FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (CENTRALIA)
2920 Kingsdale Road
North Chesterfield, Virginia 23237
A SPIRITUAL BEACON SINCE 1867
Celebrating Her 154th Anniversary
“Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like
unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:36—39 KJV
FBCC Working to Exalt God’s Kingdom on Earth 154 Years of Living the Greatest Commandment Through Community Service
Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM
DRIVE-IN SERVICE AND FACEBOOK LIVESTREAM
Sponsored by the FBCC History Committee and FBCC Auxiliaries
Rev. Dr. Wilson E. B. Shannon, Pastor
The Table of Contents
The Message from the Pastor to the People 1-2
The Journey of the Faithful 3
The FBCC Pastors Through the Ages 4
The Programme 5-6
The Speaker: Dr. Millard D. “Pete” Stith 7
The Congressional Record 8
The 2017 Resolution from Chesterfield County 9
The Letter of Congratulations 10 The Honorable James M. “Jim” Holland Chair, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors
The Celebration of Service 11-16
The April 7-20, 2021 Village News 17
The Acknowledgements 18-20
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From the Pastor to the People
Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment”.
Matthew 22:36 – 39 KJV
To the Faithful Servants of First Baptist (Centralia):
One hundred and fifty-four years ago, a group of freed slaves answered the call from God to
establish a place of worship for citizens of African American descent in Chesterfield County. The obedience
in following God’s will led to the establishment of Salem African Baptist Church in 1867 located off
Centralia Road near the railroad. In the early beginnings of the church, the congregation worshipped in a
brush arbor and progressed to a small framed one-room structure which was soon renamed First Baptist
Church (Centralia) (FBCC). A sketch of this one-room structure by Walter Cheatham is recorded in the
Memoirs of Nellie Clarke Robertson Hill, an oral history of FBCC as told by her granddaughter, Miss Magnolia
L. Patron. Mrs. Hill is known as the Mother of FBCC.
Authentic faith trusts God unconditionally and walks the walk of the faithful. Holding fast to the
faith that the Lord will make a way, in the early 1900’s, disciples saw the one room sanctuary evolve into a
sanctuary of distinction in the area. The second renovation is the edifice known as Historic First Baptist
Church, renowned for Her twin Gothic Towers, setting as a beacon on the hill. After being destroyed by
arson in 1996, the Church was rebuilt and still maintains its majesty on the hill off Centralia Road.
The congregation moved from Centralia to a new edifice on Kingsdale Road where the first worship
service was held in August 1963. On October 21, 1973, a mortgage of approximately $300,000 was burned
for the Kingsdale Road property.
Through faith in God, commitment to moving forward, and perseverance and humility, the legacy of
the forefathers has spoken to us. The celebration today pays homage to our forefathers; the Mother
Church, Salem Baptist; the First Baptist Church disciples; and our friends across the nation who have been
“on the battlefield” with us. For 154 years, our God has blessed us with membership and recognition in
state, national and international organizations such as the Shiloh Baptist Association, the Baptist General
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Convention of Virginia, the Progressive National Convention, and the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missions
Convention. He has placed us in the building from which we serve now and caused us to grow individually
and as a congregation in love and service to our brothers and sisters all over the world.
Our vision is to see the church grow in Christ and to maintain its status in God’s love and the world.
We have worked diligently in service to our community to complete other projects that God has placed on
our hearts in demonstration of following the greatest commandment, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37 KJV). During the past year (2020)
a pandemic closed the world. The doors of the physical church were closed for regular services but the
vision to see the Church grow in Christ was realized through the use of technology. This technology
brought God into the homes of this congregation and into other homes and institutions across the globe.
We realize the strength and fortitude to praise God and continue His greatest commandment for His praises
lie far beyond the physical doors of the church.
We experience hope-filled leadership that envisions and helps others through a commitment to
involvement in the greater community. We pray that the commitments will help effect a better world for
generations to come. This includes our commitment to the expansion of the Samuel Moss Carter Family Life
Center to a 45,000 square feet edifice encompassing banquet facilities for 750 occupants, an indoor
Olympic sized swimming pool, and other amenities supportive of family life ministry. To God Be the Glory!
The second commandment is like unto the first: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew
22:39 KJV) The congregation of First Baptist Church continues to demonstrate many acts of kindness to
family, neighbors, and friends especially during the pandemic. The senior citizens of this church are given
provisions that assure their continued health and well-being. Working parents who are often providing
care for others in different capacities have a safe place to bring their children because of the Create Center.
