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