In January, a used 1981 Ford van was purchased for church use at a cost of $4,500.00. sponsored by the United Methodist Men.

In February, new music cabinets were built by David Cavin and Jack Hunley in the Wesley Class Room.

In July, a new roof was put on the Educational Department by New Concept Roofing Company at a cost of $6,600.00. In August, Mike's Home Improvement made the following repairs/replacements: window facing, soffit, fascia, ceiling beams, gutter, and downspouts, also siding on the front gable. These improvements were made at a cost of $3,100.00.

Also in August, a very special event was observed. West End United Methodist Church celebrated its 45th year of Methodism. A special Display commemorating the progress of the church was on display in the narthex.

Listed below are some of the projects that the "Spokes of God" UMW have made for the church and parsonage in the past few years:

A whole-house fan was donated to the parsonage to the parsonage and installed by Lee Blair. Lee also repaired lamp stands outside the parsonage.

An electric stove for the church kitchen was presented to the church by Marty and Judy Alford.

On May 26, the church van was dedicated debt free.

In April the church choir purchased four new choir robes.

On August 22 a new roof was installed on the parsonage by Calvin's Carpentry and was paid from Emergency Funds at a cost of $1,820.00.

Jim and Kathy Cooper donated two dusk-to-dawn lights which where installed on the right side of the church near the church office and on the West North Street entrance.

In March, the bathtub in the parsonage was refinished by SPR Bathtub Refinishers at a cost of $379.00. Sheer curtains were purchased and a stairway carpet installed leading to the pastor's office.

In April, a new countertop for the kitchen cabinets was put on at a cost of $196.00.

In May, the final payment was made to Dominion Bank on the roof of the Education Building, aluminum siding, eaves, and windows of the church. The men's and womew's restrooms were repainted and re-decorated by the Asbury Class along with a cash donation from the Men's Bible Class. A dishwasher was donated and installed in the church kitchen also.

Memorial Sunday was observed May 26, 1992, with the following memorial gifts donated:

• Dogwood trees planted in the memory of Dorothy Price Jones.
• Altar Bible presented in memory of Larry Bucklin.
• The New Oxford Annotated Bible presented to the library in memory of Mrs. Doll Sage.
• Altar Bible and Stand were prented in memory of Mr. James McFarlane
• A bud vase was presented to the church by the United Methodist Women in memory of Mrs. Ethel Neff.
• A memorial showcase for the church's Memorial Book was presented and installed in the narthex by the Fellowship Class in memory of Mrs. Ethel Neff. Kevin Fiorini created this beautiful solid oak case.
• Our sound system was updated by an anonymous person.
• Five large-print United Methodist Hymnals were purchased fir the church from the Memorial Fund in memory of Bob Gilbert.
• A box-fan was donated to the Fellowship Hall by Frances McFarlane.

During the week of June 1, a new roof was installed on the church sanctuary building by Calvin's Carpentry at a cost of $3,400.00 which was paid from the Emergency Fund.

In last year's history update, it was reported that repairs were started on the church bathrooms by the Asbury Class with a donation from the Men's Bible Class. As an update on this, the repairs were finished this year. Both bathrooms were painted, ceiling tiles installed, vinyl flooring and new baseboards were installed, and decorations, such as pictures and mirrors were added. Our thanks go to Martha Aker for the donation of new ceiling tiles, and to Builders Super Market for the donation of the paint. We also want to express our thanks to the peop;e who worked to renew these bathrooms: J. D. Alford, chairman, Frank Putney, co-chairman, Gary Grubb, Jan Alford, Pat Cale, John Cale, and Mark Cale. Our thanks go to the Asbury and Men's Bible Classes for donations toward this project.

The church also wishes to thank H. V. and Ruth Etter for the donation of two new candlelighters for use by the acolytes.

West End United Methodist Church also experienced another "First" in 1993. The Reverend Ann B. Blair was reappointed by Holston Annual Conference to return to serve a seventh year as the pastor of the church. She is the first minister in our church's history to serve seven years. Congratulations to Ann and welcome back.

Office improvements during 1993 include the purchase of a folding machine, storage cabinet, and electric staple machine. An electric pencil sharpener was given by Charlie and Tiny Pike.

