 Woodbury Swan Ober Woodbury Swan and Jane McLennan Ober both joined Orange Presbyterian Church (OPC) in January of 1950. The couple's son, Donald (Don) Roderick Ober joined OPC in 1948. Their daughter, Jane McLennan Ober joined in January of 1952. Don Ober married Vibeke Ericksen and they had two children: Poul and Ellen. (More on this another time!) The Obers help Grymes Memorial School Woodbury was on the board of directors for the National Bank and Trust Co. The family lived at Elmwood Farm in Orange County. In 1955, the Obers helped Grymes School by donating 32 acres on Spicer’s Mill Road for their new campus. The school broke ground that September.  Christmas candelabras designed by Jane Ober. An active life in the church Shortly after joining, Woodbury and Jane Ober donated one hundred hymnals to the church. Woodbury was elected Deacon at OPC for the class of 1956. In 1962 he was elected an Elder. Gifts for the new sanctuary After the congregation moved into the new sanctuary, the Obers donated a lovely communion cloth for the communion table. Jane was also selected to design and oversee the installation of the landscaping around the new sanctuary. She also designed and had built lovely candelabras for our Christmas celebrations. They are still today, unique in their style and a wonderful addition to our sanctuary. Finding a new manse A committee for Manse Development was formed in 1973, and Jane was part of it. The committee's task was to procure a new manse for the church, either by building or purchasing. After much research into building a home, it was decided to purchase instead. OPC bought a house on Rapidan Road in the Town of Orange. The cost was the same as the estimates the committee received for buying a lot and building a house. Jane Ober also served on a ‘long range planning committee’ for the church. Its function was to study the long range needs of the church and the development of the physical plant. Woodbury's Bible challenge In April of 1973, OPC's newsletter, the Presbyterian Punch, published a Bible Quote feature, prepared by Woodbury Ober. The quote had some of words missing, and the reader had to fill in the spaces. As Woodbury explained, “There were no prizes other than the great joy that comes from studying God’s Word.” This feature ran for six months.  Jane McLennon Ober Faithful servants
Woodbury Ober passed away in January of 1975, and Jane Ober passed away in September of 1975. The following was written by J. Russell Bailey and posted in the Presbyterian Punch in memory of Jane McLennon Ober: “Every time we go to our church we see the handiwork of our friend and faithful member, Jane Ober. She served on our Building Committee. She gave of herself and means to accomplish the church landscaping and many other unnamed benefits. She added beauty to our Christmas celebration. But so much more than these, she was the mother of a fine family and the wife of a marvelous Christian. What an inspiration she has been to that family and to our church! We are all so grateful for her life among us.” In 1976, OPC received a $10,000 gift from Mrs. Jane Ober’s trust estate. There were no restrictions on the use of the funds. But it was Jane's hope that one half of the gift would be used for beautification of the church grounds. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team
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 Howard and Jean Berckman A life abroad Howard Cubberly Berckman and Jean Elizabeth Kemble met in Ann Arbor, Michigan as students at the university. After they married, Howard’s work with the Army took them to Japan. Three of their children were born while the couple were stationed there. Howard and Jean moved back to Northern Virginia, where their youngest child, Alice, was born. When she was about two, the family moved to Okinawa. The Berckmans stayed for five years. They then returned to the states and eventually settling in Orange. Howard's career had spanned 25 years. A life in the church Howard and Jean decided to participate in the Orange Presbyterian Church. Jean said it was important for her to sing in a good choir and she liked our choir director. Jean joined OPC in July of 1978.  Jean Berckman Orange Presbyterian Weekday School In May of that same year, the Session and Deacons approved plans for a nursery school for the county. The plan was developed by Elinor Vasquez and Jean Berkman, and the school would be housed at OPC. Elinor and Jean worked hard that summer, and the school opened on September 12th. “We worked together so well,” Jean stated in 2018 oral history interview. She served the school well, retiring after 11 years of service. The Food Closet In 1981, the Christian Emergency Council, with the Methodist Minister Forest Porter in charge, set up a Food Closet for needy families. Jean volunteered and so did Elinor and Bob Vasquez. “Elinor was my buddy,” explained Jean. Howard and Jean would drive to Charlottesville and pick up food for the Food Closet. Jean also worked with the people who came to ensure they had what they needed. Jean said, “volunteering at the Food Closet gave us a real sense of mission because of the down and out people we could help. All of the churches in Orange were involved, but the Methodists started it.” Jean Berckman managed the Food Closet for years. That ministry continues to this day, and is now known as the Love Outreach Food Pantry. It continues to provide food for Orange County residents in need. The Christian Emergency Council Jean was also involved with The Christian Emergency Council. She talked about how in the beginning, it was mostly dealing with people not being able to pay their light bill. It has grown to be so much more than that today.  The OPC Sesquicentennial quilt hangs in the church's East Room. Service to OPC
