COGVA NEWS

Newsletter Date
March 2018
Volume 1, Issue 1
Volume 5, Issue 4

“…Write the vision and make it plain on the tablet so that it might be read quickly.”
Habakkuk 2:2 (LEB)

Table of Contents: Leadership Focus Comes to COGVA

Neace’s Pieces 2

Discovering Royal with their cluster group

members and guided by 5
Treasures in Virginia 3 different coaches. The 6
History of the Church of modules are:

God in Virginia – Commencement

(introductory module)
Staunton Ave Church Competencies
of God 4 Character
Confessions
Church History of Joynes Connectivity
Road Church of God, Celebrations

Hampton, VA5 Leadership Focus

candidates are gaining
Mark Your Calendars 31 competencies in people
COGVA Budget 32 skills, life-cycles, team
Rev. Silas Oliver, Rev. Henry Haskins, Dr. Jim building, conflict
COGVA Churches Milner, Rev. Calvin Peterson, Rev. Donn Sunshine, resolution, ethics, healthy
with Rev. Jeanette Flynn, (Dr. Bob Neace not boundaries, sound
Seeking Pastors 33
pictured) financial principles,
Assorted Flyers 35 theology, missional
The above pictured “journey” with throughout
members of the Ministry of the process; each cluster leadership, and a number
Church Service/ is comprised of 3 to 5 of other practical skills.
Credentials Team of the individuals from a variety For those who have
Church of God in Virginia of locations across the begun their license and
met February 9, 2018 in country. An experienced ordination process and
the State Office in coach is assigned to the have been ACTIVE in
Christiansburg for training cluster for each module. submitting their work and
in the Leadership Focus Candidates will review meeting with the
program. and complete Credentials team,
Leadership Focus is a 6- assignments, access Leadership Focus is an
module curriculum general module option for these
designed to prepare resources, and track candidates, but are also
leaders for ordination in progress using the considered
alignment with our goals Leadership Focus Portal “Grandfathered in”. New
and values. Candidates each module is 6 months ministerial candidates and
are assigned to a cluster in duration. At the end of those without any
group that they will the process, a candidate submitted work will be
will have spent 2.5 years (Continued on page34)
 COGVA News
Neace’s Pieces
The call of Matthew the
tax collector has caught
my attention. It’s only a
short passage in
Matthew’s gospel (Matt. 9:
9-13), but when I run
references on his call to
follow Jesus, Mark and
Luke tell the same story
with almost the same
words. However, theirs
has a glaring disparity
from Matthews version.
Matthew speaks in third
person and uses the
name Mathew. Mark and
Luke use the name Levi,
but the story is about the
same person and it makes
me wonder, “Why the
disparity?”.
Why does Matthew not
use his given name of
Levi? It is a sound,
Biblical, Old Testament
name. It is the name of
Jacob’s third son by Leah.
It carries a good heritage,
and yet, Matthew does not
refer to himself as Levi as
does the other two gospel
writers.
I believe the answer can
be inferred by what
happens after the Lord
bids him, “Follow me.”
Upon hearing these
words, he leaves his table
at the receipt of customs,
and follows Jesus.
Immediately afterwards,
we find Jesus eating with
him at his home. The
guest list includes other
tax collectors, and
sinners. Interestingly,
when a tax collector, or
publican is mentioned, the
next words that usually
follow are “and sinners.”
This gives us some insight
into what the Jews
thought of tax collectors.
According to many
commentaries, the job of a
publican was lucrative, but
came at a price in that it
did not foster many
friendships. As the
Roman government levied
a tax, that tax was
collected by the publican.
The Roman government
allowed the publican to
extort additional
funds/properties to line the
pockets of those on the
field collecting that tax.
This did not afford the
publican much opportunity
to win friends. This life
must have been a lonely
one. To be a tax collector
was bad enough, but
Matthew, along with his
counterpart, Zacchaeus,
were regarded even less
than publicans of a
Roman background. They
were Jewish men
employed by an
oppressive Roman
government that gave
them license to extort and
exaggerate what was
owed in taxes, even to the
Jews. Not only did they
not have many friends, but
those in Jewish leadership
regarded them as traitors
to their heritage and were
despised.
However, he did have
some friends. They were
other publicans and one
can only surmise that that
Page 2 of 37
he had invited them to
meet Jesus, whom he
now was following at great
cost. Only publicans and
sinners were at the house
that day as guests. Sure,
there were some in the
vicinity watching Jesus to
criticize, and they did just
that! They accused him of
eating with these
publicans and tax
collectors.
Once the accusations
were made, Jesus does
not hide His intent. He
reminds them that only the
sick need doctors, and
that He “did not come to
call the righteous, but
sinners to repentance.”
Levi certainly qualified as
one to whom Jesus would,
and did, call. Thank God,
Levi answered that call.
Which brings me to my
original question. Why
does Levi not use his birth
name, but rather the name
of Matthew? I believe it is
because, even though
Levi was a patriarchal
name, it was the name
people knew him by up
until the day he answered
Christ’s call to follow Him.
Once he leaves
everything to follow Christ,
he assumes a new name
or identity, signifying a
change in his heart, and
thus, a change in his
being. Does not the
scripture teach us that
“…if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature.”?
(Continued on page 34)
 Page 3 of 37
Discovering Royal Treasures in Virginia
By Racheal Baez
Over the course of the
past 5 months, the
CWC/WCG ladies
discovered Royal
Treasures in Virginia.
Luncheons were held in
Marion, Roanoke and
Hampton VA. Each
luncheon was different.
There was a different
speaker for each banquet,
and yet the message was
the same. It was a
message of God’s greatest
treasures. Jessica Willis,
Tammy Clark and
Charlene Aaron shared
that as daughters of the
King, we have treasures
that are found in Christ,
but God’s greatest
treasures were us! God
takes the poorest, the
lowliest, the most unloving,
the ugliest, and the
prettiest ones (the list goes
on) and makes us into rare
diamonds that He can
enjoy! God takes delight in
us and wants us to shine
for Him.
We were blessed,
encouraged and
challenged. At one
luncheon, a young mother
was so moved that she felt
led to share her heart with
the women and ask for
prayer. In Roanoke,
Tammy Clark shared a
little of her testimony.
Women shared how they
related to her testimony
and saw themselves in her
experiences. During a
time of prayer, the Holy
Spirit moved and filled that
room with His presence.
We were challenged to
give ourselves more to
prayer as individuals and
collectively. Several
women shared days later
how they were still basking
in God’s presence. The
COGVA News
threat of snow did not
keep the ladies from the
third luncheon. The
fellowship hall at Joynes
Road Church of God was
filled to capacity. There
was much laughter and
the fellowship was sweet.
Rev. Charlene Aaron was
dynamic. She challenged
us to allow God to use us
as He used Queen Esther.
The words to an old hymn
reads, “God in heaven
hath a treasure, riches
none may count or tell;
hath a deep eternal
pleasure, Christ, the Son,
He loveth well. God hath
here on earth a treasure,
none but He its price may
know. Deep, unfathomable
pleasure, Christ revealed
in saints below.” The
women of Virginia are
God’s royal treasures and
they are shining and being
used for God’s glory.
 COGVA News Page 4 of 37
History of the Church of God in Virginia – Staunton Ave
Church of God – Roanoke 1924-2004 (80 Years)
The Staunton Avenue Church of God has been and still
is a beacon of light, a light tower or light-house for
those groping in spiritual darkness and a temple or
sanctuary for the people of God. This local fellowship of
believers, congregation, member of the body of Christ
or family of God is a member of the Church of God
(worldwide). This “church” as we call it has been and
still is a house of prayer, praise and worship.

