160+ Years Strong and Growing
Mills River Presbyterian Church is a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation, member of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, and the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. Our history spans back more than 160 years.
In 1797 Colonel James Brittain donated 10 acres of land for a building to be used as both a school and for religious purposes. Since that time, we have had eight continuous generations of the Brittain family worshipping at our church. What Colonel Brittain started has grown steadily into a “church on the hill” with an amazing history.
In 1830 a two-story brick building, known as the Mills River Academy, replaced an original log cabin on our site. Almost 30 years later, in 1859, Mills River Presbyterian Church was organized. The building was constructed using locally-made brick. It was shared by the Academy and the Presbyterian Church until 1905.
Our existing sanctuary was completed in 1908. Growth started in earnest in the 1930s when five Sunday School rooms, a main office, and rest rooms were added to the structure.
In 1946 the Daughters of the American Revolution added a historic marker to the church property honoring James Brittain. Less than a decade later, a new manse was built for the church (which serves today at the CE Building). The minister occupied the upper level of the house and the lower level was used as the fellowship gathering location.
During the 1960s the sanctuary was remodeled in stages. The direction of the sanctuary’s interior was changed and a choir loft was added. Between 1975 and 1978 a new manse with 1.7 acres of land, located adjacent to the church, was purchased.
In 1995 an ambitious project was begun — the addition of our Fellowship Hall and kitchen. During the years of this construction, a memorial garden was created on the cemetery side of the church. On May 24, 1998, the Fellowship Hall was completed and dedicated to the Glory of God. Today the church facilities also include a children’s playground (built in 2018), a butterfly garden and a Little Free Library book exchange.
The Early Years
1797
Mills River Academy was established. James Brittain set aside 10 acres of land for a building to house a school and a church.
1829
Land deeded to school trustees and built a two-story log framed building which was used for a school, community center, and church.
1830
A two-story brick building known as the Mills River Academy replaced the log building.
1859
Mills River Presbyterian church was organized.
1908
Existing church was completed. Its original dimensions were approximately 36’ x 45’, the size of the sanctuary only, with a Pebble dash exterior.
1930-1932
Five Sunday school rooms were added, plus a main office & rest rooms.
1946
Historic marker added by the Daughters of the American Revolution for James Britain on the front lawn of the church.
1953
A Wurlitzer organ replaces the old pump organ.
1960-1970
The sanctuary was remodeled in stages. The choir loft was added. The congregation felt that the wood ceiling made the sanctuary too dark so it was removed and replaced with drywall.
1995-1998
The new fellowship hall and kitchen were added. The Memorial Garden (brick patio) was placed at the graveyard side of the Church. The Iris Garden was installed in recognition of all those touched by mental illness.
2017
Digital sign was added in the front of the church.
2018
Children’s playground was built along with the butterfly garden and Little Free Library.
2019
As MRPC celebrates its 160th anniversary, 6th, 7th and 8th continuous generations of the Brittain family attend the church regularly.
A Few Facts About MRPC
- Colonel James Brittain donated 10 acres of land back in 1797 on the site of our church. A small log church was erected and used for both a school and for religious purposes.
- In 1830 a two-story building known as the Mills River Academy was built on this location and replaced the original log structure created 33 years earlier.
- MRPC was later organized in 1859.
- The current MRPC sanctuary was completed in 1908.
- During the timeframe of 1930-1932 our first Sunday School rooms were added to the church.
- In 1946 the Daughters of the American Revolution added the historic marker to the church property honoring James Brittain.
- A new manse was built for the church (which serves today as the CE Building) between the years of 1950 to 1954. The minister occupied the upper level of the house and the lower level was used as the Fellowship Hall.
- In 1953 a Wurlitzer organ replaced the original pump organ in our church. Within the last 10 years a newer organ has been added to the church.
- In 1959 the church celebrated its 100th anniversary by burying a time capsule across the street in the cemetery. It was dug up and opened in 2009 … and it contained wet, soggy pictures, articles, hymn books and other materials.
- In 1995 plans were approved for the groundbreaking and creation of our current Fellowship Hall. It was completed on May 24, 1998.
- Our church family roots run deep. We have several families with four generations attending MRPC. We also have a couple who was married in our church 50+ years ago that are still active members.
- We’re fortunate that eight continuous generations of the Brittain family have worshipped at our church. Three generations currently attend MRPC: Jere Brittain (6th generation), Phil Brittain (7th generation), and Wyatt and Wilson (8th generation).
- Wrapping our prayers and hearts around those in need is a long tradition at MRPC. We offer handmade prayer shawls to a wide variety of people on our prayer list.
We are fortunate that eight continuous generations of the Brittain family have worshipped at our church. Pictured here are three generations: Jere Brittain (6th generation), Phil Brittain (7th generation), and Wyatt and Wilson Brittain (8th generation).
