Back in the 1880's there was a small group of Presbyterians in Elizabeth City who had no organized church, but who held services whenever a minister could be procured. During this time a Mr. and Mrs. Cann came here from Canada for reasons of health. They made friends among the Presbyterians and became interested in the little group. After they returned to their home, Mrs. Cann wrote to Mrs. P. W. Melick asking how she might help them. Mrs. Melick suggested that she give money toward a church building. Upon her death, it was found that she had left $800.00 to be used for that purpose. To honor Mrs. Cann's memory, Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church was organized on March 24, 1889 by Dr. F. H. Johnson. Eight charter members and seven baptized children formed the congregation. In 1892, a frame church building at the corner of North Road and Colonial Avenue was completed and dedicated.By the 1930's, the financial difficulties created by the depression made the desire to enlarge the church to build Sunday School rooms virtually impossible. In June 1939, Reverend C. C. Crawford led the way towards the purchase of a large residence at 311 West Main Street that would provide much needed room. On July 9, 1939, the first Sunday School classes were held in the building. The last worship service held in the old church was October 15, 1939. The 311 West Main Street dwelling was moved to the back of the lot and served for Sunday School and worship service while a new sanctuary was being built on the front of the lot.
Ground was broken for the present sanctuary on September 22, 1940. Progress was rather slow as it was built on a pay-as-you-go basis. When there was no money, work stopped. Several miracles occured, however, and the first service was held in the completed, debt free church on April 26, 1942.
Growth in membership in the church's program made continued use of the old McCabe residence as an educational facility unsatisfactory. In 1960, Reverend George D. Heath and the Session took steps toward constructing an Educational Building on the site of the McCabe house. Site clearing began September 25, 1961.
Until the new building was completed in 1962, Cann Memorial Sunday School met in the Methodist Youth Fellowship Building at the corner of Road and Fearing Street.
On June 3, 1962, the New Educational Building was completed and used for the first time. Additional property behind the church was bought in 1974, 1982 and 1998, for parking, recreational, and future expansion needs.
In the over one hundred years since its founding with eight members, Cann Memorial has grown to a church of 265 members who continue to maintain a strong Presbyterian presence in northeastern North Carolina.
We celebrate Founders Day the fourth Sunday in March.
"A family of faith welcoming all and seeking to demonstrate Christ's love through worship, study, service and action."
