In the late 1940s, First Presbyterian built a new education building that was never satisfactory.  Structural problems plagued the structure, and fire codes had been neglected.  With the increase in the congregation's population in the early 1980s, the church tried to expand the facility, but funds were not forthcoming.  In 2004, when a new planning committee was formed, Mr. Francis was selected to serve as a member.  Following an extensive study of our options, the committee recommended to the Session that a new facility of approximately 14,000sf be designed and built.  Mr. Francis resigned from the committee so as to be considered for the commission. Following our selection, we developed an initial plan that was abandoned due to potential conflict with the City of New Bern's plans for the parking lot across the street from the Church.  Our next plan related the new structure much more closely to the church allowing for future parking on the west side. The new Ministry Center and Church Narthex is architecturally related yet subordinate to the original historic church through the use of lapped siding and similar smaller forms, yet clearly says that it is a structure developed in our time.