February 18th, it was decided by
the Session that the Leesburg Presbyterian Church would sponsor, under proper
guidance, a Week Day Kindergarten beginning in September. Mrs. Helen
Johnston was appointed director and a committee was selected to work out the
details.
June, the Building and Planning
Committee did a careful study of the present and future needs of the Leesburg
Presbyterian Church School and made the recommendation that the existing space
be used for classrooms to the best advantage and that a three story building be
built to house the additional needed space. A rough estimate for the
building cost was $47,000 to $50,000. The cost was based on $10 per sq.
ft.
July 24th, the Building Planning
Committee recommended that Mr. Eimer Cappelmann of Arlington be employed to
prepare the preliminary drawings for the proposed Educational Building.
October 8th, at a congregational
meeting the Building Committee presented its report and described the
preliminary plans in detail. The cost of the building was now estimate to
be $77,900. The plans were accepted and the Building Fund committee
instructed to raise the necessary funds.
- 1959 -
A budget for the year was
approved. The total was $19,200. The amount toward current expenses
to be $14,600 and the amount for benevolences to be $4,600.
June 14th, at a congregational
meeting it was decided that the Church purchase the Jackson property for the sum
of $3,750 plus incidental expenses.
July 26th, a congregational
meeting was called to consider the purchase of the Edds property, lying to the
East of the Church property. It was agreed that it be purchased for the
sum of $5,500 with lifetime residence of the tenant.
November 22nd, the congregation
again met and accepted the recommendation to purchase property. This was
the Whitmore property adjacent to our property on the East. The cost was
$15,000.
- 1960 -
May 22nd, the Building Planning
Advisory Committee made the following recommendation and was approved by the
congregation: That they proceed with the building of additional
educational facilities and a Sanctuary in the following stages (Stage 1
considered paramount; other stages may be completed in any order the
congregation wants).
Stage 1 - Construct a 2-story
educational wing with the second floor remaining unfinished at a cost of
$50,000.
Stage 2 - Completion of the
second story at a cost of $17,000.
Stage 3 - Erection of a
Fellowship Hall at a cost of $28,000
Stage 4 - The construction of
a new sanctuary, most probably on the site of the present Whitmore property.
At a Session meeting a suggestion
was discussed to stimulate interest and earnestness in the Building fund program
by utilizing the Parable of the Talents. Every member of the Church and
Sunday School would be given a one dollar bill and asked to bring back all the
money accumulated after three months of prayerful activity.
August 14th, the Loyal Aid class
requested the approval of the Session fro prayer meetings to be held each
Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8:00 these meetings to be open to the public.
It was approved and announced that the first prayer meeting would be held on
Wednesday, August 24.
- 1961 -
July 23rd, the Building Planning
committee showed architects' drawings of the new wind of the Educational
Building and stated that in order to build the proposed building it would be
necessary to build on the property now being occupied by Mrs. Magdalene Stanton
Fitts (owned by the Church). Mrs. Fitts had been asked for permission to
build on the property and had said "no".
October 8th, after two or three
visits by the Elders to Mrs. Fitts she agreed: in view of the fact that
the land had been purchased by the Church; that she had a dower interest in the
said property; that the property was divided into two lots, each having a
dimension of 33' x 150'; that for a consideration of property, that she would
release to the Church the northern one of the two lots located on the West side
of South Liberty street. A number of members volunteered material and
labor for the construction of the shed.
November 14th, a letter was sent
to those who contributed labor and material for the construction of a shed on
the Fitts property which contributions resulted in no cost to the Church for
this construction.
- 1962 -
May 13th, the following letter
was read to the congregation:
It is with sincere
regret that your Minister brings to your attention the fact that he has
recently accepted the call to become Pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church of Martinsburg, WV. This decision has come only after much
prayer and self-examination.
The past eleven and
one-half years have been happy ones, and the Minister wishes to express
his deepest appreciation to this congregation for all the support
extended to him in his work. The Minister's family would want to
express their thanks for all the many kindnesses shown to them during
these years in Leesburg.
