The Rev. Robert L. Woodson, Sr. Years
1978 - 1988
1978 - 1982 Summarized
(originally produced for the 60th Anniversary in 1988 by Sandra Sullivan)
The Woodsons returned to find an excited, happy church full of enthusiasm for developing new programs and reaching out to the community, with plans underway for commemorating the first fifty years. Friends, former members, former pastors, and sister churches came from far and near to fill the church to overflowing for an all-day celebration of our 50th Golden Anniversary.
The Woodson team initiated an immediate program of restructuring the Sunday School program with the addition of two classes, the institution of a promotion day; began the church's first mid-week services; broadened the worship service by combining piano and organ accompaniment for congregational singing and provided a church nursery, all of which continue to add to the richness of our services.
In addition, a committee was formed to begin long range planning for church renovations as well as broadening the scope of spiritual enrichment.
Immediate plans were made to participate in the association-wide ACTION program in the spring of 1979. Several teams "knocked on doors" to enroll new members in Bible Study. Carroll Sullivan and Arlene Brill made a stir all the way to Southern Baptist Convention headquarters in Nashville by enrolling an unusually large number of persons. As a result of Carroll's uncontained enthusiasm he was invited to share his experience as a speaker at the State Baptist General Association Meeting Virginia Beach that fall.
Stanardsville recognized a net gain in our Sunday School enrolment of 36 as a result of this program, and further recognition by the Albemarle Baptist Association as a fastest growing Sunday School and as showing the largest numerical increases in the Association during this period.
This was a totally rewarding experience because literally every active member of the church participated in this program. God blessed our church, hears were touched and many new person were added to our membership. Our church continues to show growth as these persons touch other lives and draw them into the fellowship.
In July 1979, fifteen person joined by Baptism or by letter, and classes were divided to make way for stronger numbers in Sunday School.
Many new committees were busy at work, including a Building and Grounds Committee, resulting in repair of the vestibule, reapir fo the sanctuary windows, upgrading the electrical wiring, adding a new heating system in the Sunday School wing, painting the roof, painting the sanctuary, adding wall-to-wall carpeting in the sanctuary and nursery, adding a kitchenette in the basement, and enlarging the parking area.
In the meantime, other program were underway. In December 1979, youth missions orgainizations (RA's, GA's, Acteens and Mission Friends) began and continued in healthy numbers through 1982. This program is currently being revamped beginning October 1983. The WMU has always been strong in our church and continued with active programs under Mrs. Marie Woodson, Director and Mrs. Ora Melone, President, by offering monthly women's meetings, missions study books, and church-wide observances for the Season of Prayer program. Excellent financial support was given for the Great Camp Vision, the new campgrounds being financed through the State WMU.
Other spiritually enriching programs included the Follow Christ Crusade, during which Cottage Prayer Meetings were held in three different homes led by deacons and laymen, followed by a renewal service with one of our favorite guest pastors, Rev. Vergil Hudson.
The deacons established the Deacon-led Family Ministry Plan for our church as an assistance to the pastor and to maintain a closer fellowship between the deacons and church families. The pastor started the first Wednesday night Bible Study.
In the fall of 1982, we again participated in an association-wide program, The World Mission's conferences and the Family Enrichment Seminar.
In the spring of 1983, our own special emphasis Sunday was held for Fred Howthorne, Greek graduate student at the University of Virgina, who has been with us since the summer of 1979 as he prepares for full time Christian ministry.
As we look back, we recall fun times as we shared third Monday evenings with our youth at the Baptist-sponsored Skate Town parties; as we tasted hobo soup and toured the spook house on Halloween; as we shared in county-wide interdenominational hymn sings and Thanksgiving and Holy Week services; as we watched the wonder of our little ones hunting Easter eggs; as we cried when ladies shared their odes to mother on their special day; as we admired our men and boys leading our Baptist Men's Day services; as we proudly watched our youth when they very ably took charge of Youth Sunday; as the ladies exchanged recipes and the men showed their athletic prowess at our annual S.S. picnic at South River Picnic Grounds; as we sailed to the heights and sank to the depths when our softball team stayed in the top four all season but couldn't bring home the championship trophy; as the leaders agonized over Christmas Programs which seemed doomed to disaster but with the miracle of Christmas and the assistance of our own angelic hosts, our little cherubs always handed us a heartwrenching Christmas program performance.
