January 29 Today in OPC History

Donald J. Duff, the son of Eritrean missionaries Clarence and Dora Duff, was studying at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia when he had an opportunity to serve as an intern at Bayview Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Chula Vista, California for the summer of 1963. Don became acquainted with Peggy (Margaret), the daughter of his mentoring pastor Robert Graham. After he graduated in 1964, Don went to Hanover Park, Illinois to help to start an OP church. Don corresponded with Peggy, visited her in 1965, and later asked her to marry him. When they became engaged in 1965, Don sent the engagement ring to Peggy’s mother to give to her.

In January 1966 Don was living in the house that Bethel Presbyterian Church owned and used for worship in Wheaton, Illinois. He worked nights loading cargo planes for United Airlines at O’Hare Airport and labored at the Hanover Park mission. He worked on one Wednesday night, then flew to San Diego the next morning, and was married on this day (a Friday) in 1966. He was back to work on Monday night.

The Rev. and Mrs. Leslie Sloat flew out from Philadelphia to "stand in" for Don’s missionary parents, the Clarence Duffs. Mr. Sloat took part in the ceremony along with the bride's father. Virginia Lee Graham (Dennison) was maid of honor and George Marsden, who also was an intern under Graham, served as best man.

In 1967 Don was licensed in the Presbytery of Wisconsin and ordained in 1968 as a teacher in the Presbytery of the Midwest when he taught Bible for three years at Timothy Christian School. He then served as pastor of three OP churches and as stated clerk of the General Assembly. Don stays active serving on the Committee on Coordination and as the stated clerk of the Presbytery of Ohio.

The Duffs enjoy spending time with their three children and 13 grandchildren traveling back and forth from Western Pennsylvania to Ohio and Wisconsin to see them.

Picture: Don and Peggy Duff and their grandson, Elijah.