December 10 Today in OPC History

On December 10, 1977, Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, Virginia was particularized by the Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic. The origins of the church antedate the presbytery itself. In the mid-1960s, a Bible study, overseen by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, was begun by families who had left a Baptist church and were eager to study the doctrines of grace. Eventually Grace OPC in Vienna, Virginia assumed oversight of the work.

The Rev. Richard Horner moved to the area in 1969 and worship services began in a Holiday Inn. When Pastor Horner resigned in order to plant a church in Roanoke, the mission work eventually called the Rev. Andrew Wikholm. Under his leadership the church was organized in 1977. After Wikholm moved to California, the church called Richard E. Knodel in 1981, and he pastored the church until 2005. In 2006 Grace Church called Peter Stazen II who served until retiring at the end of 2018. He was followed by Bennie Castle from 2019 to 2023.

Picture: Andy Wikholm broadcasting a sermon.