The church of God in Virginia as we know it today,

began in Goodview, Virginia in 1924. The late Sis.
Edna Dent Quarles was instrumental in the initial
existence or church plant of the fellowship of believers
in Goodview, Virginia. This led to what is now known as
the Staunton Avenue Church of God.

Edna Quarles committed her life to Christ at the early

age of twelve (12) and had a desire to live a holy life at
this young age. Edna Quarles was convinced that
holiness as a away of life was commanded by God and
in order to live holy, one must be baptized in the Holy
Ghost, which is made possible by the process of
sanctification – the second work of grace.

Sis. Quarles decided it was necessary to acquire

someone to come to the Goodview area to teach the
biblical doctrine of holiness, and as a result, she was
successful in acquiring Bro. Hill Jones, affectionately known as “Uncle Hill Jones” to take on this task.

Bro Hill Jones came to Goodview once a month to teach holiness to all who would receive instruction.
Soon after the holiness doctrine classes began, Sis. Susie Dent Swain, the late mother of Sis. Edna
Quarles accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Following her conversion, the late Reverend John M.
Quarles, Sr. (husband of Edna Quarles), the late Sis. Lillie Dent and, the late Bro. Lem Dent, (Aunt and
Uncle of Sis. Edna Quarles, and parents of Deaconess Evelyn Welcher and the late Sis. Jaunita Dent
Clark), also accepted Christ as their personal Savior.

The first Pastor of the church was the late Reverend Simeon R. Green, Uncle to the late Reverend
Charles T. Green who also served as Pastor of the church at a later date. Reverend Green would
commute by train from Richmond to Goodview via Roanoke once a month. There were times he would
miss his connection in Roanoke and would walk the railroad tracks for a distance of eighteen (18) miles
Page 5 of 37 COGVA News
 COGVA News Page 6 of 37

from Roanoke to Goodview in order to be with the saints and preach the message of God. What
commitment and devotion! Once in Goodview, the worship services would be held in the home of John
and Edna Quarles.

Hungry, thirsty, and yearning for the fellowship of the saints as well as for the doctrine of holiness,
these individuals began attending the state Camp Meetings held annually in Richmond, Virginia. The
sacrifices they made included traveling to Richmond on the back of an open-bed truck owned by the
late Mr. E. G. Saunders of Goodview, Virginia. The duration of the meeting was ten (10) days. And, by
the way, the only source of heat while traveling to and from Richmond was blankets and quilts that
afforded them minimal protection from the elements. What devotion and love for the fellowship of the
saints and to hear the word of God!

