In 1800, the Reverend John Robinson was called as a teacher and preacher by the Presbyterians in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A native of Cabarrus County, born January 8, 1768, Mr. Robinson came to Fayetteville from his first pastorate in Duplin County. Soon after his arrival, he took the necessary steps to organize a church and on September 6, 1801, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time in Fayetteville. About one hundred and fifty sat down to the table; seventeen of these belonged to Fayetteville and others to the surrounding congregations. A tablet hangs in the vestibule to perpetuate the memory of the Reverend John Robinson, D.D.; his portrait hangs in the Historical Room. As early as 1809, plans were made to erect a church building.