NORVIEW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1920-2002 Norview United Methodist Church was first organized with the help of Rev. J.O. Babcock on July 18, 1920. It was a non-denominational church known as “Community Church''. The church meetings were originally held in a store on Sewells Point Road that had once been an old saloon. The original membership included seventy-five members and seven teachers. Mr. C.F. Field, Charlie Field's grandfather, was the first Bible class teacher. Mr. and Mrs. D.W. Davidson deeded the lot for the first Methodist Church. The cornerstone for this property was located at 1129 Hugo Street-now the Masonic Temple. On February 14, 1921 the first spade of dirt was turned. Cement blocks selling for forty-five cents each was used to help raise the needed funds. There were forty-five charter members. From l921-1926 Norview Church was affiliated with the Denby Circuit. It then became a charge on the Fairmont Circuit until 1948, when it became a station church. Occasionally during this time we were yoked with Denby Methodist Church, now known as Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Little Creek Road. Revs. W.W. Healey, R.L. Busby, R.S. Baughan, A. Driscoll, S.E. Jones, L.R. Black, H.L. Hastings, W.W. Trent, C.W. Hillman and the Rev. Dr. J.W. Myers served the church during this period of time. Although the proposal for a larger church was presented during Rev. Hillman's time of service, the selection and purchase of the present site at 1l12 Norview Avenue cane during Dr. Myer's ministry. The ground breaking was held on November 18, 1945. Originally paid for on a “pay-as-you-go” plan, construction eventually had to be financed. Four years later the first education unit was completed. It included a pastor's study, secretary's office, two large assembly rooms, three restrooms, a crib nursery, a kitchenette, and a large fellowship hall used as the sanctuary. On June 20, 1954 during Rev. G.W. Jones' ministry, the mortgage note for the building was burned. Rev. R.H. Mann continued the building program during his time of service. The Official Board for building a second unit approved a $75,000 loan. This addition contained a chapel, choir room, large kitchen, and five classrooms. The consecration service for the new addition was held on Nov. 20, 1955. During Rev. W. L. Asher's ministry a fund rally was held to finance a new sanctuary. $130,000 in bonds was purchased almost entirely by the congregation. Bishop Paul Garner consecrated the new sanctuary on Nov. 27, 1960. In 1958, William L. Asher, Jr. was recommended by the Quarterly Conference for full time Christian ministry. Gordon Slaterbeck was recommended in 1962. Rev. M.E. Elliot served as pastor in 1960-1962. Rev. Dr. A.E. Shelton served from 1962-1964. A renovation of the pastor's study and church office was completed during Rev. D.N. Calvert's ministry (1964-66). The current parsonage in Meadowbrook Terrace was purchased while Rev. W. H. Acosta (1966-69) served as pastor. In December 1967, replacement hymnals began. A new Allen Electric organ was installed in March of l 968. A Charter Certificate was presented to the Norview Women's Society of Christian Service on Nov. 20, 1968. This organization is now known as the Norview United Methodist Women. On Jan. 3, 1970 at the Virginia Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren Uniting Conference in Harrisonburg, Virginia Norview Methodist Church officially changed it name to Norview United Methodist Church. Rev. J.W. Rush, serving as pastor, reorganized the church under the guidelines set forth at the 1968 General United Conference. On Nov. 8, 1970 Norview United Methodist church celebrated its Golden Anniversary. Rev. Rush, the congregation, and many former pastors and members were in attendance. On April 18, 1971 a new church library was formed with over 700 books obtained from memorial gifts and general donations. A long-time member of Norview Church, Laurel Trego, entered the Diaconal Ministry in 1971. The Rev. A.F. McClung (1974-78) coordinated activities with Norview Presbyterian Church. The Committee on Education Development (COED) was formed to minister to both churches. They later changed the name to the Joint Council on Ecumenical Cooperation (JCEC). Norview's Sixtieth Anniversary took place on Oct. 26, 1980 with the Rev. J.E. Wilkerson officiating as minister. The sanctuary mortgage note was burned and the Rev. Dr. F.D. Dillard, Jr., District Superintendent dedicated the sanctuary. Norview United Methodist Church was now debt free. The Rev. J. L. Lotts (1982-84) served Norview in l983 when Keith Moore was selected as a ministerial candidate during Charge Conference. He was also present during the Bicentennial of Methodism in America celebration in l 984. In 1986 the Rev. F.A. Arndt organized the Adult II Class, a new Sunday School class. While Rev. F.D. James served as pastor, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Cole donated a new piano for the sanctuary in 1989. New hymnals were purchased through gifts donated to the church. The 1989 Charge Conference recommended Barry Throckmorton as a ministerial candidate. The prayer chain was started in 1992. Rev. A.C. Yates served as pastor from 1992-1995. He had a vision to regenerate the church, which allowed the congregation to put into action the momentum needed to acquire a pastor who could help us move forward toward this goal. He is responsible for bringing the age of technology into the church. The Rev. J.F. Shapell began his pastoral duties in 1995. With his vision and leadership to the congregation many improvements have taken place. With his shared vision of community, the 5 Points Partnership was established and has become a recognized organization vital to reestablishing the Norview community. The Vital Congregation is helping to develop the mission of Norview United Methodist Church to spread the love of Jesus Christ to all. |