THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 18, 1994 TAG: 9409160234
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY C. CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
Nestled among the farms and woodlands of Isle of Wight County stands the Mill Swamp Baptist Church - a church that holds the prestigious title of ``Virginia's Oldest Baptist Congregation.''
Worshipers recently packed the 400-seat auditorium of this quaint country church to celebrate its 220th anniversary. Three worship services throughout the day attracted former members and pastors, church families and community friends to this commemoration of the past, evaluation of the present and preparation for the future.
``There was a real sense of excitement among the people about coming back to their own church and seeing it still strong and active,'' said the Rev. R. James Rodgers, the church's pastor since 1991.
Despite Mill Swamp's mounting years, there's still a youthful vitality among its membership, according to Rodgers.
It has an enrollment of over 250 and averages 100 active members in weekly programs, which include Sunday school, regular church services, Wednesday activities and a strong Women's Missionary Union.
A good blend of ages - older adults, median adults and young families with children - also makes the potential for future strengh and growth look bright, Rodgers says.
``This is a very warm and friendly church,'' Rodgers said. ``It's an outgoing congregation that loves visitors and welcomes new members.''
At a recent 10 a.m. service worshipers reflected on the theme, ``God - Our Help In Ages Past.'' The message for this part of the day's activities was delivered by Dr. Michael J. Clingenpeel, editor of Virginia's Baptist paper, ``The Religious Herald.''
Clingenpeel challenged the congregation to consider its historic roots and how its ancestors pioneered religious freedom in this country in a day, before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, when the only sanctioned church was the Church of England.
A second service at 11 a.m. featured ``God - Our Help Today.'' The Rev. Edmond Holzbach, son of former pastor L.E. Holzbach (1937-1955), presented the message. Then, participants gathered on the steps of the church for an anniversary picture. This photograph will be added to other similar pictures displayed in the church's vestibule chronicling the church's history.
Following a catered chicken-and-ham dinner on the grounds, worshipers gathered for a third celebration of the day at 2 p.m. focusing on ``Our God - In Ages Past - In Years To Come.'' As Howard Delk presented the most recent addition to the church's history (1984-1994), he was interrupted by a resurrected preacher from the past - the Rev. John W. Ward, impersonated by Al Craven, a history enthusiast and retired chaplain.
``This wasn't the building I left two years ago when I went to war,'' noted Craven speaking Ward's words as he strode into the church clad in his Confederate Army uniform.
``This was a real surprise and something everyone really enjoyed,'' Rodgers noted about the dramatic presentation of the church's history during Ward's ministry (1858-1878).
During the afternoon program, former pastors and special guests presented ``Precious Moments'' about Mill Swamp Church. In addition, 99-year-old Gladys Barlow received a corsage for being one of the oldest living members of the congregation and Louise Hollemon, 86, was presented a commemorative plaque as the oldest active member of the church.
In closing remarks, the Rev. Waverly Horne, a former interim pastor, noted that when Mill Swamp was ``just a young child of 5,'' she gave birth to another Baptist congregation. And today, Mill Swamp is considered the ``mother church'' of seven local Baptist congregations: South Quay, Black Creek, Western Branch, Smithfield, Moore's Swamp, Tucker Swamp and Bethesda (now called Whitehead's Grove.
Rather than end the day with a look at the church's impressive past, members looked to future growth and development by reviewing architectural designs for renovations and the addition of educational space, a pastor's study, an elevator and a large fellowship hall and kitchen.
``The anniversary program was well received and everyone had a grand time,'' Rodgers said.
``I'd like to thank the lay people who did the leg work and helped to pull it all together.'' ILLUSTRATION: Mill Swamp Baptist Church holds the title Virginia's Oldest
Baptist Congregation.
by CNB