Our History

The Waldensian Church is the oldest evangelical church in existence, dating back at least to the 12th century and thus anticipating the Reformation by at least four hundred years. 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.

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.

In the beginning, the Church received much financial and religious assistance from different religious leaders and groups, particularly several from the north. On July 9, 1895, the pastor and 220 members decided to unite with the Presbyterian Church, U.S. (Southern) since its beliefs and form of government most closely resembled those of the Waldenses. In 1983, with the reunion of the Northern and Southern branches, the Waldensian Presbyterian Church became a part of the new denomination, Presbyterian Church, USA.

Many customs brought from Italy were retained in the Church until 1921 when changes began, including: 

• The offering was collected in the pews during the service instead of at the door as the congregation departed.
• The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper would be celebrated while the congregation remained seated in the pews, being waited on by elders. Formerly, partakers would present themselves at the altar two-by-two, drinking from the same cup, with the pastor reciting a different verse of Scripture to each person. Sometimes a verse particularly appropriate for that individual was used.
• Men and women would no longer sit on opposite sides of the Church.
• Previously, all services were conducted in French. Now one service each month was held in English. Gradually, English services replaced French and after 1941, all services were in English.
• From June 1923, the Church minutes were to be recorded in English.

Not only has the Church modified its practices to keep consistent with modern times, but its facilities have undergone a number of changes as well. The last century has seen several structural modifications, including:

• The addition of Tron Hall in 1921.
• Construction of Pioneer Hall, with classrooms, a kitchen, and a fellowship area in 1940.
• A three-story Education/Office building in 1955.
• Renovation of the Sanctuary and Education Building in 1978-79.
• Enlargement of the Sanctuary, installation of an elevator to Pioneer Hall, and covered walk-ways in 1990.
• Acquisition of an adjacent home (Tron House) for present and future ministries to the community in 1997.
• Renovation of the Sanctuary and installation of a 19 rank Letourneau Pipe Organ in 2018.

The history of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church is so intertwined with the history of the Town of Valdese, it is impossible to study one without learning of the other. One example of this is the fact that when it was apparent that the community could not economically survive based on agriculture, the Church lent money to help start industry. In education and industry, as well as in the religious life of the community, the Church served and serves today as the center of the Waldensian life in Valdese.

In essence, the Waldensian Presbyterian Church is blessed with people - all kinds of people - worshiping together, learning together, and serving together. We are a church family of individual members and families who care for one another. This is Waldensian Presbyterian Church. Welcome Home...

Waldensian Presbyterian Church has been a proud member of the Presbyterian Church, USA, since 1895.

The  museum reflects 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 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. Plan your visit here