“It should be noted that the MEN of the ORANGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH is a loosely structured organization. Most of the time there is only a leader and one to take care of the funds. Elections are not conducted - individuals are only appointed to serve after agreeing to do so. Their meetings are regularly on the third Sunday of each month, beginning in September and ending in May. Usually, we have a speaker following an 8:30 am breakfast. Those attending make a donation to defray the cost of the food. A group of four or five men meet in the kitchen on or about 5:00 am to prepare eggs, bacon, biscuits, juice, and sometimes stewed apples. The cooks are under the direction of Newton Sparks. Delbert Faulconer is on biscuits; Ted Scott on eggs. Skinny Redmon is in charge of setting up tables and arranging napkins, silver, and coffee cups. Others from time to time in the kitchen offering advice and assistance are Atwell Somerville, Oliver Lyne, and Dan Sale.” David Halpin, President MOC September ’89-May’90 Legendary breakfast fellowship The Men of the Church (MOC) breakfasts were something to look forward to. One year, the MOC prepared breakfast for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Service and White Gift party. The entire congregation was invited. Another year, they entertained the choir and their spouses at breakfast. Once, they served a loyalty supper. It was a pancake supper, giving each person a chance to affirm his or her loyalty to Christ and his church. Sometimes, the men attended a joint breakfast program with the Methodist and Baptist MOC. Also, they invited all the ladies in the church family to breakfast on Mother’s Day. The men’s choir and Lois Shanks presented a delightful “Ladies Day” musical program. The list of groups the MOC entertained goes on and on. Good food, with food for thought In addition to enjoying breakfast together, members heard excellent speakers from the community. They discussed current affairs and other interesting topics. Subjects included Team Mission work in Guinea and relief work in Guatemala. Speakers shared the spiritual experience of hiking the Appalachian Trail. and reported on Orange County Natural History Day Camp. Orange County Sheriff Bill Faulconer told of some sheriff needs. Rev. Forrest Porter came to talk about the local Food Pantry. Ellen Ober (Pitera) spoke about teaching in Kenya. Barry and Craig Jacobs shared stories about their mission trip to Nicaragua. Howard Berckman spoke about growing up in China. The Honorable Frank W. Somerville was a guest speaker in 1997. The Women of the Church were invited to hear him speak. Stewards of God's house The MOC sponsored several clean-up days a year at the church, with pruning, raking, etc. They painted and made repairs to the manse. They built new shelves and painted the Pastor’s Study. The group added new storage cabinets for the handbell choir and nesting tables for their performances. They renovated the choir room with new carpeting and a new ceiling. And they painted the wall. MOC member Charles Bowman handcrafted and installed by new bookshelves in the library. In 1982, the group installed a chair rail in the Fellowship Hall and painted the room. The MOC joined with the Women of the Church to have yard sales and divided the proceeds. They made monetary contributions to different missionary and local causes. And they donated funds toward the church debt. Fellowship in softball In 1981, the MOC sponsored a softball team made up of members of OPC. It was an enjoyable time of Christian fellowship in friendly competition. Buckshot “Cool Hand” Clements was the pitcher and team manager. The infield was Roger “Boom Boom” Gardner, Glenn “Flash” Morris, Scotty “Trigger Arm” Clements, Terry “Slick” Buyer, Ted “Hard Hat” Buyer and Charles “Slugger” Bowman. Covering the outfield like a blanket were Lynn “Trigger” Clements, John “Big Man” Lee, Ricky “the Rocket” Sherman, “Joltin” Joey Miller, Andy “The Hawk” Hutchison and Howie “Hairy” Berckman. Injuries temporarily sidelined the Fitch boys, “Peerless” Perry and “Tearless” Jim. Passing the baton The MOC continued on with their work. They invited Bob Eason, Bill McClellan, Rick Sherman and others into their kitchen to cook. Newton Sparks, Delbert Faulconer, and Carl Roberts retired in 1992, after 25 years of service as cooks for the Men of the Church. That’s dedication. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team