Accompanying the Dents and Quarles to the Camp Meeting was a new convert, Sis. Rosa Frances
Dent Branch, (sister of Edna Quarles) and Sis. Branch’s daughter, Frances Sue Branch.

Following the pastorate of Reverend S. R. Green, the late Reverend McClinton became Pastor and
would preach two (2) Sundays a month. Baptisms had to be conducted in another church building that
the saints were permitted to use because the little store front building that we rented had no pool. Sis.
Rosa F. Branch was baptized a second time at her request because she had backslidden and wanted
to “do her first work over” again. In 1950 Sis Branch recommitted her life to Christ and lived consistently
as a child of God.

The late Reverend Allan Mack became the Pastor after Reverend McClinton and served the church
one Sunday a month. The late Reverend Robert L. Hill became full time Pastor after he and his wife
Reverend Myrtle Sapp Hill moved from Detroit to Roanoke. Reverend Hill became State Chairman of
the Virginia Association of the Church of God shortly after his relocation to Roanoke.

It was in the spring of 1959 that the small group of saints moved into a little run-down, all but
dilapidated red brick shingle church across the railroad tracks on Tenth (10) Street, SW. Jackson
Avenue was situated between the tracks and the church building. Because of the proximity (closeness)
of the tracks and the building, the steam locomotives pulling what appeared to be an endless number
of coal cars from West, Virginia made so much noise that anything spoken or sang as the train went
past was muffled. The passing train emitted so many coal cinders and so much coal dust from the
smokestack that the entire interior of the building would have to be wiped down almost after each
passing. It was also rather frightening and a horrifying experience to feel the building shake whenever a
train went past.

The only source of heat was a pot-bellied stove, which sat in the middle of the floor. The late Bro.
Alfreddie Dent (brother of Edna Quarles) would arrive early on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and
Wednesday night to start a fire in the stove for warmth. Everyone would huddle around the stove before
service began to get warm and when service began, would sit on the benches closest to the stove to
keep warm.
Page 7 of 37 COGVA News
 COGVA News Page 8 of 37
Reverend Hill received a call to Pastor a church in Topeka, Kansas but something came up and the
church changed their minds about him becoming their Pastor. Later in the middle of the summer, he
received a call to come to Detroit, Michigan, He resigned and they moved to Michigan. Sis. Hill was
serving as Pastor of the Goodview Church of God at this time.

Our next Pastor following the Late Reverend Robert L. Hill was the late Reverend Charles T. Green
who was Vice Chairman of the Virginia Association of the Church of God. Reverend Green became
Chairman of the Association after the resignation of Reverend Hill. Reverend Green was employed by
the U.S Postal Service in Vienna, Virginia and commuted two hundred and forty (240) miles each way
to Roanoke on weekends to preach for us. He was a truly dedicated Pastor, who wore out several
vehicles a as result of commuting from Vienna to Roanoke and hauling people to and from church
services.

We started a financial drive by

selling fish in that payment on
the building was behind. We
started looking for another
building to purchase. In 1961,
Sis. Frances Branch had a
vision of this present
building we now occupy. It
was called the “Brethren
Church”. It was listed for sale
for the amount of $18,000.00,
which was a lot of money for
our small congregation. We
launched a national drive
soliciting congregations from
all over the country to help us
and we received a good
response from several
churches. We continued to sell
fish and in addition, Reverend
Green contributed money he
received from performing weddings, funerals, and other sources to the building fund.

Reverend Green’s salary was $25.00 a week. We sold fish for one year and raised enough money to
make a down payment. First Federal granted us a loan to pay off the mortgage except for a small
second trust. Anderson, Indiana, the General Office of the Church of God, rejected our request for a
loan. The loan from First Federal was for fifteen (15) years and we paid it off in eleven (11) years.

During the time Reverend Green was Pastor, a Boy Scout and Girl Scout was organized, a choir, a
bible class which was held weekly, and a vehicle was purchased for transporting people to church. The
first couple to be married in the church by Reverend Green was Rawleigh Quarles and Barbara Girst.
 Page 9 of 37 COGVA News
Under the leadership of Reverend Green the first major renovation of the church was undertaken which
included sanctuary lights, choir stand, and paneling for the sanctuary. The Staunton Avenue Church of
God Angelic Choir was organized as the first church choir and a new piano and organ was purchased.

Sis. Frances Branch continued to be faithful and formed a group of older saints to sing the traditional
Church of God hymns. She also led many souls to Christ as a result of her fervent witnessing. She was
most proud when she led Sis. Alma Witcher to the Lord. Sis. Branch also taught Sunday School for
many years.

Bro. Grover Ham became a member of the fellowship after being united in marriage to Sis. Frances
Sue Branch. He committed his life to Christ in 195 and assisted with the transportation for the church
by using his personal vehicle.

Approximately six (6) years after Bro. Ham became a member of the fellowship; the Haskins family
affiliated themselves as members. This was in August of 1963. After searching for a universal church,
Sis. Pauline Haskin knew she had found it in the Church of God. She had discovered a body of
believers that taught biblical doctrine and exemplified holiness as a way of life.

