On August 25, 1893, the World's Congress of Religions opened in Chicago under the auspices of the World's Columbian Exposition. Running from Aug. 25 to Oct. 15 at the Art Institute in Chicago, the World's Congress heard papers and presentations from clergymen throuhgout the world, including a paper on the history of the Cumberland Presbyerian Church. Mainline Presbyterians, Episcopalians and some Baptist denominations did not participate in the Congress.
On August 26, 1808, the Raleigh (N.C.) Register ran an ad from Presbyterian educator, minister and free black John Chavis announcing the separation of his classical education school into a Day School for whites and an Evening School for black children. Since its start about 1807 or 1808, the school had been integrated up to this point. Chavis was the first ordained black Presbyterian minister in America.
Click for larger image and transcript of ad.
Recent Items Acquired
by the PHC:
We have received a June 8, 1789, newspaper — The Daily Advertiser (New York City) — which is the second public prionting of the the letters between the first Presbyterian General Assembly and George Washington, the newly inaugurated president of the U.S.
There are four current exhibits open at the PHC.
We offer interactive computer kiosks, an innovative museum and research facility (onsite and online) presenting Presbyterian history and Reformed heritage, the church’s tradition of worldwide mission, and the interesting role of Montreat.
Our research library offers onsite and online access to original rare books and documents. One of our newest offerings is a digital collection of 1,200 books and pamphlets from the earliest days fo the Reformation (1500 to 1700 A.D.) by Reformation leaders, heretics and others.
Centennial of The Great Korean Revival of 1907 This exhibit highlights the Presbyterian mission to Korea, beginning in 1884 through the present, as well as celebrating the 1907 Great Korean Revival. Click on the link above for more information. This exhibit will run from May 24, 2008, to January 15, 2008.
Presbyterians in Appalachia This exhibit features Presbyterian efforts in establishing churches, schools and medical facilities in the Appalachians. It ranges from early missions to Cherokees (1757 - 1839) to Depression-era Appalachia to today's efforts.
It features Presbyterian efforts in establishing churches, schools (Boone Fork Institute classroom below). Click on the link above for more information. This exhibit runs from July 4, 2008, to April 15, 2009
Women in the Presbyterian Church Around the World (1897 - 2007). This exhibit opened Aug 5, 2008, and runs until June 15, 2009.
Montreat History Spotlight — World War II
Click on the headline to learn about the State Department's detention camp for Axis diplomats awaiting repatriation in exchange for American diplomats and missionaries during WW II.
August Five never-before displayed wood sculptures by the Rev. John Mack Walker, Jr., are now on display. The sculptures include two from the 1950s, 1 from the 1970s and 2 from the 1990s. The PHC collection now totals 29 out of Walker's 62 sculptures completed in his lifetime. No other facility has more than two of his carvings.
October
On Saturday afternoon (October 11th) at the PHC, former PCUSA Moderator Rev. Dr. Syngman Rhee will talk about the current status of the Korean church and its future, including mission efforts in North and South Korea.
PHC also has some Heritage History interviews online and more available onsite (click on picture of Andy Andrews for a sample). This Fall will be adding more Heritage History interviews online.
Gospel Scenes —
Appalachia
Wood Carvings
Among items that will be displayed by the Presbyterian Heritage Center during 2008 - 2009 are: 5 never before seen wood sculptures by the Rev. John Mack Walker, Jr. Depicting Gospel scenes using mountain figures, 29 wood sculptures by Walker are at the Presbyterian Heritage Center (One is displayed in the lobby of Assembly Inn).
Syngman Rhee