June 24 Today in OPC History

Thirteen days after Robert L. Atwell became a founding member of what is now the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, he married Mary Elizabeth Stuart on this date in 1936. Five days before the wedding, Betty received her bachelor of science degree in home economics from Carnegie Tech. Bob, the previous year, graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary, and was ordained and served as a PCUSA minister to dual congregations in Harrisville and Branchton, Pennsylvania. When those congregations joined the fledging denomination, Bob continued as their pastor.

Over the next forty-three years, Bob would pastor eight more OP congregations. Zig-zagging across the country, the Atwells served churches in San Francisco and Sunnyvale, California; Middletown, Glenside, and Edinburg, Pennsylvania; Miami, Florida; and twice in Westfield, New Jersey. Bob was co-founder and president of the French Creek Bible Conference, where Betty plied her skills as head cook for two weeks annually for fifteen years. Bob also served on the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension from 1970–1979 and was a trustee at Westminster Theological Seminary from 1967 to 1982. Betty cared for their three children, Margaret, James, and John; gave classes in oil and tole painting; and taught VBS. Betty’s artistic talents eventually led her to start Studio Home Interiors, a decorating firm.

In retirement in Grove City, Pennsylvania, Betty spent much of her time caring for Bob, who struggled with Parkinson’s disease. After fifty-two years of marriage, Bob entered Glory on October 31, 1988. In 1990, Betty married widower Arthur S. Armour, also a charter member of the OPC. She died on May 6, 1993, leaving an example of faithful service.

Picture: Betty and Bob Atwell