Second Presbyterian Church, Huntington

08/27/2026

We’ve been sitting on news but we can’t keep quiet any longer. The sale is pending to an organization that has hope and vision for the building and the neighborhood. We are a resurrection people and we are excited to see the building get a new life and purpose.

We have big news for West Huntington! 🥳 Huntington Rising is in the process of purchasing the Historic Second Presbyterian Church at the corner of 9th Street W. and Jefferson Avenue.

Huntington Rising is a nonprofit dedicated to building economic mobility and opportunity in Huntington's West End, and to strengthening lives through relationships, compassion, and community. You can learn more about Huntington Rising and how to get involved by attending our Open House, happening Oct. 11th at 2 p.m. at 901 Jefferson Ave, Huntington, WV.

“From the moment we walked through these doors, we knew this building still had a purpose,” said Carrie Ware, President of Huntington Rising. “We see tremendous potential in this space, not only because of its history, but because of the people it will continue to serve. It is an incredible privilege to steward this landmark and work alongside our community to write its next chapter,” Ware said.

This building has stood as a landmark in West Huntington since 1924-25, built on the site of the congregation's original 1910 home. Designed by architect Levi J. Dean in the Beaux-Arts style, the church is known for its massive copper-covered dome, visible for many blocks, and its grand Ionic colonnade facing 9th Street W. Inside, the sanctuary holds balcony seating on three sides, all lit by soft rose-colored light. For decades, it has also been home to the KYOWVA Genealogical & Historical Society, whose work helped earn the surrounding 9th Street W. Historic District a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

“I have had to trust all along that God has a plan for this church, even if it’s not always clear to us,” said Rev. Julie Hitsman, a representative from the Presbytery of West Virginia. “I dare to hope that Huntington Rising and the work they will be doing will be an amazing legacy for this congregation and a gift to the neighborhood. God is still here and guiding us all into what comes next,” Hitsman said.

A building built to serve, gather, and support people deserves to keep doing exactly that. Huntington Rising is committed to honoring this church's legacy while shaping its next chapter as a hub for the West Huntington community. More details on our plans will be coming soon, and we cannot wait to share them with you.

Stay tuned, and thank you for being part of this next chapter with us.

06/08/2026

For all of you who asked: we found the quilt. Thank you for your help in letting us know to look and helping us locate it. This quilt is made up of the hand prints of the children of the church. Given how important this item is, we are working with some local organizations to find the best group to give this to so that it can be hung publicly. There is also some talk of better documenting its history. We want you to know we will be treating this as the community treasure that it is. When we know where it will be hanging, we will let you know so you can come see it.

06/07/2026

We have some extra hymnals that may be familiar to you. Would anyone like one? Message us and we can set up a time for you to drop by the church and grab one. In order of the picture: the blue 1990s PCUSA hymnal, the red 1950s joint northern and southern presbyterian hymnal, the dark blue/black 1930s-1940s southern presbyterian hymnal, the old hymnals out of 1st Presby Huntington, and a KJV hymnal.

05/23/2026

Hymn #526 (PCUSA blue hymnal) For All the Saints from the final service. Thank you to the combined choir and musical talents of Highlawn Presbyterian Church, Enslow Park, 1st Presbyterian Church of Huntington, 2nd Presbyterian, and everyone else who joined us. The camera we used to record this doesn't do it justice - the acoustics in that sanctuary are phenomenal. (Yes, we have a recording of the full service and we are working out how to post that. Hopefully soon.)

05/20/2026

Does anyone know the story of this beautiful wall hanging? And is there a local church that could make use of this? (All requests for items from the church will be submitted to the Administrative Commission for consideration. We are prioritizing giving things to churches and non-profits that can make use of them.)

05/19/2026

Huntington church closes after century of worship

Members gather for final service at Second Presbyterian Church, ending more than 100 years of tradition

05/14/2026

https://www.wsaz.com/2026/05/14/final-service-historic-huntington-church-set-sunday/

The emotional end of an era is approaching for a church that's been around more than 100 years.

05/13/2026

Church Directory 1966

05/13/2026

We are working hard to prepare everything for the final service for this beautiful church. Highlawn Presbyterian Church is lending us their choir. 1st Presbyterian of Huntington is lending us their brass quartet and their organist. Enslow Park has been baking lots of cookies for us. And so many other community organizations and churches and people have been surrounding this church in love as we prepare to grieve, to remember, to celebrate. To remember that Christ is bigger than any one of us or any one church.

The service is 3pm this Sunday. All are welcome. If anyone wants to sing in the choir, rehearsal is at 1:30 on Sunday - and yes you are welcome. Let us fill this beautiful sanctuary with music and love and community as we say good bye.

05/11/2026

from History of the Presbytery of Kanawha 1895-1956