Davidson Presbyterian Church's sanctuary (right) is about 70 years old, and its fellowship hall dates from the 1960s. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Davidson Presbyterian Church and the town planning staff will host a two-day public workshop this week to begin planning for construction of a new $1 million building for the 117-year-old congregation.

The historically African-American church has applied to the town for conditional zoning approval of a new master plan for the site. Its current sanctuary was built in the 1940s, and a second education building and fellowship hall was built in 1962. Church leaders say it’s time to replace the aging structures.

Rev. Darrell Van Pelt

“We’ve talked about this for years,” said the Rev. Darrell Van Pelt, the church’s pastor. “We’ve invested so much money just keeping the two buildings up. We realized we need a new facility.”

Davidson Presbyterian Church was founded in 1894 as Davidson College Colored Presbyterian Church. It changed its name to Davidson United Presbyterian Church in 1934 and is now known as Davidson Presbyterian Church.

Ruby Houston

Church member and neighborhood resident Ruby Houston said the church has been holding meetings about the idea for the past couple of years and now is working with a consultant. Current plans call for constructing a modern church on the existing site, which is behind Sadler Square shopping center on Griffith Street.

The Rev. Van Pelt said the church is still in the planning stages for a capital campaign that would raise about $1 million. Ms. Houston said whenever that campaign begins, the church will need help from beyond the congregation.

“Our best hope is to reach out the larger community,” she said. “We’re not a congregation that can just write checks and tithe.”

FEB. 17 PLANNING WORKSHOP

Davidson Presbyterian has submitted a request to rezone the site under a conditional master plan. The town’s planning process allows public involvement, beginning with an initial planning workshop.

That public workshop is scheduled on Thursday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 19, at the church (214 Depot St.) to seek public input and begin developing a site plan for the new building.

The schedule includes a site visit at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, followed by a day of stakeholder interviews that wraps up at 5 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a public question-and-answer session and design studio is planned.

Questions about the meeting or the plan may be directed to the church, 704-892-4313, or Davidson Planning Manager Lauren Blackburn, 704-892-7592, or by email at lblackburn@ci.davidson.nc.us.

RELATED LINKS

Davidson Presbyterian Church website.

Davidson Presbyterian Church letter to neighbors about the upcoming planning workshop. (PDF)