Caldwell Memorial was founded through the efforts of a group of 80 residents of Elizabeth who petitioned the local Presbytery to organize a church in the area. Its first regular service was held on May 19, 1912 in the auditorium of what was then Elizabeth College (and what is now the old portion of Presbyterian Hospital).

Shortly thereafter, property was purchased at the corner of East Fifth Street and Park Drive, a small wood frame building was erected for temporary quarters, and the church was given the name Knox Presbyterian Church, in honor of John Knox, noted Scottish preacher and reformer. The East Fifth Street property, purchased for only $3,000 in 1912, remains the church's home to this day.

With some of Charlotte's best-known families intimately involved in the founding, development and growth of the church, in March 1922, Knox Presbyterian was granted a generous monetary gift by Mrs. Sallie Caldwell White in memory of her parents, David A. and Martha A. Caldwell. To comply with the terms of the gift, the name of the church was changed to Caldwell Memorial.

Over the years, Caldwell Memorial has been instrumental in the founding, establishment and development of numerous churches throughout Charlotte, including Seigle Avenue, Eastminster, Sunset Hills, Commonwealth Avenue and South Park Presbyterian churches.

As Charlotte's population flowed from the central part of the city to the suburbs, churches have watched their populations rise and fall with those migrations. As residents find their way back into Charlotte's "Center City", churches like Caldwell Memorial are looking to make a fresh start with the influx of people back into the area. Whether a newcomer or a long-time Charlottean, we invite you to start a new tradition with us as we continue to serve the Charlotte community in our beautiful, historic facility.