A BRIEF HISTORY OF HUDSON MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

• In June 1, 1956, the Presbyterian Urban Council of Raleigh (PUCR) 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 Aldert 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.

• The Frankie Lemmon Memorial Preschool for children with cognitive and developmental disabilities which was founded at Hudson in 1965 in memory of the Lemmon’s youngest son.

• 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 12,000 children in almost 60 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 inurned 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.

• In 2000, HMPC helped re-establish the Maleng-Agok Primary School in Southern Sudan. This support has continued for 24 years, presently funding teacher education for four student.

• 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 owned, to provide financial aid for north Raleigh residents.

• On October 26, 2018, HMPC celebrated its 60th anniversary.

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• 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.

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• 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 September 2025, HMPC will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Frankie Lemmon School.

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• Between 2019 and 2022, Westminster Hall, the Chapel (formerly the Parlor) and the Memorial Garden underwent major renovations to improve the utility and aesthetic appeal of these important spaces.

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• In 2023, a cross sculpture entitled "Port" was installed in the Memorial Garden. This was created by North Carolina artist, Thomas Sayre. Funding provided by HMPC's "Garden & Glass Campaign" and member Marilyn Webb.