Jean was a member of the Women of the Church. She also served as a Deacon until she was ordained and installed as an Elder in 1985. Jean supported OPC’s Holiday Bazaar with her baked goods. In 1995, some of the women of OPC made a quilt to commemorate the Church’s sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary. Jean took part in that as well. She enjoyed conducting workshops at the President Madison Inn helping the residents create Christmas decorations. She was also a member of the Rapid Ann Garden Club. Howard's service Howard was superintendent of church school classes at OPC for many years. Besides supporting the local Food Closet, he helped at the Friends of the Library and the Orange County Public School Libraries. From Howard’s many years with the Army, he was fluent in Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Retirement to Charlottesville In 2013, Jean transferred her membership to Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Va. As active as Howard was at OPC, he never joined the church. His parents had been Methodist missionaries to China. He remained a Methodist to honor their memory. Howard passed away in July of 2015 and Jean followed in February of 2019. They are survived by three daughters: Julianne Berckman, Susan Cresap and husband Larry, Alice Crane, and one son, Jim Berckman and wife Belinda. Also, son-in-law Warren Crane, two granddaughters and one great grandchild. Howard and Jean Berckman did everything with a good heart and expected nothing in return. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team  The Vasquez Family Woodberry Forest Robert Frank Vasquez and Elinor St. Clair married in May of 1958. They moved to Charlottesville and joined Westminster Presbyterian Church. While working with the church youth group, they learned about a position at Woodberry Forest School. It interested Robert, and he was soon employed to teach Spanish. The couple moved to Woodberry in 1961. In October of that year, Bob and Elinor became members of Orange Presbyterian Church. Their three children, Mary Catherine, Robert Frank, and Neta Delores, were all baptized and later became members of OPC.  Elinor Vasquez with members of the OPC Youth Group. Elinor's youth ministries Elinor was quickly asked by Jackie Maddox to help with the OPC youth group. Elinor accompanied the group on trips to Massanutten occasionally, sometimes with one of her own children. She also helped teach the Primary Sunday School Class. “Elinor remains very active in many aspects of the work of our church,” Thelma Sanford noted in 1985. And she wasn't done yet. In 1989, Elinor joined the Orange Youth Commission and Council. Its purpose is to foster wholesome youth development and prevention of juvenile delinquency.  Elinor teaching at the Orange Presbyterian Weekday School Orange Presbyterian Weekday School In May 1978 Elinor Vasquez and Jean Berkman presented plans to the Session and Deacons. It was for a nursery school for the Orange community, located at OPC. The plan was approved. The two women worked hard that summer. What would become the Orange Presbyterian Weekday School opened September 12th, 1978. The school now offers the Elinor & Jean Scholarships for students in need. These scholarships were established in part by funds set aside by the Vasquez family. They honor the vision and many years of service to the school by these two women. It was Elinor’s and Jean’s wish that children could be part of the preschool even when finances made it daunting. “It is our hope to honor their great tradition of love for all God’s children in establishing this scholarship” (Orange Presbyterian Weekday School)  Bob Vasquez hard at work at the Orange Free Clinic Bob's community ministries
Bob Vasquez maintained a busy schedule at Woodberry Forest. In addition to teaching Spanish, he also served as a college counselor. Bob also taught summer school at Woodberry Forest. The Christian Emergency Council opened a food pantry in Orange County in 1981. Bob participated by unloading food and stocking shelves. He teamed up with Ben Johns, a teacher from Episcopal High School. The pair taught GED English and Spanish at the Orange Regional Jail. In 2006, the Orange County Free Clinic formed. The clinic provides medical care and medication assistance for those in need. Today, there are 5,000 patients registered. Bob has been volunteering at the clinic from its beginning. He checks in people and files paperwork. Bob also translates for Spanish-speaking patients, Elinor remembered Elinor passed away on June 27, 2019. She is survived by her husband, Bob, their children, their grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Her service at OPC was just as it should be -- a church filled with many people she had touched with her love and kindness. Elinor St. Clair Vasquez was a force in the Orange Presbyterian Church and the Orange County community. We are so thankful. