Christiansburg
First Church of God
1880-present
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In 1880, the movement known as the Church of God Reformation Movement had its beginning. During the decade that followed, the movement came to Shawsville, Virginia, as a part of the ministries of one Rev. Strauss and one Rachel Bailey.
By 1890, a board and batten building at the entrance of Poplar Hollow served as the place of worship for the fledgling congregation.
During these early years, there was no full time pastoral leadership and the work of traveling evangelists was aided as many of the worshipers shared in the preaching responsibilities.
The year 1919 saw the congregation move into a white frame building on the north side of the road, two miles west of Shawsville, Route 11 was then known in that area as the Rock Road and this caused the church to become known as the Rock Road Church of God. Through the years from 1919 to 1960, that road was widened three times resulting in the church building being relocated each time.
In 1924, the congregation obtained the services of Rev. Mayo Moses McIntyre and she became the first full time pastor of this congregation. Additional pastoral leadership supplied through the years has been provided by the Revs.: P. E. Richardson, P. A. Richardson, C. P. Conley, Bonnie Conley, M. P. Rimmer, E E. Nichols, E. J. Crockett, Ivan P. Alls, James A. Mullins, W. T. Rimmer, Thelda Shaffer, Ralph Hubble, Larry Cook, V. R. (Rusty) Savage, Ronald L. Mitchell, and while residing Max D. Nichols.
In 1960, the congregation moved to Christiansburg and began worshiping in a facility on South Franklin Street that was rented from the Brethren Church. The property in Shawsville was sold. Proceeds from that sale were used to purchase the current property in 1962. Very soon after the purchase plans for the educational unit were begun and on May 16, 1965, the educational unit was dedicated.
By 1978, the congregation had constructed a very modern and lovely parsonage and had raised capital funds to pay off all existing debt. The Summer of 1980 saw construction begin on the current sanctuary. Construction was carried on by the congregation through 1983 with the first services being held in the facility in November of that year. The facilities were dedicated in the Spring of 1994.
An additional drive through car port was added in 1985. With the Lord's continued blessings, all current debt was paid off in advance. In the last ten years the facilities have been improved with: paved parking lots, new "A" frame roof on educational unit, new sound system in sanctuary with hearing impaired capability, new piano and organ, air conditioning in all facilities, carpet in educational unit, landscaping with lighting, and a playground.
We look forward to the next century with its challenges and opportunities as we serve the community, the world, and the Lord.
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http://civic.bev.net/fcogc/chbghist.html.
Please send comments to furrowcl@vt.edu.