March 19 Today in OPC History

On this date in 1999, Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Mission was started in Brighton, Michigan. The Session of Grace OPC in nearby Lansing, Michigan oversaw the work, and Pastor Stephen Pribble was instrumental in the early days. Elder Dennis Pfleger lived in the Brighton area, and he also helped with establishing the work. In the summer of 2000, a call was extended to the Rev. Brian De Jong, who was a PCA minister at the time. Rev. De Jong was examined and received by the Presbytery of Michigan and Ontario at their September meeting, and an installation service took place in early October. In 2002, the congregation was organized as a new and separate congregation. Elders Mark Rebhan and Chuck Krueger joined Dennis Pfleger on the Session, and Jeff Fink served as a deacon. In 2005 Rev. De Jong left Brighton to take a call to Grace OPC in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In 2008 the Rev. Douglas Doll was called as pastor. The congregation has met at Spencer Elementary School in Brighton since the beginning of worship services.

Picture: Members of Covenant OPC in 2002