Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, June 20, 1994                   TAG: 9406200019
SECTION: NATIONAL                    PAGE: A1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ARCADIA                                LENGTH: Medium

CHURCH TAKES OFF ITS TRAPPINGS

The road to salvation, members of the Botetourt County church believe, is in their unfettered devotion to God.

Sunday, they shunned the trappings of big-city religion and donned bib overalls and bonnets to return to the no-frills principles of a small country church.

"The lord sees our hearts," said Chester Carter, the church's pastor. "He doesn't see what we wear." Scattered among the 30-plus people in attendance were granny dresses, farming hats and one Botetourt County sheriff's deputy in full uniform.

"I get my strength from God," said Sgt. Dave Mullins. "It's simple here. We just get the meaning of the Gospel - that Jesus died for our sins."

That meaning takes root in the serene setting of the steepled wood-frame church, which rests near a dead end in the road about 25 feet from Jennings Creek.

The creek water dances gently through rocks as it makes its way westward toward the James River.

Inside the church, the congregation was paying tribute to Father's Day in a way that perhaps only a small church could.

All fathers were called to the front of the church and given small gifts. Everyone was asked if they had something special to say about their fathers.

Many did.

"We appreciate you men, even if we don't tell you so," said Edith Petty, who led the Father's Day tribute. "We're going to swell up your heads today. We're going to say a lot of nice things about you."

Carter says that's the nice part of having a small church, although he admits it is hard to compete for members with bigger churches.

He said the key to success is remembering that God is the center of the church.

"We are here for Christianity," he said. "We're not here to beg for money."

He's proud that the church has paid for its building and has a small surplus in the bank for emergencies.

He's particularly fond of the small musical group that plays backup for the church choir.

It includes Cherry Ramsey on piano, John Martin on guitar and Jimbo Anderson on bass fiddle.

"That's my orchestra," Carter joked with an underlying sense of pride. "I don't want Mr. Jerry Falwell to hear them. He might want them."