MITCHELL, OTHERS LEAVING LOCAL METHODIST CHURCHES
The Rev. Bass Mitchell, pastor of Salem’s First United Methodist Church for the past two years, is among the United Methodist pastors affected by the annual rotation of clergy. Mitchell, who also has been a regular folklore columnist for The Salem Times-Register and The New Castle Record, will move to Manor Memorial United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg. Coming to replace him will be the Rev. Alan Combs who has been senior pastor at John Wesley United Methodist at Front Royal.
Goodwin Memorial West of Salem also will get a new pastor, the Rev. Charles DeHart who is coming from Wesley Memorial in the Roanoke District to succeed the Rev. Greg Kropff who will go to Sherando in the Staunton area. The Rev. Robert Baldwin will be new at Wesley Memorial.
In Craig County there will be a change at New Castle United Methodist as the Rev. Willy Guill retires and moves to Brookneal to assist in a church there. The Rev. Charles Stacy, who has been at Trinity of Poquoson in the Newport News area, is coming to New Castle and also will serve the Bethel congregation.
The Rev. Kathleen Webster returns for her fifth year as superintendent of the Roanoke District. Six years is the usual term for the regional administrative leader. The appointments go into effect July 1.
BAPTISTSÂ CALLÂ NEW MINISTERÂ OF MUSIC
Grant Frederick, currently of Waco, Texas, will become the new Minister of Music at Bonsack Baptist Church on July 5. Approved by a high percentage of the congregation on June 11, Frederick will succeed the Rev. Barry Green, known throughout the Roanoke Valley for his choral leadership, who is leaving the staff after 21 years. The search for his successor has been in progress for the past year.
Frederick is a graduate of Samford University where he earned a bachelors degree in music. Later he received a master’s degree in music from Baylor University. Currently he has been music associate and organist at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco.
Under Green’s leadership the Bonsack Baptist choral programs have included performances in New York as well as original musical dramas for major Christian holidays. Choirs are available for all ages.
CATHOLICS WELCOME SUMMER INTERN
Kevin Riedel, a student at Catholic University preparing for ordination to the Roman Catholic priesthood, has begun a summer internship at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem. He will assist the Rev. Ken Shuping, pastor, with Vacation Bible School and with a seven-week Prayer Study based the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. It is being held in the Social Hall Sunday mornings from 9 to 10:15 a.m. through July 30.
MANY CLOTHES GIFTS NEED VOLUNTEERS
With many donations of clothing recently given the Joan Dorsey Clothing Closet in Salem, more volunteers are needed on Thursday, June 29, and Friday, June 30 from noon to 4 p.m. to sort and hang the garments and some household linens. The closet, which offers good, used clothing free to those registered, will be closed to the public for those hours. Message Karen Karr, director, at kannkarr@gmail.com for information.
—Compiled by Correspondent Frances Stebbins