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The next generation Donald Roderick Ober was the son of Woodbury and Jane Ober. He met Vibeke Eriksen of Denmark here in Orange County and and they married in 1965. Don joined Orange Presbyterian Church in 1948. Vibeke joined shortly after the couple married. Vibeke still speaks today about the warmth of the congregation and how welcome she felt. The Obers have two children, son Poul Hambleton Ober and daughter Ellen Eriksen Ober. Don serves the church Don was elected a Deacon, then ordained and installed an Elder. He was active in the Men of the Church. Don was also involved with Hunters for the Hungry. This program delivered venison that was available to the Food Pantry. Don also helped with maintaining the church property. He organized workdays for members to help with clean-up. The President Madison Inn The President Madison Inn (PMI) adjoins Orange Presbyterian Church. At one time this hotel was owned by the Sherman family. In 1977 they sold it to John Markham. He converted it to an adult living facility. Part of the process involved filling in PMI's unused swimming pool. A group of OPC members offered to help. Don Ober and Ann Somerville were two of those volunteers. The Episcopalian Ladies started a lunch program for the PMI residents. Vibeke was part of the group from OPC that helped with this program. Vibeke serves the church In 1975, Vibeke led the church kindergarten class. She worked with the church Youth Group alongside Ann Garnett Sparks. Vibeke was also active in the Women of the Church in the 1980s. She was chair of Ecumenical Missions and Relations. She headed the Luncheon Circle for several years. Vibeke also enjoyed putting flowers in the church on occasional Sundays. Vibeke joined the Board of Deacons in 1986. She was chair of the Fellowship Committee when the Shepherd Groups went active. In 1988, Vibeke was ordained and installed in the Session. Rounton Farm Don and Vibeke Ober opened their farm, Rounton, for several years for the annual church picnic. Everyone brought their own lunch and chair, and there were games for the children. Their daughter Ellen, and husband, Rob Pitera, now live at Rounton Farm with their two sons, Charlie and Douglas. With Vibeke, they turned the farm into an event venue welcoming many groups. Don and Vibeke's son Poul and his wife Priscilla have two children, Olivia and Douglas. Don Ober passed away in 2013. His family remains dedicated to Orange County in many ways -- through the school system, youth groups, and their place of worship. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team Woodbury Swan and Jane McLennan Ober both joined Orange Presbyterian Church (OPC) in January of 1950. The couple's son, Donald (Don) Roderick Ober joined OPC in 1948. Their daughter, Jane McLennan Ober joined in January of 1952. Don Ober married Vibeke Ericksen and they had two children: Poul and Ellen. (More on this another time!) The Obers help Grymes Memorial School Woodbury was on the board of directors for the National Bank and Trust Co. The family lived at Elmwood Farm in Orange County. In 1955, the Obers helped Grymes School by donating 32 acres on Spicer’s Mill Road for their new campus. The school broke ground that September. An active life in the church Shortly after joining, Woodbury and Jane Ober donated one hundred hymnals to the church. Woodbury was elected Deacon at OPC for the class of 1956. In 1962 he was elected an Elder. Gifts for the new sanctuary After the congregation moved into the new sanctuary, the Obers donated a lovely communion cloth for the communion table. Jane was also selected to design and oversee the installation of the landscaping around the new sanctuary. She also designed and had built lovely candelabras for our Christmas celebrations. They are still today, unique in their style and a wonderful addition to our sanctuary. Finding a new manse A committee for Manse Development was formed in 1973, and Jane was part of it. The committee's task was to procure a new manse for the church, either by building or purchasing. After much research into building a home, it was decided to purchase instead. OPC bought a house on Rapidan Road in the Town of Orange. The cost was the same as the estimates the committee received for buying a lot and building a house. Jane Ober also served on a ‘long range planning committee’ for the church. Its function was to study the long range needs of the church and the development of the physical plant. Woodbury's Bible challenge In April of 1973, OPC's newsletter, the Presbyterian Punch, published a Bible Quote feature, prepared by Woodbury Ober. The quote had some of words missing, and the reader had to fill in the spaces. As Woodbury explained, “There were no prizes other than the great joy that comes from studying God’s Word.” This feature ran for six months. Faithful servants Woodbury Ober passed away