October 29 Today in OPC History

On October 29, 1949, Orthodox Presbyterians living in central and southwest Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York were invited both to check out French Creek State Park and to participate in a three presbytery wide Machen League Rally. There was a 25 cent cost for each person for use of the Park Buildings. Each church was encouraged to bring its own ice cream and drinks, and sticks to roast weiners.

Pastor Ray Commeret of the nearby Kirkwood OPC started the Rally off with prayer and song service. Miss Charlotte Milling, a member at the Kirkwood Church, served as song leader. Westminster Seminary professor Paul Woolley gave the Reformation Address, "What Luther Did for Us," and his fellow faculty member at Westminster Ned Stonehouse gave the evening address.

The organizers were hopeful that the event would spark interest in using the state park the following year as the site for an Orthodox Presbyterian Young People's Bible Conference. The first French Creek Bible Conference took place the next August and has continued to the present time.

Picture: Ray Commeret