A Partial History of the First Church of God in Richmond, Virginia

And, a brief history of the Church of God Movement...

Historian John W.V. Smith says in the twelve years between 1916 to 1928, the Church of God Anderson, began an organizational revolution. So in 1917, the Church began an annual Yearbook as an orderly way to chronicle the movement of the Church. Three years later, the name of Ira A. Tucker appears in the Yearbook as associated with the Church in Richmond, Virginia. This foundation began what later became a solid work on Rowland Street, then at Idlewood Avenue which later migrated to become the Church at North 21st Street.

In the late 30's the message of the Church began to reach out to new Christians on Stockton Avenue and Pine, Hull, and Cary Streets. Not all the names of those who labored are recorded. Nor are all the places and homes of worship recorded. But I owe my deepest gratutitude to those like W.I. Plough, Joseph C. Teele, C.F. Diezel, Roy W. Potter, Simeon R. Green, M.L. Neil and co-workers who labored to solidify ground for the Kingdom of God in Richmond.

The Church in Atkins, established in 1913 by A. G. Ridde (1899-1944), is one of the oldest Churches of God in Virginia. A. G. Riddle came from Tennessee and was a close friend of H.M. Riggle. As WWII began, out of that Atkins church came H. Melvin Wampler who came to Richmond and along with Charles Richardson began more evangelistic work (probably with Neil) in the North Side of the city. Meeting in a large house, then moving to a house in a park, a Church was established meeting on Lakeside Avenue, then to 2900 Grove Avenue during those WWII years.

Perhaps from these efforts, from 1944 through 1949, W.H. Taylor pastored a congregation at 3306 East Marshall.

Next Wampler attempted to begin a work in the South Side and established the First Church of God on Hull Street. He was the pastor and was known as a "good preacher" and had "a good work." Later, he went to New York City and became a well known and beloved minister in that area for helping immigrants off "the boat" to get established. When Brother Wampler died, he was brought back to Atkins by people from New York City. Others came to pay their respects to this friend of man and friend of God. When Wampler left the South Side Richmond Church, someone else did follow him as pastor but they didn't stay very long. And the Church was 'on again' and 'off again' and still never really became firmly established at this time.

Uncle Liburn (about 1880-1972) and nephew George Musser (1899-1972) were tanners and were also in the Church at Atkins. Both men came to the Richmond area and Liburn stayed and worked in a furniture factory near Ashland. Liburn was known as a faithful Christian. When he moved to Decader Street in Richmond, he began a Church in his home. Liburn's first wife, Macey, was known as a saint. After she died Liburn married Suzie and they later lived on Warwick Road. Liburn continued to work in the furniture factory and became its Superintendent. He and his family worked hard and supported the South Side First Church all his life.

This time the work began in earnest and George Musser first came and preached in the new home church in 1947 or 1949. This information provided by G.C.Musser of the Atkins Church. G.C's father was George Musser and G.C.'s grandfather was A.G.Riddle. At that time there was no permanent pastor so the pulpit was often filled by John C. Osteen from the Tidewater area, Don Pickett from Reidville, Harvey Edge and George Musser from time to time.

In 1955 Reverend B.O.Privett was called as the pastor for the small group of twelve Christians. They met on Thursday nights at Brother Musser's house on Warwick Road.

What follows next details a little history taken either directly or in part from the Dedication Service program of April 5, 1964 for the First Church of God at 6517 Walmsley Boulevard in Richmond, VA. ‘The Church now really began to take roots in 1955 under the leadership of B.O.Privett. He and a few families of the faith bought a lot at 184 Belt Boulevard and built a new small cinder block building near South Side Plaza.' Privett pastored the small group until the summer of 1957 when he resigned. Reverend Privett and his family, and daughter Margie in particular, continued to help the church for sometime even after he had accepted the charge at the Mountain View Church of God in Lynchburg, VA.

After Pastor Privett left, Reverend Alfred L. Conner accepted the oversight of the church. He remained as pastor until the spring of 1960. Upon the resignation of Reverend Conner, the Reverend Malcolm L. Lavender became pastor. Reverend Lavender remained as pastor until his resignation in August, 1961.

Reverend Sheldon C. Johnson became pastor in February, 1962. Upon the arrival of Reverend Johnson, it was seen there was a need for a change of location for the church. The present location was fast becoming a business district. After some months, with many locations being considered, the Church finally decided to buy the property in the South Side at 6517 Walmsley Boulevard. In the spring of 1963 the property at 184 Belt Boulevard was sold.' Their insight was right on the mark as a Burger Chef fast food restaurant soon moved in right next door and an insurance office took over the old church facility.

Brother Johnson's son, James Owen Johnson, an accomplished architect who designed the tabernacle dome for the Campgrounds in Anderson, IN, donated his time and work and drew up the plans for a new contemporary brick house of worship. The design was pleasing to the eye, functional, and served the congregation for many years. On September 1, 1963, ground was broken for the new church which was later dedicated April 5, 1964.

About this time work in other areas of the country began to slack off, but Richmond's magnetism seemed to be the opposite. Or perhaps it was the Lord working to bring in good people to help build and sustain "His Church."

