Three Chopt Presbyterian Church originated in the minds of eleven people, who envisioned a church dedicated to centering around families and service -- becoming a church without walls. The church name came from an old Indian Trail between coastal Virginia and Charlottesville, which was blazed with three chop marks on trees.
Three Chopt Presbyterian Church was chartered on March 4, 1965, with a membership of 55 people. Worship was at Ridge Elementary School, but committee work, fellowship, study and small group worship were held in members' homes -- this was know as "House Church". The church's first office (and Christian Education Closet) was in the trunks of members' cars. Hymnbooks were borrowed and a pitch pipe was vital to the tiny choir.
On May 21, 1967, ground was broken for our first building -- worship services then moved to the downstairs fellowship hall. On Sept 16, 1973, ground was broken on the second building phase, and worship services shifted to the upstairs fellowship hall. After a difficult period in 1984, a leap of faith was taken with the employment of a part-time Minister of Music and the calling of a new pastor. The church grew, and in 1990 we celebrated our 25-year journey with the dedication of our new, current sanctuary.
Now celebrating 40+ years, Three Chopt Presbyterian Church has flourished in membership and programs, while retaining its original essence of caring for one another in Christ; and we continue being a witness in the world; and we continue being a church without walls.
