August 30 Today in OPC History

On this date in 1967, the Orthodox Presbyterian Messenger featured the congregation of Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Modesto, California. The Messenger reported that the group, under the leadership of Pastor Thomas Champness, had grown to 25 communicant members and 23 baptized children. It was also reported that the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension had lent the congregation $14,100 to purchase 1.4 acres of land as a site for a potential church building.

Mr. Champness would continue as pastor of Grace Church until 1973 when he accepted a call to Redeemer OPC in Doraville, Georgia. After thirty-five years of pastoral service at Redeemer Church, he retired in 2009. Currently, Mr. Champness and his wife, Jean, and son, Paul, are active members at Wolf River Presbyterian Church in Colliersville, Tennessee.

Picture: Thomas Champness (front right) and the members of Grace OPC, Modesto, California in August 1967.