July 23 Today in OPC History

On July 23, 1943, H. Wilson Albright was ordained to the gospel ministry by the Presbytery of New Jersey and installed as pastor of Grace OPC, Trenton, New Jersey. Just a few years earlier as a student at UCLA studying aeronautical engineering, Wilson (and his parents) had been invited by Pastor Henry Coray to attend the newly formed Orthodox Presbyterian congregation in Long Beach, California. The Lord began to work in Wilson's heart regarding the gospel ministry, and he entered Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia.

While at Trenton, Wilson met Jane Mullen. They were married in 1946 and blessed with two children, Robert and Kathryn. In 1948, Wilson accepted the call to First OPC, Manhattan Beach, California, and would eventually pastor Hacienda Heights OPC from 1963–1979. In retirement, Wilson served on the session of Beverly OPC in East Los Angeles.

When Wilson died and went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2005, his daughter Kathy Albright Erickson said, "Dad's life was one of utmost faithfulness to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a Christian gentleman and showed kindness to everyone—friend and foe alike."

Picture: Back row: Jane Albright, Charlotte Stevenson, Wilson Albright; front row: Kathryn Albright, Jon Stevenson, Robert Albright. Photographer was Elder Wayne Stevenson of the Eagle Rock OPC.