Our History
The oldest evangelical church in existence, tracing a legacy of unwavering faith four centuries before the Reformation.
Faith Forged in the Ancient Alps
Beginning in the 13th century and extending through the 18th century, severe persecutions diminished the Waldensian population. On February 17, 1848, King Charles Albert of Sardinia finally granted the Waldenses civil liberties.
The population growth that followed forced many to leave their native valleys in the Cottian Alps of northern Italy due to overcrowding. In 1893, twenty-nine Waldenses arrived in Burke County to prepare a place for several hundred other immigrants. In 1897, the settlers began work on a Romanesque-style church that would resemble those found back in the valleys of Italy. Two years later, the church sanctuary was completed and dedicated on July 4, 1899.
Faith & Education in the New World
In the New World, the importance of the Scriptures remained. In the Waldensian Valleys in the Alps, it was most unusual to find a family who had not memorized at least one book of the New Testament, based on their fear that persecution might deprive them of the written word. In the New World, they continued the practice of having children memorize one chapter of the Bible.
The church also assumed responsibility for education. Many mission teachers assisted in the work of the Church. Since there was no money available for books, either in the church or at school, many long hours were spent copying materials. Ministers who were sent from the Valleys assisted the Church and helped direct the activities of the colony, such as running the sawmill, building roads, obtaining supplies, and so forth.
Customs Retained From Italy
Many traditions brought across the Atlantic were retained in the Church until changes began accelerating around 1921.
The Offering
Collected directly in the pews during the service rather than at the doors as the congregation departed.
The Lord's Supper
Celebrated while remaining seated in the pews served by elders and deacons.
Seating Arrangements
Men and women ended the traditional practice of sitting exclusively on opposite sides of the Sanctuary room.
Language Transition
Services were originally conducted entirely in French, moving gradually to English with all services transitioned after 1941.
Denominational Roots
On July 9, 1895, the pastor and 220 members united with the Presbyterian Church, U.S. (Southern), officially entering the PCUSA in 1983.
Church Minutes
From June 1923 onward, official corporate and congregational church minutes were mandated to be recorded in English.
A Century of Structural Expansion
- 1921 Addition of Tron Hall.
- 1940 Construction of Pioneer Hall (classrooms, kitchen, fellowship area).
- 1955 Completion of the three-story Education and Office building.
- 1978 - 1979 Major Renovation of the core Sanctuary and Education spaces.
- 1990 Enlargement of Sanctuary, elevator installation at Pioneer Hall, and covered walkways.
- 1997 Acquisition of adjacent Tron House property for community expansion outreach.
- 2018 Full sanctuary renovation alongside the installation of a 19-rank Letourneau Pipe Organ.
Waldensian Heritage Museum & Gift Shop
Discover Over 800 Years of Waldensian Heritage
The museum reflects authentic Waldensian architecture and houses the largest collection of Waldensian artifacts in the United States. You will immerse yourself in a rich history of the struggles of people whose faith was as solid and constant as the ancient Alps surrounding their homeland in the European valleys.
Learn of their sacrifices, courage, and their pivotal role in the foundation and formation of today's Reformed Theology. Explore the legacy of the Waldensian people as you retrace their journey through Europe in the Middle Ages to their settlement here in the new world.
See where they worshiped, how they lived, made wine, baked bread, and kept their heritage alive. Research their ancestry in our library and archives and discover the price they paid for liberty—theirs and yours.
The Center of Waldensian Life in Valdese
The history of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church is fundamentally intertwined with the town of Valdese. From funding early regional industry to driving education and spiritual resilience, the church stands today as it did over a century ago: a beacon of historical survival and Reformed truth.