History :

The Ocean View Presbyterian Church was the first church to be built in this area. It was formed in 1856 by members of the Blackwater Presbyterian Church. The money for the original structure was obtained from going house to house asking for donations. The building was to be used by other Christians when not in use by the Presbyterians. The first sermon was preached by the Rev. William Graham on June 8, 1856. The present sanctuary was constructed in 1907.

In 1974 the church erected the George T. West Fellowship Center, known familiarly as the Fellowship Center. In 1983 it was enlarged to its present size.

The need was soon felt for a much larger meeting hall. The hall was built in 2003 and dedicated on September 7. Church facilities are not only for use by the congregation. The church knows it as part of its mission to make these facilities available to groups in the area.

Though the church cemetery is now restricted to members of the congregation, it has throughout the years been open to all. Buried in it are slaves and sailors from the ship Red Wing.

In 1879 the Sewing Circle was organized taking both men and women as members. The Sewing Circle has the honor of being the oldest society in Delaware operating under its original name. It is still active, meeting once a month. The purpose of the Circle is to share in Bible study, to equip the work of the congregation, to do mission, and to provide fellowship for our congregation.

At first the pastor was shared with the Blackwater Church and later with the Frankford Presbyterian Church. In January of 1987 we were able to support our own pastor. As of October 1, 1997, the Ocean View and Frankford Churches re-yoked. A portion of the pastor's time is now spent with the Frankford congregation.

Purpose :

The Ocean View Presbyterian Church is a Christian congregation. We see ourselves as having been called and commissioned by Christ to point to His presence and to carry on His ministry in the world and in our area. While we share with other Christian churches this identity and mission, there are things about us that make us unique.

Worship is the cornerstone of our life together. In worship we acknowledge our dependence upon God, give thanks for God's goodness, and seek to be molded into God's faithful people.

We strive to be a community which manifests God's desire for justice and righteousness for all persons. In this congregation each person is seen as having been called and equipped by God to minister in unique ways. We encourage each other to carry out these ministries both in the church and in the community.

We identify ourselves as a caring community. We strive to be a community which manifests God's compassion and care for each other, both within and outside of the church. We are a very diverse congregation, yet we strive to discuss matters and to respect different opinions. This is a very active congregation. We encourage new ideas and the trying of new things. We cooperate in tasks. Everyone has the opportunity to be involved. In this congregation each person is needed. People have responsibilities and are missed when they are not there. You make a difference. Your presence is appreciated. Your involvement is valued. Your absence is felt.