Telephone calls, cards, and virtual meetings serve to inform the disciples of the Church and to aid their
mental health during periods of extreme isolation. The love of man knows no boundaries as each act of
kindness is conducted with the knowledge that God places His shield of armor around us.
This 154th anniversary is in honor of the legacy left by the founders of this church. We are thankful
to God for bestowing His blessings, grace, and mercies upon us. This has allowed us to assemble on this day,
May 16, 2021. When we sing the hymn that says, “My soul looks back and wonders how I got over,” we can
thank the ancestors for the lessons they have taught us and we can continue the work we do every day in
leaving our own legacies of love of God and service to mankind.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, Cynthia joins me in entreating you to continue to “Magnify God’s
Word, Bless His Name, and Aspire to Exalt His Kingdom on Earth!” Let us pledge to be obedient to God and
serve God and the people as diligently as we can. We encourage you to serve Him and continue to do your
best in service to the community. Every prayer, every task, every position, and every gift to His church
assist the purpose for which we were created. It is sanctioned by God and marked to carry out His will. May
God bless each of you.
Wilson E. B. Shannon, D. Min.
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The Journey of the Faithful
Our Mother Church (Circa April 1938)
Salem Baptist Church
Established 1797
Stock Photo of a Brush Arbor
Similar to Where Our Ancestors
Worshipped in 1867
Salem African Baptist Church (1867)
Soon After Changed to
First Baptist Church (Centralia)
Artistic Rendering by Walter Cheatham
From
The Memoirs of Nellie Clarke Robertson Hill
by Magnolia L. Patron, Granddaughter
Second House of Worship
Historic First Baptist Church (Centralia)
Circa 1910
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The Pastors Through the Ages
Rev. Dr. W. E. B. Shannon
13th Pastor, 1991 – Present
154th Church Anniversary
May 16, 2021
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The Programme
The Prelude The Mass Choir
Mr. William O. Evans, Jr., Director of Music
Worship Leader
Dr. Wilson Edward Brown Shannon, 13th FBCC Pastor
The Opening Hymn The Mass Choir
The Invocation Dr. Wilson E. B. Shannon
The Hymn of Praise The Mass Choir
The Scripture Lesson Minister Gregory L. Gallop
The Morning Prayer
The Musical Selection The Mass Choir
The Statement of the Occasion Dr. Thelma Gray Smith
154th Anniversary Committee Co-chair
The Greetings and Highlights of Service to the Community
The Honorable FBCC Deacon James M. “Jim” Holland
Dale District Representative
Chairman, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors
The Offertory and Doxology
Associate Pastor
Minister Gregory L. Gallop
Worship Service
11:00 AM
Associate Pastor
Rev. Dr. Leo Whitaker
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The Celebratory Presentations Ms. Ashley Nicole Mills
Dance Like David Ministry
Deaconess Alethea McCollin
Celebration Through the Spoken Word
The Introduction of the Speaker Mrs. Renita Jones Johnson
154th Anniversary Committee Co-chair
The Musical Selection The Mass Choir
The Message Dr. Millard D. “Pete” Stith, Jr.
President of Stith Solutions, LLC
The Hymn of Discipleship The Mass Choir
The Presentation of Gifts Ms. Larunatta Barlow Pollard
Althea Wilburn-Spindle, Esquire
Mrs. Yolanda West Baker
154th Anniversary Committee Co-chairs
The Remarks Dr. Wilson E. B. Shannon
The Benediction and the Blessings Dr. Leo Whitaker
The Postlude The Mass Choir
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Our 154th Church Anniversary Speaker
Dr. Millard D. “Pete” Stith
Dr. Stith was the Deputy County Administrator for Community
Development in Chesterfield County from 1992 to 2010. Stith
was responsible for the County’s Community Development
Division, supervising over 560 employees. He oversaw an
operating budget in excess of $200 million dollars and a
capital budget exceeding $500 million dollars. He led the
effort to develop the County’s annual Black History Month
program and the Asian and Hispanic American annual
celebrations. Stith received his B.A. in political science and
public administration from Norfolk State University and attended law school at the College of William and
Mary. Stith served five years in the US Marines Corporation and received the American Spirit of Honor
Medal, the first African American in the history of the Marines to receive this honor. This award is given to
one out of 20,000 Marines, who exhibit leadership skills. Stith joined Chesterfield County government in
1984 as Executive Assistant to the County Administrator. He also served as the Director of Parks and
Recreation. Stith held gubernatorial appointments as Senior Vice President of Jobs for Virginia Graduates,
Inc., and State Director of Housing. Stith also served as Executive Director of the Charles City Community
Action Agency and a gubernatorial intern under Governor Linwood Holton. Stith is a member of Leadership
Metro Richmond and a permanent member of the Citizen Judicial Selection Panel for Chesterfield County.
