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     The history of Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church can be traced back to March 26, 1968, when 20 charter members met at Imperial Bowling Lanes in Memphis, Tennessee, to consider the formation of a new church. The first worship service of the Riveroaks, originally named First Reformed Presbyterian Church, was held on Sunday, March 31, 1968, at the Lion's Den in Memphis.  By July 1969,  First Reformed Presbyterian Church purchased the property (a converted residence) at 1625 West Massey Road, and on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26, 1969, they worshipped for the first time in their new facility.   For the next eleven years, First Reformed's congregation steadily grew and were faithfully led by three Senior Pastors: Rev. Leonard R. Van Horne (1968-1970), Rev. Ted Grayson (1970-1973), and Dr. C. Howard Oakley (1973-1980).

     In 1981, Riveroaks invited Rev. William Spink, Jr. to join the church as its Senior Pastor.  Under the leadership of Rev. Spink, First Reformed Church altered its affiliation  and in June 1982 was received into the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).  By this time, the church had increased its number again, and discussions soon were underway to locate new property needed to build a  new church home.  In January 1983, the Massey Road property was sold and 6.24 acres of undeveloped property on Germantown Road were purchased. 

     While organizing the change of location, the church voted in October 1983 to change its name from First Reformed Presbyterian Church to Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church,  keeping the "Reformed" name, clarifying its position holding to biblical truth and Calvinism's roots to the Reformation.  The new name for the church was based on Psalm 1:3, "He is like a tree planted by  streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither." 

     Groundbreaking at 1665 Germantown Road South occurred on September 16, 1984, where a fellowship hall/worship center and education wing were to be built.  The Riveroaks congregation first worshipped at Germantown Road on May 26, 1985, and enjoyed 5 years of growth making it necessary to begin construction for an expansion.  Groundbreaking for a sanctuary with additional  classroom space was held on December 2, 1990.  A little over one year later on December 15, 1991, Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church held its first worship service in its new sanctuary followed by a dedication service on January 12, 1992.

     While physical and spiritual growth continued at Riveroaks, in 1993 it became evident that there was a need for a Daughter church to be planted in Olive Branch, Mississippi.   At that time, the Assistant Pastor, Rev. Richard Reeves, answered the call to plant an Olive Branch PCA church along with 30-40 of Riveroaks' members.  In November of 1999, Riveroaks' Daughter church, Christ  Presbyterian Church, dedicated its own new sanctuary at their Goodman Road site.

     At present, there are approximately 390 members of Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church.  We are in the planning stages for yet another addition which will provide more  educational space, larger office space and refurbishing of the existing buildings.  We praise the Lord for what He has accomplished among us and look forward to what He will accomplish in the future.  Deo  Gloria!

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