PORTSMOUTH, Va.—Although almost every community has a number of developmentally-challenged citizens, most churches don’t quite know how to provide for them. Cradock Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Va., however, sees ministry to this group as one of its primary missions. Since 1960, when it created the Robin Class for persons with developmental disabilities, the church has been a place of acceptance and learning for these special people.
Students Tiffany Saffold and Bill Cooke watch the Robin Class mascot, Lucy, held by Cindy Branton.
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Every Sunday morning when the van arrives at the church, Bill Cooke, 70, gets out first, enters the classroom through its outside door and announces to those already assembled the names of those who did not ride the van that morning. Ritual is important to them.
“Bill does that every Sunday,” reported Shirley Barker, a retired U.S. Army nurse and one of the class teachers whose enthusiasm is contagious. “I came to play the piano one Sunday 23 years ago and I’ve been here ever since.”
In fact, most of the leaders who guide their charges though the two-hour teaching and worship time say they only intended to volunteer temporarily.
“I tell people, ‘I came for a while and forgot to leave,’”said another leader, Arlene Roark. “I just fell in love with them. I love them dearly.”
Members of the class chat before teaching begins.
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Traditionally, the class begins chaotically with hugs for everyone. Even the class mascot, a Boston Terrier named Lucy, gets into the spirit as she makes her rounds.
Soon, however, class time begins in earnest as Cooke takes a basket to each of the others to collect their offerings. Singing ensues, followed by stories and prayer.
“You should hear them pray for each other. They really care about what the others are going through,” offered Betty Klugh, another long-time teacher. “They pray for the church and the country, too.”
But the Robin Class has also learned about ministry. Those who can write sign their names to a card that they send to the church’s shut-in of the week.
Bill Daves, Robin Class member, entertains as class members arrive.
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Class leaders had once talked about taking their students into the sanctuary for worship, but at length decided it would be better for the class to remain in a familiar setting with people they know.
“They have their own place and their own entrance. It gives them a sense of importance,” shared Roark.
In fact, the entire experience makes them happy according to Bill Davis, a class member who before the van arrived had played a rousing rendition of the Marine’s Hymn on the piano. An all-season evergreen decorated with flags for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July adds a festive touch and a list of 10 commandments for their class figures prominently: 1) Love God; 2) Worship God; 3) Talk Nice; 4) Go To Church; 5) Obey Parents; 6) Don’t Kill; 7) Act Nice; 8) Don’t Steal; 9) Don’t Lie; 10) Don’t be Greedy.
For more information about the Robin Class and ministry to those with developmental challenges, contact Cradock Baptist Church at 757.485.3500.
Jim White ([email protected]) is executive editor of the Religious Herald.