These years have been
years of genuine accomplishment for the congregation. The
determination and devotion of the people of this Church have borne rich
fruit, and even greater harvests will be reaped in the future.
Significant expansion
plans are now in the process of development. You will see these to
completion, and will embark upon even more ambition programs.
Your Minister and his
family will continue to remember all of you in their prayers - and we
covet your prayers for us in our continuing Ministry of the Gospel of
Jesus Christ
- David C. Crawford, Jr.
June 25th, the following
resolution was adopted:
There are in the lives
of Ministers and their families, of congregations and their officers, of
Sunday School Teachers and their pupils, of families touched outside our
confines, a few golden moments which give life its luster and send
bright spiritual rays down the corridor of eternity. Then a decade
of ministry and being ministered unto becomes nothing more than a
reflection, and we collectively or as individuals stand suspended on the
cutting edge of God's Destiny. God himself came and comes into
human existence in the person of Jesus Christ and personally controls
the destiny that leads our beloved Pastor, David D. Crawford, Jr. to
accept new challenges; leads him to travel new roads; leads him to
accept with new revelation, insight, and understanding the will of God
in pursuit of His most high calling. A destiny that leads us, the
congregation, to accept the will of God as so adroitly propounded and
revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through this servant of God. We,
the congregation and officers of the Presbyterian Church of Leesburg,
ask by petition that the Minister and his family joining us in spirit
and hear while we are absent one from the other, to ever seek out the
truth and join us in our prayers, that we both will be led deeper and
deeper into the joys and meaning of our respective spiritual destiny.
We thank you David, Betty, Choo, and Johnny for having enriched our
lives and we all wish you Godspeed ...
The Pulpit Supply committee
reported that Chaplain Rhea had volunteered to be of any assistance possible to
our Church during the absence of a minister.
The Construction committee
announced the results of the public bids and recommended that none be accepted.
The recommended that a private contract in the amount of $73,039 be executed
between the congregation and Ralph E. Derrenbacker. This recommendation
was adopted.
At a meeting of the Session on
October 9th, Dr. James Wiley was invited to discuss plans for possibly starting
a Presbyterian Church at Purcellville. After a thorough discussion of this
matter, several suggestions were offered and the Session agreed to render
whatever assistance they could.
- 1963 -
In a letter to the members of a
proposed visitation team program dated April 16th, the Session states:
We feel that our
Church is making excellent progress in spite of the fact that we do not
have a fulltime minister. This is made possible through the
members working so loyally and harmoniously together. One of the
greatest needs in our Church is an organized visitation program.
There are many people currently living in Leesburg and adjacent
communities who should be a member of our church. Positive steps
have been taken, first the Church area was divided into eight areas,
then we took the Church roll and carefully and prayerfully chose church
members to serve on each of these eight visitation teams.
Thirty-four members are being asked to assist in this phase of our
Church's program.
Annual report for the year ended
December 31, 1963:
| Elders |
6 |
Adult Baptisms |
4 |
| Deacons |
9 |
Infant Baptisms |
4 |
| Communicants |
305 |
Losses by Death |
10 |
| Received - Profession |
17 |
Dismissed to Other
Churches |
12 |
| Received - Certificate &
Reaffirmation |
25 |
Transfer to inactive
roll |
59 |
|
Contributions Summarized |
|
|
|
Total Benevolences |
$8,878 |
|
|
Current Expenses |
$19,344 |
|
|
Building Fund Receipts |
$10,000 |
|
|
Grand Total |
$38,222 |
|
It was further reported that the
Loudoun Court had advised of a bequest from the Fox estate of Round Hill, VA.
Further information will be available when the will is probated.
- 1964 -
April 14th, authorization was
given to the Women of the Church by the Session to have the five pulpit chairs
refurbished. Also, the communion table plaque reading "Presented in Loving
Memory of Mrs. Sarah Mitchell Bratney by her Family, 1952" was authorized.