Members added during this period:
1979 - Mary Barrow, Kevin Brill, Keith Collins, Elena Haught, Pamela Hamner Sims, Gary Burgess, Tommy Burgess, Joyce Burgess, Eugene Burgess, Kathleen Taylor, Salita Sullivan, Sara Genobles, Jan Hawthorne, Fred Hawthorne, Jackie Harlow Woodson.
1980 - Heaber Swain, Todd Trevillian, Garth Trevillian
1981 - Charlotte Gilbert, Ollie Gilbert, Michael Shifflett, Joanne Shifflett, Diane Eppard
1982 - Diana Gilbert
1983
As the 55th Anniversary history was being prepared, Church Historian Sandra Sullivan lost her father, Walker T. Breeden, having died in the hospital on the eve of the Homecoming service
New members: Kim Deane, Cheryl Deane, Nicole Sims, Derek Rhodes, Connie Joyner, John Joyner
1984
In April, Rev. A.T. Ayscue of Mt. Airy, NC led our Spring Revival with an attendance of 92 for the worship service. A highlight of the year was our hosting the Spring meeting of the Albemarle Baptist Association with around 300 in attendance.
The Children and Youth Programs were very busy. Activities included: baby showers, a child dedication service, a new children's choir under the direction of Pam Sims, the active Youth group met officially the first time in September, the Youth helped organized library materials, had dinner meetings at homes, sponsored a well-attended Community-wide Halloween party held at the primary school, attended Youth Day Football at Scott Stadium, sponsored Christmas Caroling followed by a Sloppy Joe Supper they prepared, performed in the Christmas program directed by Pam Sims and Debbie Riddell and enjoyed a Christmas covered dish dinner for parents and Youth at the home of Salita Sullivan.
The WMU, under the direction of Marie Woodson, produced programs for the GA's ( Girls in Action), Acteens, Mission Book Study, WMU Focus Week and Church-wide service for the Week of Prayer for Home Missions. Mrs. Anna Early, upon moving to a retirement community, was presented with an engraved silver tray for her years of service to the church. In December, WMU sponsored the "Colossal Cookie Caper," an Albemarle Baptist Association Project to be delivered to the U.S.S. Coral Sea in the Mediterranean. The ladies also had a "kitchen shower" to equip our new kitchenette.
The Music program enjoyed growth under the direction of Ramona Eddins. In April, we had a "Just-Us" Singspiration followed by a covered dish dinner. The congregation also enjoyed performances by The Green County Singers on Palm Sunday, The Belmont Singers led by Bud Dyer including Rev. Woodson's daughter, Shirley, the Men's Quartet consisting of Rev. Robert Woodson, Ollie Gilbert, Carroll Sullivan and Francis Tucker, solos by Jackie Woodson and Joy Horton, French horn solos by Jackie Barnett and duets by Carroll and Sandra Sullivan.
1985
In January, the men of our church started out the year with Baptist Men's Day with a breakfast followed by an inspirational worship service led by the laymen of the church with Fred Hawthorne bringing the morning message.
During the Youth Sunday in March, the Youth under the direction of Sandra Sullivan, Debbie Riddell and Macy Tucker took over the entire Sunday School and Worship Service. Sunday School Teachers were: Senior Adults by Rod Early, Middle Adults by Derek Rhodes and Kevin Brill, Young Adults by Salita Sullivan, and the Children's Classes were taught by John Trevillian, Todd Trevillian, Shriley Tucker, Keith Collins, Annette Aldridge and Rodrick Rhodes. Music was provided by Shirley Tucker, Rodrick Rhodes and the Youth Choir. Rod Early brought the message, "The Beatitudes."
The same night as the Youth Sunday, we had a special Sunday Evening service led by Wendell Lamb, with a covered dish dinner. Special music was provided by a quartet consisting of Francis Tucker, who played the guitar for the first time at our church, Carroll Sullivan, Ramona Eddins and Joy Horton. Unfortunately, that very same week, we lost Francis Tucker to a violent car accident. Francis and his wife Macy and children Shirley and Robert were an important part of our fellowship. This tragedy had a great effect on our congregation but we struggled to go on with the Lord's work.
The church continued to pick up the pieces by having an Easter Egg Hunt in April, participating in a "Youth Music Night", a seminar from the General Baptist Board entitled "Church Growth and Stewardship" led by Dr. Phil Rodgerson, and a children's church was started during the worship service for children ages 4 - 7.
