December 27 Today in OPC History

During Tom Tyson's first visit to the Westminster Seminary library in January of his junior year, he introduced himself to Jean Pflaumer, who was assistant to library director Arthur Kuschke. Jean never thought of marrying a pastor until she met Tom. They were married on this date in 1957. Three years later Tom earned his diploma. In a below zero chill, Tom was ordained on December 23, 1960 by the Presbytery of Ohio and installed as pastor of the Wayside OPC in Grove City, Pennsylvania, a position he held for four years. Over the years he often also served his congregations by playing the organ or piano.

The Rev. John Galbraith wrote and asked Tom if he would consider serving as a pastor in New Zealand. He agreed. Over the next seven years, Tom was pastor of two Reformed Church of New Zealand congregations. They returned to the OPC in 1971, first serving for nine years at Trinity OPC in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, then nine years at Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland. In 1989 Tom was called to become the general secretary of the Committee on Christian Education, a position he held until 2000. Jean served as his part-time secretary during his later years at the administrative office. He then became the regional home missionary for the Presbytery of Philadelphia until 2005, when he retired to Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania. In 2017, Tom and Jean moved to Lusby, Maryland.