Sis. Haskins (Reverend Pauline Haskins) initially became acquainted with the Staunton Avenue Church
of God fellowship through the Pastor Reverend Charles T. Green who along with Sis. Haskins was a
PTA worker. While attending a PTA meeting one night, Reverend Green stood alone to oppose a night
of games to raise money. Sis. Haskins was impressed with this man who stood alone. Neither of them
attending the games.

Sis. Haskins was a newspaper writer at the time and Reverend Green supplied her with lots of
newsworthy items. She decided to attend the church where Reverend Green served as Pastor one day
and during her first visit, along with her children, she was convinced that this was where she belonged.

Sis. Haskins was greatly impressed with the teaching, doctrine, and the life style of the saints. She
along with her children attended the Camp Meeting at Camp Christi in Christiansburg, Virginia and it
was there that she received Christ as her personal Savior. The Haskins re-visited their former church
once more following this service and she made a decision to affiliate with the Staunton Avenue Church
of God. She and her children were baptized in 1963.
 COGVA News Page 10 of 37

She has held various offices in the church which includes; Youth Director, Program Director, Assistant
Sunday School Superintendent, Secretary, and Youth Choir Director. Under the leadership of Reverend
Green, she helped organize the Girl and Boy Scout Troop. She acknowledged her divine call to the
ministry at the age of fourteen (14) and was ordained in 1982. She became Pastor Elect in Memphis,
Tennessee from 1982-1983. She returned to Roanoke to serve in the capacity of Associate Pastor and
still serves in this capacity today. Reverend Green served faithfully as Pastor for seventeen (17) years
before resigning to serve two (2) rural Church of God congregations, the Goodview Church of God and
the Thaxton Church of God.

Following the resignation of Reverend Green, Reverend John Sapp of Detroit, Michigan became our
Pastor. Reverend Sapp served for one (1) year before resigning to become Pastor at his home church
in Detroit, Michigan.

Reverend John M. Quarles, Sr. (father of Dr. Rawleigh W. Quarles, Sr.) became Pastor following the
resignation of Reverend John Sapp. Reverend Quarles served for a period of two (2) years before he
resigned due to age and ill health.

Reverend Terry L. Brown served as pastor following the resignation of Reverend Quarles and served
for three and one half ( 3 ½) years. During this time the members remained faithful until God sent a
new under shepherd to lead the flock.

Our present Pastor that has served this congregation for the past ten and one half (10 ½) years is Dr.
Rawleigh W. Quarles, Sr. Prior to becoming Pastor; he served in just about every capacity of church
leadership following his early commitment to Christ at age twelve (12). The position of leadership
includes Sunday School Secretary, Teacher, Usher, Usher President, Deacon, Trustee, Choir Member,
Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, and Chairman of the Pulpit
Committee.

It was during the three and one half (3 ½) years following the resignation of Reverend Terry Brown
(1993) that Dr. Quarles received his divine call to the ministry. He was asked by the Pulpit Committee
to serve as the Interim Pastor. After much prayer, he consented to serve in this capacity and resigned
as Chairman of the Pulpit Committee. He served as Interim Pastor for six (6) months from June 1993 to
November 1993.
 Page 11 of 37 COGVA News
Dr. Quarles was ordained by the State Credentials Committee in 1994 and became pastor Elect for the
church. He presently serves in the capacity as Senior Pastor. Prior to his divine call to the ministry, he
was employed by the City of Roanoke Fire Department. He retired from the Fire Department with over
thirty one (31) years of service to become full time Pastor for the church. He served as Fire Chief for
the last five and one half (5 ½) years of his career.

The late Dr. Elwood Preston also served as a faithful Associate Pastor for the church in various areas
of leadership. He was committed to God, his family, and his church before his passing. We will always
cherish his memory as well as his contribution to our fellowship.

Dr. Quarles served on the state level as Chairman of the Virginia Association of the Church of God. He
now serves as Co-Chair of the Church of God in Virginia (COGVA), the united fellowship of the
Association and Assembly churches. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Leadership Team for the
Church of God in Virginia, a member of the State By Laws Committee, and a member of the State
Credentials Committee.
COGVA News Page 12 of 37
Page 13 of 37 COGVA News
 COGVA News Page 14 of 37

During his leadership, the church has experienced both spiritual and numerical growth, a higher level of
praise and worship. A greater emphasis has been placed on ministry (internal and external/in-house
and outreach), evangelism, soul winning, and a concerted and consistent effort to prepare, educate,
and train the people of God through teaching as well as preaching the word of God.

Since Dr. Quarles has served as the Under Shepherd of the flock, the church building has undergone
major and minor renovations. New equipment has been purchased, new ministries have been
organized, musical groups have organized, and three (3) individuals have acknowledged their driving
Page 15 of 37 COGVA News
call to the ministry. They are Minister Samuel Briggs,
Minister Henry Haskins and another individual who
no longer worships at this fellowship call to the
ministry.