June 9th, permission was granted
the D.A.R. to seek the Women of the Church's participation in a service to mark
the grave of the Reverend Amos Thompson.
July 5th, the Pulpit Committee
has recommended that the Reverend Robert William Simpson of the Colonial Heights
Presbyterian Church be called as a candidate for a Pastoral call by this
congregation.
August 18th, the following
resolution was adopted:
Dr. John I. Rhea was
Providentially directed to the Leesburg Presbyterian Church at a
critical time in its history. Soon after his arrival, it became
evident that the church greatly needed his special ministry. The
Session, the Board of Deacons, and the various organizations of the
Church responded eagerly to his gentle and able guidance. The
members of the congregation opened up their hearts to both him and Mrs.
Rhea with love and positive Christian action. In retrospect, the
Church was unified under Dr. Rhea's leadership as never before in its
history. Observing his Christian ministry in Loudoun County, it
was obvious that our Savior was working through the shepherd to touch
the hearts and souls of His sheep.
Be it therefore
resolved that the Session and the Board of Deacons, on behalf of the
congregation of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church, officially express
deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Dr. John I. Rhea for his loyal
and loving service over the past two years serving as Interim Minister.
October 6th, a representative of
the Fellowship Unlimited outlined a proposal to the Session for the Church
Library. The Session supported the library proposal and the formulation of
concrete plans. Chairman of the Board of Deacons appeared to propose the
beginning of an organ fund, looking forward to the purchase of a new organ for
the new Sanctuary. The building time for a church organ requires three to
five years. As a standby for the current equipment the basic phase of the
proposed organ may be used as the organ for the old Sanctuary should it need to
be taken out for repair. The total estimated cost will be between $25,000
and $40,000. The Session approved to incorporate an organ fund into the
building fund.
- 1965 -
A letter was sent from the
Diaconate to Mr. Daniel M. Hyatt thanking him for his refinishing the melodeon.
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Johnson presented to the Church two offering plates
comparable to the two larger plates now in use.
March 2nd, the Session recognizes
and commends the participation of our Women of the Church in the World Day of
Prayer at a time when our world is feeling the pressures of the national and
racial and creedal differences more than ever before and when increasing
understanding between people ins more necessary than ever. The World Day
of Prayer serves as a vital instrument of communion with one another and
fellowship in Christ around the World. We hope that in this and in other
similar efforts our Women of the Church will continue their good efforts in
helping us all to recognize our Oneness in Christ.
September 19th, the Moderator
read a letter from the Moderator of the General Assembly regarding a special
offering to be taken on the 19th and 26th for relieving human suffering and
restoring damaged Presbyterian Churches and Manses in Louisiana as a result of
hurricane Betsy.
- 1966 -
September 11th, the Session voted
to present a communion service to the new Purcellville Church and solicit funds
from the congregation. The first service to be held October 6th.
October 4th, a letter was read
that contained the following information:
Article Fourth of Mrs.
Eleanor Fox's will provided that the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars to
the Trustees of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church, the income from to be
used in furthering the work of said Church.
December 20th, a resolution was
adopted:
Whereas He has served
the congregation of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church for forty three
years as an officer and Whereas he is held in high esteem and
affectionate regard by his fellow officers and members of the
congregation and Whereas it is highly fitting and appropriate that
expression be given to these sentiment, it is therefore resolved that
Christian H. Clemens be elected to the office of Ruling Elder Emeritus,
with all honors, rights, and privileges attached thereto in recognition
of his long and devoted service to this congregation, the Church at
large, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1967 -
May 2nd, Session approved the
establishment of a Church Memorial Fund. The monetary gifts received would
be placed in an interest bearing account to be used for some designated purpose.
A Bronze memorial board would be placed in an appropriate place with a small
plaque to be place under the board bearing the name of Mrs. C.H. Clemens, in
whose memory the board is being given. And a memorial book will be kept in
the church office so a permanent record may be kept for posterity. Mr. C.H.
