come the sandhills area.   Whispering Pines, Seven Lakes, Wedgewood and other housing developments in the area have drawn settlers from across the United States.   They have come seeking warmer weather and a place of leisure.   The farms have given way to small tracts of land with single homes.   The Scotch Presbyterians have become a minority group, but the future for Eureka is bright.   Newcomers and neighbors alike are welcomed to the Table of the Lord at Eureka.  It is our hope that they can also say:   “Eureka – I have found it.”

            Our mission statement reflects the welcoming spirit and Christian heritage in evidence at our church:   “Eureka Presbyterian Church is a community of people known by their convictions and beliefs in salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ as our only savior and Lord, witnessing in word and sacrament that God is our creator, loves us, forgives our sins, gives us new life, has a divine plan and is with us in all things.   We are dedicated to proclaiming this good news by sharing our faith in Jesus and His saving grace within and beyond the church,”