The vision for Orchard Hills was birthed by the leadership team at Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) in Roanoke, Virginia in 1997. Their long term vision was to plant a similar style church 15-20 miles away in Botetourt County in 5 years. In 2002 the decision was made to send Scott McLucas, Administrative Pastor for CHS, and his family along with 49 adults and 42 children from CHS to plant Orchard Hills. A significant investment of people and financial resources were given by Quigg Lawrence, Pastor of CHS, and the church family.

The initial core group of folks met in the basement fellowship hall of CHS throughout the summer of 2002 as they developed community amongst themselves, implemented teams and strategies for doing ministry and began looking for a meeting place in Botetourt County. After much searching, an opportunity arose to purchase the Valley Christian Center on Cloverdale Road. The facility was being used as a church and day care center at the time, was located on a major road, and encompassed 9 acres. The purchase details were worked out and Orchard Hills closed on the property in December 2002. January 2003 marked the start of Sunday morning services with just over 100 people in attendance. Within a year the number was over 200 and by 2010 that number more than doubled as an additional service time was added. Steady growth and a focus on small groups over the years have created a vibrant church that has helped make the community a better place. Through a direct partnership with Young Life, teenagers and families have been transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. People have courageously opened themselves up to each other and God and have seen healing and wholeness as a result. People truly are investing in people for eternity at Orchard Hills!

Orchard Hills has been significantly involved in global missions from the start. This young church has been blessed to give away hundreds of thousands of dollars and is hoping to give even more. The latest project locally is to build a community center that will truly meet the varied needs of the people in the Roanoke Valley. Civic organizations have pledged their support for this endeavor and are eager to use the new facility. This is just one more example of how Orchard Hills is intentional about maintaining an outward focus. We at Orchard Hills believe the future is bright and greater things are yet to come!