October 23 Today in OPC History

On this date in 1976, Valley Orthodox Presbyterian Chapel in Roanoke, Virginia, was organized as a particular congregation by the Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Meeting at the Central YWCA in downtown Roanoke, the members had started worship services two years earlier in 1974. The Rev. Richard Horner was installed as pastor and joining him on the session by March 1977 were ruling elders James Horner and Maury Penn. In 1983 the congregation was able to move into a new building on Willetta Drive. With the move into the building came a new name for the congregation, Garst Mill Presbyterian Church. In addition to Rev. Horner (1976-2007), Garst Mill pastors have included Timothy McClymonds (2008-2012), Rodney King (2012-2018), and current pastor James Clark.

Picture: James and Ella Clark