Pressley, Rev. John E., House
Why it's listed
Set along a long dirt road near Bethpage in northwestern Cabarrus County, this two-story log and frame house was built between 1837 and 1851. It is sheathed in weatherboard and combines Federal and Greek Revival details, including nine-over-six sash windows in thin molded surrounds, a Greek-inspired entrance porch with square columns, and a vernacular parlor mantel that echoes the porch. The nomination calls it the best-preserved two-story log house in the county. It takes its name from the Reverend John E. Pressly (1826-1897), who bought the property in 1851. He served the Coddle Creek and New Perth Associate Reformed Presbyterian churches for thirty-seven years, was synod moderator in 1868, and kept close ties to Erskine College. The house served as a manse under him and his successor, the Reverend W.Y. Love. In 1900 it passed to the Rogers family, who held it until 1981. A log barn and a frame stable stand beside it.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house is the best-preserved two-story log residence in Cabarrus County, with fine Federal and Greek Revival woodwork inside and out. It is also tied to the Reverend John E. Pressly, an Associate Reformed Presbyterian minister who served the Coddle Creek and New Perth churches from 1850 to 1886. It is further linked to the wider growth of that denomination in the South.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 86000029, listed January 6, 1986. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | N side of SR 1613 0.3 mi. E of SR 1612, Bethpage |
|---|---|
| County | Cabarrus County |
| Listed | January 6, 1986 |
| Reference number | 86000029 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architectural style | Federal and Greek Revival (vernacular) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Religion |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition and apparently occupied, with outbuildings used as stables; the form says its long-term stability could not be determined. |
| Acreage | 21.3 |
| Coordinates | 35.50757, -80.76243 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 86000029.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q18156999
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.