
DATE: Thursday, October 16, 1997            TAG: 9710150198

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 22   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:  102 lines

OAKLAND CHRISTIAN CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF GROWTH IN FAITH THE REV. MARK BURNS SAYS IT ``IS A PLACE YOU CALL HOME AND A PEOPLE YOU CALL FAMILY.''

On Sunday, the Oakland Christian Church in Chuckatuck had a bright and beautiful day to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

And no one was prouder or happier than the Rev. Mark Burns who has led this active, rural congregation for the last four years.

``Oakland is a place you call home and a people you call family,'' Burns explained. ``We're doing what a church should do - being warm and friendly and caring.''

And the results speak for themselves. In less than four years, Oakland has welcomed nearly 100 new members into its fellowship and grown to a membership of 400.

``As new members come, they are drawn into the fold, and the same love and care envelopes them as that extended to others who might be lifelong members,'' Burns noted.

Burns' philosophy of ministry and the Oakland spirit have meshed together in a unity of purpose. ``I see life as a faith journey,'' Burns explained. ``I think the church should meet people where their needs are and journey together with them.''

Burns attributes the success of the Oakland ministry to the continuous generosity and spirit of the people. ``For 125 years, Oakland Christian Church has been a church that has made a difference in its community,'' he said.

``It's exciting and fun to watch as people take their faith seriously and live it out,'' Burns continued. Members are involved with Suffolk's Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, Meals On Wheels and the Oakland Food Pantry.

``If a member is sick, the Sunday School class takes a meal. Or if there's a death in a family, members are quick to bring food and minister to the grieving family,'' Burns pointed out.

Sunday's anniversary event highlighted Oakland's historic past while focusing on the strength of its present and the promise of its future.

Historically, the Christian denomination purchased the Oakland property from the Methodists in 1871. In 1872, under the leadership of Dr. William B. Wellons, the Oakland Church was organized with a band of 30 charter members. And in 1872, the church was received into the Eastern Virginia Conference.

``What's so wonderful,'' Burns explained, ``is that the descendants of many of those early families continue to be a part of Oakland Christian today.''

``My family has been in Oakland Christian Church for several generations,'' said former Virginia Gov. Mills E. Godwin Jr. ``I 've been a member for 60 years or more, taught the Men's Bible Class for 35 years and served as church moderator for a number of years.''

Godwin appreciates this close-knit family of faith. ``The church has been very much apart of my life,'' he said. ``It's also been a very stabilizing force in our community.''

Godwin said a number of factors have helped make Oakland an influential part of Chuckatuck. ``The congregation is unified and the people work well together,'' he pointed out. ``The church has also enjoyed a series of very capable ministers.''

The Godwins, like other original families within the Chuckatuck community, have lives closely woven within the fabric of the church.

In 1987 the church dedicated a new multi-purpose building addition, the Mills E. Godwin Jr. Educational Building, in honor of this outstanding leader within the church and community.

Prior to this, in 1968, the Godwins endowed the Becky Godwin Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of their daughter. Through the years, this fund has provided numerous college scholarships to young people within the church family.

To honor Oakland's rich history at Sunday's 125th celebration, member Ann Johnson compiled an Oakland church history. A corresponding booklet for children which includes historical tidbits, games and puzzles was written by Pamela M. Saunders and given as a remembrance to all children attending Sunday's homecoming.

The focus of Oakland's anniversary gathering was praise and worship. Sacred music was presented by Oakland's superb choir and the music staff directed by Doug Naismith.

During the morning service, the church gave a warm welcome to former ministers and members gathered for the celebration. Over 200 continued the spirit of fellowship at a catered dinner on the church grounds under a big top tent.

Today Oakland Christian Church is facing its future much as it did its past. ``Whenever there have been changes - building additions, adding staff or expanding outreach - Oakland has faced the challenges faithfully,'' Burns noted. ``It's history reflects that the church has changed to meet the cultural changes around it.''

Looking to the future Burns expressed confidence in Oakland's ability to meet the challenges ahead: ``We know that God will provide, and we'll do what needs to be done to continue His work in this community.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER

The Rev. Mark Burns pastors Oakland Christian Church which has

welcomed nearly 100 new members in four years.

Graphic

FALL BAZAAR

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. unitl 4 p.m.

WHERE: 5641 Godwin Blvd., Chuckatuck

FEATURES: candy/sweet shop, country store, holiday treasures,

crafts, hot cider and homemade donuts, raffle, gourmet peanuts, face

painting, Sparkles the Clown, and a Brunswick stew luncheon from

12-2 p.m.

FOR INFORMATION: call JoAnne Thomas at 255-0805 or Lynn Pope at

255-4353.