The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – Before a packed house on a rainy day, last Sunday Raymond Megginson Jr. was installed as pastor of Gloryland Church, Clifton Forge, six years after the death of his father, former pastor and founder of Gloryland Church.
Gloryland Church was founded 29 years ago by the late Raymond Megginson Sr. who served as its first and only pastor until his eldest son was installed last Sunday. After Megginson Sr. took ill seven years ago, his wife, Nora Megginson, and daughter, Angela Megginson, kept the church going and its doors open.
Deacon Bruce Kesterson, who donated the building to Megginson Sr. and an original member of Gloryland, served as worship leader for the installation service, and the Rev. Alvin Murdock, pastor, Saved By Grace Holiness Church, Roanoke, delivered the installation charge. Murdock also delivered Megginson Sr.’s installation charge 29 years ago. The Rev. Dr. Dianne Quarles, pastor, Taking Care of Each Other Outreach Ministries, gave the prayer; Megginson Jr.’s younger sister, Angela Megginson, read an Old Testament Scripture; and his younger brother, Daniel Megginson, read from the New Testament.
The Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Baker, pastor, Main Street Missionary Baptist Church, Clifton Forge, delivered the prayer of installation and presented Megginson Jr. with a Bible.
Leviticus of Shiloh Baptist Church, Salem, rendered the music for the service.
Megginson Jr.’s vision for the church is “to create a spiritual environment in the community where all are welcome and eager to serve God.”
Megginson Jr. will commute from Roanoke to conduct services and teach Sunday school and Bible study. He has two sons, Michael and Jarred “Scott” Megginson, and a daughter, Jaleesa Megginson. He also has five grandchildren.
Gloryland is located at 430 W. Ridgeway St and holds Sunday school on Sundays at 9 a.m. followed by church at 11 a.m. Prayer meetings and Bible study are held on Thursdays at 6 p.m.
