THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 3, 1996 TAG: 9610020216
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 71 lines
The quaint community of Driver will be alive with the sights and sounds of a three-day festival, Oct. 11 through 13, celebrating the 125th anniversary of Beech Grove United Methodist Church.
The congregation has sent word to friends far and near to join in their jubilation by participating in the extravaganza of entertainment, recreation, food, fellowship and worship. There's something special for everyone, and all ages are invited.
The Rev. Garland K. Hines Jr., pastor for four years, described the church as ``active, well, growing and reaching out to the community.''
He said: ``I have never pastored a church more willing to work and move forward. These people have thrown caution to the wind, risking failure, to do what needed to be done. . . . We have all worked very hard together to bring about this celebration.''
In past months, the church's buzz words have been: ``Let's get ready for company.'' Building renovations, while preserving the beauty of this historic structure, have enhanced the usefulness of the facility. Original stained-glass windows, designed in Paris, have been cleaned, and all wooden pews and altar furnishings have been refinished. Fresh paint, some structural remodeling and a refurbished front entrance all extend a warm and cheerful welcome to those who enter for worship.
The grounds have had a face-lift as well. Fall flowers, lush green shrubs and towering beech trees line the walkways outside the country Gothic-style sanctuary, while a new children's playground, featuring a giant wooden ``Kid's Ark,'' speaks of the new vibrance and growth evident among the membership.
Administrative Board chairperson Cindy Eberwine pointed out: ``I think one of the nicest things that comes out of a project like this is when you work with your hands and on your knees with people. There's something to be said for working together and the close bonds that are created. It's quite exciting to see what's taken place at Beech Grove, and we're proud to invite others to come and join us.''
Today, the Beech Grove church supports a full roster of programs. There's Sunday school for all ages, choirs, an active youth ministry and a ``Boomers'' Fellowship. In addition, one of Suffolk's oldest Boy Scout troops - Troop 16 - meets at Beech Grove.
And the church's annual Easter Egg Factory, a creative ministry fund-raiser, has brought Beech Grove acclaim and financial support for its ongoing ministries, locally and nationally.
Beech Grove has experienced numerical growth in recent years, with active attendance tripling and nearing the 100 mark.
``The complexion of our congregation is beginning to change some, with a number of younger couples joining us,'' Hines explained. ``But our older members are foundational to this very generous church.''
Hines said he is delighted to be serving in Driver. ``I prayed and asked God to put me somewhere where people wanted to grow and take risks, a place where all my talents and abilities were needed, a place where I'm needed and I need the people. I'm so happy to be here. It's a great marriage between pastor and people.''
Next weekend's celebration will help members of Beech Grove take a stroll down Memory Lane and recall the blessings of God upon this rural congregation in years past.
``I wonder what was on the minds of those people 125 years ago when they formed this Methodist congregation in this little truck farming community,'' noted lay leader Fred Hill. ``I think about how many lives this church has touched through the years. Today, Beech Grove is like a big family, people who care about God and one another.''
The celebration also will be a proclamation to the community of the present congregation's strength and vitality and the church's vision to continue its ministry for years to come. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The Rev. Garland K. Hines Jr. has been pastor of Beech Grove United
Methodist Church for four years. by CNB