Sixty years ago George H. Lawrence, who was the first full-time pastor of old Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Chesterfield, adjusted his tie, cleared his throat and began to give a radio address over WXGI in Richmond. He was broadcasting…
HERITAGE: Seek & Find
It’s the tiniest gift shop in Virginia; but it also is likely the only store in Virginia which has no overhead, no payroll and clears 100 percent of its sales as pure profit. And it certainly is the only store…
HERITAGE: Peace-bearer extraordinaire
Jim Massey personifies peace-bearing. In his quiet, calm, soothing manner, he has given peace the first hearing in every situation. He tackled thorny issues while helping many a church find peace in its congregational life and in its relations with…
HERITAGE: Standing his ground
The foot soldiers of the 1770s who had fought and won the American Revolution were bereaved in 1799 when the news reached their towns and villages that their commander, George Washington, had died. Twenty or so years earlier they had…
HERITAGE: Black and white in Buckingham
This columnist was the anniversary speaker for Sharon Baptist Church in Buckingham County for its 150th and again on Palm Sunday, March 28, for its 175th. I think it would be wise for the anniversary planning committee to begin lining…
HERITAGE: Miss Eliza comes to Virginia
The telephone caller was a trust officer in an Atlanta bank. She was administering an estate and was attempting to find the proper home for a physical object, an old portrait which had special meaning to its deceased owner. After…
HERITAGE: Oysters and Baptists
This month is the centennial of an important event. Exactly a century ago, on Feb. 8, the trustees of Richmond College (now the University of Richmond) met to consider relocating the school from its campus located close to the city…
HERITAGE: Getting ready for the Congress!
Virginia Baptists are making travel plans for the 20th Baptist World Congress, the great gathering of the Baptist World Alliance. Every five years the Congress is held in a different location around the world. In July, the Congress is in…
HERITAGE: Return to Pamplin
Elon stands with twin white towers and columned portico shaded by giant trees. The interior looks like a jewel box with its beautiful stained-glass windows and gold carpeting. Last October the church celebrated its 150th anniversary and on the big…