He is a participating member of the NAACP Life Membership program and a recipient of over 100 awards
and citations for his community service. In 1989, Stith was named by Style Weekly as one of the Top Ten
Making Life Better South of the James. Stith served as Rector of Virginia State University from 1997-97,
having served on the Board of Visitors in 1995. In 2006 Stith received his honorary degree, Doctor of
Humane Letters, from Virginia State University. From 2013 to 2016, Stith served as the 11th President of
Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia.
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First Baptist Church (Centralia)
Established 1867
154th Church Anniversary
Celebration of Service to God and to the Community
DID YOU KNOW THAT
First Baptist Church (Centralia) (FBCC) demonstrates obedience to God’s greatest commandment
through Her service to God and mankind? The congregation actively ministers to others and
invests time and philanthropic services to Chesterfield County and surrounding areas beyond
where need is indicated.
First Baptist Church (Centralia) Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Wilson Edward Brown Shannon, along with
First Lady, Cynthia Smith Shannon and their young family, found favor with God and became
Pastor and People in March 1991, celebrating 30 years of service in March 2021?
FBCC is committed to intentional and exemplary acts of service to humanity under the present
leadership of Dr. Wilson E. B. Shannon? As the current Pastor of this 154-year Branch of Zion, he
continues the legacy of service of the 12 former pastors.
The Church partners in service with FBCC Associate Pastor, Dr. Leo Whitaker, who is the Executive
Minister of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia (BGCVA) and his wife, Mrs. Cathy Whitley
Whitaker?
FBCC Minister Gregory Gallop taught his first Bible Study class at FBCC in 1991 and continues to
serve? In addition to Minister Gallop, the teachers for Bible Study during the past 30 years have
included Rev. Leslie C. Venerable, Sr., Deacon Marvin Y. Williams, Deaconess Patricia Gardener
Williams, and Bible Study disciples who attended the classes.
Honorable FBCC Deacon James M. “Jim” Holland, Chair of Chesterfield County Board of
Supervisors, began his fourth term of service to Chesterfield citizens in 2020, representing the
Dale District? The Church recognizes the leadership of Deacon Holland, who has been elected
twice to the position of chair.
First Baptist Church (Centralia) adopted Bellwood Elementary School and Salem Church Middle
School (SCMS) and provides support to L. C. Bird High School?
The adoption of Salem Church Middle School in 2017 resulted in a partnership with Mega Mentors
which helped to meet academic expectations and school accreditation? The Church-School
partnership began with a request by MEGA Mentors (MM) President for FBCC to work with this
school. Accordingly, Dr. Shannon (Pastor), Dr. Jane Jiggetts Baskerville (History Committee
Chairman) and Mr. Rueben W. Turner (Diaconate Chair) formed a partnership with Salem Middle
School in planning for the 150th Church Anniversary. This partnership honors the FBCC ancestors
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whose Mother Church was Salem Baptist Church. The beginning partnership recorded 150 hours
of service to the School.
The adoption of Salem Church Middle School has resulted in renovation of the school grounds
through the purchase and installation of benches near the soccer field; beautification through
painting the curbside for esthetic appeal; and provision of $5800 of shrubbery and supplies for
installation?
The Church-at-Large via the Deaconess Ministry donated formal dresses for students for the SCMS
Winter Ball (February 2020)? The donation eliminated financial costs that might have prohibited
student attendance, provided direction for dress for such occasions, served to advance self-esteem,
and served to prevent subtle or intentional negative interactions.
The adoption of Salem Church Middle School has provided funding for Faculty and Staff
recognition?
First Baptist Church (Centralia) established the Alenia B. Wilder Memorial College Incentive
Award? This award honors the memory of Alenia B. Wilder, Chesterfield County Administrator
and provides scholarships for high school seniors and graduate students upon enrollment in
college or vocational schools.
