DATE: Thursday, September 18, 1997          TAG: 9709160167

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 04   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   69 lines

GHENT METHODIST 95 YEARS OLD

At the turn of the 20th century, Methodists living in the burgeoning suburb of Ghent had to travel ``all the way downtown'' to worship each Sunday.

Most rode a packed streetcar across Smith's Creek (later renamed ``The Hague``) to reach the stately Freemason Street structure.

By 1902, the Ghent Methodists had grown weary of the ``long'' weekly trip. With proper missionary zeal, J.W. Grandy gathered a dozen of the neighborhood's most prominent men together at his home on Colonial Avenue to come up with a solution. They formed ``The Ghent Methodist Church Society,'' and decided to purchase a lot on the corner of Stockley Gardens and Raleigh Avenue to erect a church.

Today, some 95 years and three structures later, Methodists in Ghent continue to flock to that corner of Stockley Gardens to worship each Sunday, along with dozens of other parishioners who live as far away as North Carolina.

The neighborhood, the church membership and the original modest structure may have changed dramatically since 1902, but the faith and mission that originally drew the congregation together hasn't changed: to make Ghent United Methodist Church a haven of comfort, worship and community outreach for long-time residents, young families and single professionals looking for a spiritual home.

Now as the church prepares to celebrate the coming of its centennial with a special 11 a.m. worship service Sunday, current parishioners are calling former members home to help them commemorate the church's legacy.

``We're a very diverse congregation . . . and we're a growing congregation,'' maintained the current pastor, the Rev. H. Leroy Seibert. ``And we're a very warm and loving congregation that continues to struggle with what it's called to do as a church - to figure out how to minister effectively to the community and at the same time maintain our integrity so we'll be around for the next century.

``This service is a chance for us to celebrate our past and future.''

During the last few months, parishioners have been scouring attics, area archives and photo albums to put together memorabilia display and commemorative ``memory'' booklets for the event. They've also sent out some 300 invitations to members and former members to help the current membership share memories and worship, and partake in a covered dish dinner.

Remembrances have been already flooding back for many of the long-time congregants.

As church secretary for 39 years, Carol House admits she has seen dramatic change during her decades at the church, including the leadership of 10 different ministers.

``I've seen so many changes, it's unbelievable,'' recalled House, who retired as secretary in 1980 but continues to worship there. ``I remember when the steeple had to be repaired because a storm damaged it. We went over to the (Ohef Sholom) synagogue across the street to worship until it was repaired.

``I remember when they tore down East Ghent, we went over there and worked to help people by giving them clothes and food.

``And I remember the time about 10 years ago when all the neighbors were up in arms because the church went dark in the middle of the night. The church had always been lit at night . . . and they were so upset because they felt safe having the lights from the church shining out in the neighborhood. . . .

``I pass four or five other Methodist churches to come here to worship. But I wouldn't think of going anywhere else. It's home.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by NHAT MEYER

Carol Walker House, standing, poses with 95-year member Ivy Lee

Brownley at Ghent United Methodist Church. The church is at the

corner of Stockley Gardens and Raleigh Avenue.

The Rev. H. Leroy Seibert is pastor of the church.

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