in January of 1975, and Jane Ober passed away in September of 1975. The following was written by J. Russell Bailey and posted in the Presbyterian Punch in memory of Jane McLennon Ober: “Every time we go to our church we see the handiwork of our friend and faithful member, Jane Ober. She served on our Building Committee. She gave of herself and means to accomplish the church landscaping and many other unnamed benefits. She added beauty to our Christmas celebration. But so much more than these, she was the mother of a fine family and the wife of a marvelous Christian. What an inspiration she has been to that family and to our church! We are all so grateful for her life among us.” In 1976, OPC received a $10,000 gift from Mrs. Jane Ober’s trust estate. There were no restrictions on the use of the funds. But it was Jane's hope that one half of the gift would be used for beautification of the church grounds. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team A life abroad Howard Cubberly Berckman and Jean Elizabeth Kemble met in Ann Arbor, Michigan as students at the university. After they married, Howard’s work with the Army took them to Japan. Three of their children were born while the couple were stationed there. Howard and Jean moved back to Northern Virginia, where their youngest child, Alice, was born. When she was about two, the family moved to Okinawa. The Berckmans stayed for five years. They then returned to the states and eventually settling in Orange. Howard's career had spanned 25 years. A life in the church Howard and Jean decided to participate in the Orange Presbyterian Church. Jean said it was important for her to sing in a good choir and she liked our choir director. Jean joined OPC in July of 1978. Orange Presbyterian Weekday School In May of that same year, the Session and Deacons approved plans for a nursery school for the county. The plan was developed by Elinor Vasquez and Jean Berkman, and the school would be housed at OPC. Elinor and Jean worked hard that summer, and the school opened on September 12th. “We worked together so well,” Jean stated in 2018 oral history interview. She served the school well, retiring after 11 years of service. The Food Closet In 1981, the Christian Emergency Council, with the Methodist Minister Forest Porter in charge, set up a Food Closet for needy families. Jean volunteered and so did Elinor and Bob Vasquez. “Elinor was my buddy,” explained Jean. Howard and Jean would drive to Charlottesville and pick up food for the Food Closet. Jean also worked with the people who came to ensure they had what they needed. Jean said, “volunteering at the Food Closet gave us a real sense of mission because of the down and out people we could help. All of the churches in Orange were involved, but the Methodists started it.” Jean Berckman managed the Food Closet for years. That ministry continues to this day, and is now known as the Love Outreach Food Pantry. It continues to provide food for Orange County residents in need. The Christian Emergency Council Jean was also involved with The Christian Emergency Council. She talked about how in the beginning, it was mostly dealing with people not being able to pay their light bill. It has grown to be so much more than that today. Service to OPC Jean was a member of the Women of the Church. She also served as a Deacon until she was ordained and installed as an Elder in 1985. Jean supported OPC’s Holiday Bazaar with her baked goods. In 1995, some of the women of OPC made a quilt to commemorate the Church’s sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary. Jean took part in that as well. She enjoyed conducting workshops at the President Madison Inn helping the residents create Christmas decorations. She was also a member of the Rapid Ann Garden Club. Howard's service Howard was superintendent of church school classes at OPC for many years. Besides supporting the local Food Closet, he helped at the Friends of the Library and the Orange County Public School Libraries. From Howard’s many years with the Army, he was fluent in Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Retirement to Charlottesville In 2013, Jean transferred her membership to Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Va. As active as Howard was at OPC, he never joined the church. His parents had been Methodist missionaries to China. He remained a Methodist to honor their memory. Howard passed away in July of 2015 and Jean followed in February of 2019. They are survived by three daughters: Julianne Berckman, Susan Cresap and husband Larry, Alice Crane, and one son, Jim Berckman and wife Belinda. Also, son-in-law Warren Crane, two granddaughters and one great grandchild. Howard and Jean Berckman did everything with a good heart and expected nothing in return. