Stockton Misssion Bethany OPC Shows Progress
Presbyterian Guardian, February 25, 1959, Volume 28, Number 4, Page 55
Stockton Mission Shows Progress
The latest mission venture in the Presbytery of California is in the city of Stockton. Near the northern end of the productive San Joaquin Valley, Stockton has a population of about 100,000. It is the home of the College of the Pacific, and is 50 miles south of Sacramento.
In November of last year a few interested families decided to hold public worship services under the auspices of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The initiative was taken by Mr. Dirk Brink, and by Dr. Daniel van Houte and Mr. Jack Miller, teachers in the Ripon Christian School. Presbytery's home missionary, Henry W. Coray, preached at the opening service. Eleven people were present.
Meanwhile interest has mounted. The group has secured the Seventh Day Adventist building at Vine and Madison in which to worship. Services are held at 11 a.m. and 7: 30 p.m. This mission project is under the direction of the Session of First Church, Sunnyvale, which Mr. Coray serves. Mr. Miller has been appointed stated supply, and is doing the burden of the preaching in Stockton. Attendance last month was reported as 35 to 40 for morning worship with 20 to 25 the average at night.
Dr. van Houte conducts the midweek services, which are held in various homes. Not long ago the Wednesday meeting was in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dirk Brink, and the celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary made it an occasion for congratulations and best wishes.
The Presbytery has endorsed this effort in Stockton and is giving some help toward its support. Both Messrs. Brink and Miller are elders on the Sunnyvale Session, and Dr. van Houte is a minister of the Orthodox Presbyterian denomination. He has a son attending Westminster Seminary
Location: Stockton, California