The Shadow
The First Church of God in Christ, Clifton Forge, celebrated its 89th church anniversary and Mortgage Burning, Sunday, at 12:00 noon, under the leadership of Elder Leon R. Taylor, Sr., pastor. Bishop Ronald A. Watson, Sr., Auxiliary Bishop Virginia Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction COGIC delivered the message. He is also the Superintendent of the Greater Southwest District and Pastor of Radford Church of God in Christ.
Also, on program were Elder Kim Taylor, Worship Leader and Taylor who read the church history and offered remarks. Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine read and presented a proclamation from the Town Council to First COGIC wishing them continued growth.
After the anniversary and mortgage burning message, the congregation recessed to the outside where Taylor led the congregation in the reading of a litany before the mortgage was placed on the fire to burn. “With the burning of this mortgage today, I declare as pastor that the First Church of God in Christ is mortgage free,” said Taylor as he tossed the mortgage onto the fire and the crowd cheered and applauded. “Today is a great moment in our church’s long 89-year history,” said Taylor in conclusion.
The service ended with the benediction and blessing of food given by Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Baker, pastor, Main Street Missionary Baptist Church, Clifton Forge. The crowd celebrated by enjoying a meal prepared and served by the church’s hospitality committee at outside tables as the mortgage and prayer requests burned in the background.
First COGIC was established in 1933 by Elder Arthur Carstarphen of Pennsylvania, with the initial services being held in the former homes of the late Leola Anderson and the late Mrs. Michie. With the help of the late Mother Theresa Key, the Michie’s house was purchased and became the home of the First COGIC, better known as the “church in the alley.” Elder Robert Spencer was the longest serving pastor prior to Taylor’s arrival, serving from 1959 until 1986.
In April of 1987, Taylor of Newport News, was appointed as the Pastor of the “Church in the Alley” and he and his wife, Lady Fannie Taylor, have served faithfully ever since. Taylor spearheaded the purchase of the current edifice and Rev. David Halsey, pastor, Lapsley’s Run Baptist Church, Fincastle, designed it. In April of 1998, the new church home arrived at its present-day location at 653 Verge St.
The Taylor’s don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon as they are ready to start working on the next building.
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| (L to r) Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Baker, MSMBC, Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine presenting Taylor a proclamation from the Clifton Forge Town Council, and Elder Kim Taylor |
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| Guest Speaker Bishop Ronald A. Watson |
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| Taylor and Baker preparing to burn the church’s mortgage. |