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team Woodberry Forest Robert Frank Vasquez and Elinor St. Clair married in May of 1958. They moved to Charlottesville and joined Westminster Presbyterian Church. While working with the church youth group, they learned about a position at Woodberry Forest School. It interested Robert, and he was soon employed to teach Spanish. The couple moved to Woodberry in 1961. In October of that year, Bob and Elinor became members of Orange Presbyterian Church. Their three children, Mary Catherine, Robert Frank, and Neta Delores, were all baptized and later became members of OPC. Elinor's youth ministries Elinor was quickly asked by Jackie Maddox to help with the OPC youth group. Elinor accompanied the group on trips to Massanutten occasionally, sometimes with one of her own children. She also helped teach the Primary Sunday School Class. “Elinor remains very active in many aspects of the work of our church,” Thelma Sanford noted in 1985. And she wasn't done yet. In 1989, Elinor joined the Orange Youth Commission and Council. Its purpose is to foster wholesome youth development and prevention of juvenile delinquency. Orange Presbyterian Weekday School In May 1978 Elinor Vasquez and Jean Berkman presented plans to the Session and Deacons. It was for a nursery school for the Orange community, located at OPC. The plan was approved. The two women worked hard that summer. What would become the Orange Presbyterian Weekday School opened September 12th, 1978. The school now offers the Elinor & Jean Scholarships for students in need. These scholarships were established in part by funds set aside by the Vasquez family. They honor the vision and many years of service to the school by these two women. It was Elinor’s and Jean’s wish that children could be part of the preschool even when finances made it daunting. “It is our hope to honor their great tradition of love for all God’s children in establishing this scholarship” (Orange Presbyterian Weekday School) Bob's community ministries Bob Vasquez maintained a busy schedule at Woodberry Forest. In addition to teaching Spanish, he also served as a college counselor. Bob also taught summer school at Woodberry Forest. The Christian Emergency Council opened a food pantry in Orange County in 1981. Bob participated by unloading food and stocking shelves. He teamed up with Ben Johns, a teacher from Episcopal High School. The pair taught GED English and Spanish at the Orange Regional Jail. In 2006, the Orange County Free Clinic formed. The clinic provides medical care and medication assistance for those in need. Today, there are 5,000 patients registered. Bob has been volunteering at the clinic from its beginning. He checks in people and files paperwork. Bob also translates for Spanish-speaking patients, Elinor remembered Elinor passed away on June 27, 2019. She is survived by her husband, Bob, their children, their grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Her service at OPC was just as it should be -- a church filled with many people she had touched with her love and kindness. Elinor St. Clair Vasquez was a force in the Orange Presbyterian Church and the Orange County community. We are so thankful. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team Orange County native After his father passed away, Judson Morgan Gardner moved to his grandfather’s farm with his mother and brother. He graduated from Orange County High School, He was president of his senior class, a member of the baseball team and the rifle squad. Judson, known as "Bugs," built gliders in Orange, Baltimore and Winston-Salem before joining the U.S. Army Air Corps for four years. He served as a transport pilot and glider pilot. A life in Orange Bugs Gardner met Elaine Bray while home on leave and they later married. In 1963, they built their home in Orange. They had three sons, Jud, Doug and Roger. Bugs was active in Scouting, Boosters Club (youth baseball coach), Country-Town Pool and Rotary. He also supported the local soapbox derby competition. In 1964, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner joined Orange Presbyterian Church. The Youth program and happy associations with earlier ministers -- Dr. Stribling and Dick Taylor -- all had a part in drawing them to OPC. Bugs received his B.S. in Architecture from U.VA and went to work for Russell Bailey. In 1968, he became a partner in Bailey and Gardner and participated in the design of our new sanctuary in 1971. A life in the church Bugs Gardner served on the Board of Deacons, and as Chairman, at OPC. He also