How it all started...
The First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington was organized in 1817. On November 21, 1858 as the result of a spirit of revival it formed a colony church called the Second Presbyterian Church, which began with 14 charter members, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Sprunt (Alexander and Jane Dalziel Sprunt). Mr. and Mrs. Sprunt were both born and raised in Scotland and moved to Wilmington in 1851.
The first building for this church was located on Chestnut Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets and still is in use by the Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church. The Second Presbyterian Church grew to a membership of 38 before April 11, 1862 when it became inactive due to the chaotic conditions of the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemic raging in Wilmington at the time. It was reactivated on January 2, 1872. The second building for that church was located near the corner of Fourth and Campbell Streets.
In June 1888 the congregation decided to build a new main church building on the corner of Fourth and Campbell Streets. This new building was dedicated June 12, 1889 and had carpets donated by Mrs. Alexander Sprunt.
The first building for this church was located on Chestnut Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets and still is in use by the Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church. The Second Presbyterian Church grew to a membership of 38 before April 11, 1862 when it became inactive due to the chaotic conditions of the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemic raging in Wilmington at the time. It was reactivated on January 2, 1872. The second building for that church was located near the corner of Fourth and Campbell Streets.
In June 1888 the congregation decided to build a new main church building on the corner of Fourth and Campbell Streets. This new building was dedicated June 12, 1889 and had carpets donated by Mrs. Alexander Sprunt.
Expanding the vision...
The founding of this church was the result of the foresight and planning of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church which as early as 1902 had discussed the need for a new church in the then eastern part of the city. On December 27, 1911 Colonel Walker Taylor, a Ruling Elder at the First Presbyterian Church, purchased a corner lot at Fifteenth and Market Streets to hold until such a new church might be organized. A second lot to the west of that property was acquired April 4, 1916. On January 6, 1917 the cornerstone of the new church was laid in the presence of members of the Sprunt family and a few friends. Dr. James Sprunt and William H. Sprunt had given the funds to erect what is now the sanctuary, chapel, and parlor including the wonderful stained glass window as a memorial to their parents, Alexander Sprunt and Jane Dalziel Sprunt. The building was complete and furnished in December 1917. The church was organized on January 6, 1918.
Forging new roads...
St. Andrews-Covenant PC(USA) is committed to staying active in our community and inspiring others to love Jesus by staying faithfully present in our community. Our congregation maintains partnerships with community programs like The Freedom School, Communities in Schools, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, Vigilant Hope Coffee Roasters and many others to ensure that our surrounding community is a thriving and inclusive environment for all.
