Our History
Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church dates back to March 26, 1968, when 20 charter members met to consider the formation of a new church. The first worship service of Riveroaks, originally named First Reformed Presbyterian Church, was held on March 31, 1968. By July 1969, First Reformed Presbyterian Church purchased property on Massey Road, and on Thanksgiving Eve, 1969, they worshiped for the first time in their new facility. For the next eleven years, First Reformed's congregation steadily grew and was 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, discussions were underway to relocate to a larger property where a new church home could be built. In January 1983, 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 to emphasize its devotion to the truths of Scripture as expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith. 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.”
The Riveroaks congregation first worshiped at the Germantown Road property on May 26, 1985, and after 5 years of growth, expanded its facilities again to include a sanctuary. Several years later an education wing was built.
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, MS. Currently, Rev. Robert Browning is the pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church, on Goodman Road.
At present, our weekly attendance runs approximately 400 on Sunday mornings. We praise the Lord for His provision to us and look forward to what He will accomplish in the future. Deo Gloria!