THE HISTORY OF THE ORCHARD STARKVILLE 

In January of 2017 The Orchard Church launched it’s Starkville location at Starkville High School.  Wes and Kristen Schrickel were the founding pastors of The Orchard Starkville and served alongside great staff and volunteers, and in August 2020 began meeting at The Wesley Foundation on the campus of Mississippi State University. In June of 2022, The Orchard Starkville welcomed Chris Prather as their new Senior Pastor, to begin his ministry along with his wife Shelby, and their 3 boys, Judah, Shepherd and Dandy. Though Starkville is a university town, The Orchard Starkville feels great importance in getting out in the community and loving on the local people of Starkville in unique ways - such as hosting movie nights, tailgating at high school football games, Easter egg hunts, and fall festivals - any way to connect with the community and to live out the gospel. At the same time, we also realize that we have this great opportunity with over 20,000 students at MSU - to disciple and pour into those students who are here for a short time at school, but will then go back home, or to their next city, state or across the world to make an impact for Christ's Kingdom.  While we have already experienced some amazing things God has done over the past few years in Starkville and at The Orchard, we know with great anticipation that He's not finished with all He will do!