Historical Tidbits

• Ground breaking on our present building took place May 22,1954. and was consecrated for use on June 26,1955.
• The budget for the Conference year 1954-1955 was $14,000.
• The first parsonage was located on Pennsylvannia Avenue in Salem, VA. In 1936, this house was sold and the residence at 510 Tennessee Street was purchased from the Virginia Conference, this house was donated to the Conference by a faithful member. Our present parsonage was bought in 1962 during the pastorate of Reverend Thomas Lovern.
• The long anticipated handicap ramp was dedicated in the spring of 1983.
• October 9,1983, we joyfully shared in the Diamond Jubilee, marking a 75th Anniversary of this church. A very devoted servant of God, Dr. john Wynn Myers, was the guest preacher. There was lots of celebrating on this day, including a tour of the Parish House purchased the prior month.
• "Honor the Lord" was a special worship service representing the past events of the Church. This story was written by Clark Vandergrift, October 12, 1986. The Heritage Room and the quilt top with 36 squares depicting the life of the Church were dedicated.
• A Community Service, the After School Child Care program was instituted in the fall of 1990. Members of the church serve as dedicated volunteers.
• At Charge Conference, November 19, 1996, Central Church agreed to reorganize its ministry around the concept of ministry teams. Three teams were established: Christian Nurture, Christian Outreach, and Witness Teams. The design aim is to better accomplish our stated purpose, to make disciples for Jesus Christ, challenging and equipping them for ministry in their daily lives.
• On May 17, 1998, Central's Capital Campaign for the new Chritian Growth Center was launched. this endeavor is called "Building with Christ for the New Millennium."
• June 10, 1998, the board of Trustees was authorized to purchace the property at 425 South College Avenue, Salem, VA, known today as Wesley Hall.
• On October 21, 2001, friends and members gathered to celebrate the breaking of ground on our new addition; the first major construction since the house of worship was relocated from Third and Colorado Streets. The addition includes a new kitchen, fellowship hall, classrooms, elevator, restrooms accesible to those in wheelchairs, and a larger foyer for gathering before and after worship. "we have a new building, but it isn't what the church is all about," quoted Pastor Anthony. "We people are what set an example and encourage others to be part of a faith community."

As we continue to be blessed with a special kind of heritage, a strong foundation of love and unity, let us grow and prosper in the years to come. Thanks Be To God!

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