Our Story
A new Reformed church planted by God’s grace in Hickory, NC
|
|
Who We Are |
|
A Conservative Reformed Church in Hickory, NC
Hickory Presbyterian Church is a conservative, Reformed congregation — part of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. We are committed to expositional preaching, reverent worship, and authentic Christian community. We exist to enjoy the gospel of Christ, embody His grace in community, and extend His truth to the world — all for the glory of God.
We are a confessionally Reformed congregation holding to the Westminster Standards and the historic Five Solas of the Reformation — Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, and Glory to God Alone.
|
|
Our Story |
|
How God Built This Church
From a calling to a congregation — here is how Hickory Presbyterian Church came to be.
2024
The Calling & The Confirmation
After a growing sense of calling to plant a new church in Hickory, we shared that vision with our denomination’s church extension leadership. They affirmed the call, and following a formal church planting assessment, we were officially recommended to move forward. The Lord was opening a door.
January 2025
Casting the Vision
Began meeting with individuals and families to share the vision for a new gospel-centered, Reformed church in Hickory. From these gatherings a core group began to form.
February 2, 2025
First Sunday
Held our first Sunday gathering in the Castell home — worship, prayer, and a fellowship dinner every Sunday evening at 5 PM. Average attendance grew to around 20 people each week as God brought families and individuals to this new work.
July 2025
Officially a Mission Church
Our denomination officially voted to recognize Hickory Presbyterian Church as a Mission Church — a significant milestone confirming God’s hand on this new work in Hickory.
August 3, 2025
First Public Worship
Moved our worship gatherings to Market on Main in downtown Hickory — a beautiful space provided at no cost through the generous gift of the owner. Seating for over 200, a baby grand piano, and a warm downtown setting for our growing congregation.
Fall 2025
Growing Together
Our congregation grew to 35 committed individuals as our first communicant and non-communicant members prepared to formally join the church. God’s faithfulness was evident in every step.
January 2026
Northview Middle School
Moved our Sunday worship to Northview Middle School Auditorium where we continue to gather each Lord’s Day at 10:30 AM — preaching the Word, worshiping Christ, and welcoming our community.
|
|
Our Mission |
|
Enjoy. Embody. Extend.
Hickory Presbyterian Church exists to enjoy the gospel of Christ, embody His grace in community, and extend His truth to the world, all for the glory of God.
Enjoy
Delighting in God
At the center of the Christian life is joy, real joy that comes from knowing God. We were made to glorify Him and to find our deepest happiness in His presence. We want you to experience that joy: the joy of knowing you are loved, forgiven, and made new in Christ.
Embody
Living the Gospel Together
The gospel saves us but it also shapes the way we live. We want to be a church family that feels like home, not perfect, but growing together in holiness, humility, and hope. In Christ, strangers become brothers and sisters.
Extend
Taking the Gospel to Our City
The gospel is not meant to stay hidden. It goes with us wherever we go. We want to see people in Hickory and beyond come to know the same hope and freedom we have found in Christ.
|
|
Our Denomination |
|
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
Hickory Presbyterian Church is a member congregation of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP), a historic Reformed and Presbyterian denomination founded in 1790.
The ARP Church holds to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms as faithful summaries of the teaching of Scripture. We are committed to the historic Reformed faith, expositional preaching, and the ordinary means of grace.
As part of the ARP, we are connected to a family of churches across the Southeast and beyond who share a common commitment to the gospel, the Reformed faith, and the mission of Christ in the world.
|
|
Looking Ahead |
|
A Vision Beyond Hickory
From the very beginning our vision has been to be more than a single congregation. We believe God has called us to be a church that plants other churches, a mother church that by His grace will one day give birth to daughter churches in the surrounding towns of Lenoir, Morganton, and Newton.
Our prayer is that the gospel would take deep root in Hickory and spread outward, bringing renewal, discipleship, and kingdom growth throughout the greater Catawba Valley region.
We plant and water, but God gives the growth. Our confidence is not in strategy or strength but in the Lord who builds His Church and promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
We Would Love to Welcome You
Come and see what God is doing in Hickory. Join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM at Northview Middle School Auditorium.