Messengers to the Blue Ridge Baptist Association celebrated a century-and-a-half of ministry as they gathered Oct. 23 at Fairystone Baptist Church. Many came dressed in period attire as they looked back in time to celebrate their most significant accomplishments.
Guest speaker Fred Anderson, executive director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society, who often portrays historical Virginia Baptist figures, was given opportunity to speak as himself in recounting the history of the association.
Fred Anderson speaking at Blue Ridge's anniversary celebration.
Referring to a visit he and his wife made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City in which they observed paintings portraying saints from history, Anderson wondered aloud what Blue Ridge saints from the past would be identified on canvas or better yet captured in stone in an imaginary gallery.
Answering his own question, he proceeded to name important personages, men, women and children, in his historical gallery. Included first was Daniel Gray Taylor, who is called the Father of the Blue Ridge, and his wife, Martha.
Taylor oversaw the founding of the association at Mayo Baptist Church in 1858. His great-grandniece, Irene Martin, now more than 90 years of age, was present and brought greetings on behalf of her famous ancestor and from the Mayo church of which she is a member.
Others, whose images were preserved in Anderson's imagination, included Daniel's son, J. Lee Taylor, who baptized more than 1,000 of the scattered mountain residents during more than 40 years of ministry — all in the Blue Ridge.
Sarah Hopkins and a missionary band of 12 other mission-minded women were also included in Anderson's imagined statuary. They were among the first women named as delegates from churches in 1876. The association had asked each church to name a sister to “solicit contributions for state mission work.”
A host of others were also rightly remembered as Anderson recounted contributions each had made to evangelism and ministry in the Blue Ridge.
A history of the association was printed just in time for the celebration. Called Eyes Toward the Mountains: History of the Blue Ridge Baptist Association, Celebrating 150 years, 1858-2008, the volume was authored by Sally and Wayne D. Hannah. Wayne serves as the association's director of missions. The book sells for $35 and can be ordered from the BRBA office at 705 Mountain View Loop, Stuart VA 24171. Checks should me made out to Blue Ridge Baptist Association and designated “book.”
Also present for the occasion was state senator William Roscoe Reynolds, who was recognized and brought greetings. Delegate Ward L. Armstrong was prevented from attending the celebration because of a prior commitment, but joined the celebrants during the fellowship time following.
More than 150 persons from the association's member churches gathered for the event.