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

DATE: SATURDAY, January 7, 1995                   TAG: 9501110016
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CHURCH CELEBRATES ITS 105TH YEAR

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tyler Avenue and Clement Street, Radford, celebrates 105 years Sunday. Radford native, the Rev. Dr. Ambrose Stump, returns to his home congregation to preach Sunday at 10:50 a.m., which is 10 minutes earlier than the usual service starting time. He'll also visit Sunday school classes. A catered luncheon follows. Stump now is senior minister at Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Jacksonville, Ill.

"He's never had the opportunity to preach at his home congregation before," said the Rev. Gina Rhea, who has been pastor of the 280-member congregation for 15 years. Stump had been scheduled to speak at the church's 100th anniversary in 1990, but was unable to make it.

The Rev. W.J. Cooke was the church's first pastor. An estimated 1,500 people showed up for the dedication of the original church building in 1891, which was attended by J. Hoge Tyler, later Virginia's governor.

The church has expanded substantially since its early years. Rhea reports the church is in the midst of some sanctuary renovations that are nearly complete.

For more information, call 639-3696.

SERVICES

``African Spirituality'' is Michael Appleby's topic Sunday, 10:30 a.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the New River Valley, 1301 Gladewood Drive, Blacksburg. A discussion and coffee follow the service. 552-3785 or 552-8050.

Merrimac Pentecostal Holiness Church offers revival services with the Rev. Jim Hilliard of Roanoke Sunday through Thursday. Services are Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; weekdays, 7 p.m. 552-5070.

MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE

The Gospel Strings lend a helping hand today, 7 p.m., at Midway Community Church, Virginian Drive (off Merrimac Road), Christiansburg, at a benefit gospel music concert to help Frances Lane, one of the gospel group's members who has been hospitalized and requires surgery. Her husband, Junior, also a Gospel Strings member, has been laid off from his job, so bills are piling up. A freewill offering will be taken, and donations are welcome. Also performing: Young at Heart and soloist Wanda Gail. The Rev. Carl Ratcliffe, 382-4654 or 382-7571.

The Chandlers sing tonight at 7 during a service of music at Merrimac Pentecostal Holiness Church. 552-5070.

Second Chance appears Jan. 14, 7 p.m., at Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church, Floyd, and Jan. 15, 11 a.m., at Hillsville Pentecostal Holiness Church. The Southern Gospel trio returns to Belview United Methodist Church Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. 639-6271 or (800) 664-2434, after 4 p.m.

HAPPENINGS

FIRST PLACE, which describes itself as a Christ-centered health and weight-loss program, offers help for those who have put on a few pounds over the holidays. First Place begins its winter session with an informational orientation seminar Sunday, 2 p.m., at Tried-Stone Christian Center, 2100 N. Main St., Blacksburg. For more information, call 951-4961.

PEOPLE

BLAKE GRIFFITH and JEFF REED have been appointed deacons at Church of Christ, 1250 S. Franklin St., Christiansburg.

In Religion is a regular Saturday feature of the New River Current. Please send news of your church or religious organization care of Rick Lindquist, New River Current, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073. Fax: 381-1656. E-mail: Currentbev.net. Clear, sharp photographs accompanying news items are welcome. Items must be received by noon Wednesday for use in that week's column.

by CNB