served as an Elder and was a Trustee for the church. His fair-mindedness was a wonderful asset to the church. In 1987, Bugs was employed by OPC to draw plans for renovations and additions of the old Sanctuary and the Sunday School, after considering the recommendations of the Plant Study Committee. Elaine's gifts Elaine Gardner joined the Women of the Church. For many years, she took responsibility overseeing the decorating of the Sanctuary for the Candlelight Service. She also worked as the church secretary. Renee Chamberlain and Elaine were both top seamstresses and enjoyed working together designing and sewing garments and having “showings." A lasting legacy In 1995, some of the women of OPC made a quilt top to commemorate the Church’s sesquicentennial (150th). Elaine was part of the committee that constructed this masterpiece. Bugs drew the designs, which were enlarged for use as patterns. Elaine passed away February 2015 and Bugs in July 2017. They are survived by their sons and their wives: Judson M. Gardner, Jr. and Jackie of Lynchburg, Douglas Alan Gardner and Patrice of Chesapeake, Roger W. Gardner and Linda of Richmond. Also, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Gardners’ devotion and dedication to OPC played an important part in our history. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team Earle L. and Mamie Fitzgerald Breeden joined Orange Presbyterian Church in 1981. Their son, Paul, joined with them. The Breedens also had two daughters, Pamela and Patricia. Earle was born in Orange County and Mamie was born in Nelson County. They met while both families were living in Manassas, VA. Earle Breeden served in WWII as a member of the US Army Air Force, and he and Mamie married after his discharge. Christian Emergency Council Clothes Closet Earle became a Deacon of OPC, Class of 1984. Shortly after, a Christian Emergency Council Clothes Closet for the community was established. Orange Presbyterian Church provided the space and the electricity for the Clothes Closet. Florence Hill Owen and Earle Breeden were in charge of the Clothes Closet. Earle was the Deacon representative, and the Closet's “man Friday.” He fixed racks and lights, and carted unusable clothing to the Salvation Army. Love Outreach Food Pantry Both Earle and Mamie were very involved with the Pentecostal Church Food Bank (known as Love Outreach Food Pantry). They were the workers quietly getting things done in the background. The couple always watched for those in need and less fortunate than themselves. helping however they could. Earle delivered food to the sick and helped with rides to doctor appointments. In his role as Deacon, Earle would reach out to OPC when the Food Bank needed help or funds. He kept our congregation informed. Feeding the hungry Earle was also in charge of the Welfare Department’s distribution of milk, butter, and cheese to the community. The food was distributed on Saturday mornings, several times a year. It took place on the portico outside the Fellowship Hall. An active Deacon and two Welfare Department representatives helped Earle with this. Mission-oriented Earle was active in the Men of the Church, serving as Treasurer for several years. Mamie was active in the Women of the Church, also serving as Treasurer for a while. She was also an Elder of the Church. The Children’s Home of the Highlands in Wytheville, VA, one of OPC’s missions, was very important to Mamie. They were a “mission-oriented” couple and they were “there to help.” The next generation Mamie Breeden passed away in December 2003. She is buried in Cannon Branch Cemetery in Manassas, VA. Earle L. Breeden passed away in December of 2009. He is buried in the Culpeper National Cemetery in Culpeper, VA. One daughter, Pamela, and her husband Jim Golas, live in Orange County and are participants of OPC. They bring Charles and Shirley, members of their household, with them for church service and gatherings. Another daughter, Patricia, lives in Edinburg, VA. Their son, Paul, and his wife, Chihiro have two children, Darron and Emily. Darron and Emily would join Mamie for church services and Darron became a member of OPC. Thank you Earle and Mamie for your valuable contributions to the life of our church. