Princess Anne Plaza and St Luke's United Methodist Churches now Worship together as one family at Light of Hope UMC !!!
Princess Anne Plaza and St. Luke’s United Methodist Churches Histories
Began its worship services in a community bowling alley (Plaza Bowl) on September 10, 1961, with the Rev. Walter A. Whitehurst as the pastor. There were one hundred fifteen persons in attendance.
The church was formally organized on November 19, 1961. The Chartering Service was presided over by Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Johnston, District Superintendent, and sixty-six persons were accepted into membership. At the end of the year, we had received ninety-five total persons as members who came from sixteen states and ten denominations.
The rapidly growing church moved its services from Plaza Bowl to Plaza Elementary School on April 1, 1962. Fourteen church school classes were established – Nursery I through Adult Bible Classes.
The Rev. Walt Whitehurst and his wife Betty occupied the parsonage, which was located across the street from PA Plaza’s current location, on June 9, 1962.
A community-wide project took place in a large tent on the church site during July 16 – August 10, 1962. Activities included a revival, vacation church school, movies, square dancing, and dinners.
On December 1, 1963, doors were formally opened to the first unit, a combination church sanctuary and fellowship hall, and a church-nursery (office during the week and nursery on Sunday). The cost for this original structure was $58,000 and the three-acre church site had cost $48,000. At the same time, the church school began to meet in Lynnhaven Elementary School that is located on Dillon Dr. directly behind the church.
An educational wing – sixteen rooms, two offices, storage areas, and two rest rooms – and an improved program were completed. A Consecration Service was held on Sunday, June 2, 1968. Cost of the 8,800 square-foot addition was $90,720.
In December, 1983, the current membership totaled 574; church school enrollment numbered 154. A Building Committee was formed to lay the groundwork for a new sanctuary in the future.
On July 1, 2018 we officially merged with St Luke’s UMC and together with we became Light of Hope United Methodist Church!
Saint Luke’s UMC
Organized in 1973 under the sponsorship of the Norfolk district Board of Missions of the United Methodist church lead by Reverend Joseph G. Savinsky, Saint Luke's had its first service of Worship August 5th. 1973 in the Easter Seal Society Center, 3101 Magic Hollow Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA
On June 2nd, 1974, Pentecost Sunday, the church was officially chartered with a membership of 47. Members were received on Profession of Faith, letters of transfer from other United Methodist Churches, and by letter of transfer from other denominations.
On October 13, 1974 the United Methodist Women of Saint Luke's held their first meeting lead by Dorothy A. Neher
In December, 1976, the worship services were moved from the Easter Seal Center to the Green Run Clubhouse. Pastor Joe Savinsky stated "My deep hope and prayers for Saint Luke's is that as a community of God's people created out of a deep love for Jesus Christ and the needs of one another, we will permit ourselves to listen to the Spirit of God as he directs us into a future which is at times frightening but always full of surprises and cause for celebration,"
In December, 1976, the Norfolk District Board of Missions purchased five acres of land at the corner of Holland Road and Stoneshore for $125,000.00. This five-acre site was once a part of vast Rockefeller Family holdings. While clearing the lot prior to construction, the foundation of a farm house was discovered along with the remains of an old hog pen in the back. During excavation of ground for the church, two stones were uncovered with one bearing the year of 1861. The stones were removed and placed on a flat-bed and covered with a tarp. The stone measured 18 inches long and 8 inches by 8 inches square indicating some type of cornerstone, possibly that of a church according to the city. When attempting to recover the stones, the flatbed had left town and the company that owned the flat-bed were unable to find the stones.
The first regular meeting of Saint Luke's United Methodist Men Fellowship was held on May 26, 1977. The first president was Thomas J. Watchko. In July 1978 the reigns of Saint Luke's passed from Reverend Savinsky to Reverend William Will, Jr.
There was much discussion on what kind of building St. Luke's should be. But on January 26, 1979, The Board of Church Location and Building approved the preliminary plans and financial projection of the Building Committee of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. November 18, 1979 a donation $1,135.39 to the building fund was received from Patrick Springs United Methodist Church, Patrick Springs, Virginia
Ground breaking ceremony was conducted at 3:00 p.m. on December 9, 1979. The church building was finally completed and approved for occupancy by the city on May 9th and consecrated on May 18, 1980.
The completion and moving into the church building was the highlight of 1980. May 18, 1980 was the first time we worshiped together in the new building and all felt the pride, gratitude and sense of accomplishment. St. Luke's received 13 new members of the church on that day.
July 1983 Reverend Gene Williams came to St Luke's. At charge Conference on December 8, 1983 Reverend Williams stated "In my short time here my assessment of Saint Luke's is obviously limited. There are several things among these people that are difficult of hide. One is their openness and friendliness. This, I feel, has a lot to do with the growth experienced. Our growth can and must continue for us to reach the goals set by your original charter."
A special session of the Charge Conference was held May 16, 1983 for the purpose of electing a Building Committee for the adding additional space to the existing building to be used for church school, church sponsored programs, and community outreach. The outside of the fellowship Hall was completed in 1989. The inside took a bit longer. The fellowship hall was consecrated in June 1993
Saint Luke's United Methodist church received the 1993 U.S. Mayors' End Hunger Award, in recognition of the work on behalf of the hungry by Meyera E. Obendorf, Mayor of Virginia Beach, VA.
A listing of pastors for St. Luke’s:
Rev. Joseph Savinsky, July 1973 — June 1978
Rev. William Will Jr, July 1978 -June 1983
Rev. Gene Williams, July 1983 — June 1987
Rev. Mochel Morris-Hendrix, July 1987 — June 1989
Rev. Lloyd Middleton, July 1989 — June 1990
Rev. Glen Langston, July 1990 June 1994
Rev. Glen Holm, July 1994 — June 1996
Rev. Ronnie Bearden, July 1996 — June 1998
Rev. Linda Carper, July 1998 — 2005
Rev. Robert J. Robertson 111, 2005 – 2010
Rev. David Cunningham, 2010 – Present
On July 1, 2018 we officially merged with Princess Anne Plaza UMC and together we became Light of Hope United Methodist Church!
