Oconee Presbyterian Church – Watkinsville, GA
A place where ordinary people connect with God and one another
Easter Sunday, 1989
The members of a struggling West View Presbyterian Church came to worship believing in the power of Christ’s resurrection over death. Emboldened by the Holy Spirit and informed by continued membership decline in their own congregation, West View, together with its members and the support of the Presbytery, closed its doors for the last time.
Determined as faithful Christians to witness to new life , they designated their assets to build a new PCUSA church nearby.
Fast-forward 12 years. A tearful young man approaches Rev. Pam Driesell, then Orgazining Pastor of Oconee Presbyterian New Church Development, following worship. “I can’t talk now,” he says, “but I want to write you a note.” Rev. Driesell still recalls what she found in his letter. “He told me he was the great-grandson of one of the elders of West View when the church closed.. He remembered his granfather’s passion for his church. He was overwhelmed thinking about how gratified his great-grandfather would have been with the fulfillment of his promise.”
Ten years after the New Church Development Commission called Pam Driesell to Watkinsville, GA, Oconee Presbyerian is a thriving congregation of over 550 members. During the first 5 years nearly 70% of their members came by Profession of Faith;; only 20% are the members were Presbyterians. This church is growing disciples of Christ in service to his church and world.
“That is why we give back by designating funds each year to support the New Church Development Commission,” says Elder Jerry NeSmith. “Our lives would not be the same without Oconee. We are committed to helping new churches and new Christians find a place in Christ’s church.”
Hear Emma Atchley, member of Oconee Presbyterian Church — which turns ten years old this year — reflect on what it means to Grow Christ’s Church — Deep and Wide