The Mae O. Graves estate bequeathed a large donation which the church used to start a building fund. In October, "The 50 Plus Group" was sponsored by the church with Sara Genobles and Ramona Eddins planning devotions, special program and covered dish luncheons for the participants. Churchwide Programs concerning the Weeks of Prayer for State and Foreign Missions were sponsored by the WMU.
A New Building Study Committee began studying needs for additional educational space. Another successful VBS was held in the summer and The Youth Christmas Program led by Jackie Barnett and Jan Hawthorne was held in December.
1986
In Janurary, the men again participated in the Baptist Men's Day Breakfast at Ruckersville Baptist Church. Children's Church had a special presentation on Noah's Ark in February. The WMU continued to have regular meetings in the homes of members and provide churchwide programs for the Seasons of Prayer.
A major event of the year took place in March, "Good News America, God Loves You," simultaneous revivals held by the Home Missions Board across America with Dr. Gerald Goss speaking. Each night had a special emphasis: Family Night when Rodger Brill led "Pack the Pews;" Sunday School Night with Ollie Gilbert, Youth Night with Mary Lamb, Debbie Riddell and Sandra Sullivan. On the Sundays preceding the revival Carroll Sullivan and Ollie Gilbert shared their testimonies.
May brought a unique Mother's Day Service with the Men in charge under the direction of Sara Genobles, Debbie Riddell, Pam Sims and Mary Lamb. Johnnie Joyner brought the inspiring and emotional message which we will never forget.
The Ladies in turn, prepared a breakfast for the Men on Father's Day. Wendell Lamb was our guest speaker. In the fall, a "Singspiration" was held to express our love to Joy Horton as her husband, Mac, was recuperating from a heart transplant. Julian Dale passed away unexpectedly in March and our church family grieved with his wife, Alma and daughter Jean.
1987
Jim and Debbie Riddell and their two daughters, who had been very active in church leadership roles, were transferred to Louisa. Mrs. Woodson grieved the loss of her father, Mr. William Ashburn, in Janurary. Baptist Men's Day was held in January with Johnnie Joyner bringing another inspirational message. Our first quarterly newsletter, edited by Sandra Sullivan and Ollie Gilbert, was produced this year.
In May, a Laymen's Revival was held with the following lay speakers: Fed Hawthorne, Ollie Gilbert, Rodger Brill, Bob Stephens and Johnnie Joyner. Testimonies were shared by David Rhodes, Sandra Sullivan, Carroll Sullivan, Steve Goad and Craig Estes. For Mother's Day, the men prepared a breakfast for the ladies while the ladies, for Father's Day, served light refreshments. In July, a picnic was held for Joy and Mac Horton as they moved back to the Winchester Area.
The Agape Singers presented an inspirational musical service on the first Sunday in August. In September, Ollie Gilbert was added to the Deacon Board in order that two deacons could be rotated off for one year with the six remaining deacons serving for a three year rotation cycle. Rodger Brill was elected to serve as the third Trustee for the Church.
In September, a new Building Fund Account was opened. To benefit the new Building Fund Account, a Hymn Sing was held in November.
WMU continued regular state and foreign mission programs with particular emphasis this year on the WMU Centennial Celebration including WMU History being presented by Sandra Sullivan in October. Rev. Woodson, in November, presented the foreign mission book study, "The Land of Morning Prayer." Sara Genobles completed a square for the Associational WMU Centennial Quilt stating our WMU organizational date. Steve Goad, a Bible Translator for Interdenominational Missions in Liberia, and his wife Sarah and their four children were part of our congregation for a while. Bruce Sandin, a former florist to the White House, provided wonderful decorations as part of our Christmas celebration. The Youth Group made church birthday calendars to raise money to provide fruit baskets to shut-ins at Christmas.
1988
In January, the men of our church hosted the Baptist Men's Breakfast for the Northern Field of Churches using Swift Run Baptist Church facilities. Gaither Samuels of Liberty Baptist Church, brought the message for this service.
WMU continued its Centennial Celebration with a book study in February and culminating with Marie Woodson and Sandra Sullivan attending the Centennial Celebration in Richmond in May. In June, Vacation Bible School was held with a total enrollment of 28.
In July, we started our five year long range planning with Darden Battle from the Albemarle Baptist Association. Committees were formed to look into Church History, Church Data, Community Data, Denominational and Other Church Groups.
New Building and Finance Committees were formed.
1988 - The Interim
One new member was received by Baptism, Sandy Rhodes.
Our budget was $32,435.
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