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