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team James Russell Bailey and his wife Betty moved to Orange from Washington, D.C. in 1945. They had two daughters. Deborah Gale, who died in 1968, and Barbara (Mrs. Charles D. McBride, Jr. ) of Evanston, IL. They joined Orange Presbyterian Church in 1947. Russell Bailey was company architect for Snead and Co, (later Virginia Metal Products). After a year, he left that position to open his own firm. An architect of note Russel specialized in library design. The chief architect of the National Cathedral in Washington consulted with him about the design of their rare book room. Russell was also involved in the design of the University of Richmond Library. Russell designed several local structures including OPC's sanctuary, the Orange County Library (c. 1963) and the Orange County Nursing Home. Service to the church Russell Bailey was ordained as Elder in April of 1948. In August 1950, he was selected for a committee to draw the tentative plans for the new Sunday School addition. He was an active member of Gideons International and a faithful teacher of the men’s class in the Church School. Bailey and Gardner Around 1953, Judson “Bugs” Gardner went to work for Russell Bailey. In 1968, they became partners. Their architectural firm, Bailey and Gardner (later known as Bailey, Gardner, and Gillum). would remain in business for almost 50 years. Bailey and Gardner designed the sanctuary at OPC that is used today. In 1980, Russell designed a banner for Hanover Presbytery's 225th anniversary. The design symbolized God and Man. The banner was used during the anniversary celebration procession at Union Theological Seminary. It now hangs in the OPC sanctuary. Betty Bailey Betty Bailey joined the Women of the Church (WOC). She was soon on a committee to study the budget for the following year. Betty presented the budget proposal at the next meeting. She was then elected Treasurer. For the year 1949-1950, Mrs. Bailey was selected to be the Historian. The following year, she became Head of Stewardship. Betty faithfully served with the WOC for many years. About 1966, Mrs. Bailey started teaching a Sunday School class for girls. She created a lovely classroom with a rug and an air conditioner. Betty was very interesting and entertaining and her students loved her. “She had the class come to her home for a Bible Lands picnic. We dressed in Biblical outfits and ate dates, bread, little fish, cheese, and fruit. One time, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey took us to visit The National Gallery and the National Cathedral in D.C. We stopped on the way home at a Howard Johnson’s for ice cream. Mrs. Bailey was one of my best ever Sunday School Teachers.” - Martha Finley Taylor Sutton, daughter of Rev. Richard Taylor (Pastor of OPC 1954 - 1963) The church started a wonderful monthly newsletter, “The Presbyterian Punch.” Betty Bailey was part of the staff. A lasting legacy The congregation moved into the new sanctuary in 1973. Russell and Betty donated the Communion Table and Baptismal Font in memory of their daughter Debbie, who had passed away. Russell and Betty Bailey were wonderful people who shared their enthusiasm and willingness to work, making significant contributions to our church. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team Welford and Irwin Sherman Welford Ashton Sherman, Jr. was the son of Welford Ashton Sherman, Sr. and Anna Ward Craun Sherman. Welford, Jr. (also known as "W.A.") married Marjorie Irwin Moomaw. They had three children: Rebecca, David and Nancy Gray. W.A. served during WWII, earning a Bronze Star and two. He was discharged with the rank of major. When he returned home, W. A. Sherman, Jr. supported the Orange community through many organizations. In 1951, he was elected a member of the General Building Committee for the new Sunday School Building. He was elected as a Deacon in 1952. Mrs. Irwin Sherman joined the Women of the Church. She was soon selected to a committee to paint and redecorate the sanctuary with left over money from the treasury. Irwin Sherman also lead the children’s choir. Not only did she direct them, she made all their robes. W.A. Sherman Co. W. A. Sherman Co. was an Orange heating, electrical, and plumbing firm started by Welford Ashton Sherman, senior in 1919. By the 1950s, ownership had passed to W.A. Sherman, Jr. and his brother Frederick ("Fred") Wise Sherman. Through the company, these men were responsible for the HVAC and electrical systems of the church buildings. Fred and Lulu Sherman Fred Sherman married Lula ("Lulu") Herndon. They had four children: Rick, Susan, Page, and Benjamin. In 1964, Fred was elected as a Deacon. He oversaw repairs to the church, the Sunday School building and the Manse. Fred Sherman was part of the Personnel Committee, monitoring church staff, and a member of the Finance Committee. In 1968 he joined the Property Committee. Fred was also part of the Plant Study Committee to research the condition of the older buildings. Fred moved to the Session in 1972. On Sunday mornings, Fred Sherman went to the church early to unlock the doors, turn