5810 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg VA

Today, I had the immense privilege of stepping into the sacred embrace of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.

This marked the 12th chapter in my journey of visiting every Christian church in my beloved city.

As I walked through its doors, I was not just entering a building; I was entering a church woven with history, faith, and a profound sense of community.

The grounds of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church echo with stories of pioneers and trailblazers who, in the mid-eighteenth century, settled in this very land.

Among them was Sarah Clark Lynch, a woman whose invitation to worship in her humble home marked the inception of a community deeply devoted to their faith.

It was in 1757 that the South River Meeting House was organized, a place where hearts converged in devotion and a shared commitment to living out the teachings of Christ.

The pages of history reveal the remarkable journey of this congregation. A journey marked by the resilience of faith in the face of adversity.

The original log meeting house, built through Sarah Lynch’s generosity, was met with the unforgiving flames of fire in 1768. But from the ashes arose a framed building, a testament to the indomitable spirit of this community.

The very land upon which the church stands today, a gift from John Lynch, the founder of Lynchburg, is steeped in significance.

Ten acres dedicated “for the use… of the People called Quakers..” stand as a silent witness to the devotion of those who came before us. The building, completed in 1798, became a sanctuary where generations sought God’s guidance, solace, and strength.

As I entered the church with my daughter, we were welcomed not only with warm smiles but with a wave of the hand that spoke of the bonds of a faith community.

Peggy and Lizzie, whose hugs enveloped us in a sense of belonging, greeted us in the Narthex and Welcome Center. The very atmosphere whispered, “You are welcome here.”

A simple yet profound gesture awaited us—an embrace of hospitality in the form of a welcome gift. A coffee mug, a postcard, and a magnet became tokens of connection, marking the beginning of a relationship with this church and its people.

The sanctuary, resplendent in its beauty, resonated with the ethereal sounds of worship music. The heavenly sound of the organs seemed to lift our souls in unison, creating a harmony that transcended the physical realm.

In this sacred space, Mr. Ralph Reynolds shared his story—a story intertwined with this church for over 45 years. His words, steeped in memories and devotion, painted a vivid picture of lives transformed by faith.

Gerald Doyle’s beautiful solo hymn and the congregation’s voices united in hymns were more than mere songs; they were prayers that soared to the heavens.

Pastor Anghaarad Teague Dees called the youth forward, reminding us of the significance of blessing backpacks and praying for our children and teachers. It was a poignant reminder of the role of faith in every moment of our lives.

The heart of the service was Pastor Anghaarad’s sermon on compassion. Each word was a brushstroke on the canvas of our hearts, painting a picture of Christ’s love in vibrant hues. As she spoke, tears welled in my eyes, moved by the truth that compassion is the cornerstone of our faith.

In the Narthex, children wove prayer bead strands—a beautiful reminder of the nurturing environment this church provides for spiritual growth.

And as someone who has walked the path of food insecurity, learning that this church cultivates over 1000 pounds of food to feed the hungry resonated deeply within me. It is a testament to their commitment to being Christ’s hands in the world.

A simple gesture during the service, as we exchanged peace signs, spoke volumes. It was a reflection of a community that extends its arms to embrace one another, reflecting the love and acceptance that Christ showed to all.

Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church stands as a beacon of light in Lynchburg—a place where faith is not just practiced within the walls but lived out in the community. This Spirit-filled congregation exemplifies what it means to be Christ’s ambassadors, tirelessly working to uplift the most needy and vulnerable.

Thank you to the entire church congregation for welcoming us with open arms.

You can find more information about Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church by visiting their website at: https://www.qmpc.org/

I urge you, dear reader, to walk through the doors of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church. Let the stories of pioneers, the echoes of hymns, and the embrace of this faith community touch your heart.

As I leave, I carry with me a sense of deep gratitude and a prayer that you too may experience the profound sense of belonging and love that this church offers.