WOODVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH, Contin—d from page 2

WOODVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH, Contin—d from page 2

ever serve d this church. Under his guidance the church became definitely a missionary Baptist church. |

Rev. G. F. Cook led the church in its remodeling of its old building into a very attractive house of worship. Same was completed, after Rev. P. H. Chelf came to the field, at a cost of 24,200. This had/been entirely paid ifor by 1928. On May 2i 1929 Woodville was visited by a tornado which completely destroyed the church. Dauntdd, but not dismayed, thfta little bend of Christian men and ; women led by their beloved pastor, P. H. Chelf, decided to rebuild at once. Mt. Lebanon and Sperryville churches offered the use of their buildings while the church was being built. However, it was decided to accept the gracious offer pf the Free Methodist Church, and this building was used for both Sunday school S and Church until October 5,1930, when the new church wak dedicated by Rev. J. W. Cammack [of Averett College, Danville, Virginia.

i

This dras a great day, as the entire cost of the new church, ex< eeding $5,000.00, had been paid except $675.00, which was previously pledged. This debt was cleared, in spite of the depression, by 1933.

The W.M.S. assumed as its part, the raising bf $500.00 and a new organ. And be it saia, that during the building of the two churches the society not only contributed liberally, but hot one year did it fall below its quota to the Cooperative Program. The church has now grown to a membership of One hundred (100), with twenty-five (25) active members of the W.M.S. In 1935 the Church contributed $451.56 to [the Co-operative Program and $475.00 to the pastor’s salary. In July, 1880, we read in the minutes that $4.25 was bused for missions and $4.25 for the Minister’s Relief Fund, and the pastor's salary was increased to $75.00 per year.”

This would not O'Bannon, 1936, and $500.00 w she loved of her un church and

short history of the Woodville Baptist Church

be cbmplete without mention of Mrs. Rena A.

who passed to her Heavenly reward April 17,

who in her last will and testament bequeathed

ijth which to purchase new pews for the church

> well. By these we have an enduring j evidence

ing efforts, and consecrated devotion j for her

the whole cause of her Lod and Saviour.

s o

ttiri

It is ' vith great admiration and profound that many

stitude

of the present members of Woodvillel Church remember the gentlemanly, Christian spirit of thej Rev. P. H. Chelf. His long and faithful ministry of almost 20 years remains a stabilizing influence in the church today.