Agnes Cato had a vision. It was 1970. She wanted to establish a lighthouse for God in Woodbridge, VA. Thus began the story of Woodbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Let’s delve into the history of this community beacon. The Woodbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church started small. It began as a branch Sabbath School program. Locals met in an Episcopal Church on January 3, 1970. About 35 adults and children attended.
Officially, the group was recognized as a company. It had a charter membership of 22. With their new charter, members worshiped at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
In 1973, the Woodbridge Company made a significant purchase. They acquired two acres of land for $25,000. This land was on Davis Ford Road. Today, we know it as Minnieville Road. The members were determined to build a church. They planned to pay off the debt through fundraising.
A key moment arrived on April 12, 1975. Under Pastor John Robbins’ leadership, the Woodbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church was officially established. It started with 41 members. Groundbreaking for the new church building occurred on April 10, 1983. Construction moved swiftly. The congregation began meeting in the new building on December 1, 1984.
The Woodbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church was officially dedicated on May 12, 1988. A remarkable achievement accompanied the dedication. The entire debt was paid off.
Maxwell Ferguson served as a former pastor. He was an ordained minister for over 20 years. Pastor Ferguson held degrees from Oakwood College and Andrews University. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hartford International University. His service extended beyond the church. He had training in Clinical Pastoral Education. He also served as a hospital chaplain.
Asha-Dane Duncan is now the pastor. He is a passionate minister with over 18 years of experience. His expertise includes pastoral leadership and church growth. Ordained in 2013, he’s held leadership roles across Canada, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
The Woodbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church is part of a larger movement. Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their creed. They hold fundamental beliefs based on scripture. Worldwide, the church has approximately 19 million members. More than one million are in North America.
Seventh-day Adventists believe in one God. This God exists as three coeternal Persons. These are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The church’s name reflects core beliefs. They believe the seventh day, Saturday, is the Sabbath. They also believe Jesus will come again.
Beyond spiritual matters, the Woodbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church engages with the local community. Every 4th Sunday, they provide clothes and shoes. They also offer non-perishable items at PRTC. The church actively supports those in need. They prepare home-cooked meals for a local shelter each month.
So, as you stand here, remember the vision of Agnes Cato. Remember the dedication of the early members. The Woodbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church stands as a testament to faith, community, and service.