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team  Judson "Bugs" Gardner, ca. 1942 Orange County native After his father passed away, Judson Morgan Gardner moved to his grandfather’s farm with his mother and brother. He graduated from Orange County High School, He was president of his senior class, a member of the baseball team and the rifle squad. Judson, known as "Bugs," built gliders in Orange, Baltimore and Winston-Salem before joining the U.S. Army Air Corps for four years. He served as a transport pilot and glider pilot. A life in Orange Bugs Gardner met Elaine Bray while home on leave and they later married. In 1963, they built their home in Orange. They had three sons, Jud, Doug and Roger. Bugs was active in Scouting, Boosters Club (youth baseball coach), Country-Town Pool and Rotary. He also supported the local soapbox derby competition. In 1964, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner joined Orange Presbyterian Church. The Youth program and happy associations with earlier ministers -- Dr. Stribling and Dick Taylor -- all had a part in drawing them to OPC. Bugs received his B.S. in Architecture from U.VA and went to work for Russell Bailey. In 1968, he became a partner in Bailey and Gardner and participated in the design of our new sanctuary in 1971.  Elaine and Bugs Gardner (front); Douglas, Judson, and Roger Gardner (back) A life in the church Bugs Gardner served on the Board of Deacons, and as Chairman, at OPC. He also served as an Elder and was a Trustee for the church. His fair-mindedness was a wonderful asset to the church. In 1987, Bugs was employed by OPC to draw plans for renovations and additions of the old Sanctuary and the Sunday School, after considering the recommendations of the Plant Study Committee. Elaine's gifts Elaine Gardner joined the Women of the Church. For many years, she took responsibility overseeing the decorating of the Sanctuary for the Candlelight Service. She also worked as the church secretary. Renee Chamberlain and Elaine were both top seamstresses and enjoyed working together designing and sewing garments and having “showings."  A lasting legacy In 1995, some of the women of OPC made a quilt top to commemorate the Church’s sesquicentennial (150th). Elaine was part of the committee that constructed this masterpiece. Bugs drew the designs, which were enlarged for use as patterns. Elaine passed away February 2015 and Bugs in July 2017. They are survived by their sons and their wives: Judson M. Gardner, Jr. and Jackie of Lynchburg, Douglas Alan Gardner and Patrice of Chesapeake, Roger W. Gardner and Linda of Richmond. Also, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Gardners’ devotion and dedication to OPC played an important part in our history. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team The session is hosting a community picnic this fall and you're invited! Please join us for our community picnic on Sunday, September 12, 2021, immediately following our worship service. Our service will be at 11am and the picnic will start around noon. In the event of rain, the picnic will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2021. - Pastor Rebekah   Earle and Mamie Breeden Earle L. and Mamie Fitzgerald Breeden joined Orange Presbyterian Church in 1981. Their son, Paul, joined with them. The Breedens also had two daughters, Pamela and Patricia. Earle was born in Orange County and Mamie was born in Nelson County. They met while both families were living in Manassas, VA. Earle Breeden served in WWII as a member of the US Army Air Force, and he and Mamie married after his discharge. Christian Emergency Council Clothes Closet Earle became a Deacon of OPC, Class of 1984. Shortly after, a Christian Emergency Council Clothes Closet for the community was established. Orange Presbyterian Church provided the space and the electricity for the Clothes Closet. Florence Hill Owen and Earle Breeden were in charge of the Clothes Closet. Earle was the Deacon representative, and the Closet's “man Friday.” He fixed racks and lights, and carted unusable clothing to the Salvation Army. Love Outreach Food Pantry Both Earle and Mamie were very involved with the Pentecostal Church Food Bank (known as Love Outreach Food Pantry). They were the workers quietly getting things done in the background. The couple always watched for those in need and less fortunate than themselves. helping however they could. Earle delivered food to the sick and helped with rides to doctor appointments. In his role as Deacon, Earle would reach out to OPC when the Food Bank needed help or funds. He kept our congregation informed.  Paul and Chicko Breeden, with their son Darron Feeding the hungry Earle was also in charge of the Welfare Department’s distribution of milk, butter, and cheese to the community. The food was distributed on Saturday mornings, several times a year. It took place on the portico outside the Fellowship Hall. An active Deacon and two Welfare Department representatives helped Earle with this. Mission-oriented Earle was active in the Men of the Church, serving as Treasurer for several years. Mamie was active in the Women of the Church, also serving as Treasurer for a while. She was also an Elder of the Church. The Children’s Home of the Highlands in Wytheville, VA, one of OPC’s missions, was very important to Mamie. They were a “mission-oriented” couple and they were “there to help.” The next generation Mamie Breeden passed away in December 2003. She is buried in Cannon Branch Cemetery in Manassas, VA. Earle L. Breeden passed away in December of 2009. He is buried in the Culpeper National Cemetery in Culpeper, VA.  Jim and Pam Breeden Golas One daughter, Pamela, and her husband Jim Golas, live in Orange County and are participants of OPC. They bring Charles and Shirley, members of their household, with them for church service and gatherings.
Another daughter, Patricia, lives in Edinburg, VA. Their son, Paul, and his wife, Chihiro have two children, Darron and Emily. Darron and Emily would join Mamie for church services and Darron became a member of OPC. Thank you Earle and Mamie for your valuable contributions to the life of our church. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team |
