In 1978, the National Capital Presbytery announced their intention to develop a new church in Burke, Virginia. That summer, an advertisement appeared in the local newspaper, the Burke Herald, inviting people to a vesper gathering at the Burke Centre Visitor’s Center. On September, the first few gathered and the seeds of Burke Presbyterian Church were planted.
On November 5, 1978, the first Sunday morning worship service was followed by a new members seminar where the original 10 members joined the church. Over the next two years, Rev. Roxanna Atwood led the congregation as it grew to 123 members, meeting every Sunday in the Oaks Community Center.
Rev. Atwood was formally called as the first pastor of Burke Presbyterian Church in March 1979. In June, the National Capital Presbytery purchased the site of the present church building, and the church was chartered on April 19, 1980.
Over the next two years, the Meeting House was constructed along with one wing of the building to house offices and a preschool. The Preschool was established in September 1983.
From these early beginnings, the church has grown vigorously in membership, missions, ministries, and physical size. A third expansion of the building was completed in 2021, and included a new kitchen, renovated and relocated preschool facilities, the enlarged Meeting House, the Gathering Space, and additional classrooms.
BPC has grown and thrived through times of both joys and challenges. Our roots have deepened and our members continue to be nourished by fellowship and our commitment to the community. We welcome you into our family as we live out our faith in the Burke community.