The following was written by Henry H. Hodgin, Red Springs, N.C., concerning the organization of the First Presbyterian Church, Red Springs. Written about 1978.
Organization and Initial Members of the
First Presbyterian Church of Red Springs, NC
In retrospect, as we consider the past year, so let us consider the past of our church. During the first month after our organization, there were charter member and early members, whose connection with the church and town have long been forgotten. Lest "auld aquaintance be forgot and days of auld Lang Syne", it is fitting to recall what is remembered of them.
On June 6, 1889, at our organization, there were charter members W.H. Carver, H.G. Carver, and Mrs. Ida Guerrant who came by letter from First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville. At that time the Carvers lived where the post office now stands and they ran a merchantile business located about where Royal Jewelers and Graham's [Department Store] are now. They operated here until about 1905 when they went back to Fayetteville. Upon leaving Red Springs, my grandfather bought the Carver house and it was there I spent the first six years of my life. Mrs. Guerrant was Ida Carver (she must have been a widow). Several months after the organization Mrs. Mary H. Carver moved her letter here. They are buried in Cross Creek Cemetery, Fayetteville, NC.
On June 9, Robert C. Fields was received by baptism and profession of faith. No further information on Mr. Fields except that in Septembner of that year he was dismissed to the Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, N.C.
On June 11, 1889, Edward E., James R., and Lucretia Pipkin were admitted by baptism and profession of faith. They were from the Linden community around Sardis Church. Later James Pipkin was received by letter from Sardis. Their occupation and length of stay is lost in time.
The same Sunday Junius (?) Ayers was admitted. I was told he was from the Ashpole community. No further information on Mr. Ayers.
Angus A. (or C.) McKinnon and Martin McKinnon from Maxton joined. They operated a store where First Union now is and a livery stable. Martin married Mary Eliza Robeson and they built the house John McNeill now owns.
We are indebted to these people for helping in maturing our infant church.