Our History

The history of Elkin Presbyterian Church is a testament to the strong determination of the people of Scottish heritage and Presbyterian faith that started the church in 1892. Like many Presbyterian congregations of its time, the founders were continuing the faith of the reformation begun by John Calvin 16-century Geneva and continued in Scotland by John Knox.

During the Depression the church went through some hard times and a petition circulated to dissolve the congregation. Three members were not present that day, and before the next meeting two weeks later, the matriarch of the Wellborn family had changed the minds of enough people to save the church.

What started out as a group of about 10 people has grown to a thriving church of over 150 members and friends. As the number of worshippers grew the church building itself had to grow to meet the needs of the congregation. After starting out in a small white clapboard church, the congregation moved to a brick church on Bridge Street and finally in 1991, the current building was dedicated to the glory of God.

Our Beliefs

Accepting of Diversity:

There is a sincere spirit of caring that animates this community.  There is a humanness” that has little interest in categorizing people by social status or difference. There is a genuine acceptance of diversity and a celebration of our differences.  

Open-mindedness:

This congregation honors the questions of faith. There is no “orthodoxy” of right answers imposed on anyone. No one is going to judge you for having the “wrong answer.” We are encouraged to bring our questions, our beliefs even our doubts.  As Presbyterians we are challenged to love God not only with our hearts but with our minds as well. 

Making a Difference in the World:

We seek to be active in mission to the community and to the larger world, both as a congregation and as individuals. We are currently embracing mission initiatives that involve advocating for peace in a world full of violence, combating hunger and food insecurity in our community, dismantling racism one relationship at a time, and embracing the PCUSA Covenant to Educate a Child, Transform the World.

What do we Believe?

Our Mission: [Who are we? | Why are we here?]

The Elkin Presbyterian Church is a welcoming and dedicated community of faith in the North Carolina foothills.  Here you can worship God, be yourself, ask questions on your faith journey, and find new ways to serve and grow in the love of God through Jesus Christ.  We are committed to living out Christ’s teachings of peace, love, compassion, and respect for every person in our congregation as well as in the greater community.  We do this through worship, faith development, supporting each other, and service to others.

Our Vision: [How do we “live” the mission?]

Whether you are young or old, single or a growing family, we want to share our joy in serving God through unconditional love and affirming fellowship.  It is with an open door, open minds and open hearts that we invite you into our church and encourage everyone who seeks a life of meaning and purpose.   At Elkin Presbyterian Church, we strive to be a dynamic, Christ-centered church providing a place of worship, learning, spiritual growth and community for all of God’s children, fully engaged in outreach embracing all races, ages, and sexual orientations.

Our Values: [What core principles will guide us in our mission?]

Our values shape who we are as a church and guide us in fulfilling our mission and vision through a deep connection to Christ, the Word of God, and our tradition within the Presbyterian Church USA.

·       Continually seeking a deeper understanding of God’s will for us in this world

·       Providing a welcome place of worship

·       Being an inspirational community of faith

·       Fulfilling our call to be Christ-like in our inclusiveness

·       Modeling Christ’s love in the world beyond our church building

·       Being good stewards of God’s creation

Our Staff

  • Rev. Arlo Tysinger

    PASTOR

    Contact

  • Tonya Smith

    DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

    Contact

  • Tommy Jackson

    ORGANIST / UNITY BAND DIRECTOR

    Contact

  • Heather Miller

    NURSERY COORDINATOR

    Sundays

Our Committees

Because we are all blessed with different gifts and talents, the opportunities for ministry within the church, the community and the world are many. We invite everyone to participate in the work of our church committees as a way of serving God and others and as a means of community and spiritual growth.

Following are the committees set up within the church to help organize people to serve the church and the community.

  • Christian education is dedicated to spiritual formation, continuing education, family building and memory making.  This committee works with children’s ministries such as Sunday School, Kirk Kids, Nursery, and Vacation Bible School as well as adult education in the form of Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and spiritual formation classes and workshops.  

  • Congregational Care provides countless fellowship opportunities for all members of the church family.  They coordinate congregational gatherings and meals, the Friends Group, Kirk Night various themes and dinners, bereavement meals, church picnics, etc.

  • The Finance and Stewardship Committees ensure that we live out our calling to be good stewards of God's gifts in all of life. Stewardship develops a year-round stewardship ministry of membership giving of time, talents, & contributions. Receiving Treasurer - Randy Combs | Disbursing Treasurer - Randy Tulbert

  • The Historical Committee keeps an accurate record of the church's history for future generations and works to ensure that we remain connected to our roots and to those who came before us.

  • The Mission Committee coordinates the outreach of the church and maintains relationships with agencies and groups financially supported by the church.  This committee also oversees the church’s current mission focus, provide monthly meal pkg to students, Juneteenth events, The Ark Arts & Chats, Renewing the Commitment to Peace, Blessing Box, Educate a Child/Transform the World, Easter “Egg your House” event, special offerings throughout the year, Seasonal giving trees and more!

  • The Personnel Committee assists paid staff members in carrying out their ministry to the congregation.

  • The Property Committee cares for the building and grounds in sustainable and environmentally responsible ways.

  • The Worship Committee coordinates the regular Sunday worship to ensure that the people of God have a means of giving thanks, remembering their baptismal vows, feasting at the Lord’s supper, and serving God.

  • The committee provides avenues/ways to make gifts and bequests in a variety of ways.

  • The nominating committee is charged with making any nominations upon request of the EPC Session.

Elkin Presbyterian Church Session Committee

Clerk of Session

Susan Stewart

Class of 2025

Susan Stewart

Will Gwyn

Courtney Snyder

Randy Combs

Class of 2026

Class of 2027

Linda Weeks

Karen Chandler

Kim Eldridge

Mike Bryant

Brenda Miller

Ab Brown

Lois Folger

Dr. Andras Neumark