Tidewater United Church of Christ gathered to worship on December 13, 1992 at Landstown
Middle School, Virginia Beach, Virginia. The fellowship of new people grew as we received our
first members in a charter that began on October 20, 1993.

The charter closed in 1995 with 118 men, women and children establishing a new fellowship as a
United Church of Christ. It was received into the United Church of Christ denomination on
May 26, 1996.

Land was purchased at the present site and the first building built by its members and friends.
The building was dedicated October 7, 2001.

During its existence, Tidewater UCC has welcomed almost 650 persons during worship. The
group of people has been diverse in color, background and life expression.

We have been a strong advocate and friend to the homeless. We celebrate a great diversity of
theological views, and have been a welcoming presence since our inception.
We truly have been a “heart of hospitality” to the community.

Founding Pastor and Teacher,
Rev. Randall Orwig