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…
HERITAGE: The last lap
Betty Pugh Mills, his pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Richmond and his chief softball catcher, called him “the king of narrative preaching.” Claude Dollins, a former colleague on the Virginia Baptist Mission Board staff and a long-time friend, called…
HERITAGE: Smiling faces
I needed to be at Antioch Baptist Church in Orange County at 9:30 on a Sunday morning in August of last year. Shortcut directions routed me through the backdoor. From I-95 I took the Thornburg exit and headed west through rural…
HERITAGE: Death in the family
Dear Zachary, Cassidy and Emily: Across the years I have written several letters addressed to you, my grandchildren, which have appeared in this column. They have covered several different topics. When Zachary was born, I wrote about what it means…