The Church-at-Large led by the Ladies Auxiliary Usher Ministry adopted Bellwood Elementary
School and provides a wide assortment of school supplies?
First Baptist Church (Centralia) provided funding to Lloyd C. Bird High School Skyhawks Girls’
Basketball for recognition as Virginia State Champions 2021?
Each year Lloyd C. Bird High School Sports Hall of Fame recognizes two (2) athletes who maintain
high academic standing with scholarship awards honoring the late Principal, Deacon Dr. John C.
Baskerville?
Ms. Marguerite Friend Christian was recognized for her significant contributions in education with
the naming of Marguerite Christian Elementary School in her honor?
The History Committee documented Community Service in Education that included
administrators, teachers, secretaries, instructional assistants, food services, custodial services,
transportation, and other known roles? The 151st Church Anniversary Souvenir Booklet in 2018
pays tribute to the FBCC members.
In 2019, the History Committee documented the entrepreneurs within the Church? The record of
entrepreneurs lists known businesses from the 1930’s to 2019 and includes the FBCC Create
Center. The FBCC Create Center provides child development care and before and after school
services. The Center provides access to computer technology, tutoring services, access to summer
camps and seasonal celebrations for the benefit of children.
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The record of entrepreneurship is found in the 2019 Souvenir Booklet for the 152nd Church
Anniversary?
The Church-at-Large via the Deaconess Ministry volunteers for the Chesterfield Department of
Social Services and donates to the Christmas Mother Program?
The Church-at-Large led by the Deaconess Ministry and the Ladies Auxiliary Usher Ministry
collected over 4000 diapers in March 2021 for Chesterfield County Prevention Services, Families
First and Infants & Toddler Program?
The Deaconess Ministry and the Ladies Auxiliary Usher Ministry provide Thanksgiving dinners for
families in the community identified by the Church or by the Schools? The Ministries purchase
turkeys and collect canned and soft goods in excess of $1300 per year.
The Church-at-Large via the Sisterhood Ministry prepares and delivers lunch and dinner meals on
a quarterly basis to the CARITAS shelter?
First Baptist Church (Centralia) is restoring the Janice Mack Cottage at the Children’s Home of
Virginia Baptists in Ettrick, VA? The Church-at-Large provided resources of more than $8100 in in-
kind services (flooring, painting, and mowing); donated appliances (refrigerator, stove,
microwave), great room furniture, plumbing and electrical services, and volunteerism for the
restoration.
The Church-at-Large established a Santa’s Workshop at the Children’s Home of Virginia Baptist?
The Church donations included blankets, pillows, towels, clothing, bicycles, food and more than
300 toys for a Toy and Gift Drive for children and the homeless in December 2019. Volunteers
from the church served as Santa and his helpers.
The Church-at-Large led by the Deacon Ministry donates yearly to the United States Marine Corps
Annual Toys for Tots Campaign?
The Ladies Auxiliary Usher Ministry serves the community through donations to senior citizens at
assisted living retirement homes, and provides remembrances for senior citizens who are sick,
shut-in or live alone? The donations include gift cards, games, socks, scarves, slippers, gloves, and
self-care items.
The Golden Fleet Senior Citizens demonstrate the Church’s concern for the well-being of the aging
population by providing volunteer opportunities, entertainment, games, self-care items, and trips
for leisurely enjoyment?
The Golden Fleet Senior Citizens helped to create a public service announcement for The
Magnolias and Tyler’s Retreat Residential Facilities? The video featured residents of the facilities
and FBCC members.
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The Sisterhood Ministry sponsors Daughters of Distinction for young ladies? The members of the
Sisterhood Ministry serve as mentors and provide participants with opportunities for civic and
spiritual experiences. The Ministry introduces the Daughters of Distinction to society via a
Debutante’s Ball.
The Sisterhood Ministry sponsors a Biennial Retreat for Women seeking to devote additional
meaningful time for spiritual experiences?
The Brotherhood Ministry sponsors Camp Courage for Boys and provides youth with
opportunities for civic and spiritual experiences?
The Brotherhood Ministry recognizes the contributions of members of the United States Armed
Forces for their services to all mankind?
The FBCC Brotherhood Ministry provides beautification and maintenance of Kingsdale Road in
collaboration with the Virginia State Department of Transportation?