Clemens wishes to give the Memorial Board, the Book, and a supply of
acknowledgement cards to be sent to any donors. The motion was passed that
the Memorial Board be placed on the rear wall of the Sanctuary.
July 18th, the following gifts
were reported: new carpet in the balcony of the church which was a gift in
memory of Mrs. Herta Pearson by her family; a gift of two new air conditioners
for the study and office by Mr. and Mrs. William Alberts, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence
Hutchinson, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Letson. In addition blinds had been
secured for the rear porch of the manse, a new waxer for the church and exhaust
fans for the kitchen in the educational building. New chains in front of
the church and the repaving of the entrance and exist to the parking lot were
also completed.
October 8th, in a congregational
meeting the following was adopted. That in view of his long and faithful
service to the Church, Ruling Elder Roscoe B. Rhoads, having agreed to accept
the honor, be elected to the office of Ruling Elder Emeritus.
- 1968 -
April 2nd, Mr. Simpson gave a
report of the Will of the late Mrs. Nancy Lee Gilmour stating that our Church
will receive in excess of $100,000 from her estate to be used for the
maintenance and preservation of the old church with any surplus income to be
used for the upkeep and maintenance of other buildings of the Church or any
addition which may be made and that approximately $25,000 of the estate be used
at the discretion of the Congregation.
May 21st, a representative of the
M.P. Moller Pipe Organ Architects and Builders, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD presented
to the Session drawings and plans of a Moller Organ for our church. The
price of $18,425 was quoted. A motion to enter into a contract and
implement a special fund raising campaign to raise the necessary funds was
placed before the congregation on July 28th and after a vote the motion was
declared lost.
November 5th, at a Session
meeting the proposed merger of the Presbyterian Reformed Union was discussed.
December 15th, a $500 bequest
from the Forsythe Estate was presented to the Leesburg Presbyterian Church, it
was resolved that it be placed in the General fund of the Treasury of the
Church.
A letter from Mr. Lucas Phillips
was read tot he Session requesting a small portion of the Gilmour Estate, that
is to come tot he Church, be used to place a marker at the grave of the late
Miss Lilias Janney. The request was granted.
- 1969 -
February 4th, in a report of the
meeting of Potomac Presbytery, the results of the vote on the merger of the
Presbyterian Church U.S. and the Reformed Church. The motion carried by a
49 - 38 vote.
April 1st, at the March meeting
of Potomac Presbytery, it was reported that the proposed merger was voted down
by the Reformed Church.
September 2nd, an appeal from the
Moderator of the General Assembly for the Church afflicted by hurricane Camille
was read. A motion was passed that a special offering would be taken on
Sunday, Sept. 14th.
October 19th, at a congregational
meeting a report was heard from the Bequest Committee. This committee was
established to consider the appropriate distribution of the cash bequest of the
late Mrs. Nancy Lee Gilmour. The committee recommended the investment of
the bequest, the use of the interest to fund scholarships to your as a living
memorial.
November 4th, it was reported
that an architect and restorer had been contacted to study the restoration of
the sanctuary and to give some ideas as to what is involved and the approximate
cost.
The Youth Fellowship of the
Church requested the use of a room in the Educational Building each Saturday
morning to provide a program for children from 2 to 6 years of age. These
children will be primarily from underprivileged and neglected homes. This
request was granted.
December 2nd, the Worship
Committee reported that the church organ needs repairs and that Lewis &
Hitchcock, the builders of the organ, had given an estimate of $1,000 to make
the repairs. A motion was passed that all repairs be made to the organ and
the money be taken from the Gilmour interest fund.
The Gilmour Trust Scholarship
Fund gave the first year's scholarship to Karen Simpson, "On behalf of the
congregation and commission of the Gilmour Fund, it is our pleasure to present
you the enclosed check in the amount of $832. This gift is a scholarship
for the continuation of your college educations and with it goes the blessings
of the congregation and the wish for your continued success."
