Kirk O'Cliff Presbyterian Church

"Be a Beacon of God's Love."


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Brief History of the Kirk O'Cliff Presbyterian Church

The Kirk O'Cliff Presbyterian Church was built in 1876 on a cliff on the north bank of the North Anna River between Louisa and Spotsylvania Counties. The building was constructed of hand-made bricks because there was no suitable lumber nearby. There were 13 original members, mostly coming from the Presbyterian Church in Fredericksburg. The church continued to minister to a small congregation, however as the years passed, attendance dwindled. By the turn of the century death and changes in residency left so few of these members living near the church a decision was made to move the building.

Kirk O'Cliff as seen in 1925

In 1910 the church acquired the necessary real property for relocating the church. The church was then dismantled and transported up the road to its present location, where, in 1911 the existing sanctuary was rebuilt using the original materials. Although physically located in Spotsylvania County, the church is within easy reach of Louisa and Orange Counties. The Kirk's congregation is made up of residents of each of the three counties.

Over the ensuing years the church acquired additional real property that permitted establishing a cemetery in 1989 and construction of a fellowship hall in 1991. More recently (2003) the church obtained more land that will allow for expansion of existing facilities or construction of new facilities should it become necessary.

Kirk O'Cliff as seen in 2006 The Kirk has and continues to be a community oriented and caring church. Response to most needs that are brought to the attention of the church has been generous and quick. As the church continues to grow and our community expands we will be called upon to consider various requests for assistance. The church has a structured program with its own budget line item for community outreach in the counties of Orange, Spotsylvania and Louisa. The church maintains a "Good Samaritan Fund" for helping individuals and/or families in immediate need. And the church has opened the doors of the fellowship hall to a number of community organizations looking for a place to call home.

A detailed history of the Kirk can be found in two documents. A booklet entitled "The First Hundred and Twenty-Five Years of Kirk O'Cliff Presbyterian Church" covering the period 1876-2001 and a handout entitled "Historical Highlights Kirk O'Cliff Presbyterian Church 1876-2006." Both documents provide a chronology of events affecting the church and are rich with stories of the people, the pastors and traditions of the Kirk. A copy of the booklet and/or handout may be obtained by contacting the Clerk of Session.

Kirk Demographics

Membership: The current membership of the church is 99 members - 75 active members and 24 members on the inactive roll.

Friends of the Kirk: The church is blessed with a goodly number of parishioners (non members) who regularly attend worship service and support the church in its various ministries.

Pastor: The Rev. Dr. William (Bill) Cowfer.

Session: The Session is comprised of a moderator (Pastor) and nine Elders. The term of office for Elder is three years. The Clerk of Session, who is an Elder but need not be a member of the Session, is appointed annually by the Session.

Treasurer: The treasurer is appointed annually by the Session. The treasurer is responsible for managing and maintaining the financial records of the church, including the disposition of funds obtained or paid out by the church. The treasurer is bonded through the church's insurance policy. The financial records of the church are subject to an annual audit.

Committees: The church has several standing committees, which are chaired by a Session member. Ad hoc committees are established on an as needed basis. The standing committees are:

  • Worship and Music: In coordination with the pastor, managing the various lay functions associated with the worship and music ministries of the Kirk.
  • Fellowship: In coordination with the Session, develop fellowship opportunities to promote a better understanding of the Christian faith and ministries of the Kirk.
  • Christian Education: In coordination with the Session and Pastor, develop the Christian Education ministries of the Kirk, including youth and adult programs.
  • Mission Outreach: In coordination with the Session, establish mission outreach goals and manage the Kirk's funds earmarked for mission outreach.
  • Financial/Budget: In coordination with the Session, develop and manage the church's annual budget.
  • Buildings & Grounds: Responsible to the Session for maintaining all Kirk real and personal property and managing all improvement projects relating to these properties.