THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 12, 1995 TAG: 9510110290
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Religion
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: COURTLAND LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
EVEN AS Courtland Baptist Church recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, some of the focus was on the future.
A day of worship and fellowship reflected on the theme, ``The Mystery of Time.''
A morning service, led by retired Chaplain Gordon Paulson of Norfolk, honored all 90 people from the congregation who had served in the armed forces. A plaque commemorating their service was presented to the church by Jackie Shearin.
Another bronze plaque mounted on the exterior wall of the educational wing commemorates the year 1862-1863, when the church served as a Confederate Hospital. A monument behind the church honors those soldiers who died and were buried on church property overlooking the Blackwater River.
At the 11 a.m. morning worship service, the Rev. Gary R. Powell, pastor, used the Scriptural text of Hebrews 12:1-2 and challenged Courtland's present congregation about ``standing in the stream of history.'' Powell presented recent accomplishments as steppingstones to continued growth and development.
After a traditional ham and chicken dinner in the church's spacious fellowship hall, members and guests enjoyed an afternoon service featuring guest Fred Anderson of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society. In a dramatic monologue, Anderson portrayed Dr. Hatcher, a legendary preacher and spiritual leader in Virginia Baptist history. According to Mildred West, chairperson of the eight-member anniversary committee, ``He gave ramblings about life in the early days of our church and included historical facts from our church history.''
``Courtland was known as a town of evilness - with two saloons in town,'' West added with a smile. ``But this church has always been a strong church in the community and remains one of the largest and most active.''
Dating to the year the Southern Baptist Convention was formed, Courtland Baptist has built on a solid foundation. Through the ministries of 28 pastors, the church has maintained its focus on spiritual growth and service.
From a white clapboard structure to its brick structure with stained-glass windows, the church has ministered to its own flock as well as the surrounding community.
A mission-minded congregation, the church has been involved in recent years in disaster relief efforts for hurricane and flood victims in Florida, South Carolina and the Midwest. In 1992, a mission team from the congregation traveled to Bland County Mission Center (Va.) where they constructed a building to house medical supplies for the center.
In 1995, Powell traveled with Partnership Missions to Mexico to teach a Family Life seminar, and Courtland member Connie Varnell traveled to the Eastern Shore of Virginia to teach Vacation Bible School to the families of migrant farm workers.
On the home front, Courtland Baptist has provided a strong ministry to children and youths of the community through its summer day camp program and an after-school program during the school year.
``We have a commitment to impact the lives of children,'' Powell pointed out. ``We offer our community many opportunities and invest a significant amount of money and energy into ministry for children.''
Community outreach and service is also the impetus behind the church's medical closet, which loans local citizens hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment when needed. And a food and clothes closet provides supplies to those needing assistance.
The church's Wednesday evening program promotes strengthening families. Music and mission organizations help train members for service. In addition, sessions featuring original stories written by Powell using the fictional characters Speedy and Pokey challenge the young and young-at-heart to build their lives on values and spiritual principles.
Reflecting on the history of Courtland Baptist, West said, ``The past has made our future . . . our church was built on a love for God and the Bible by men and women who lived godly lives.''
So what's the future for Courtland Baptist?
``I think we'll be here to minister for a long, long time,'' Powell said. ``My personal vision is to one day have a big, new church with a youth center on the back.'' ILLUSTRATION: The Rev. Dr. Gary Powell, pastor
Courtland Baptist Church once served as a Confederate hospital.
by CNB