When Winthrop College opened in 1895, First Presbyterian Church Rock Hill realized that the time would soon come when it would be necessary to have a new church in the rapidly growing Oakland section of Rock Hill. This new church was to be organized “not as a secession; not as a competitor but a new organization - the two to work in harmony for a common end - the good of the community.” Thus, Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church (OAPC) was built adjacent to Winthrop to be a place where Winthrop students could find a church home.
The first service at OAPC was held on December 1, 1912. Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church was formally organized on Sept. 14, 1913, with 181 members, all of whom united with the church from our sending church.
Today OAPC is a thriving PC(USA) congregation of about 800 members. All are welcome to join us as we strive to Love God and Love Neighbor.
BELIEFS
Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). For information regarding beliefs and programs of the PC(USA), please visit the denominational website: www.pcusa.org.
LEADERSHIP
The Session of OAPC is the governing body of our congregation and consists of the installed Pastors and Elders. Each Elder is elected by the congregation and serves a term of three years.
Current Elders:
Lyle Back Kim Keel Griffin Nicholson
Jamie Brannan Gracie Magyar Martha Purser
Gale DiGiorgio Richards McCrae Lucinda Sutton
Dennis Haire Clarkson McDow Susan Van Zile
Liz Hille Clark Moore Steve Vogel David Hyatt Meredith Neely Sue Williams
The Board of Deacons leads congregational care here at OAPC, and consists of 15 Deacons. Each Deacon is elected by the congregation, and like Elders, serve a term of three years.
Current Deacons :
Laura Back Becky McGinnis Sally Shive
Ellen Barnard Jane Modla Mary Jane Stallworth
Robin Huffmon Carolyn Moore Sandra Thomas
Adele Kennedy Brenda Nicholson Carol Anne Weissberger
Linda McAliley Hall Rogers Robin Williams