The FBCC Wellness Ministry volunteers with the Sisters Network of Central Virginia to provide
information regarding breast cancer awareness and to celebrate survivors of cancer? In addition,
the Ministry seeks contributions to assist in cancer research.
The FBCC Wellness Ministry secured an Automated Electrical Defibrillator (AED) for the Church?
Mrs. Hilda Friend Jones was instrumental in securing the life-saving equipment.
The FBCC Wellness Ministry increased the involvement of youth in leadership roles in healthcare
fields for the benefit of the community and Church-at-Large? Our church has a Father-Son duo
with Chesterfield County Firefighters in the persons of Deacon Nigel S. McCollin and his son,
Gabriel.
First Baptist Church (Centralia) supports community organizations inclusive of fraternities,
sororities, and alumni groups with provision of free meeting space where the groups can plan and
implement respective visions and missions for community support and outreach activities?
Members of First Baptist Church (Centralia) are serving as first responders in different capacities
during the ongoing pandemic of 2020?
The Church increased Her provision of groceries for senior citizens and families during the
pandemic? Complete meals and fresh vegetables are provided. Transportation for medical care
and services is available for senior citizens. This outreach during the pandemic is led by Dr. Wilson
E. B. Shannon, Dr. Leo Whitaker, Mr. Sherman Hurrye, the Brotherhood Ministry, and the Safety
Team. The outreach that increased during the pandemic occurred during the winter weather of
2020 – 2021 in ice and snow.
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FBCC partners with Baptist General Convention of Virginia (BGCVA), Chesterfield Department of
Health, Virginia Department of Health, and Children’s Home of Virginia Baptist for registration of
senior citizens and others for COVID-19 vaccinations?
FBCC provides transportation for citizens to sites for the vaccination for COVID-19?
First Baptist Church (Centralia) supports Lott Carey Foreign Missions, The Virginia Union School of Theology, The NAACP, and Children’s Home of VA Baptists?
Agape love knows no zip code limitations? Dr. Shannon recognized the need for educational
materials for our brothers and sisters on international fronts and guided FBCC in sending four and
one-half (4.5) tons of books to Harare, Zimbabwe, and five (5) tons of books to South Africa.
Dr. Shannon and the FBCC disciples take pleasure in demonstrating their appreciation of deeds to
uplift humanity? Plaques of Recognition and Appreciation were sent to First Lady of the United
States Michelle Robinson Obama, Esquire and Mrs. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela of Johannesburg,
South Africa.
Dr. Shannon’s commitment to service is recognized globally? Rev. Paul Mizsa in South Africa is
planning to shadow Pastor Shannon and FBCC Ministries to facilitate replication of community
services by his Church to honor of the memory of President Nelson Mandela.
FBCC members recognized the need to pay tribute to sites that represent the overcoming of trials
and tribulations in the greater Chesterfield County African American Community and worked to
secure recognition for those sites via the Virginia Department of Historic Resources?
Subsequently, Historic First Baptist Church (Centralia) (site one) was recognized for Her
architectural and historical significance and awarded a Virginia Historical Highway Marker in
2015. George Washington Carver High School (site 2) –Chesterfield County’s lone High School
(1949-1970) during the Separate but Equal Era—was awarded a Virginia Historical Highway
Marker for the school’s significant contributions for the unparalleled dedication and support of
Carver High administrators, faculty, staff, and parents. George Washington Carver High School was
recognized locally, nationally, and beyond.
In the 154-year history of the Church, there have been three known chairs for the History
Committee? Those chairs include Miss Magnolia L. Patron, Miss Martha Louise Branch and Dr. Jane
Jiggetts Baskerville (appointed 1991).
The History Committee acknowledges FBCC community service to document it so that future
generations understand their FBCC Legacy?
The highlights of Christian commitment to exalting God and caring for others hereto listed under
the leadership of Rev. Dr. W. E. B. Shannon and prior pastors are far more extensive than
enumerated?
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Therefore, on this 154th Church Anniversary on this the 16th day of May 2021, this archive of services to
God, the community, and to mankind recognizes and places into perpetuity the contributions of the
congregation of First Baptist Church (Centralia). We trust that generations might see and imitate this FBCC
legacy as they move forward in striving to live the Greatest Commandment of God: To love God and to love
Mankind.