A gift of flatware was given to the church by Roger and Betty Hudson, in memory of James Hudson.

On May 16, new robes for the acolytes were dedicated. The robes were a gift of the Memorial Committee.

The week of June 28 was a busy one as members gathered to fill cracks and install ceiling tiles, as well as paint the church narthex and sanctuary. Lamp posts outside and railings were also painted. Thanks to all who came to help with the tremendous job and to those who came to bring soft drinks, etc., to those who worked. This job was directed by James "Hubby" Hudson, chairperson of Trustees.

In other church improvements, old shrubbery was removed in front of the church and replaced by new shrubs. This was a much needed improvement and our thanks go to the Trustees also.

The Trustees also purchased a video-tape player for the church from Radio Shack for 285.00. Since much of the Methodist church literature offers video tapes, this VCR should be a valuable asset to our church's instructional program. This item was also purchased from the Memorial Fund.

Memorials received by the church during 1993 include those in memory of George Wyatt, Ludie Moore, and Charlotte Hall. Bob Spraker made a donation to the MEmorial Fund for the purchase of large print hymnals.

$1,500.00 was made available by the Administrative Council to be used as the Parsonage Committee needed. After an announcement of the parsonage nees, the following donations were made:

A Black & Decker Dustbuster Corded Power Brush Vac was purchased from general funds to be used for cleaning the church at a cost of $30.29.

A new show case for our church history was given and placed in the narthex on September 27.

Another first for Reverend B. Ann Blair and another first for West End occurred at the Holston Annual Conference in June. Reverend Blair was appointed to serve as District Superintendent for Johnson City District. West End Methodist Church can point with pride to the contributionn Reverend Blair made as our pastor and wish for her success in her new appointment.

We welcome our new minister, Reverend Robert L. Smith and his family to West End and look forward to having him as our pastor and serving with him in the coming years.

Three special meetings were held at West End in 1994: The Wytheville District Lay Speakers Training Course was held at West End on February 25 and 26. Two courses were offered: Basic course, for those not certified or had no previous training. This course was taught by Mrs. Winifred Cooper; the Advanced Preaching Course, for those with previous training and taught by Dr. William Carter. Over 80 people attended this event. West End had eight lay speakers to attend: Lee Blair, Franklin Mabe, Janet Hanks, Jack Quesenberry, Ed Hilton, Jim Catron, Jerry and Judy Yonce.

Franklin Mabe thoght this was one of the most informative courses he ever attended. Other attendees made similar statements. The course was well planned and well co-ordinated. On Saturday, lunch was served in the fellowship hall and a great meal was offered by West End.

The second was a Holston Methodist Conference Higher Education for Youth and Youth Leaders. The Reverend Guy Stephen Blakemore and his staff from Hiwassee College presented the program on Holston Conference Colleges April 17. Approximately 25 youth and youth leaders attended this event. A Hot Dog and Hamberger Supper concluded this special occasion. Deanna K. Mabe is our Higher Education and Campus Ministry officer.

Wytheville District Youth rally was held at West End on May 29. A special service on the theme of the Pentecost was presented. Jerry King from Hillsville was in charge of music.

West End United Methodist Church over the past 49 years has had a lot of unusual events that has set it apart from the ordinary church that have been reported in its history.

However, two special events have taken place which have not been recorded. The events not previously recorded are that West End has sent two full time members into service in the Holoston Conference.

The first was Reverend John Neese, son of Bruce and Hazel Neese, who went into service as a young man just out of high school. His first appointment was in 1972. At Annual conference in June of 1994, he was reappointed he was reappointed to his present two point charge to serve his 14th year as pastor of his charge. We are proud of John as the first minister from West End United Methodist Church.

In later years, Reverend Aubrey Whitlow, then a member of West End moved from laity to become the second man sent into the ministry from West End United Methodist CHurch. Reverend Whitlow is presently serving the Grace UM Church in Marion, Virginia.

West End can look with Pride to having sent two ministers into the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church.

On October 30, 1994, a service honoring deceased members or friends of the church was held. Those honored were: David Baldwin Jr., H.C.Burke Sr., John B. Creger, Rowena Hollandsworth, Lacy W, Marshall, Myrtle Padbury, Helen Patterson, Elizabeth Pope, Conrad Quesenberry, Harold Thomas, Ellis Umbarger, and Lois Umberger.

