Today, my husband was the invited speaker for a congregation here in Virginia, that has been without a pastor for about five years. We found out at the beginning of the service that a brief celebration was planned to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the founding of the ministry. One hundred and forty years! What a humbling and inspiring experience. Humbling in that my husband was chosen to speak today; and inspiring because in spite of not having a pastor, the congregation continues to gather to worship.
A history of the ministry was read, and a few stories were shared. The initial half-acre parcel of land for the building was purchased for $50. A few years later, another acre was added at the cost of $30. That was big money for the group of African American believers who sacrificed to purchase the land in 1883. The first building was comprised of logs, each log donated by the various families. Two wood-burning stoves provided the heating in the winter. A good number of the members had to walk a long distance to attend worship, and carried a bag containing their Sunday shoes to change into once they arrived.
What courage, commitment, and hope the original founders possessed. That legacy lives on in the current members. They are holding on, inviting in various speakers, and praying that God send them a pastor. I marvel at the fact that many ministries, that have pastors, also have empty pews; yet there is this group of believers who, in spite of an empty pulpit, are in their places worshipping.
Blessings and peace!
Great story!
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