As we celebrate our 43rd Homecoming and church

Anniversary and enter into the year 2005, we are
strengthened by the knowledge that we have the
opportunity today, right now, to celebrate our history.
We are living testimonies of God’s many wonderful
blessings, and by being doers of the word and not
just hearers, we stand united to serve the Lord
forever. Our history is a test of our faith and with loud
voices, we proclaim our love for God and give Him all
the honor and praise.
(This history of the Staunton Avenue Church of God
was writen for the 80th anniversary of the
congregation in 2004)
 COGVA News Page 16 of 37

Church History of Joynes Road Church of God in Hampton

The church fellowship’s earliest movement has been traced to 1942. A nucleus of believers moved
here from South Carolina and bonded together. They were: Brother Roy and Sister Emily Mathis, Sr.
Brother Lonnie and Sister Goldalee Mayshack, and Brother Oscar B. Woods, Sr. Having no formal
meting place, the saints met as the early church did, from house to house. The initial service was held
in the home of Brother and Sister Roy Mathis, Sr. in October of 1943.

Brother Mayshack was instrumental in contacting Brother Walter Damon of Patterson, NJ to minister to
the group. Brother Damon made the trip twice monthly on the first and fourth Sundays. In 7945, under
his leadership, the Lassiter Court Auditorium was secured as a central place of worship. After a few
services, the auditorium had become too small, and the services had to be resumed in the homes of
the saints. Eventually, the physical demands and traveling distance caused Brother Damon to request
that the church relieve him of his duty. The Lord blessed Brother and Mother Mayshack to take the lead
until they moved back to South Carolina and the services were discontinued.

Brother Oscar B. Woods, Sr., and his family, along with other saints, began traveling to Richmond, VA
to worship and fellowship under Pastor Allen Mack. Growing somewhat weary due to traveling and still
desiring to have a church at home, Rev. Mack encouraged Brother Woods to discuss with the saints,
the possibility of starting services again. Rev. Mack agreed to come to Newport News once a month to
conduct services. He inspired and encouraged them to build a local church in the area.

In 1948, under Rev. Mack's leadership, the saints found a central meeting place at 1702 Ivy Avenue,
Newport News, VA. Our first Church School was started with Brother Roscoe Mathis, Sr.,
Superintendent, Sister Alberta Woods, Adult teacher, Sister Virginia Mathis, the Beginner and Primary
teacher, Brothers Roy Mathis, Sr., and Oscar B. Woods, Sr., were appointed Deacons.

There were many young congregations within the Commonwealth of VA without a Pastor. Rev. Allen
Mack, being the State Chairman, found it necessary to help with their ministerial needs as well. With his
time divided, he sent Brother Arthur to relieve him in Newport News once a month. Brother Arthur
fulfilled his responsibility to the church and through him the church was introduced to Rev. James T.
Alexander. The saints were impressed with Rev. Alexander and asked him if he would accept the
pastorate, and he gladly accepted it.

Shortly after Rev. Alexander became Pastor in 1952, the membership grew to sixteen adults plus
children. The church moved to a larger store front building located at 1701 Jefferson Avenue, Newport
News, VA.

Later,Rev. Alexander was joined in holy matrimony to Mary C. Lewis. He and his wife were faithful in
coming to serve every Sunday from Richmond. They moved to Newport News in 1953, and we were
very happy to have them with us. Rev. Alexander served many years, souls were added to the church
and the saints grew stronger in the Lord. They were like a mother and father to the saints.
 Page 17 of 37 COGVA News
Under the leadership of Pastor and Sister Alexander, we purchased our first property at 3806 Roanoke
Avenue, Newport News, and built a permanent edifice. Funds were low, and through an interest free
loan obtained from Roy Mathis Sr.'s family, money was secured to start construction is 1952. Later, a
building for the parsonage was built at 3701 Roanoke Avenue. The first parsonage then was converted
into an educational unit. The congregation grew to over one hundred members, and in this phase the
official board was started.

In 1964 Pastor Alexander's health began to fail. He told the Official Board and later the lay members
that they were free to seek another Pastor. Pastor Alexander retired March, 1965. He and Sister
Alexander moved to Richmond Virginia, where he departed this life on June 10th of the same year.
Pastor J. T. Alexander and Sister Mary Alexander served many happy years.

The Board and Saints prayerfully prayed that God would send a new pastor, one who was filled with
the Holy Spirit. God spoke to His people to contact Rev. Robert L. Hill concerning pastoring in Newport
News. Rev. Hill was living in Detroit, MI and pastoring the Wisconsin Avenue Church of God. He came
to Virginia and talked with the church body. Rev. Hill then said he would return home, seek the Lord
through prayer and talk with the saints there. He left us with these words of encouragement, "Whatever
the Lord says, I will do". The Lord, seeing his people in Newport News without a shepherd, spoke,
telling Rev. Hill, to “Go to Virginia, and teach my people. I will be with you. On July 5, 1965.” Rev.
Robert L. Hill and wife, Myrtle S. Hill (also a minister in the gospel), accepted the Pastorate and moved
to Virginia.