The work of the History Committee is ongoing. The Committee will work diligently to address any
oversights and omissions in this and/or other documents. Please keep the History Committee apprised of
all acts of service to the community as the Committee upgrades FBCC and Her service to mankind. With a
few exceptions, this documentation of service comes from the submitted application in 2019 for the
Chesterfield Championship Award that has not yet been given. We thank FBCC Ministries for their diligence
in providing widespread input in that effort. The Church Pastorate and the People are eternally grateful to
all FBCC Disciples and friends, the entire Church Leadership Team including—but not limited to-- the
Diaconate Ministry (Deacon Thomas J. Branch, Jr., Chair, and Deaconess Judith Williams Holland, Chair),
and the Trustee Ministry (Trustee Carol Crenshaw Waller, Chair). Per Dr. Shannon and Nehemiah 4:6, “the
people have a mind to work.”
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This page is courtesy of Mrs. Linda Fausz of Village News.
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FBCC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICE
We applaud the current Church Leadership for service documented
here. These faithful members are representative of all of the faithful
over the past 154 years of fbcc history. We pay tribute to you and the
ancestors for steadfast and dedicated service. To god be the glory!
Rev. Dr. Wilson E.B. Shannon, Pastor and Mrs. Cynthia Smith Shannon, First Lady
Altar and Flower Guild: Ms. Cheryl Gaymon Mills, Chair and Mrs. Sandra Roots, Co-chair
Audio/Media Ministry: Mr. Edward “Eddie” Gray and Deacon Nigel S. McCollin, Co-Chairs
Bertha Whitlow Memorial Usher Ministry: Mrs. Joyce Allen Jefferson, President
Brotherhood Ministry: Mr. Sherman Hurrye, President
Christian Education Ministry: Minister Gregory L. Gallop II, Chair
Church Office Staff: Mrs. Dallas Allen Mealy, Church Secretary, Ms. Sharon Evangeline Crenshaw, and Trustee Joan Carter McGuire
Communications Ministry: Ms. Danica Coleman-Milner and Dr. Thelma Gray Smith, Co-Chairs
Culinary Arts Committee: Ms. Carolyn Crenshaw Carter, Chair
Dance Like David Praise Ministry: Ms. Ashley Nicole Mills, Coordinator, Ms. Tonia Annette Hill and Mrs. Dorissa Roberts Delbridge, Sponsors
Diaconate Ministry: Deacon Thomas Branch, Chair and Deaconess Judith Williams Holland, Chair
Endowment Committee: Ms. Jeri Camille Baskerville, Chair
Finance Committee: Trustee L. Kevin Ervin and Mrs. Rose West Smith, Chairs
First Alert Safety and Security Team: Deacon James L. Thomas, Chair
Golden Fleet Senior Citizens: Ms. Rocksy Maclin Pulley, Chair
Greeters: Mr. Racy Bennett and Mr. Lawrence Mines, Chairs
Health and Wellness Ministry: Mrs. Renita Jones Johnson, Chair
Horticulture Ministry: Mr. George H. Miles, Chair
Hospitality Committee/Foyer Reception Committee: Mrs. Pamela Scott Trent and Yolanda West Baker, Co-chairs
Janice Mack Cottage Renovation, Virginia Baptist Children’s Home: Dr. Wilson E. B. Shannon, Mr. Sherman Hurrye, Mr. Edwin Blakey 2021 Virginia Baptist Children’s Home Committee: Dr. Thelma Gray Smith, Chair, Mrs. Elizabeth Boone, Mrs. Renita Jones Johnson, Ms. Larunatta Barlow Pollard, Ms. Rocksy Maclin Pulley
Ladies Auxiliary Usher Ministry: Mrs. Barbara Branch Jones, President and Dr. Thelma Gray Smith, Vice-president
Library Media Committee: Ms. Sharon Evangeline Crenshaw, Chair
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Men’s Usher Missionary: Mr. James R. Bullock, President
Missionary Offering Lifters: Mrs. LaVern Robinson Blakey and Ms. Carolyn Crenshaw Carter, Sponsors
Music Ministries: Mr. William O. Evans, Jr., Director of Music and Ms. Kayla Symone Coleman, Youth Director
