Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 5, 1992 TAG: 9203050412
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Vinton Baptist Church, where Weaver has been a member since she was a small child, is one. So is Weaver's neighbor on Hardy Road, Campbell Memorial Presbyterian.
Weaver, the official historian of the Baptist congregation, said she feels close to both churches.
Vinton's Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church is far older than the other two and dates back to Bishop Francis Asbury's circuit-riding evangelism in the early 19th century.
Weaver's parents, W.E. and Thelma Robertson, also were associated with Vinton Baptist. He served as clerk for 40 years and died at 91 only two years ago. Thelma Robertson, 92, is in nursing care.
Because she was able to obtain a lot of information from her parents, Weaver has been able to compile a historical summary of Vinton Baptist, which claims 1,800 members. The congregation started with 18 who met in a vacant store, then a lodge hall and later a school.
Those 18 frequently visited prospective members until the congregation grew large enough for a frame house of worship, which they occupied in January 1894. The congregation outgrew the structure, at Washington Avenue and Maple Street, during World War I.
A temporary structure was built until the congregation returned to a church on the same site. The present 900-seat sanctuary was built 30 years ago, and the education building dates from 1951.
About the time the Baptists built their first house of worship, the Presbyterians built a little frame church in the same block. The Presbyterians, however, moved to the suburban Hardy Road area in 1960, about the same time Weaver's family moved to the neighborhood.
Both congregations have started community and family events as part of their observances.
Vinton Baptist expects to hold its biggest event on Oct. 4, the homecoming observance that several of 18 former pastors are expected to attend. The current minister, the Rev. Dr. William Ross, has been in Vinton since 1988.
The church also plans a recital on March 29, a Living Cross Easter music presentation in April, a special recognition of children's choirs in May, a spotlight on youth, and an observance for the 30th anniversary of the sanctuary.
Campbell Memorial, whose congregation is smaller, already has held a community open house. The Rev. Gerald Stone has been the congregation's minister.
Special events will begin on April 26, when an order for worship from 1892 will be used. David and Lauren Riddle have written a history of the church.
by CNB