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.

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.

Current Elders

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.

Jim Armour

Gary Brannan

Dennis Haire

Erin Hamel

Debra Hess

J Robert Hyman

Gloria Jones

Kim Keel

Paul Lee

Becky Little

Brittany Morgan

Diane Murphy



Meredith Neely

Jeanne Pearson

Stephen Price

Lucinda Sutton

Susan Van Zile

Sue Williams

Current Deacons

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.

Ellen Barnard

Bradley Brown

Robin Huffmon

Tony Jones

Grace Lewis

Becky McGinnis

Keith Morton

Karen Morton

Katrina Newberry

Hall Rogers

Mary Scheper

Sally Shive

Sandra Thomas

Robin Williams

Kathy Wright