Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 16, 1994 TAG: 9407180131
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Rick Lindquist
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The 1844 Belspring congregation - 17 members at first - attended what was then known as White Glade Church, according to Stella Brown, the church's informal historian. A brick building, erected in 1850 near town, served until 1920, when the present church was built right in town. A fellowship hall and Sunday School classrooms were added in 1954.
Brown said the congregation has had 14 pastors over the decades and has spawned two from within its ranks: The Rev. Otis Brown (Stella Brown's cousin) and the Rev. Charles Chumbley. The first, the Rev. WIlliam T. Hickman, was fatally wounded at the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain in 1864. The latest is the Rev. Joe McCoy, who also serves Old Brick Presbyterian Church on Rock Road in Radford. (That congregation celebrates its 150th anniversary next year.) McCoy has been at Belspring for 16 years. The church has approximately 60 members.
\ NEW DUBLIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH celebrates its annual homecoming July 24 with a double anniversary: It's been 225 years since the congregation was established in 1769 at the New Dublin settlement on the New River, and 30 years since New Dublin became an independent congregation.
The Rev. Ben Trawick is the church's pastor. New Dublin Presbyterian Church has approximately 175 members. For more information, call Trawick at 674-6147.
\ HAPPENINGS:
Straight Street youth center, 300 N. Franklin St., Christiansburg, observes its third anniversary today with an open house, 6-midnight, with games and refreshments and entertainment by Reality Check and Benjamin (son of Bill and Gloria Gaither). Those attending are asked to bring a wrapped gift for the center. (Hints: ping-pong balls, basketballs, volleyballs, board games, bar stools and games.) For more information, call 381-1006.
The Rev. Layne Board holds a special service Sunday, 2 p.m., at Goodwins Ferry Holiness Church on Spruce Run in Giles County. Call Shelby Smith, 552-3443, for details.
Evangelist Bob Ely holds revival services Sunday through Wednesday at the Pentecostal Holiness Church, Phlegar Street, Christiansburg. Services Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., weekdays at 7 p.m. 382-9429
Presbyterian Church of Radford, 201 Fourth St., holds an ice cream social Wednesday at 7 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 1730 West St., Radford, celebrates homecoming July 24 at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Lee Suggs of Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church, Christiansburg and his choir.
The summer reading program at Radford Church of God in Christ, Russell Avenue, meets Monday and Thursday evenings, 6:30-8, through Aug. 18, featuring storytelling, creative writing, trips to the library and, of course, refreshments. The church seeks donations of good, used books for this educational endeavor. Call 639-5948.
Revival services with the Rev. Ralph E. Clark continue through July 24 at 7 each evening, at the Giles Street Tabernacle, Pearisburg. 980-1629.
\ MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE:
Betty Jean Robinson sings tonight and Sunday at 7:30 at the old-fashioned camp meeting in Hiwassee with evangelist J.B. Shelton. Robinson's television program, "Upon Melody Mountain," airs weekly on TBN Christian Network. Admission is free; lawn chairs are advised. Services continue through July 30. 381-2123 or 980-8262.
Gospel singer Carla Karst of Wise sings at two Radford churches July 24. Karst sings at 11 a.m. at Grove United Methodist Church, Tyler Avenue, and at 3 p.m. at New Mount Olive United Methodist Church, Russell Avenue. Karst is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and a former teacher. 639-2807.
The Sounds of Harmony visit Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 155 Dunlap Road, Christiansburg, Sunday at 6 p.m. 382-0719.
Singing in the Valley '94 happens Friday, July 29, at 7 p.m. at Belview United Methodist Church, 3619 Onyx Drive, off Virginia 114, about 21/2 miles east of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant. On stage: Second Chance, Glory Road, Jehovah Jirah, and Sunshine Express Trio. 639-6271.
\ VACATION BIBLE and CHURCH SCHOOLS:
Christiansburg Church of the Brethren, 310 S. Franklin St.: July Monday through Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., for all ages. Call Pastor Don Peters, 382-3695 or 382-2221.
Main Street Baptist Church, 100 W. Main St., Christiansburg: Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m.-noon for youngsters; 11 a.m.-noon for adults. Transportation is available. A dessert social will be held Friday evening. Children are encouraged to bring pennies for a daily offering. 382-2160.
Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 155 Dunlap Road, Christiansburg: July 25-29, 6:45-9 p.m., for infants through high school. Register July 24, 6 p.m., at the church. on, 382-0719, or Sharon Knight, 552-5809.
\ SHORT TAKES:
Grace Assembly, 2030 Redwood Drive, Christiansburg, is now affiliated with the Assemblies of God, Springfield, Mo. Pastor Bob Goldstein has been granted ministerial credentials with that denomination.
St. Paul United Methodist Church preschool, 220 W. Main St., Christiansburg, has limited spaces for three-year olds in its 1994-95 program. Classes will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings. 382-2410.
\ NAMES:
BETTY FORE - Blacksburg Presbyterian Church's secretary for the past 17 years - will retire. A reception in her honor is set for 11 a.m. on July 24, following morning worship.
\ In Religion is a regular Saturday feature of the New River Current. Please send news of your church or religious organization in care of Rick Lindquist, New River Current, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073. Fax: 381-1656. Clear, sharp photographs accompanying news items are welcome. Items must be received by noon Wednesday for use in that week's column.|
by CNB