Former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory is now Gov. McCrory. He's North Carolina's 74th governor and the first Republican in 20 years.

McCrory took the oath of office shortly after noon Saturday. He walked into the state capitol as governor-elect, with a smile and holding hands with his wife, Ann. He left as governor.

The ceremony was closed to the public, but McCrory's family, friends and cabinet members were included.

Outgoing Gov. Bev Perdue transferred the seal to McCrory and, then, McCrory took the oath of office.

When asked how he felt seeing that moment in person, McCrory friend and Charlottean Ed McMahan said, "Just incredible."

McCrory gave brief remarks, re-iterating a theme he's shared since the election.

"Our goal was not to get a title," he said. "Our goal was to lead and to govern and to serve with a purpose."

Perdue got a very warm reception inside the chamber: Two standing ovations, one before the transfer of power and one after.

Next Saturday, McCrory will give his inaugural address outside.

"Gov. McCrory is just the type of leader North Carolina needs - a proven problem solver with a track record of success in both the private and public sectors. I look forward to working with him to further the conservative goal of a lean, efficient government focused on promoting economic growth and encouraging job creation. North Carolinians elected the right man at the right time to continue moving this state toward a brighter future," said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger.

The Office of the Governor launched McCrory's new website Saturday, which can be accessed by going to www.governor.nc.gov.