- 1970 -
Plans for the restoration of the
church building were still underway. The Session agreed to place the
Leesburg Presbyterian Sourcebook, prepared by the Stewardship Committee, in the
Welcome Wagon, doctor's offices, restaurants, beauty shops and any other public
buildings. Circle IV of the Women of the Church presented a new 90 cup
percolator to the church.
A restorer from Harper's Ferry
looked over the church and reported that there was an urgent need for treating
and repointing the bricks to keep out moisture.
June, the following
recommendations for repairs were approved:
To install a vapor light
on the church building
That a suitable fence
replace the white picket fence on the front of the church
Not to remove the iron
fence from around the family plots because of historic value
To build a board fence on
the back of the yard
To contract a tombstone
company in regard to repairing the tombstones and get an estimate on the
cost of having the stones set in cement that are piled in the yard.
Vernon and Ester Clagett made the
offering of a painting to be hung in one of the halls of the educational
building. The painting to be secured from the National Cathedral Gallery
under the supervision of Mr. Simpson.
July, a report from the Gilmour
Trust Fund states that the fund amounts to $140,000 and the congregation legacy
is $35,000. The money is invested at 8.2% and the interest is to be used
for maintenance and preservation of the church.
September, the bequest committee
voted unanimously that $1000 on hand be given to David Milbourn, our senior
student at Union Theological Seminary. He has entered his senior year and
has served a year as assistant to Dr. William Sengal at Old Presbyterian Meeting
House in Alexandria. He is looking forward to graduation next spring.
$1000 of the interest from the
Gilmour Trust Fund was used for painting the church. The church organ is
now in the process of being repaired.
- 1971 -
Elder Leach reported that on
Sunday, July 11, he conveyed the greetings from the congregation and Session of
the Leesburg Presbyterian Church to the congregation of the
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
in Alexandria. In his introductory remarks prior to making the Charge to
the Minister during the ordination and installation of David M. Milbourn to the
Gospel ministry as assistant Pastor of that Church. In the 197 year
history of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, this was the first recorded
ordination. So far as can be determined in the 167 year history of the
Leesburg Presbyterian Church, David M. Milbourn is the first son of this Church
to be ordained into full time ministry.
October 17th, a congregational
meeting was called to consider the purchase of the Temple Muse property situated
on the south side of Market Street adjoining and contiguous to the West side of
existing property. It is offered for sale at the price of $10,500 and it
was decided to borrow $15,000 in order to purchase the property and to cover the
cost to raze the existing structures on the property and to make any other
necessary improvements.
November 9th, the Restoration
Committee presented slides of the crawl space and attic of the sanctuary taken
during an exploration of the area and explained a proposed schedule of
restoration. Motion was made and carried that a contract be negotiated and
awarded to Elbert R. Humphrey to provide architectural services in connection
with the restoration.
- 1972 -
The following resolution was
approved:
It is hereby resolved
that Edward Whitehurst, a Deacon of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church,
be, and the same herewith is appointed, Ambassador-at-Large to extend
the right hand of fellowship to the Christian brethren of South Vietnam;
and be it further resolved that a copy of the resolution be handed
Deacon Whitehurst forthwith.
February, the Board of Deacons
recommended that the $750 needed to rebuild the Tin Lanh Church of Nom Phouc,
South Vietnam, as presented in a letter to the Clerk of the Session from Captain
Edward Whitehurst, Jr. be sent on behalf of the people of this congregation as
soon as possible, and that this be followed with an appeal to the congregation
to participate in the project by making contributions over and above their
regular offering. The motion was carried unanimously and it was so
ordered.
April 4th, a motion was made and
carried that established the use of the Beginner's Classroom by a pre-school
group sponsored by the Women of the Church.
The project will be a non-profit
organization under the Committee of Christian Action of the WOC. A board
of women who are members of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church will be responsible
for the overall planning of the school. A detailed proposal outlining the
many aspects of operating this school was included along with a letter that
highlighted the advantages to the Church As people in the community become
aware of this school and the excellent reputation which we envision it to have,
perhaps more people will become award of Leesburg Presbyterian Church and will
be interested in visiting and even joining our congregation. We will be
offering the preschool children in our Church the opportunity of belonging to an
exceptional preschool group. This would allow for improvement and adding
furniture to the nursery that all our children can use for years to come.
