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A View From Our Past– Our Beginnings The Winds of Change began to stir through the Corporate Church in the early 80's. Several staff personnel changed - the associate minister as well as organist/choir director positions were involved. WEBC participated in the Blackwater Association's sponsorship of the founding of Carrollton Baptist Church in October 1981. In 1984, a major renovation of the Fellowship Hall occurred - the result of a significant capital expenditure fund-raising effort by the congregation. December 31, 1984, Dr. Donald Dunlap tendered his resignation to become the Pastor of Freemason Baptist Church, Norfolk. This was followed by a period of interim ministers – Dr. Ira Hudgins and Dr. Robert Marr. Our parsonage was sold during this period. During the fall of 1985, the issue of Women serving as Deacons surfaced and created much controversy and discussion among the Board of Deacons. Two women were included in the proposed deacon slate for the 1986-88 term. Much discussion ensued. The final slate approved did not include women due to withdrawal of the prospects. In 1986, our current Pastor, Reverend T. Floyd Irby, Jr., and our current Organist/Choir Director, R. Dean Kershaw accepted the Church's calling. Each proved to be a "good fit" for the Church family. The Irby’s contributed significantly to church growth, as the family was comprised of seven (7) members. In 1987, the current Church Council organization was established at the recommendation of the Pastor and Board of Deacons. The eighties concluded with much discussion/educational efforts concerning the Women as Deacons issue. The congregation supported the issue with a 52/48% church-wide vote. However, the Board of Deacons tabled the concept for 5 years to allow the concept to mature within the congregation. In the subsequent decade, women did become Deacons (as much as one-third of the Board) and contributed in a significant and diverse manner to the success of the Church. The Winds of Change continue…………………….. Kelly Taylor History Committee
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