Staff Changes
Steve Traylor, to First Church, Staunton, as senior pastor.
Mathew “Mat” Brown, to Branch's Church, Richmond, as pastor.
David G. McEntire, to Gibeon Church, Callao, as pastor.
Holly Irvin, resigning as minister of music and youth at Monument Heights Church, Richmond.
Jared Lake, to Flat Creek Church, Lynchburg, as interim youth pastor.
Ordination
Brandon Wood was ordained to the gospel ministry on Sept. 3 by Fort Trial Baptist Church, Stanleytown. He serves as associate pastor for children and youth at Second Church, Rutherfordton, NC.
Church News
Branch's Church, Richmond, will celebrate its 192nd anniversary with its annual Rally Day on Oct. 1. Pastor Mat Brown will lead the service at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow on the church grounds.
Fairview Church, Fredericksburg, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Family Life Center on Oct. 1 at 4:00 p.m.
Orange Church, Orange, is participating in a year-long commemoration of its 150 years of ministry. John Upton, executive director of the BGAV, will be guest speaker on Oct. 8. Lunch will be served after worship. In the afternoon former ministers will bring words of greetings and special music will be provided. A time capsule has been prepared by the youth.
Arthur D. DeCoursey celebrated his 20th anniversary as pastor of Zoar Church, Catlett, on Aug. 13. He and his wife, Janet, were honored with gifts by the congregation.
Death
Retired Bluefield College professor Primitivo Degado died Sept. 14 in Ohio at the age of 93. He joined the faculty at Bluefield in 1957 as Bible instructor and was promoted to academic dean, a position he held until 1975. At that time he continued to serve as a professor of religion, philosophy and behavioral science until retirement in 1991. Funeral services were held on the campus of the college.
Other
John Randall “Randy” Myers has joined the staff of the Chaplain Services of the Churches of Virginia Inc. as religious advisor to the Virginia Department of Corrections and Assistant to the President of Chaplain Service, Cecil E. McFarland. A native of Powhatan, Myers is an ordained Baptist minister.
Blackwater Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a Missions Celebration on Oct. 8 at Smithfield Church. Fred Anderson will portray a famous Virginia Baptist at the 6 p.m. service. Special music will be provided by “Praise 6.” An association historical exhibit will be open from 7:00-7:30 p.m.
Revivals & Homecomings
Alum Spring Church, Culpeper; revival Oct. 8-12; Jim White, guest evangelist.
Antioch Church, Sandston; 230th homecoming celebration Oct. 8; Anne Pomeroy Baltzell, guest speaker; dinner following worship; afternoon celebration with concert by “Four the Lord.”
Black Branch Church, Chase City; homecoming Oct. 8.
Blackey Church, Hurley; revival Oct. 12-14; Larry Burton, guest evangelist.
Calvary Church, Lovingston; homecoming Oct. 1, followed by lunch.
Cave Rock Church, Troutville; homecoming Oct. 8; W. Nolan Teague, guest speaker.
Fairfields Church, Burgess; homecoming Oct. 15; Rod Hale, guest speaker; lunch served after worship.
First Church, Appalachia; 99th anniversary; homecoming Oct. 15.
First Church, Ballston; homecoming Oct. 15; John Edwards, guest speaker; special music by the Greater Love Quartet; dinner after service.
First Church, Monroe; revival Oct. 8-11.
Four Mile Creek Church, Richmond; 225th anniversary; homecoming Oct. 15 at 11 a.m.; dinner on the grounds at 12:30; celebration presentation at 1:30 p.m.
Furnace Creek Church, Rocky Mount; homecoming Oct 1; Rick Via, guest speaker.
Goochland Church, Goochland; homecoming Oct. 15; 235th anniversary; contemporary service at 8:45 a.m.; traditional service at 11:00; lunch will be followed by an afternoon program of memories, music and fellowship.
Gwynn's Island Church, Gwynn; revival Oct. 16-18; Jimmy Maroney, guest evangelist.
Fuller Memorial Church, Martinsville; homecoming Oct. 8; former pastor Roger Beck, guest speaker.
Lebanon Church, Alfonso; homecoming Oct. 8 at 10:30 a.m.; Robert McKinley, guest speaker; lunch following worship; revival services Oct. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m.; Ray Goude, Chance Mace and Lee Scripture, guest evangelists.
Mine Road Church, Spotsylvania; 215th anniversary; Oct. 8 at 11:00; Peyton Wiltshire, guest speaker; lunch served after service.
New Life Church, Shiloh Church, Carson; revival Oct. 8-10; Robert P. Wyatt, guest evangelist.
Round Hill Church, Round Hill; 100th anniversary; Oct. 7-8.
Sandston Church, Sandston; revival Oct. 1-4; Tommy Harrell, guest evangelist.
Smithland Church, Heathsville; 120th anniversary; homecoming Oct. 8 at 11 a.m.; lunch served at 12:30.