CENTER RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Located in the Glendale Community, the church began as a tabernacle at the home of Thomas and Cynthia Cockrell in September of 1915. It was formally organized as a church on February 8,1917. The 15 charter members were Bertha Cockrell, Lilly Cockrell, Lizzie Cockrell, Etta Cockrell, Mollie Cockrell, Nettie Cockrell, Ellen Godwin, Marvin Godwin, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Parrish, Mr. and Mrs Walter Stancil, Henry Stancil, and Bessie Stancil.
In 1919, the congregation erected a building, 28X42 feet. with a 16x20 foot wing for Sunday School. The land was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cockrell.
In 1950, the church was moved to its present location on higher ground. The land was given by J. P. Boykin and J. W. Woodard. The men of the church cut logs for the lumber and did most of the carpentry work. The bricks were donated by Karl Hudson of Hudson-Belk Company in Raleigh.
Funds for the early church were raised by the Lord’s Acre plan. Raymond Cockrell gave 1/2 of two acres of cotton if the congregation would pick it. Money was scarce, so the congregation was glad to pick the cotton. Sometimes pigs were purchased, raised by the men and sold for the church. The women helped to support the church by cooking and serving meals to the Kenly Kiwanis Club. The present pews were purchased with meal money.
The first Vacation Bible School was held June 6-17, 1927 by Emelyn Holton and Julia Barclay and was the first Bible School in this section of the state.
The Women of the Church (Presbyterian Women) was organized in 1939 by Lois Allen, wife of the pastor, Rev. Charles Allen. The women have been active on the local, presbytery, and synod level. Some have been honored with life-time memberships.
The church cemetery was started in 1957. Elder George Hodge was the first person to be buried there.
The Fellowship Building was erected in 1977. Additional land was given by Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Woodard. Mrs. Woodard is the daughter of Lilly Cockrell Boykin and Plumer Boykin and the granddaughter of Thomas and Cynthia Cockrell.
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The following have been pastors:
1916-1921 Rev. C. E. Clark
1928-1934 Rev. Logan Landrum
1934-1941 Rev. Charles F. Allen
1942-1946 Rev. John D. Withrow
1947-1952 Rev. Denver Blevins
1953-1957 Rev. Alfred Thomas
1959-1963 Rev. William H. Jarrett
1964-1980 SOAM (South-east Orange Area Ministry)
1980-1998 Rev. William H. Jarrett
20 -2013 Rev. Dr. Richard McDuffie
2014 to present Rev. Clark Vincent
Many excellent laymen and pastors have also filled the pulpit at Center Ridge on a temporary or short-term basis:
Vernon Grimes, dir. of Christian Education
Rev. Dr. George Alexander Thomas, Chaplain to Peace College
Rev. Dr. Albert Edwards
Rev. Dr. Richard Hildebrandt
Rev. Dekkie Hall
Dr. John Roberson, Campbell University