on the lights, and either the heat or air conditioning. Many Sundays, you would find “Freddie” Sherman in the back of the sanctuary monitoring the sound system so everyone could hear. “Lulu” Sherman joined the Women of the Church and organized many meals to be served in the Fellowship Hall. She also served as President of the Women of the Church (WOC). Lulu was involved in the WOC’s Service Project. The project raised money for the Building Fund. Lulu helped by making pies and pecan tarts to sell. Lulu Sherman was the first woman to serve as a Deacon. Freddie and Lulu took charge of setting up communion on the appropriate Sundays and continued it for many years. Lulu also has been vigilant helping the Property Committee keep the grounds trimmed and neat. Second Generation Two of their children continued to be a part of OPC. Susan Southard was Office Administrator for awhile and now serves on the Board of the OPC Weekday School. Rick Sherman followed his father’s footsteps. He's president of W.A. Sherman Co., and quietly takes care of the church's heating, cooling and electrical needs. Mary Anna Sherman and Courtney Lawler Fred and W.A.'s sister, Mary Anna Sherman, married Courtney Franklin Lawler. They had two sons, Ashton and Stuart. Mary Anna served with the WOC. She participated in the building fund Service Project by making salads, rolls and cakes to sell. On January 1964, Courtney Lawler was elected a Deacon member and served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons in 1966. He later went on the Session. Mr. Lawler was Principal of Orange Elementary School for many years. Mary Anna was also involved with education. She taught 2nd grade at Grymes Memorial School for over 35 years. Orange Presbyterian Church has been blessed by this family and all they have given. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team John Goodwin Moore and his wife, Barbara Hughes Moore, were admitted to the Orange Presbyterian Church in 1947. The Moores had four children: Ann Grey, James Brent, Pamela Louise and Mary Goodwin. Goodwin Moore, contractor and grower John, known by his second name Goodwin, was born Sept. 27, 1917, son of Latter Grey Moore and Ethel Mills Moore. He founded Moore, Kelly & Reddish Inc., a highway construction firm that he led until the late 1970s. At that time he took over operation of Moormont Orchards in Rapidan. His father had started the business in the 1940s and Goodwin grew it into Virginia's largest pick-your-own orchard. Each year, Goodwin welcomed the thousands of visitors to Moormont and always ended every visit with "come back to see us.” He could grow anything, as evidenced by the beauty of all the flowers, vegetables and fruit there. Barbara Moore and the OPC Barbara Moore helped manage the orchards, along with raising her four children. She was a member of the Orange Garden Club, winning ribbons with prize roses from Moormont. Barbara was a member of one of OPC’s Women’s Circles. The Moores hosted summer picnics for the Presbyterian church members, supplying freshly cooked fried chicken. Building the Education Wing Goodwin Moore was ordained as a Deacon in OPC in 1949. In 1950, the Session discussed plans for the new Sunday School addition. Goodwin Moore was present, representing the Deacons. A committee was formed to draw tentative plans for the addition and to present them to the congregation. Goodwin Moore was elected chairman of the committee. At the Session meeting November 1950, a report from the committee was read and explained by Goodwin Moore. The report was accepted and a new committee, including Goodwin Moore, was appointed to raise funds for the new addition. In April of 1951, Mr. Moore was on the General Building Committee. The committee's job was to make arrangements with an architect and finalize plans for the Sunday School building. Building the new sanctuary Goodwin Moore was elected and ordained as Elder in 1956. In 1959, he was elected as Clerk of Session. Goodwin also was Chairman of the planning council for the new church built in 1971. A lasting legacy Goodwin Moore passed away in 2007, preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and daughter, Pamela Louise. He is survived by his son Brent and wife, Glenda, of Orange; his daughter Ann Grey Saputo, and her husband, John of Montclair; and his daughter Mary Sandridge and her husband, Derek, of Crozet. There are eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. We, the members of Orange Presbyterian Church, are grateful for the work Barbara and Goodwin Moore did for all who follow them. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team |
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