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 Our History  

A BRIEF HISTORY OF HUDSON MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

  • In June 1, 1956, the Presbyterian Urban Council of Raleigh (PCUR) paid $10,000 for five acres of land on Six Forks Road, five miles from downtown Raleigh, for a Presbyterian church.

 

  • On January 13, 1957, the first meeting was held for those interested in starting a Presbyterian church. Services and Sunday School were held at Millbrook and Albert Root Schools.

 

  • On October 1, 1957, Frank Lemmon began his ministry as the first pastor.

 

  • On October 27, 1957, Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church was born with sixty Charter Members, named by the members to honor Karl G. Hudson, Sr., for his generous contributions to this and many other Presbyterian churches throughout North Carolina.

 

  • The cornerstone of the first building was laid on June 14, 1959. On that cornerstone it reads, “To know Christ and to make Christ known.”

 

  • In October 1962, $93,000 was pledged to build a sanctuary. Ground was broken in August 1963, and in August 1964, the Sanctuary was dedicated to God.

 

 

  • Hudson Memorial Preschool began at Hudson in 1967 and continues to serve children from all parts Raleigh. It has provided early childhood education for over 10,000 children in almost 50 years.

 

  • Bob Fields was called to be the 2nd installed pastor at Hudson in 1972.

 

  • In 1977 a third building was completed with Westminster Hall and kitchen; adult class meeting space and offices.

 

  • In 1989 HMPC partnered with other congregations to build the first Habitat For Humanity house in Wake County.

 

  • During Bob Fields’ tenure a Memorial Garden was established and provides a beautiful setting for members who wish to have their remains interred here. The buildings were opened to nonprofit groups and many of them, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, still meet at Hudson.

 

  • Bob Fields retired in 1998 and was honored for his many years of faithful service.

 

  • Al Krummenacher became the third installed pastor and head of staff in 2000 and served until 2006.

 

 

  • With a coalition of other Six Forks congregations the North Hills Crisis Center (now North Raleigh Ministries) was started in 2004 in a house the church owns, to provide financial aid for north Raleigh residents.

 

  • On October 26, 2008, HMPC celebrated its 50th anniversary.

 

  • Throughout its history Hudson has had many outstanding educators, musicians, and administrative staff along with its pastoral staff. Associate Pastors include Edward Donnell (1974-79), Herb Underwood (1975-1980; 2006-2009), A.D. Ellison (1981-88), Deborah Taylor (1986-89), Felicia Stewart Hoyle (1986-93), Thomas Pickering (1989-92), Gary Hartoin (1995-99), Rosemary Noga Welton (2002-04) Corey Grabar (2002-05), Jo Nygard Owens (2007-10) and Debbie Kirk (2005-present).

 

  • In 2009 Mac Schafer was called to be the fourth installed pastor and head of staff

 

  • From 2012 to 2015 Hudson launched and successfully completed a 1.6 million dollar capital campaign to repair and enhance the church physical plant.

 

  • In 2014 Hudson Memorial Preschool dedicated a beautiful new Playgarden for outdoor learning.

  • In 2014 The Reverend Dr. Bob Fields was given the honorary distinction of Pastor Emeritus.

 

  • In 2015 HMPC participated in the first Interfaith Habitat For Humanity build in Wake County.

 

  • On Sunday, September 20, 2015 HMPC celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Frankie Lemmon School in worship.

  • In 2019-2022, capital improvements were made to the Hudson Memorial Garden and Westminster Hall.

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