November 13, 1994 was observed as United Methodist Women’s Sunday. The following women participated in this service:

February 17, 1995 - Wytheville District Lay Speakers Training was held. Attending from West End: James Catron, Janet Hanks, Jack Quesenberry, Franklin Mabe, Jerry Yonce, and Judy Yonce. Seventy Members for Wytheville District attended.

March 5, 1995 - Thanks to the Parsonage Committee for purchasing a new storm door for the parsonage and to Frank Putney and Garnett Kegley for installing it.

March 19, 1995 - The Wytheville District Youth Rally was held at West End.

May 14, 1995 - Thanks to Hazel Hicks for taking aluminum cans for recycling. A check for $10.23 was mailed to Holston Conference Camp and Leisure Ministries.

June 23 1995 - Another conference event, The Convocation on Ministry in Our Future, was held at West End.

Thanks to the following people for gifts given to the church:

- A new Public Address System was installed because of generous donations from the congregation at West End.
- Reverend & Mrs. Robert Smith and family donated a room sized rug for the parsonage dining room. They also presented a Radio Shack phone line intercom system for the Church and Pastors’ Office.
- Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Catron donated a lamp to the parsonage.
- Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kegley and Amy donated a new doorbell to the parsonage office.
- Dr. & Mrs. Carl hanks Jr., and family donated a Packard Bell 486 Computer and Cannon BJ 100 printer to the church.

July, 1995 - A group of our members installed new ceiling tile in the church fellowship hall. Our thanks to all those who helped install and to those who helped by providing food and drinks on such a hot day.

A 50th Anniversary Committee was appointed in 1994. Members were as follows: Mr. Heath Semones, Chairman, Otis and Joanne Wilson, Dennis and Andrea Midkiff, Bob and Sue Fisher, James “Hubby” Hudson, Diane Hudson, Charlie and Virginia “Tiny” Pike, Gary and Alice Grubb, Jerry and Judy Yonce, Jack and Linda Quesenberry, John Cale, Mark Cale, Joe and Sharon Williams, and Deanna Mabe. Also on the committee were the Charter members of the church.

The first meeting of the 50th anniversary committee was held March 27, 1994, with 17 members present. The meeting was called to order by the chairman and opened with a prayer by Rev. Ann Blair. Joanne Wilson was elected secretary and through this meeting and all following meetings, she kept a full detailed set of minutes and deserves our thanks. We will lift up some of the highlights from these minutes for the purposes of this history. At this meeting Heath was asked to send a letter to all former pastors about the upcoming 50th anniversary. This was done. Otis Wilson was asked to contact the former owner of the house next to the parsonage to see if the vacant lot could be bought for a church parking lot. This was done, but we were unable to secure the property.

Robert Fisher suggested the slogan for the 50th anniversary celebration be as follows: Fifty Years of Foundation and Looking to the Future. Many other plans were made for future meetings,. The date of the celebration was set for August 4, 5, and 6, 1995.

July 17, 1994 - Dates for the 50th Anniversary Celebration were discussed as Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; however, later Friday was dropped. The dates are August 5 and August 6, 1995.

August 6, 1994 - It was decided for the chairman to ask for $1,500 for expenses which was done at a later date. The purchase of a 50th Anniversary ribbon for each person in attendance was authorized.

September 18, 1994 - At this meeting Andrea Midkiff suggested that we order 50th anniversary plates and plaques to be purchased by the congregation. The plates to be sold at $10.00 per plate and $5.50 for the plaques. She also made a motion, seconded by Sue Fisher, that we order name ribbon bars for all members. Rev. Smith presented information from Olan Mills for the development of a 50th anniversary pictorial directory. The committee asked Rev. Smith to look further into the directory and report back. Rev. Smith reported back and photographs of the members were to be taken in December 1994 and make ups in January 1995. The directories were to be given to members of the church as soon as they were printed and a copy will be available in the church library.

March 5, 1995 - A meeting was held in regard to ordering the plates and plaques since a former supplier had raised the price that we had agreed upon at a former meeting, September 18, 1994. It was decided to order the plates and plaques from another company at a slightly higher price, but the original selling price would remain the same since orders had already been received. The order for the plates, plaques, and ribbon bars was placed late March, 1995.

