This year marks the 150th anniversary of Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church. First organized in 1874, Tarboro Presbyterian built a small Carpenter Gothic Church on the corner of St. Patrick and Saint James Streets. 1909 saw a name change and a new neoclassical sanctuary. HMPC weathered both Hurricane Floyd's floods in 1999 and the ravages of the 2020 pandemic. We are proud of the work our congregation continues to accomplish, living out God's Good News in the community. As we celebrate our past, we look to a future defined by renewed commitment and spiritual growth.

The Early Years 1874 – 1899

The Era of Expansion 1900 – 1923

The Missionary Vision 1924 – 1949

The Middle Years 1950 – 1973

Renewal 1974 – 1999

Restoration 2000 – 2019

Recovery 2020 – 2024

As the 150th Anniversary Steering Committee gathered to discuss ways that we can celebrate the rich history of Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church, we also began to contemplate what the future may hold for HMPC. This year, as we celebrate, we also look to continue our commitment to giving back to the community in meaningful ways.

And while it was no easy task for us to settle on a vision for our mission project, contemplating several questions were helpful for us in the selection process. “Where do we see a need within our community? Where can we be a positive presence, and in what ways can we best help?”

In Hebrews 13:16 we are instructed to “not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Proverbs 3:27 also provides encouragement, saying “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is within your power to act.”

With scripture guiding us, and a mission to follow the word of God and remain committed to service and mission both locally and beyond, we are excited about our mission project for this year, Project 150. Psalm 127:3 reads, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

Children are a blessing from the Lord, and also play an important role in the future of HMPC. With Project 150, we place our focus on ways that our church family can support children and families in crisis. Over the course of the year, we will raise funds to support local agencies providing crucial services to children and families within our community including The Children’s Hope Alliance, Ronald McDonald House, My Sister’s House, and the Edgecombe County Social Services Children’s Resource Fund.

We are excited to be the rock that offers a firm foundation and brighter future for children and families within our community. Project 150 may be beginning this year but our goal is for its impact to be felt for years to come.