History

Back in 1944, some leaders in what was then Mecklenburg Presbytery decided that Charlotte needed another church.  They selected a site at the edge of town. But World War II was winding down, and materials were scarce.  So W.H. Belk - the founder of the department store chain - agreed to donate materials from an abandoned schoolhouse near Waxhaw.  

Such were the beginnings of this congregation.  A small chapel was built, and services began in 1945 with 52 charter members.  The name chosen was “Avondale;” what is now Park Road was called Avondale Avenue then.

 The last 60-some years have been ones of growth for Avondale.  Property has been bought, and buildings have been constructed. The most recent addition is the Family Life Center, dedicated in August 2001.

Of course, a church is much more than buildings.  We are a community that glorifies God, proclaims salvation through Jesus Christ, and serves our fellow brothers and sisters.  The mission statement, as adopted by the session, is, ”We are called by God's grace to be a spirit-led community which enables people to discover and use their God-given gifts and abilities in buildling the Kingdom.”

Avondale has had three permanent pastors:  Rev.Thomas McLean from 1946-1975; Rev. John Haley from 1976-86; and Dr. John Earl from 1987-present.

We have always been a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its predecessor denominations.  For more information, click on LINKS and go to the denomination's website.