Under the Pastorate of Rev. Hill and Sister HiIl, the church body was blessed in spirit and size,
outgrowing our facilities. A building fund was established. Later, a piece of property was located, and
through the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, 31 Joynes Road, Hampton, VA was purchased from
Mr. Gatling. Our present facility was built in stages. The Educational unit and the Fellowship Hall
were completed in December 1971. Then, later the Main Sanctuary was completed. Pastor Hill faithfully
served Joynes Road Church of God for twenty three years, and the church membership continued to
increase/decrease.

In July of 1988, the church body regretfully accepted Rev. Hill's resignation due to health reasons.
Although saddened, God blessed the congregation to fully carry on the work of the church for
approximately one and a half years without a pastor. After much prayer and fasting, in June of 1990,
the prayers of the saints were answered when Rev. Dennis G. Kidd became pastor of the church.

Pastor Kidd came to Joynes Road from Detroit, MI where he served as Pastor of the Church of God in
Detroit for five years. Prior to that, he had served as Youth Pastor, Assistant Pastor, and Pastor of
Owen and Lane Church of God in Hamilton, OH.

While Pastor of Joynes Road Church of God, Pastor Kidd was instrumental in the addition of the
following ministries: New Converts Class, Usher Training Class, Children's Sunday, Male Chorus,
Youth Choir, Christian Training Institute, Food Ministry, and the daily noon day Prayer Service. After
having served six and one half years at Joynes Road, Pastor Kidd tendered his resignation effective
January 19, t997. The congregation was again saddened but Pastor Kidd stated that"after a year of
struggling, praying, and asking God what He would have him to do" Pastor Kidd said "he and his family
 COGVA News Page 18 of 37
sensed in their spirit that it was God's will that they move on" and he asked for the prayers of the
congregation. Our prayers were with him.

Before Pastor Kidd left the congregation in March, 1997, he appointed Rev. Curtis Lucas, Jr., to serve
as Interim Pastor. We prayed that.through God's anointing of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Lucas would
continue the services at Joynes Road until such time as the pulpit committee completed its search and
God deemed it necessary to send another shepherd.

After serving as Interim for about two months, Rev. Lucas was elected as Senior Pastor. Under his
leadership, many of the programs continued to succeed, and membership increased/decreased to
about fifty members including children. Rev. Lucas served the congregation for approximately six years
before his resignation, thus leaving us to have to reconstruct again another pulpit committee to seek a
shepherd for the congregation.

Soon after the Pulpit Committee was established, and through much prayer, God sent Rev. Dr. Dennis
G. Kidd back to Joynes Road as Senior Pastor in October, 2004. During his administration, some of our
programs continued/discontinued. New converts were added to the congregation and the church
membership increased/decreased during the last two years of his tenure.

Effective May, 2011, Pastor Kidd called a meeting with the officials of the church and said he was
resigning as of the first Sunday in July, 2001. He also stated that he was going back home to take care
of his mother due to ill health, and that he would be pastoring a church there in Ohio. Immediately after
his departure, a Pulpit Committee was established and we prayed that God would send our
congregation the man/woman that He desired for us.

On Sunday, December 2, 2012, Rev. Marian Thomas became the Interim Pastor. She did a
magnificent job in keeping the congregation together while faithfully carrying out the duties and
responsibilities of an Interim Pastor. Under her leadership, she reactivated several inactive Ministries,
assisted with the updating of the By-Laws, position descriptions and the general operation of the
church. Rev. Thomas was committed to the congregation and the saving of souls. She was
instrumental in praying for the saints on a continual basis, visiting the sick at home, in the hospitals and
convalescence homes as well as faithful to the Bible study classes until her responsibilities ended on
December 2,2013

On December 8, 2013, Rev. Dr. Simeon R. Green, III became the Pastor. Prior,to coming to Joynes
Road Church of God, he served as Senior Pastor for two years at the Crossroads Church of God in
Canton, MS., and four years at the Doty Road Church of Godin Ferriday, LA.

Joynes Road Church of God continues to serve the Lord. Recognizing the congregation has had its
significant places of growth and encouragement, Joynes Road also acknowledges there is an
adversary that seeks to destroy Kingdom work. This is why the words of our heritage hymn, “We Have
a Hope” by W. G. Schell strikes a chord with us when we sing, “ Blessed hope we have within us is an
anchor to the soul, It is both steadfast and sure; It is founded on the promises of Father’s written word,
And ‘twill evermore endure – We have a hope within our souls, Brigther than the perfect day; God has
given us His Spirit, and we want the worl to hear it, All our doubtes are passed away.”
Page 19 of 37 COGVA News
COGVA News Page 20 of 37
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 COGVA News Page 22 of 37
Pastors who have served Joynes Road Church of God, Hampton, VA

Rev. Walter Damon 1943 – 1945 Rev. Robert T. Hill

Rev. Lonnie Mayshack 1965 - 1988
Rev. Allen Mack 1948 -
Brother Arthur
(Pictures Unavailable)