May, a report from the Presbytery
meeting stated that there was a great debate of the floor that arose around
action on the escalation of the war in Vietnam.
The work of the Church continued
with the Session committees each reporting on the many activities and projects
that they were involved in. Commitment Committee presented the stewardship
program for 1972-1973 and outlined plans for the budget and a dedication
service. The Christian Education Committee has reorganized the Church
School staff. The Service Committee reported on several projects that this
Church is involved in such emphasized in their report of the visitations made to
members. A new profession has been proposed and all members were asked to
study and make an evaluation.
December, appreciation is
expressed to Mr. & Mrs. Henry McBride for their gift of fifty new Bibles that
they presented to the Church.
- 1973 -
A committee from the Diaconate
has been appointed to beautify the Church grounds. A check of $100 has
been received from Dr. John Piggot toward putting the old graveyard in order.
A committee to plan a program to
eliminate the building debt will meet in April. A committee for Special
Benevolent Funds has organized and plans to send special envelopes to members
each month with a report as to the progress. A committee was appointed to
set-up a Church Library. The restoration committee has been approved to
negotiate a contract with Architect Elbert Humphrey. A resolution of the
restoration committee states the feeling that it is in the best interest of the
Leesburg Presbyterian Church to renovate and restore the sanctuary. They
have determined that it is in the spirit of the Last Will and Testament of Nancy
Lee Janney Gilmour, in that the income from the Trust Fund, which she in her
benevolence provided, is sufficient and can be used to pay or to provide for
debt service for the renovation and restoration.
October, the restoration
committee reported that the architect is about ready to call for bids and the
work should be started by mid-Winter. The debt reduction committee
reported that a sincere effort is being made to reduce the present indebtedness
for the next two years. A steering committee was appointed and shall be
known as the Church Development and Debt Retirement Campaign Committee.
Novembers, the Session approved
plans of Circle II and the Youth Fellowship to have a Living Nativity Scene on
the Church parking lot.
- 1974 -
April, the restoration committee
reported that a contract was signed for the restoration of the Sanctuary with
Mr. Edwin Cross, contractor. Work will begin on April 15th and the
congregation will move to the Educational Building for the morning service.
September, twenty-four chairs and
six tables were presented to the Pre-School program by the Women of the Church.
These will become the property of the church.
- 1975 -
The following letter is included
from the Cambodian Children's Relief Organization: "I want to thank you
and your Church staff for allowing us to use your Church April 14-16 to house
and take care of the 26 Cambodian children who had just arrived in this area.
Letting us move in on you facilitated the entry of these children into
Washington, and we are very grateful. Please accept our thanks for this
very real assistance."
The Bicentennial Committee
reported on its objectives: The restoration of the sanctuary. The
restoration of the surrounding grounds. A commemorative ceremony in the
form of a pageant plus the preparation of a booklet on the history of the
Leesburg Presbyterian Church. The target date was indicated to be May
1976.
A report to the congregation by
the Chairman of the Committee on Bequests of the Gilmour Congregational Fund.
Cash monies received from the Gilmour Estate ($35,000) to be invested and the
proceeds to be directed by a commission. The commission shall use the
proceeds from the fund to assist the deserving and/or needy in terms of
educational assistance, preparations for Church vocations, a ministry to youth
in the Church and community, or other endeavors considered worthy of the
assistance of the fund entrusted to the congregation.
The present debt of the
congregation is $41, 266.17 to date. A projected indebtedness of
$168,000.00 can be foreseen which would include the organ restoration, the
razing of the manse and the restoration of the Church grounds.
It was decided to hold the
dedication service for the restored sanctuary on Sunday, May 4, 1975.
The Board of Deacons expressed
interest in cleaning out the basement of the Educational Building.
Volunteers were gathered and the property was made available to the members of
the congregation and the remainder given to a charity program.