After Simeon R. Green's ten-year labors, the Association's work was continued by Brothers Teele, Allen L. Mack, W.H. Taylor, Thomas Green, W.H. DeLaine, Lloyd G. Linton, and Irnishel P. Drew. Other helpers and Associates in the North Side have been Alden Simmons, William L. Brady, Simeon Green, Don Oree, Rick Futtrell, Crystal Atkins, and Brian K. Beverly.

In the early 60's, Brother Sheldon Johnson's daughter, Bernice, and her family relocated to Richmond and quickly became another living stone for the church. The Caldwells also migrated from Southwestern Virginia where Brother Johnson had previously pastored. The Woodwards chose Richmond to be their new home even though Woody's roots were always in Maine and Esther's roots were deep in Ohio. These and many more wonderful people would become the very "core" of the church for years to come. A deep appreciation should also be mentioned for the Morris' and E.O. "Joe" Chapman, the Building Fund Treasurer, who served as the catalyst-through the Lord, that somehow money was available to pay the bills that come with building and the unexpected situations that always come up. Notable mention should also be made for Esther Flynt and of course Liburn Musser and his "saintly" wife for their continued support and dedication to see the church go forward. Thus, these "living stones" have born much fruit over their years for the Lord by their faith, love, and support for the message the First Church of God has help spread "into all the world."

The following is a reprint of a report on Richmond which appeared in the state newspaper, The Virginia Light, December 1964. "We in Richmond are very thankful for our new church building and location. Also, we are thankful for the interest and faithfulness already shown by neighbors in this area. Rev. Joe Crane, from Missions Board in Anderson, Indiana, held meetings here on December 5th and 6th. In spite of inclement weather, it was a very profitable meeting. We were happy for the good attendance. Most gratifying of all was the fine altar service. We look forward to the time when our friend in Christ, Rev. Crane, can be with us again. Our attendance at the close of this year is almost double that of last year. This is a challenge for all of us to work a little harder this coming year. Our Christmas family Dinner on December 13th was a time of fine Christian Fellowship. We appreciate these times when we can become better acquainted with each other. We pray that as a body of Christians, we can point the way to God's Son, Jesus Christ. Given by Ms Esther Oesch Woodward."

Reverend Howard Benson with his large growing family, followed as pastor from late1965 to June 1970. Reverend John C. Osteen, who had helped the young struggling church years before now became their pastor for eight years. Reverend Art Clawson became the next pastor and after staying only eight months, returned to graduate school. Reverend Don Kelly pastored from July 1979 and left after he was ordained in August 1981. Reverend William E. Weaver, of Lynchburg, assumed the pastorate from January 1983 to May of 1984. Reverend Fredrick D. Clements pastored from July 1984 through1986. Reverend Byrum C. Lee pastored the church from March 1987 until March 1988 when he became the State Coordinator for the Virginia Assembly of Church of God in Virginia. Reverend Paul R. Phelps first came from North Carolina in April 1989 and returned to North Carolina in October 1990.

Reverend William "Bill" W. Wilson came to Richmond in November of 1990. For many years the folks in the congregation recognized that the facility, although nice, was severely limited for future growth. In the plans James Johnson had made, there had been an education wing designed to go on to the western side of the building. The property was large enough for this addition. When Phelps was pastor, the people had a mind to expand their building, however no consensus could be reached the on the debt the church could bear. Now when Brother Wilson arrived, different approaches were pursued.

The beautiful modern split-level parsonage on Twain Lane was sold within a matter of hours after being on the market. A new and larger brick parsonage was built to the west of the church. An additional "small" loan was taken out and the worship building size was doubled out to the rear. Pastor Bill's two fold responsibility now included Pastor and the Job Superintendent while his family lived in the church during the construction of the parsonage. The additional space allowed for much needed class rooms and a Fellowship-multipurpose room. All the furniture, tables, and cabinets were bought new, and the Lord provided them for free! Spiritual growth was also going on during this time.

In 1991 the Church at Walmsley called Gerald Hilton to be its first Associate Pastor. In 1996, after being a part of the fellowship for twenty-seven years, he left to begin a Kingdom Builder work in the West End. Jim Davidson became the pastor, but the Church folded in 2001.

Bill Wilson left in June of 2000, after almost ten years as pastor. And, for the second time, Reverend Paul Phelps came in October 1, 2000 and this time he stayed until January 11, 2004. Pete Canciglia, from Fredericsburg, VA became the Interim Pastor on April 4, 2004, then later on the Pastor. Gerald Hilton returned as the Associate Pastor in July 2008.

Regardless of who we are or even what we think, God has "His Church." Over the years, many people have come and gone through the the Richmond South Side Walmsley Boulevard Church in Richmond. She has served her purpose and continues to serve her purpose. Many thanks for the people who worked and are working to uphold and sustain the work and fill in the gaps between the Shepherds. As for me and my house, "I will be eternally grateful for the First Church of God in Richmond... To God be the Glory"

Sources: John C. Osteen, G. C. Musser, Margie Musselman, Vivian Miemen of the Archives and Special Collections at Anderson University, and Gerald W. Hilton who compiled and Revised this work on December 22, 2008.