| Thyatira
is believed to be the oldest Presbyterian Church west of the
Yadkin River. In fact, it is one of the oldest
Presbyterian churches in North Carolina, and is known as the
"Mother of Presbyterianism" in North Carolina. It is located in
Rowan County, ten miles west of Salisbury on Highway 150, in the
Mill Bridge community.
 A land entry dated 1750 in Anson County
records reveals that a "meeting House and burial ground" were in
existence here by that date. This means the meeting house
was probably in existence as early as 1747. For many years
it was known as Cathey's Meeting House. The name was
changed to Thyatira Church during the pastorate of Dr. Samuel
McCorkle, in the late eighteenth century.
Cemetery
 Thyatira's historical cemetery dates back to the mid-1700s.
The oldest known stone is that of a settler who died in 1755.
Four stones with skull and crossbones are popular with local
school children. Our cemetery continues to be used and
cared for. In 2003 an urn field and scatter garden were
added. Visitors come and research their ancestral history.
Museum
 Thyatira's museum, built in the early 1980's by the
generosity of Locke and Pauline McCorkle Neel, houses many
artifacts dating back to the founding of the church. Tours
may be given by appointment.
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