The First Presbyterian Church of Henderson, North Carolina was organized by a commission from Orange Presbytery on Sunday, August 29, 1868. The congregation has been part of four presbyteries: Orange, Albemarle, formed in 1889 from Orange Presbytery, Granville, formed from Orange and Albemarle in 1923, and once more, Orange when Granville and Orange Presbyteries were merged in 1972.

The first building housing the congregation was a small wooden structure located on William Street near the intersection of Spring Street. In 1878 a second church building was erected on Breckenridge Street between Wyche Street and Chestnut Street. Since there was no courthouse in Henderson at this time, courts were often held in this building. A brick church was built on our present site in 1881 with a Sunday School Assembly Room added in 1900. In 1929 this building was torn down and the present sanctuary with attached Sunday school rooms was constructed. An educational building was added to this structure in 1960.

"Servants in Christ" is a clear statement of First Presbyterian's purpose and mission. The church has always been a forerunner in ministering to the people of Henderson and Vance County. For well over a decade the church has provided the needy with clothing through its all-volunteer clothing closet. In 1982 the church was the driving force behind establishing Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS), a cooperative venture by the church to try and alleviate the suffering of those unable to be helped by the various government agencies or existing private sources.

As has been the case throughout history, First Presbyterian Church seeks to renew the spirit of God's people whenever and where ever it is able to do so.