Local History

Galatia Presbyterian Church minutes C-1 women 5-6

Media

Part of Galatia Presbyterian Church, Women of the Church Records, Part C

Title

Galatia Presbyterian Church minutes C-1 women 5-6

Description

Galatia Presbyterian Church Gala, Virginia
Women of the Church 1950-51

It was hard for a while for us to break away from “The Auxiliary” and know ourselves as “The Women of the Church” but since we have become used to it we rather like it.

At our June meeting which was held in the home of Mrs. Branson L. Wood our Pastor’s wife in Iron Gate, we had as our guest speaker Dr. James C. Clarke or Covington, who was a former pastor of our church and the one who had helped in organizing our original auxiliary. Dr. Clarke gave an interesting talk on Women of the Church and women of the Bible in connection with the spread of christianity.

We also had as guests Mrs. Clarke, who came to us as a bride while Dr. Clarke was pastor, and their, now grown, married daughter and her husband.

On August 3rd three church groups in our field, White Rock Gap, Iron Gate, and our very own group met at Galatia for an all day study of Hebrews, our Bible study for the year.

Our Pastor Rev. Wood taught the lesson for us-at noon a picnic lunch was served after which Rev. Wood summarized the study-This was a wonderful day of fellowship and the lesson of Hebrews was inspiring and interesting.

Our group have also studied two books for Home and Foreign Mission. The Changing South and A Story To Tell were read and each member presented a part orally.

Each member kept a “mite” box and in September when they were collected the offerings were sent to Sunny Side Home for the aged.

The usual Christmas baskets of fruit, cards and small gifts were sent the aged and shut ins in our community. During the year flowers and cards were sent and some clothing given the poor. A “Stork Shower” was given by our ladies for only bride during the year. The former Mary Beverley Smith - now Mrs. Watson.

On June 11, 1950 after an extended illness, one of our older members, Mrs. Ella Vanness Clapsaddle passed on to her heavenly home. She was the daughter of the later James D. and Elizabeth H. VanNess of Rockbridge county but had lived almost her entire life in our community, where she will be greatly missed. She was the widow of the late Ray Clapsaddle and is survived by one son Thomas R. of Clifton Forge.

Mrs. Clapsaddle was a warm hearted, lovable, sincere friend and neighbor and was very active in all organizations of the church. It may be truthfully said of her that she was a friend of every one regardless of color or creed. She was buried in the church cemetery.

The officers of our group remain the same for the coming year. Even tho we are few in members we feel that we have gained much from christian fellowship and cooperation and that each of us has been greatly blessed.
Estelle Wood. Historian
Page 29
Church History

Galatia Church 1951-’52

The Galatia Church group were very proud and happy to have our Pastor, The Reverend Branson LeHew Wood chosen as an official delegate to the General Assembly held in Orlando Florida in April. Reverend Wood is a Godly man and shows a sincerity of purpose in his life’s work. We were glad for him that he could have this rightfully deserved experience.

We were indeed sorry in June to have Reverend Wood resign from his field of work here to accept a call to Burlington North Carolina. The resignation was accepted with regret and Reverend and Mrs. Wood moved with the family in August to their field of work. His influence and kindly deeds will live on in our community for time to come.

After Reverend Wood’s resignation, our church was regrouped from the Iron Gate, Glen Wilron, Sharon Field, due to heavy pastoral work with the Fincastle group. This was the result of a vote of the congregation.

A pulpit committee was elected and with the aid of Reverend Mr. Whitley we were indeed fortunate to secure the Reverend Robert Zehmer of Roanoke as a supply pastor for our church along with Iron Gate and Glen Wilton.

Reverend Zehmer seemed to be untiring in his work and was a fluent speaker. He was greatly beloved and we regretted to loose him in February when he accepted a call to become supply pastor of a larger church. West End in Roanoke, near his home.

At the present we do not have a pastor.

Our officers and members are carrying on the work of the