December 5 Today in OPC History

Late in 1977, Richard Barker, the stated clerk of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) was informed of the desire of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) to explore the possibility of a joint agency of the OPC, PCA, and Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod (RPCES) for endorsing chaplains for the armed services. The Rev. Messrs. Patrick H. Morison and Michael D. Stingley, both reserve chaplains, participated in an ad hoc meeting on this subject held December 5, 1977. Morison and Stingley recommended that the OPC join with the PCA and RPCES to form a body to be known as the Presbyterian and Reformed Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel. The Forty-Fifth (1978) General Assembly approved the recommendation and proceeded to elect ministers John Betzold, Elmer Dortzbach, and Dennis Prutow to serve as the OPC's representatives.

Picture: Dennis Prutow in 1982