Premises and Beautification Committee: Mrs. Sandra Roots and Mrs. Cheryl Mills, Chair
Publicity Committee: Deacon Thomas J. Branch, Jr., Chair
Senior Missionary Ministry: Ms. Mae Elizabeth Friend and Ms. Marilyn Friend Scott, Chairs
Sisterhood Ministry: Mrs. Carolyn Crenshaw Carter, Chair
Sunday School: Ms. Marilyn Friend Scott, Superintendent
Transportation Ministry: Mr. Anthony Mercer, Chair
Trustee Ministry: Mrs. Carol Crenshaw Waller, Chair
Usher Ministries: Mr. James R. Bullock, Coordinator
Young Ladies’ Usher Ministry: The Late Mrs. Vivian Allen Clarke and Deaconess Michelle Jones Thomas
Young Men's Usher Ministry: Mr. Sherman Hurrye, Mr. Derrick L. Lewis, and Mr. Garry Waller, Sponsors
Youth Activities Committee: Mrs. Karen West Brown, Chair
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”
Romans 12:4 – 5 NKJV
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SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FOR THE 154TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Reverend Dr. Wilson E. B. Shannon, Pastor
Deaconess Dr. Jane Jiggetts Baskerville, History Committee Chair
Mrs. Veronica Friend Strane, History Committee Vice-Chair
154th Anniversary Committee
Deaconess Dr. Jane Jiggetts Baskerville, Consultant
Dr. Thelma Gray Smith, Co-chair
Mrs. Yolanda West Baker, Co-chair
Mrs. Renita Jones Johnson, Co-chair
Ms. Larunatta Barlow Pollard, Co-chair
Althea Wilburn-Spindle, Esquire, Co-chair
Deacon Thomas J. Branch, Jr., Photographer and Social Media Coordinator
Ms. Kimberly D. Conley, Chesterfield County Assistant Director
Citizen Information and Resources/Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Ms. Sharon Evangeline Crenshaw, Church Office Staff
Mr. Barry R. Ervin and Mrs. Linda Porter Ervin, History Committee Photographers
Mrs. Linda Fausz, Co-founder of The Village News
Deaconess Mae Elizabeth Friend, Church Clerk
Minister Gregory L. Gallup, Associate Pastor
Deacon Haywood R. Glass and Deaconess Thelma Barber Glass, Caterers
Minister Ray Graham, Media Manager and Videographer
Mr. Edward “Eddie” Gray, Audio Technician and Saxophonist for Social Media Announcement
Ms. Sydney Gray, Production Coordinator; Mass Communications Major, Virginia Union University
Mrs. Lisa Hobson, TLiJo Events
The Honorable Deacon James M. “Jim” Holland, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Chesterfield County
Mr. Sherman Hurrye
Deaconess Alethia Lynch McCollin
Mr. DeAndré McEwen, Cameraman; Mass Communications Major, Hampton University
Mrs. Dallas Allen Mealy, Church Secretary
Office of the Honorable Governor Ralph Northam
Trustee Joan Carter McGuire
Ms. Ashley Nicole Mills, Dance Like David Coordinator
Ms. Cheryl Gaymon Mills, Altar Guild Chair and Designer of the Corsages and Boutonnieres
Ms. Danica Coleman-Milner, Social Media Coordinator
Dr. Millard D. “Pete” Stith, Speaker
Mrs. Tawanda Shannon-Vernon, FBCC Webmaster
First Alert Safety and Security Team
Wilson Graphics
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THE 2021 HISTORY COMMITTEE
Dr. Wilson E. B. Shannon, Pastor
Deaconess Jane Jiggetts Baskerville, Ph.D., Chair
Mrs. Veronica Friend Strane, Vice Chair
Mrs. Yolanda West Baker
Ms. Jeri Camille Baskerville
Mrs. Audrey Randolph Berry
Deacon Thomas J. Branch, Jr., Honorary Member
Mrs. Maureen Friend Clark, Honorary Member
Mr. Barry R. Ervin
Mrs. Linda Porter Ervin
Trustee Frederick J. Friend, Jr.
Deaconess Mae Elizabeth Friend
Mr. Sherman Hurrye, Honorary Member
Mr. Marvin Brye Jefferson
Mrs. Renita Jones Johnson
Trustee Wallace H. Lewis, Sr.
Dr. Peggy Grant Miles
Mrs. Cheryl Gaymon Mills
Mrs. Mamie Rowlett Pierce
Mrs. Larunatta Barlow Pollard
Mr. Clarence E. Scott
Dr. Thelma Gray Smith
Deaconess Michele Jones Thomas
Althea Wilburn-Spindle, Esquire
Ms. Larunatta Barlow Pollard, 2021 Souvenir Booklet Editor