Rev Curtis Lucas, Jr. Rev. Marian Thomas

Interim Position 1997 Interim Position
Pastor Elect 2000-2003 1999 – 2000. 2012 - 2013

Rev M. E.
Moore
No Picture
Available

Rev. Dr. Simeon Green III

2013 - Present
Page 23 of 37 COGVA News
COGVA News Page 24 of 37
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 COGVA News Page 30 of 37

Mens Annual Cookout

The men of the Church of God under the direction of: Bro. Oscar B. Woods and others looked forward to
planning an annual cookout for the Church and community. It was a time of faith, fellowship, fun, and good
food. As this book is being prepared. Bro. Charles Madison serves as the men’s president
 Page 31 of 37 COGVA News

Mark Your Calendar

March
23rd -24th Minister’s and Spouse Retreat, Water’s Edge CHOG, Virginia Beach,
Theme – “Follow the Leader” See Flyer at end of COGVA News
th
17 C.W.C./W.C.G. Prayer Breakfast, Tibitha Church of God, Reedville,
30th Good Friday
April
1st Easter Everywhere
7th Men’s Ministry Training - Waters Edge COG, VA Beach - Speaker: Rev. Ricky Morris
20th -21st C.W.C./W.C.G. Convention – Roanoke FCOG
26th – 29th 6:30 nightly – Rev. Bob Neace – Thursday, Rev. Trevor Belcher-Friday, Rev. Charlie Walker
– Saturday, Rev. Mike Welch – Sunday See Flyer at end of COGVA News
May
2nd – 4th Revival 7:00 Randolph Road CHOG @ Newport News, Dr. Bob Neace, Evangelist
3rd National Day of Prayer
7th – 8th Pastor’s Fellowship, Winchest, (KY) FCOG
20th – 25th Mountain Empire District Indoor Camp Meeting, Rev. Jimmy Swogger Evangelist
June
24th – 27th Restore Family Conference, Williamsburg Woodlands, 105 Visitor’s Center Dr.,
Williamsburg

July
2nd – 5th International Youth Convention, Indianapolis, IN
9th – 13th Student Camps, Camp Christi
July 29th – August 3rd COGVA Family Camp Meeting – Rev. Horace Shepard, Evangelist, Larry and
CheChe Mobely Worship Evangelists, Dr. Gary Agee, Teaching Evangelist
 COGVA News Page 32 of 37

COGVA Budget
August 1, 2017 – March 1, 2018
Aug-Oct Nov-Jan Feb-April
Categories Budget 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr
Expenses Expenses Expenses
1000 State Office
1100 Business Office $ 3,500.00 $ 395.68 $ 1,189.47 $ 187.04
1200 Insurance $ 14,800.00 $ 3,744.75 $ 3,808.75 $ 3,695.27
1300 Office Manager $ 14,437.50 $ 3,609.36 $ 3,609.36 $ 1,203.12
1400 Income Taxes $ 3,320.00 $ 879.79 $ 879.73 $ 318.42
Subtotal $ 36,057.50 $ 8,629.58 $ 9,487.31 $ 5,403.85
1500 Chair $ 800.00 $ - $ - $ -
2000 State Minister
Reimbursement Fund $ 16,050.00 $ 860.75 $ 2,053.29 $ 537.91
Subtotal $ 16,850.00 $ 860.75 $ 2,053.29 $ 537.91
3000 Executive Council/Standing Ministries
3100 Executive Board $ 800.00 $ 177.56
3200 Ministry of Church Service/Credentials $ 300.00
3300 Ministry of Christian Education $ 75.00
3400 Ministry of Evangelism $ 50.00
3600 Ministry of Program $ 2,000.00 $ 31.80
3800 Ministerial Fellowship $ 100.00
3900 Church Property Team $ 75.00
Subtotal $ 3,400.00 $ 209.36 $ - $ -
5000 Property and Maintenance
5110 Camp Bedford
5110 Caretaker $ 5,000.00 $ 1,250.01 $ 1,250.01 $ 416.67
5120 Campground Expenses (Maintenance) $ 1,000.00
Capital Improvements $ 750.00
Vehicle Maintenance $ 300.00
Camp Bedford Mkt/Advertising $ 500.00
5140 Utilities $ 6,000.00 $ 1,330.90 $ 1,112.75 $ 649.92
Subtotal $ 13,550.00 $ 2,580.91 $ 2,362.76 $ 1,066.59
5200 Camp Christi
5210 Caretaker $ 26,565.12 $ 6,641.28 $ 6,641.28 $ 2,213.76
5220 Health Insurance $ 7,000.00 $ 1,788.00 $ 1,788.00 $ 596.00
5250 Utilities $ 14,000.00 $ 4,309.38 $ 2,554.67 $ 1,049.29
5260 Maintenance $ 4,000.00 $ -
Camp Christi Mkt/Advertising $ 500.00 $ -
5270 Capital Improvements $ 750.00 $ 605.79
5280 Vehicle Maintenance $ 500.00 $ -
 Page 33 of 37 COGVA News
5300 Legal Fees $ 500.00 $ 48.50 $ 7.71 $ 104.91
5400 Ministry Expenses $ 300.00 $ -
Christmas Bonus $ 1,300.00 $ - $ 1,300.00
Subtotal $ 55,415.12 $ 13,392.95 $ 12,291.66 $ 3,963.96
Total Expenses $ 25,673.55 $ 24,041.98 $ 10,972.31
Total Income $ 24,305.22 $ 23,240.32 $ 7,285.07
Difference $ (1,368.33) $ (801.66) $ (3,687.24)

