New Owners of Fincastle Church Building Continue Historic Tradition

Not much appears changed on the exterior of the former Fincastle Baptist Church but for Wendy and Bob Jones, a lot has changed on both the interior of the historic church (it is now their home) and in their lives since they became owners of the unique building.

According to Wendy, it was her “husband’s dream to live in a church building” and they “had been looking at small churches out of town, including Rocky Mount and Lynchburg.” Locations there just didn’t pan out and when the “huge building” (by Wendy’s estimation) in Fincastle came on the market she went along with her husband’s desire to bid on it, actually hoping they would not be the winning bidders.

They received the phone call a short time later notifying them they had won, and even though Wendy was in shock for about two weeks, they have since moved in and become quite enamored with the church and are interested in trying to “maintain and continue some of its history.” The oldest part of the building, the sanctuary, was built circa 1895.

Wendy and Bob have launched a new ministry, “Operation Christmas Cheer,” in an effort to reclaim a piece of the church’s past. Beginning around 1955, the church had sponsored a Christmas ministry complete with a pageant, a 12 ft. tall Christmas tree, and Santa, who would jump on stage and pass out a toy off the tree, an orange, and hard candy to each of the children.

In pondering how to “morph this tradition into ‘now’” the Jones’ came up with Operation Christmas Cheer – now in its second year. They focus on helping area needy children and their families who are invited to the church for an afternoon of fun-filled activities along with a rather generous donation of items for their families at Christmas time.

Wendy Jones has been working hard to put it all together, hoping to have enough to give each child a toy, coat, blanket, mittens, Christmas stocking, an outfit and a food basket including a turkey dinner donated by Kroger. According to Wendy, this year they are “on pace” partly because she “has some really good elves to help me,” although she admits being nervous about “how donations will go, especially in this economy.” She has sent letters to folks who donated last year, and hopes to get the word out to even more people. They are also in need of someone to play Santa.

The project has also received a huge boost because of the generosity of Marvin Matthews, who will perform two benefit concerts in the church’s wedding chapel on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday Dec. 13 at 3:30 p.m.

Matthews is a “tireless concert artist and a natural-born entertainer” who has worked with many popular artists including the late Bob Hope and CeCe Winans. Matthews was in town this fall for a revival and was on hand for the Fincastle Heritage Day; during this visit “he happened to come into the sanctuary and fell in love with it” explained Jones. He offered to help with their ministry and thus the idea for “A Marvin Matthews Christmas” concert was born. Jones is in high hopes for a good turn-out; patrons won’t be disappointed.

Jones is excited about the project and hopes it will continue to grow each year; it provides these families and their children a joyful Christmas in spite of hard times. The parents’ tears of joy at seeing their children’s excitement have helped fuel her desire to keep the ministry going.

The Melvin Matthews concert will be held at The Historic Fincastle Wedding Chapel at 45 E. Main St., Fincastle VA. Tickets (Adults $15; children 10 and under $7.50) can by purchased at Air-Lee Cleaners-Daleville, or by calling (540) 798-1653 or at MarvinMatthews.com  If you would like to make a donation, contact  Bob & Wendy Jones at (540) 798-1653 (45 E Main St. PO Box 115 Fincastle VA 24090).