“In” this little word holds a big meaning for Gainesville Presbyterian Church. This church stands as a beacon of faith. It emphasizes that it is in America but not of America. Let’s delve into the history of this unique place of worship.
Gainesville Presbyterian Church started in 1978. Seven families began meeting for Bible study. Jerry Botkin guided the group toward the Reformed faith. They contacted the local PCA presbytery. Pastor Ron Bossom of Harvester PCA taught the Bible study. They met at the Kines Motel. The presbytery connected them with Phil Douglass. He was a young pastor interested in planting a church. The group liked Phil Douglass after hearing him preach. Delmarva Presbytery called Phil to start a mission church in Gainesville.
In the spring of 1979 the group began worshiping at Gainesville Elementary School. It was located on Rt. 55 outside of Haymarket. Gainesville Presbyterian Church became an official PCA church in May 1980. Phil Douglass was the pastor. For three years, they met in the school gymnasium. The gym had basketball hoops and no AC. The hall served as a nursery.
Jack Lash interned for the summer in June 1980. He came with his wife Mary Ann and baby Timmy. Jack returned to Gainesville as a full-time intern after graduating from Seminary in August 1982. The congregation called him as Associate Pastor that fall. He was ordained in March 1983.
The congregation sought a permanent location. They bought their present lot from Early Griffith. He opened Gainesville Elementary each Sunday. The building was designed and constructed in August 1983.
Phil Douglass pastored the church from 1980 to 1985. His heart was always in church planting. He helped plant many other PCA churches in northern Virginia. Jack Lash began leading the Gainesville congregation after Phil left. Jack was elected senior pastor of Gainesville Presbyterian Church in October 1986.
God blessed the church under Jack Lash’s leadership for 38 years. His ministry impacted many lives. Jack announced his retirement in 2024. The church formed a search committee. They prayed and searched for a new senior pastor.
God brought Stephen and Katherine Baran and their seven children to Virginia in 2024. Stephen was installed as the new senior pastor in the fall of 2024. The church welcomes those who want to worship Him and learn of Him.
From the start, God has blessed this congregation. There is a sense of Christian community. There is also a desire to put Christ first. The church commits to following the Bible. The story of Gainesville Presbyterian Church is about God’s grace. He builds the church. It is His church not theirs.
The church actively engages with its community. They have Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies. They also organize fellowship times. Gainesville Presbyterian Church proclaims the word of Jesus. They gather people into loving unity. They help them mature spiritually. They encourage them to serve their family, church, community, and world. They worship the Lord together on Sundays at 10:30 AM.
Remember that the story of Gainesville Presbyterian Church continues. The sweetest thing will be to sing praises to our blessed Redeemer in the heavenly places.