COGVA Churches Seeking Pastors

Atkins FCOG, First Church of God, 6118 Lee Hwy, Atkins, VA 24311 Pulpit Committee Contact –
Harold Henderlite – 276-591-8996, hhenderlit@gmail.com

Chatham Hill FCOG, 363 Hill Lane, Saltville, VA 24370 Pulpit Committee Contact – Calvin Lucy – 276-
698-4213

Dublin First Church of God, 6330 Courtney Lane, Dublin, VA 24084 Pulpit Committee Contact – Susan
Dickerson - 540-320-8342 or susansevy@comcast.net

Gordon Road CHOG, 10613 Gordon Road, Spotsylvania 22553 Pulpit Committee Contact – Al Diehl –
804-580-0453 or keepback500ft@yahoo.com

Newport News FCOG, 617 Randolph Road, 23605 Interim Pastor – Rev. Marion Thomas
Ch: (757) 595-0224

Rich Creek FCOG, 217 Church Street, Rich Creek, VA 24147 – Pulpit Committee Contact: Barbara
Nunes - 540 726 2929
 Leadership Focus Comes to COGVA (Continued)
Church of God asked to proceed with this
in Virginia new and exciting training
tool.
4704 Roanoke Road Leadership Focus is not a
Christiansburg, VA 24073 credentialing agent for any
group within the Church of
PHONE:
God. It is only a tool and
(540) 268-2040
FAX:
means by which training
(540) 268-2040
E-MAIL: Neace’s Piece (Continued)
brobob4691@gmail.com
Abram, upon a
relationship with God who
cogvaoffice@gmail.com promised him he would be
the father of many
nations, had his name
changed to Abraham.
Jacob, after wrestling with
God, saw his name
changed to Israel, Simon,
after meeting Christ,
answered to the name
Peter (Rock), and even
About the Church of God in Virginia…
We’re on the Web!
See us at: The Church of God in
www.cogva.com Virginia consists of 50
churches across the
Commonwealth and
according to current
accounting serve over
CHURCH OF GOD IN VIRGINIA
4704 Roanoke Road
Christiansburg, VA 24073
across state and regional
areas can be made
uniform. Only the state or
regional (COGVA)
credentials teams are able
to offer credentials within
the larger body, and thus
empowered to hold the
murderous Saul of Tarsus,
upon an encounter with
Jesus on the Damascus
Road, is referred to as
Apostle Paul.
It is my opinion Levi, once
deciding to follow Christ,
did not want to live in his
past, knowing he had
been set free from it, and
thus spends the rest of his
2,500 constituents each
Sunday Morning. Our
current State Leadership
consists of Chair - Rev.
Dick Gilbert, Vice-Chair –
Rev. Henry Haskins,
credentials of those
licensed and ordained and
living in that region.
COGVA Credentials Team
looks forward to the option
of using Leadership Focus
in the credentialing
process of COGVA
Ministerial Candidates.
life as a new creature in
Christ, not as Levi, but
Matthew. Let us follow
Levi’s example of
acknowledging the
difference Christ made in
his life, and ours as well
by , calling our friends and
acquaintances together to
meet the one who
changes hearts, minds,
attitudes, and lives.
Secretary – Sis. Cathy
Atkins, and State Minister
– Dr. Bob Neace.
Page 35 of 37 COGVA News
 COGVA Spring Minister’s and Spouse Gathering
March 22-23
Host Church: Waters Edge Church of God,
4141 Holland Road, Virginia Beach

Rev. Steve Roby Rev. Calvin Peterson Rev. Barbara Parker

Dr. Bob Neace
Follow the Leader
Follow my
example, as I
follow the
example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:
Rev. Harold Boyd
Rev. Silas Oliver 1
Thursday Evening
7:00 pm Rev. Steve Roby, Host Pastor Preaching*
Friday Morning
9:15 Rev. Calvin Peterson leading a conference/forum on being a Servant Leader
10:45 Rev. Barbara Parker leading a conference/forum on Leadership
12:00 Lunch and Executive Board to meet
1:30 Rev. Dr. Bob Neace to lead a conference/forum on the Heart of Leadership
3:00 Harold Boyd will lead a conference/forum on Servant Leadership
4:30 – Supper as a group at Golden Coral
7:00 Rev. Silas Oliver will preach*
*Area churches are encouraged to invite the members of their congregations to the
evening services.
Page 37 of 37 COGVA News

State Men’s Ministry Training

Saturday
April 7th, 2018
10:00 am
Water’s Edge Church of God
4141 Holland Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Host Pastor: Steve Roby
Speaker: Pastor Ricky Morris,
Chesapeake Church of God

Come and be encouraged!