Chestnut Sreet Church is the original building that was erected by the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, NC in 1858.

The reason for erecting this building grew from the zeal of a First Presbyterian Elder who attended an Elders' and Deacons' convention in Greensboro, North Carolina in the year of 1858. When he returned home, and in absence of the Pastor who was away on missionary duty, he called for the congregation to consult and pray together over the interest of First Presbyterian Church. When the Pastor returned, he found the tide of interest rising. Prayer and preaching services were arranged. The families of the church were visited. Many persons went daily to the pastor's study to recieve counsel and guidance. Special meetings were arranged for the colored people, who could not attend the day services. In three months, forty-two white and twenty colored persons were recieved into the church. The result of this work was great - First Presbyterian Church had been visited with a memorable revival.

As a thank-offering for God's mercy, First Presbyterian Church erected a mission chapel (situated on Chestnut Street between 7th and 8th) in the year of 1858. It was used for a time as it was originally designed. While this building was being erected, several live oak trees were planted around the church. Presently, one tree is still standing.

On November 6, 1858, 14 persons, including one of the ruling Elders, were dismissed from First Presbyterian Church to form the Second Presbyterian Church.

Second Presbyterian Church worshiped here from November 21, 1858 to April 11, 1852. Because of the chaotic conditions brought on by the war between the states and a ravaging epedimic of yellow fever, their membership of 38, disbanded and returned to First Presbyterian Church.

On October 8, 1866, committee from Second Presbyterian Church was authorized to sell this building to the trutees of the First Colored Presbyterian Church. As soon as the new owners, First Colored Presbyterian Church had put the vacant plan in order, and had reached a point of spiritual organizaion, they were ready for the coming events, services, and sacrifices. The Church's first Pastor, Rev. Peter Hodges served from 1866 to 1868.

The year of 1867 was an eventful year for the First Colored Presbyterian Church, now called the First Presbyterian Church. They paid Second Presbyterian Church $2,500.00 for the building.

On April 21, 1867, The First African Presbyterian Church in connection with the Northern General Assembly was organized as the Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church under the Freeman's Board of Missions.

In 1964, Chestnut Street United Presbyterian Church came under the care and government of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and became as we are today, Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church (USA).        

Founders

Alfred Hargrave

David Elias Sadgwar

Henry Taylor

James Cutlar

Pastors

Rev. D.J. Sanders (1872-1833)

Rev. J.A. Bonner (1895-1921)
(At this time, he became Principal of Peabody School. He then returned to serve the church as its pastor)
(1931-1935)

Rev. J.D. Taylor (1935-1942)

Rev. B.H. Baskervill (1947-1986)

Rev. R.E. Randall (1987-1990)

Rev. R.E. McNeill (1991-1995)

Rev. Dr. Samuel Murrell (1995-1999) 

Rev. Perry D. Griffin (1999-Present)


Current Church Officers

Elders:

Class of 2009: Bettie Glenn Matrice Morrison Matlynn Yeoman*