Stebbins remembers the late Clyde Carter Jr.
Editor:
Reading last week of the death at 84 of the Rev. Clyde L. Carter Jr., a retired Church of the Brethren pastor from Botetourt County, I recalled an interview at the building where he was then serving, Daleville Church of the Brethren.
From an affluent family in Bassett, Carter served as a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in Germany in the 1950s. There he met and married Karen Spohr, daughter of a well-known composer. Later she too was ordained and survives him after 60 years. At their beautiful home in Daleville, late husband Charlie and I attended a social for couples in an organization now known as Better Marriages.
I shall always remember Brother Clyde as a sincere pacifist of the Brethren tradition.
Frances Stebbins
Salem
Sentinels of the Faith – Historic Churches of Botetourt County
Editor:
In this Sestercentennial Year for Botetourt County, the influence of the Christian churches in this area on the birth and early years of the county’s history can hardly be overestimated. In looking at the rich and varied history of those churches, we find at least two extant churches in Botetourt that trace their roots to pre-Revolutionary years. The organizational roots of one church date as far back as 1754, while another is celebrating a sestercentennial along with Botetourt County. And at least one historically Black church in the county dates back to the 1830s.
The histories of those two aforementioned pre-Revolutionary churches represent two primary, competing religious forces prior to and during the birth of Botetourt County. As one reviews the early days of Botetourt County and even in speaking with current residents of Fincastle, it would be difficult to overlook the contrasting views of the “dissenters” and the “loyalists” in the birthing years of this county. And to be quite honest, one might even conclude that the Revolutionary War itself did not settle all of the issues between those groups of worshipers.
Even though the ripple effect of some of the ramifications of the religious struggles of those early years can still be felt today, there is a decided atmosphere of peace and understanding between those churches and, generally speaking, among all the churches in Botetourt. That is true, notwithstanding the subsequent struggles and ramifications of the War Between the States and its effects on Botetourt churches. Although we must admit that even in Botetourt County, it’s not a perfect world. We believe that the churches of Botetourt County can legitimately borrow words from the Psalmist, “The lines have fallen for (us) in pleasant places; indeed (we) have a beautiful inheritance.”
With that thought in mind, it is our hope that many of the churches in Botetourt will plan some kind of celebration events during this Sestercentennial Year for Botetourt County. Besides those churches whose history of pre-Revolutionary, several other churches have organizational histories that extend back over 200 years, even in areas that in those days would have been considered “out-lying” places of worship.
We feel that it would be of great interest of many folks in this area to be able to celebrate with churches in various locations in Botetourt County during this Sestercentennial Year. In the Town of Fincastle itself, the histories of many different denominational churches rise in the steeples that can be seen from many directions as one approaches this historic village.
One of the goals of one sestercentennial committee is to produce an up-to-date directory, The Churches of Botetourt County. This effort will need the assistance of any and all who would be willing to contribute information about the local churches in your area of the county. One other goal, in the “hopeful” stages currently, is the editing and publishing of a brief historical/pictorial directory of the churches in Botetourt.
We are asking that any churches willing to contribute information to please send a copy of your church history, including organizational date and the date the current building was erected. We would also like to include the physical address of each church and possibly contact information as well. Information can be mailed to Botetourt Churches, c/o 2284 Mount Moriah Road, Eagle Rock, 24085, or emailed to roja.mcrae@gmail.com. For phone calls and texts, please contact 540-797-6675. Any information that anyone can send will be helpful and much appreciated.
We would be glad to assist in publicizing church events in this celebration year. And if we might be of any assistance in planning a church event to celebrate Botetourt County’s 250th year, please let us know.
Robert A. McRae
Eagle Rock
Superintendent offers guidance on COVID-19
Editor:
Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS) continues to closely monitor the health crisis associated with the novel coronavirus infections (COVID-19). In monitoring the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) website, we have learned of three presumptive positive coronavirus cases in Virginia. According to VDH, “For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.” As of today, there are no confirmed cases in Botetourt County.
As safety is our top priority, we will continue to monitor our schools, staff, and children; respond to any public health announcements; and rapidly provide you with information as needed. Our school division is working closely on a regular basis with the Virginia Department of Health, Botetourt County Public Safety Officials, and other health authorities to stay apprised of any developments regarding COVID-19. To reduce the spread of this illness, our custodians continue to provide daily, thorough cleanings to our schools. Our bus drivers wipe down and clean their buses. We also encourage our staff and students to practice frequent and proper hand-washing techniques and to stay at home when sick.
Overall, taking basic, everyday precautions can help protect you and the community. We strongly encourage all community members to practice CDC-recommended precautions, not only for COVID-19, but for the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
Encourage good hygienic practices:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Reduce the spread of illness:
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Cover your mouth / nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have been contaminated.
The most up-to-date information and recommendation can be found at the US Centers for Disease Control, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and the Virginia Department of Health, http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ websites.
Most importantly, stay calm and informed. The best preventative steps for any communicable disease include common sense and following important measures, such as the ones outlined above.
Dr. Lisa Chen, Superintendent
Botetourt County Public Schools
