History

The first settler to come into the Swannanoa Valley in 1780 was Samuel Davidson, a devout Scotch Irish Presbyterian. The first Presbyterian family to come into the eastern end of the valley was that of James McNair, in 1875. Because there was no church in Black Mountain, they worshiped at the Piney Grove church in Swannanoa. Piney Grove was the original name of the former First Presbyterian Church in Swannanoa.

Establishing Black MOuntain Presbyterian

By 1908 there were thirteen Presbyterian family members in Black Mountain, and this brave band decided to organize a church. In April 1908, under the leadership of Dr. R. P. Smith, they met at Mrs. Silas Dougherty’s home to petition the Asheville Presbytery to organize a church. On May 17, 1908, meeting at the old Methodist Church, the church was formally organized by Dr. R. P. Smith of the Asheville Presbytery.

In 1910 a lot was purchased on Montreat Road for $200. In 1913 the church, consisting of only the Sanctuary, was erected by C. C. Dougherty and W. C. Greene for $1,450. These men gave much of their labor. The building was dedicated on April 1, 1914. For these first six years they had only supply preachers.

Our First Hundred Years in Words and Pictures

To purchase a complete electronic copy of A Centennial History: Our First Hundred Years in Words and Pictures for $8.00, click here. You will receive a confirmation email for your payment, and within 24 hours, another email with a link to download the book.