Repairs on the iron fences and
resetting of stones at the grave sites damaged by the storm are in processes of
being completed. The possibility of having the site made a historical site
in the annals of the United and U.S. Presbyterian Church records is being
explored.
A letter dated September 18th
directed to the Clerk of the Session is entered in the minutes that requests the
dissolution of the Pastoral relation between the Pastor and the Church. In
this letter Rev. Simpson states:
While I regret the
action I must now take, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful
people whom it has been my privilege to serve for eleven years here.
The officers and members of the Leesburg Church have been unremitting in
their love and concern for us, their esteem and regard, and their
continual support cooperation. We will always be mindful of the
beautiful people of this beloved church.
A scholarship was approved for
the Pre-school to be handled internally by the Pre-school and Women of the
Church. It is called the Jennifer Elizabeth Masters Scholarship Fund.
A statistical report of the
Leesburg Presbyterian Church for the year ending December 31, 1975 reflects that
the total number of communicants is 283. That there are 9 Elders (2 women
and 7 men), and 12 Deacons (5 women and 7 men). The total receipts were
reported to total $61,544 of which $5,736 was spent on benevolences and $1,196
on approved special offerings. The Church School enrollment totals 135.
- 1976 -
February 3rd, the Church
Development Committee proposed a program that would offer the congregation an
opportunity to pledge, over a three year period, commitments which would provide
total funding of $50,000; $25,000 will be directed to the reduction of the debt
principal and the remaining $25,000 will be directed to the restoration of the
church yard. The plan called for the immediate razing of the manse,
grading, restoration of the graveyard, construction of brick and wrought iron
perimeter, seeding and planting.
A motion was carried that the
Reverend Samuel McCoy be called as an Interim Supply for an indefinite period.
The gift of a Pulpit Bible from
Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Gibson was accepted with deep appreciation, it is to be used
in the regular worship service and the present Bible will be appropriately
retired and placed on display.
The church outlined plans for
participation in the country's Bicentennial celebration. The church will
be open to visitors and a display of historical memorabilia will be located in
the lounge. On May 23rd, we will recognize the contributions of our
founders by dedicating 28 white azaleas in our church yard to commemorate the
original 27 communicants of this congregation and the Reverend Amos Thompson.
On July 4th, a communion service and observance will be held.
The firm of Lewis and Hitchcock
indicated that the church organ will be available by Thanksgiving.
June 1st, the Pulpit Nominating
committee has over 100 dossiers from which it hopes to single out one for a
possible call in the near future.
June 20th, a dedication was held
during the Sunday Worship Service for the green paraments that were given by the
Hutchinson family from the Hutchinson Memorial Fund.
A motion was made that the
Memorial Fund be used to aid in the acquisition of purple paraments as being
presented by the Leach family. They will be dedicated on November 28th and
are given in memory of Reverend William Chalmers Jamison and Reverend Harold
Houston Leach, fathers of Marianna Jamison Leach and Hunter M. Leach.
July 25th, the Pulpit Nominating
Committee reported that they selected Mr. Stanley T. Wherry of Manhasset, New
York to be called tot he Leesburg Presbyterian Church.
It was decided that an
appropriate gift be given to the Reverend Samuel McCoy as an expression of
appreciation from all the membership of the congregation.
December 7th, Reverend Wherry
made the following Declaration of Faith:
As I seek to make a
statement of faith, I become acutely aware that it is a most difficult
task for if a person wants to truly know what I believe, then that
person needs to hear not only my works but also observe my actions; for
one without the other is rather hollow. Now I state my words and
in the future you can judge my actions.
In stating my
theological perspective and personal belief, I turn to John 10:10 in
which John reports Jesus' statement "I have come that men may have life,
and may have it in all its fullness." This passage is a touchstone
for me as I seek to live out my life as a proclaimed disciple of Jesus
the Christ. The proclamation that Jesus Christ is the Lord of life
tells me that to be a human being is not something about which one
should be ashamed, but rather is a fact in which one rejoices.