June 21, 1995 - Final plans were made for the 50th anniversary celebration for August 5 and 6, 1995. The Saturday night service would be opened by a song service, featuring our choir, at 7:00 P.M., August 5, 1995. Also at this service a time of sharing by our former pastors was planned. Each former minister was to receive a 50th anniversary plate. Following this meeting a reception for the former pastors and spouses was to be held at 8:00 P.M. Services on August 6, 1995 were to begin with Sunday School at 9:45 A.M. and worship service at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop Clay Lee Jr. bringing the morning message. After the worship service, dinner on the grounds would be held at the church. It was decided to distribute the plates and plaques on July 23 and July 30, to the congregation who had placed orders. The Reverend Robert Smith agreed to take care of advertising our anniversary celebration. Diane and Hubby Hudson were selected to distribute nametag bars, they were assisted by Sue Fisher.

August 5, 1995 - The carefully made plans of the 50th anniversary committee began to unfold on this first day of the celebration. The Rev. Robert Smith was in charge of the service. The service began as the choir of West End United Methodist Church opened with a very impressive song service. The choir, under the direction of music leader , Mrs. Joanne Wilson, accompanied by Ms. Tammy Sharitz, rendered several very beautiful songs that really set the tone for the weekend celebration. Six of our former pastors and their wives shared with us from memories of their time of service. They were The Rev. Ernest Dugan Jr. and his wife, Marion,; The Rev. Robert Shelly and his wife, Betty; Dr. Kenneth Wier and his wife, Emily; The Rev. Williams S. Rogers and his wife, Mary Beth; The Rev. Mack Houston and his wife, Helen; the Rev. Ann Blair (her husband, Lee, could not be with us); and The Rev. Aubrey Whitlow and his wife, Julianna. Aubrey was a former member of West End who left West End to enter the ministry. The Rev, John Neese was also a former member who entered the ministry from our church, but he was unable to attend the celebration. As The Rev. Robert Smith Introduced each minister to speak to us, Heath Semones gave each minister a 50th Anniversary plate and each ministers wife a 50th Anniversary cookbook. This time of sharing was one of the highlights of the weekend ceremonies. The meeting was followed by a reception catered by Jerry Yonce and members of the Family Life Committee. The well-prepared food was enjoyed by all as former ministers and their wives were able to meet and mingle with the present day congregation. This was an hour of great fellowship and everyone present reported having a great time eating and sharing together.

August 6, 1995 - The climax of the weekend ceremonies came on Sunday, August 6, 1995, beginning with the regular Sunday School hour. A large crowd of 238 people gathered in the sanctuary at 11:00 A. M. to hear a wonderful sermon delivered by Bishop Clay lee Jr. from the Holston United Methodist Church Conference. Everyone who shared in this special service surely came away blessed or having been present. At the end of the service, Rev. Smith invited all former pastors who were present to come stand with him at the altar for the benediction. All ministers, with the exception of rev. and Mrs. Dugan and Rev. & Mrs. Aubrey Whitlow, who were present on Saturday night were again present. Joining them at this service were the Rev. James McDonald and his wife, Frances. After the service dinner on the grounds was served. Former pastors were able to talk to members who were members at the time they served West End, as well as to newer members of the church. Present members thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the former pastors as well as with former members who returned for the celebration. A great weekend was enjoyed by all.

We think that everyone is in agreement that the weekend celebration was a great success and that a very important chapter was added to the history of West End United Methodist Church.

Submitted by Historical Committee
J. Heath Semones, Historian
Pat Cale, Assistant

The West End United Methodist Church Choir joyously celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the church with a repertoire of songs.

In casual dress, the choir assembled on Saturday evening at 7:00 P. M. to present a celebration in song for visitors and church families. Selections used were: CIRCUIT-RIDING PREACHER, HE KEEPS ME SINGING, TIME HAS MADE A CHANGE, ALL-DAY SUNDAY SINGING, WE ARE SO BLESSED, EVEN WINDS WHISPER HIS NAME, SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD, THE CHURCH IN THE WILDWOOD, AND THE GREAT HOMECOMING.

