September 29 Today in OPC History

On this date in 1975 the first worship services of Matthews OPC began. Located outside of Charlotte, NC, the church began under the oversight of the session of Pilgrim OPC in Raleigh. Initially meeting in the community room of the American Bank and Trust Building in Matthews, the church’s pulpit was filled by a variety of men, including the Rev. Henry Krabbendam from Covenant College. Douglas Felch received a call in 1978 from the Raleigh church to serve as supply pastor. Under his leadership the church particularized on September 20, 1980. The following year saw Felch officially installed as its pastor, Ray Waggoner and Christopher Williams installed as elders, and construction begun on a recently-purchased five acre site. First services were held in the new facility on November 1, 1981.

After Pastor Felch accepted a call to the OP congregation in Leesburg, Virginia, Matthews OPC called the Rev. Robert Y. Eckardt in the spring of 1985. Subsequent pastors have included John Carrick (1992–1994) and Nathan Trice (1996–present). Dr. George Knight served the church as stated supply (1994–95) and was called as a teacher from 1994 to 2012. In 2020 the congregation changed its name to Resurrection OPC.

Homepage: Doug and Susan Felch in the late 1970s.

Picture: An early picture of the congregation