Jesus the Christ came in the flesh as God's final image of what it is to
have life in all its fullness and to exist for self and others.
Our present society
which is tainted with alienation, estrangement, and loneliness, was
created by man and stands in need of reconciliation. It is time
that the church take itself seriously as the true body of Christ and
recognize that it is truly a healing, saving, reconciling, liberating
body in a society that cries for help. The Church as the mission
of proclaiming in works and deed, hope to those who find themselves in
need of a supportive hand as they exist in what appears to them as a
state of hopelessness. The mission of the Church is that of making
and keeping human life human. When the Church ceases to respond to
this mission in all aspects, including individual communities, society,
indeed in all relationships, it is not the true Church of Jesus Christ.
Whatever affects the quality of life of people is and should be of deep
concern to the Church.
I believe God is alive
in the world establishing a faithful community that understands the
Gospel of God's healing love in Christ to hurting men and women; a
community where individuals speak and act in consonance with their faith
a community of enthusiastic people in whose fellowship life speaks to
life, love to love, and faith and trust respond to God's Grace.
Such a community will not only witness to the world but will transform
it, for it will be the incarnation of word and deed that is the true
body of Jesus the Christ.
- 1977 -
February 1st, it was decided that
Mr. and Mrs. James G. Carpenter, missionaries in Ecuador, will be supported by
this Church.
It was reported that the
re-dedication of the new organ will take place on the anniversary celebration on
May 15th.
A letter from Mr. and Mrs.
Theodore Bowes was recorded that expressed their interest in providing a
background decoration for the pulpit. After a committee researched that
matter, it was decided that the money ($700) be donated instead to the church
for a current expenses due to the cash flow problem.
The Pastor reported that the
church has a current membership of 302.
The Memorial Committee has
purchased a cherry table to be placed in the foyer of the church.
Continued support was pledged to
the Carpenters, missionaries in Ecuador. And support and interest was also
expressed to Dr. and Mrs. William Rule in Zaire.
November, the Session was advised
of an anonymous gift: An individual wishes to make a contribution to the
Leesburg Presbyterian Church of between $15,000 - $18,000 to be used to install
the second division of the organ. This gift is being given as an
expression of the donor's love for God and his thankfulness for the gifts he has
received in this life. It is also hoped that a complete musical instrument
will enhance the congregation's worship of God and will enable those who work
with the music program to expand this program. This is to remain as a
permanent part of the present sanctuary as is the Janney Memorial Organ.
The gift was gratefully accepted
and the firm of Lewis & Hitchcock was contracted to expand the organ as
outlined. The target date for completion will be Easter 1979 with pipes to
be imported from Holland.
- 1978 -
It was approved that the Chamber
of Commerce be authorized to use an approved drawing of the Church in their
brochure entitled "A Walk Around Leesburg".
The budget for the year was
presented totaling $73,620. Priorities on repayment of the present deficit
are: benevolences, debt retirement, and Church site development.
A sketch of the Church drawn by
Elder Gross for the cover of the church bulletin and a new forma for the back of
the bulletin was approved.
In a report on the progress made
on the church grounds curbing and the parking area were discussed. The
church debt of $34,350 has been refinanced at 9% interest.
A letter was received from the
International missions board stating that the Carpenters have finished their
tour of duty in Ecuador. New missionaries were approved, they are Mr. and
Mrs. John M. Best in Brazil.
Active committees in the Church
at this time were: Witness and Service, Commitment, Worship, and
Strengthening the Church. Memorial Gifts were received and it was decided
that the Memorial garden and individual gifts would be dedicated at the 175th
Anniversary of the Church.
A letter from Mr. and Mrs. Ted
Bowes was recorded that stated their desire to donate a cross for the wall
behind the pulpit. The needlepoint seals for the Narthex will be made by
members of the Church and the Emma Clemens Circle will take care of the
expenses. The plaque for the rebuilt organ has arrived and will be placed
on the organ.
A committee has been appointed to
plan for the anniversary celebration on May 4, 1979.