Sunday, August 6, 1995, the choir wore elegant white and crimson robes for the morning worship service. Twenty-two choir members sang, WE ARE THE CHURCH, THE CHURCH’S ONE FOUNDATION, CIRCUIT-RIDING PREACHER, ALL-DAY SUNDAY SINGING, FORWARD THROUGH THE AGES, AND WE ARE SO BLESSED.

Choir members singing to glorify the name of our Lord were:

Last year on August 6, 1995, West End United Methodist Church had a great homecoming of 50 years of service to the community. Another year has come and gone and on August 11, 1996, the 51st homecoming is planned. Many events have taken place and gifts and various services have been made by individual members and groups.
Below is a chronology of these events: * November, 1995: Our church agreed to support Dr. David Jensen and his wife Lidie as missionaries to Bolivia.

* December, 1995: Harold and Gay Hawkins presented a Christmas tree to the church. James (Hubby) Hudson and Diane Hudson presented the window decorations to the church.

* January 7, 1996: A first in this historian's memory of West End, services were cancelled as a result of a 25-inch snowfall.

* February, 1996: Ken Compton presented a two-drawer filing cabinet for the church office.

* February 16 & 17, 1996: The annual Wytheville District Lay Speakers Training Event was held at West End with Jack Quesenberry, Jerry and Judy Yonce, and Franklin Mabe attending from our church.

* February 26, 1996: The long-range planning committee met and presented some plans for future expansion of our church. Current plans are underway to present these findings to the entire congregation for consideration.

* April, 1996: Fifty-five pew Bibles were donated to the church by Wayne Pike, Dale and Liz Hahn, and Alva May.

* May 19, 1996: On Memorial Day weekend twenty-four (24) racks for the new Bibles were made by Heath Semones and presented to the church by Heath and Belle Semones in memory of Dickey Grubb and Jimmy Catron. The new racks were installed by: The Reverend Robert Smith, Frank Putney, and Heath Semones. The new Bibles and Bible racks were dedicated at the worship service. The Bible stand for the altar Bible, which had previously been donated by Mrs. Frances McFarland in memory of her husband, was also dedicated.

* May, 1996: Our church nursery was moved from its previous location to the former Crossroads classroom. The room was remodeled by: Deanna Mabe, Judy Alford, Marty Alford, Kim Mabe, Alice Grubb, Geraldine Hollandsworth, Connie Cramer, Linda Fiorini, Marcia Smith, Andrea Midkiff, Dean Kirk, Phyllis, Kirk, Bill Crittenden, Lynne Crittenden, John Green, Liz Green, and several youth and children, with donations for the work being made by the Asbury Class, the Wesley Class, and the Crossroads Class.

* May, 1996: Baby Recognition Day was held for the first time in our church, with parents, grandparents, and special friends bringing their babies to our worship service so that all could see them.

* June, 1996: The Reverend Robert Smith and his family returned to West End to start his third year as pastor of our church. The Reverend Grady Winegar and his wife, Ottalee, were assigned to the Wytheville District as our new District Superintendent.

* July 14, 1996: The members of the former Men's Bible Class presented a bronze plaque to the church which says: "Est, 1945." The plaque was placed on the outside bulletin board. A sign saying "Church Office" was placed over the outside door to the church office. These signs were given in commemoration of 47 years of service by the members of this former class - 1945-1995.

* July, 1996: Frank Putney installed a new hand rail for the steps at the North Street entrance.

The fifty-first homecoming of West End United Methodist Church was held on August 11, 1996. The Reverend Grady Winegar, District Superintendent, Wytheville District, was the guest speaker at the 11:00 A.M. morning worship service. The fifty-second homecoming celebration will be held Sunday, August 10, 1997.

In the year 1996-97, West End has been saddened by the loss of an unusual number of its members due to death. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the families of these former church members. During this past year, several things have been done worthy of mention for the history.

West End was once again host church for Wytheville District Lay Speakers Training Session on February 21-22, 1997 with 83 people attending the Basic Course as first-time participants, and the Advance course for the most experienced laymen. The session was taught by the Reverend Keni Gaddard and The Reverend Parry Taylor. Five members connected with West End were in attendance. Pastor Robert Smith was very helpful in keeping everything coordinated and running smoothly. The session was followed by a Laity Rally at St. Paul’s Church on February 23, 1997, and certificates were awarded. This year’s session had the largest attendance in this conference.

