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The Onondaga Hollow Religious Society was organized on November 8, 1809, in a school house on Seneca Turnpike. They became a part of the Geneva Presbytery in March, 1810 and by September, the Onondaga Valley Presbyterian Church building was complete. The congregation survived ecclesiastical trials, the abolitionist movement and the civil war, a fire in 1873, prohibition and another fire in 1922.
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Valley Presbyterian Boys Club baseball team organized in the spring of 1910 |
The current yellow brick structure was completed in 1924. Additions and remodeling continually improve the building. The church is handicap accessible, with a recently renovated sanctuary, parlor, and Christian education wing.
As a church on the south side of Syracuse, the Valley combines both residential and urban characteristics. Members of the church are from the Valley area as well as surrounding suburban communities.
Central to the life of OVPC is meeting the challenge of sharing the good news of the gospel in a rapidly changing environment and culture. Reformed worship supports and strengthens our lives as disciples; combining a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with heart-felt intercessory prayer, strong lay-leadership from youth and adults, a faithful adult choir, and thoughtful preaching. A strong education program for adults, youth and children complements our worship together and encourages us to further our understanding of God's good news throughout our lives.
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Our angels for the Christmas pageant |
A ministry of mutual caring (pastor to member, member to member, member to pastor, pastor and members to the community) is of prime importance to our congregation. Through the caring connection of the deacons and congregational fellowship events, such as coffee hours, movie nights, craft nights and shows, suppers and dances, we seek to strengthen the Body of Christ in the Valley. Mission to the community through participation in Habitat for Humanity, the Ecumenical Food Pantry, the larger Presbyterian Church, the Valley Ecumenical Council, and ACTS (Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse), gives us the opportunity to share God's gifts throughout the world through hands-on mission, responsible stewardship and an open heart.
As we look forward to our 200th anniversary as Christ's church here in the Valley, we give thanks for all of God's generous gifts in our lives and we trust that God will continue to call us to be a vital part of Christ's work both now and in the future.
