Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church
The Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church is located in a thriving residential neighborhood. The congregation can trace its roots back to the early 1980s when members met at the Steward School for weekly services. The Reverend Richard A. Brand and a small group of members established Gayton Kirk Presbyterian in its current location in 1985. The congregation is a member of the Presbytery of the James. The Gayton Kirk Presbyterian has a strong Scottish heritage dating back to John Knox and John Calvin when the Presbyterian Church was the main religion of Scotland.
Gayton Kirk Presbyterian states its mission as follows: “To enable individuals to learn, practice, live, and share the word of God” and its worship style as “casual, respectful, and creative.” The church extends a welcome to all who enjoy learning and stimulating their minds in the word of God. The church offers a Sunday service and adult and children’s Sunday school services weekly. Beyond weekly services the church offers a children’s choir and art class during the week. The adult Chancel Choir performs weekly at the Sunday worship service. The Kirk Players, which consists of both adults and children, also performs during the worship service by incorporating scripture and music into the service. Gayton Kirk Presbyterian also offers an Art Center that consists of various classes such as drama and art as well as a culinary arts class where the members are able to learn cooking one-on-one with a master chef.
Gayton Kirk Presbyterian sponsors the Kirk Festival annually, which consists of a full day planned with games and food. The festival celebrates the congregation’s Scottish heritage and is open to everyone for a small donation. The Kirk Festival offers an opportunity for families to get together and participate in a range of family activities, from children dancing to family potato sack races.
With respect to outreach programs, Gayton Kirk Presbyterian participates in the Eastminster Project and Camp Hanover. The Eastminster Project was originated by the Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The project consists of a “free store,” supported by donations of items from groceries to toiletries from congregational members, that offers items to those in need. Camp Hanover is a volunteer project through which church members contribute their time to maintaining the camp property at Camp Hanover, which is sponsored by the congregations belonging to the Presbytery of the James.
Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church
11421 Gayton Road
Richmond, VA 23238
(804)-741-5254
Sources:
Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church website
Gayton Kirk Presbyterian minister
Profile prepared by Robbin Arrington
August, 2008