On April 6, 1997, a consecration service for the new organ was held. This organ was greatly needed by the church, and adds reverence to our worship services.

In May, 1997, the former members of the St. Mark’s Bible Class donated the balance of money left in the class fund as follows:

• To the church building fund in honor of Gilbert Catron, long-time teacher of the former Men’s Bible Class.
• To one of the special projects of Dr. David Jensen, missionary fund under the direction of Mrs. Sue Fisher.

Again this year, West End sponsored Dr. David Jensen as a missionary for Holston Conference to Bolivia. Dr. Jensen visited West End in the spring on a Thursday night and spoke with a gathering of West End’s members. A potluck dinner was enjoyed by all.

Thanks to the Wesley Class for stripping and waxing the upstairs floor. They worked very hard and did a beautiful job. Thanks, also, to John Green for painting the kindergarten classroom. We would also like to say thanks to Builder’s Supermarket for supplying the paint.

On Sunday, May 18, 1997, West End United Methodist Church observed Law Enforcement Sunday. Officers from state, county, and the town of Wytheville met to lead our worship service. The presentation and retirement of the colors was a very inspirational experience. Chaplain Sgt. Michael Honaker of the Virginia State Police was the speaker at the morning worship service.

The Conference year of 1996-97 was a year of growth for West End as new members were added and new babies were baptized. With prayers and thanksgiving, we are moving into our 53rd year of serving our Lord.

On August 10, 1998, West End United Methodist Church celebrated the 52nd anniversary with a church homecoming. District Superintendent, and former pastor, The Reverend B. Ann Blair was the guest speaker. The Reverend Robert Smith, our current pastor, assisted in the homecoming worship service. A homecoming dinner was held immediately following the worship service. A very enjoyable time was had by all in attendance.

On February 21 and 22, 1998, the Holston Conference Lay Speaker's Training Session was held again at West End. This meeting was a great success, the largest gathering of Laymen in the Wytheville District with 106 in attendance. West End currently has the following members who are lay speakers: Franklin Mabe, Jack Quesenberry, Bill Crittenden, Jerry Yonce, and Judy Yonce.

The West End Tots (WETS) Mother's Day Out Program was held each Wednesday this past year. Several people donated high chairs for the toddler's to use during this program, and for our church dinners. Our thanks go to those who made these donations.

West End has had 21 ministers and one associate minister in the past 53 years and seven of these men of God have passed on. In memory of The Rev. William Steele, The Rev. Kenneth M. King, The Rev. Enos Wagner, The Rev. Gene Holdredge, The Rev. George E. Pagan, Associate Minister, the Rev. J.W. Satterfield, and most recently The Rev. James B. McDonald.

West End was sadden this past last year by the deaths of a number of the members of our congregation. Our prayers and deepest sympathy go to the families of these members.

At a congregational charge conference on September 28, 1997, the plans were accepted and the conference voted to enter into a new building program at an approximate cost of $350,000. This is by far the greatest venture in faith undertaken by the members of West End. The realization of the new Fellowship Hall is beginning to pick up speed. Two committees were appointed; one to handle finance and the other to plan and oversee the building. The Finance Committee for the Building Program include Marty Alford, Gary Grubb, Faith Umberger, Ron Hollandsworth, and Debbie Kender. Members of the Building Committee include Frank Putney, Chairperson, Kim Mabe, Lee Blair, Harold Hawkins, and Gay Hawkins. Both committees are now working hard. The plans have been completed and put out to bid. The bids may be back as you read this, and we can set a date for the ground breaking. As always, let us all continue to pray for our church, as we undertake this new venture.

In the Administrative Council Meeting, May 3, 1998, Hubby Hudson stated in the Trustee's Report, that the new heating and cooling system for the sanctuary had been installed. The trustees also extended a word of thanks to Frank Putney and Harold and Gay Hawkins for their on-going contributions in helping with special projects.

