The earliest Unitarian presence in the area occurred at the beginning of the century when a Unitarian church was founded in nearby Swansboro, N C [Onslow County] in 1902. A satellite church, served by the same minister, was established on the opposite side of the White Oak River in the community of Pelletier [Carteret County].

Also in 1902, the Unitarian Association opened the Emmerton School which continued to function until 1930 when a public school system was established. The substantial building in which the school had been located is still in use today, serving as the Swansboro Town hall.