First Presbyterian Church

The Parable of the Good Samaritan, 2001

In April 2000, the Session of First Presbyterian Church commissioned international fresco artist Ben Long to paint a fresco in the entrance hall of the fellowship building. The fresco was painted in October 2001 and dedicated in December 2001.

Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan was chosen as the subject of the fresco because it deals with a fundamental question of a center city church:  “Who is our neighbor?”  It symbolizes the mission of First Presbyterian Church to be a witness “For Christ in the Heart of Charlotte” to the thousands of people who live and work in downtown Charlotte.

Immediately upon entering the front doors of the Fellowship Hall, a dramatic image of the Samaritan bending over a beaten and bloodied stranger serves as an important reminder of the intimate relationship between the teachings of Christ and the work we are called to do. It measures 8 feet high and 28 feet long and is painted in the true fresco style of the 15th century masters.