In June, 1998, The Reverend Robert Smith, pastor for the last four years, accepted a new appointment in the Holston Conference. West End's new pastor, The Reverence Dennis Milligan was appointed at Holston's Annual Conference in June, 1998.
Other church leaders this year included:

• Jack Quesenberry, Sunday School Superintendent
• Jack Quesenberry, Lay Leader
• Franklin Mabe, Lay Delegate to Annual Conference
• Joanne Wilson, Music Director
• Peggy Cavin, Organist
• Camille Moore, Secretary/Treasurer
• Byrd West, Nursery Worker
• Jan Alford, Custodian

In July, 1998, several pieces of furniture were bought for our church parsonage. Purchases included one bed, two sets of box springs and mattresses, one dresser, a chest of drawers, one living room couch, one living room chair, and one used 12,000 BYU air conditioner. The Crossroads Class and Robert and Marcia Smith also donated air conditioners to the parsonage. In addition, the church purchased driveway sealer to seal the driveway for the parsonage.

Rev. Milligan went on a mission to Cuba for two weeks in July, 1998. His report is included in this history.

As we conclude this 53rd year of progress at West End United Methodist Church, let us ever be mindful of our goal to serve as a beacon to the community. Let us always remember to pray constantly that our church will reach out in faith to serve our Lord in whatever ways that we can.

The fifty-third anniversary celebration for West End United Methodist Church was held on August 9, 1998. The new minister, The Reverend Dennis Milligan, delivered the morning worship sermon for the day. Everyone enjoyed a fellowship dinner immediately following the service.

On August 30, 1999, West End was the site for one of the Wytheville District's Celebration in Christ prayer services. Prayer services of this kind were held at various local churches leading up to the district wide Celebration in Christ celebration which was held at George Wythe High School auditorium October 4-7,1998. These services were a community-wide effort on the part of the area United Methodist churches to provide an opportunity for renewal and reawakening in one's relationship with God. The speaker for the three-day event was Dr. Evelyn Laycock and Dr. Don king and Bryan Underwood provided the music. Members of the West End choir participated in the choir at the services.

In an effort to continue to maintain a nice parsonage, the Asbury Class purchased three trees for the parsonage from Reed Creek Nursery and Landscaping Company at a cost of $300, which included a guarantee. Frank Putney headed up this project for the Asbury Class. Work was also done to improve the plumbing facilities at the parsonage.

A disciple Bible Study group began their studies at West End on September 13, 1998, and concluded on May 30, 1999. This intensive, thirty-four week Bible study was lead by Mrs. Judy Albert. On October 18, 1998, West End broke ground for a new addition to the church. The addition will provide the church with much-needed classroom space, new handicapped-accessible restrooms, storage room, a larger fellowship hall, and a new, larger kitchen. In addition, off-street parking, and a new handicapped-accessible ramp were planned. Perry Dunford Construction, Inc. is general contractor for the project. Those people participating in the ground breaking ceremonies included The Reverend Dennis Milligan, Perry Dunford, James Hudson, Heath Semones, Marty Alford, and Frank Putney. On a personal note, I, as church historian, was presented a gold-plated engraved shovel. It was very much appreciated, and I will cherish it as the years go by. My thanks go out to the membership of West End. A fellowship dinner preceded the groundbreaking ceremonies. Construction of the new addition was started October 19, 1998.

The work behind the scenes is sometimes taken for granted. With this in mind, we wish to point out some of the highlights of work carried out by the members of the various committees in the months before and after October 18, 1998. The Building Committee was nominated by the Long-Range Planning and Finance Committees serving as the go-between for the church and the contractor. The members are as follows: Frank Putney, Lee Blair, Kim Mabe, Gay Hawkins (and the late Harold Hawkins), and pastor, ex officio. Gary Grubb was appointed to serve out the unexpired term of Harold Hawkins.

Frank Putney was selected as the chairman of the building committee. It became the work of the chairman to spend many hours working with the building contractor and in securing the materials, appliances, etc. needed. From time to time, Frank has made reports to the congregation about the progress of the new building. Many thanks need to go out to the building committee chairperson and the committee as a whole for the work they have done to make this project a success.

