June 7 Today in OPC History

Timothy Gregson, the son of a pastor, felt convicted to pursue the ministry at age fourteen. He graduated from Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia in 1968 and Penn State University in 1972. The Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic ordained Tim on May 11, 1973. He served as stated supply for a year before becoming the pastor of Berea OPC in Bridgewater, Virginia, in 1974. At the church, Tim met Cindy Puffenbarger, a student at Radford College, who was studying music education and organ. They married on this date in 1974 and now have five children and eleven grandchildren.

During their time in Virginia, Tim was instrumental in making a dream come reality. Church members Paul and Jane Cunningham desired to donate part of their property in the McDowell area of Virginia, and Tim helped facilitate the process. The land was developed as the Machen Retreat and Conference Center. Operated by the Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic, the Center offers camps, conferences, and retreats.

In 2002 he was called as pastor of Covenant OPC in Amsterdam, New York. Tim has functioned six terms as moderator of the Presbytery of New York and New England as well as a member of their Candidates and Credentials Committee. Cindy has served as organist/pianist and choir director in both congregations as well as taught ladies Bible studies, and helped with the presbytery’s women’s retreats.

Picture: Tim and Cindy Gregson