Another committee that needs to be recognized is the Fund Raising Committee. This new committee was formed at West End to help with the fund raising activities. Members of this committee include the following: Alice Grubb, chairperson, Marty Alford, Jack Quesenberry, James Hudson, Teresa Compton, and Ron Hollandsworth. With a new building under way, we felt it was necessary to have structured group that would keep up with activities and events going on in our church. The committee itself does not schedule events, but helps with activities scheduled by other groups. The major function of the committee to date has been to direct the campaign for the sale of bricks. They, like all committees here at West End, work together with the church family to grow and uplift our God here in our community.

Various Sunday School classes rallied to the challenge of raising funds to pay for the new addition. The Wesley, Asbury, Fellowship, and Crossroads classes, the UMW, and the UMM sold items, filled jars with loose change, and came up with many different methods of raising money to go toward the addition. Members of the church made individual donations of both time and money in an effort to realize our dream.

The stained glass windows in the new Grace Hall were given in loving memory of Gilbert E. Catron. Mabel Catron, G.W. and Gail Catron, and Christopher Catron made this beautiful gift possible. Gilbert was a long time, faithful member and Sunday School teacher of the Men's Bible Class for many years. He was also a lay Leader and an active Lay Speaker of West End United Methodist Church, as well as other church offices in which he served.

A church Thanksgiving Dinner was held after morning worship on November 22, 1998. Senior members of the church were honored and given fruit baskets as gifts.

On December 13, 1998, a called Charge Conference was held to recommend Kevin Fiorini for candidacy in the ministry of the church.

The annual Children's Party was held on December, 1998. This party is a project of the Wesley Class to give some area children a wonderful Christmas. Each child receives nice gifts, as well as the party.

On January 17, 1999, Joanne Wilson, choir director, and Peggy Cavin, Pianist, stepped down from their positions. Both had served the church well and will be missed. Each plan to continue to sing in the choir. Our new pianist, Mrs. Sue Ellison, was introduced to the congregation. Mrs. Kim Mabe and Mrs. Andrea Midkiff will share the responsibility of choir director.

In the spring, the Building Committee requested possible names for our new fellowship hall. The names that were submitted were placed on a ballot along with the option of not naming the building. Each church member was able to submit one vote in choosing the name. The name that was chosen for the new addition was Grace Hall.

The Wytheville District Vacation Bible School Training was held at West End on March 7, 1999. Bible school materials were available for viewing, and Rita White was on hand to answer any questions.

West End participated in the Acape Food Bank, which is a ministry of the Wythe County Ministerial Association. When requested, members brought the food items that were needed by the bank.

At the annual Holston Conference, two members of West End were given appointments as ministers of the church. Kevin Fiorini will be serving in Radford, Virginia this year, and Judy Yonce accepted the ministry of two churches in Pulaski County, Virginia. Our prayers and good wishes go out to these two new ministers and their families as they embark on their new ministries.

On Wednesday, June 23, 1999, West End hosted the Holston Conference Youth Choir, "Salt and Light." United Methodist church all over the district, as well as the general public, were invited to come to West End to hear this very talented singing group.

West End joined St. Paul UMC in offering Vacation Bible School to our children. All children between the ages of kindergarten and sixth grade attended the Bible School, which was held June 7-11, 1999, at St. Paul UMC this year due to the construction at West.

An Installation Service and Welcome reception for our new District Superintendent, The Reverend J.N. Howard, was held July 11, 1999, at First UMC in Pulaski, Virginia. At the July, 1999 Administrative Council meeting, a committee was formed to be in charge of landscaping and beautification of the grounds around the new addition. James and Diane Hudson, Brian Hudson, Walter Midkiff, Jack and Linda Quesenberry, and Ron Hollandsworth are members of this committee.

To complete the history update, the new addition to the church has made it a very eventful year for West End. Members of the various committees have been extremely busy this year. Sunday School classes, the UMW, and the UMM have truly been hard at work trying to generate funds to help pay for our new addition. Many innovative fund-raising ideas have come from these classes and organizations. Members have been amazed at how much money can be collected by just collecting loose change in a fruit jar. It has been a year when the people of the church set a goal of acquiring a new fellowship hall and new classrooms, and worked together in Christian love to begin to reach that goal. Our challenge for the future is great, as we continue to need funds to pay for our new facility, but this historian is confident that the members of West End United Methodist Church will rally, as they have in the past, and meet the challenge. This new addition will be a great opportunity to continue the work that was started 54 years ago in August of 1945.