The 30th Anniversary of Mission Central
Thirty years ago, Mission Central was launched in the attic of McGaheysville UMC by Artie Frederick and her husband, Dave. The attic was neither heated nor airconditioned, and every piece of clothing had to be carried up and down a flight of steep stairs. Over the years the ministry of this clothes closet expanded so much that it outgrew the space in the attic. The stairs leading to the attic were so steep that only Artie and one other woman could navigate the ascent, further limiting the ministry.
Artie came to my office one day while I was district superintendent to explain the problem. We agreed she needed another location and began to look for commercial space all over Harrisonburg but couldn’t find anything that met out needs or that we could afford, so we decided to build. A man named Bill Neff had several modular units which he had moved from Manassas, and he donated four of them to the clothes closet.
We assembled a building crew headed by the Rev. Bob Talbott, and dozens of Harrisonburg district folks worked for months. The four modular units were erected, and new flooring, ceiling and walls were added. A bathroom was installed, as well as washing machines and dryers and a play area for children.
A corner in one of the modular units became the medical equipment area, and Delores Reid and crew began offering wheelchairs, hospital beds, canes, crutches, shower chairs, and all kinds of medical equipment. Both of these areas grew so fast that it wasn’t long before the medical equipment ministry moved to a larger space at Mt. Tabor UMC, which gave both groups more space.
Mission Central has been helping thousands of parents with free children’s and youth clothing. The ministry provides diapers and infant supplies as well as clothing for children up to 15 or 16 years old. Many churches purchase items such as new underwear, socks and pajamas. The entire Harrisonburg district has donated clothes, and Mission Central is frequently filled to overflowing. The Virginia United Methodist Foundation has frequently supported Mission Central through an annual grant, which covers the cost of thousands of diapers for families with young children. Over the past 30 years, thousands of children have been clothed and cared for as a result of the ministry of Mission Central.
Artie Frederick has been and continues to be a mainstay in ensuring Mission Central can continue to help thousands of children and their parents. McGaheysville UMC recently organized a picnic to celebrate 30 years of service to children in the Harrisonburg area. Join me in thanking Artie and Dave and all the others who have made Mission Central such a successful ministry. If you would like to help at Mission Central or donate, please call 540-929-1688. Mission Central is located at 1704 Smithland Road in Harrisonburg.
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Vice President, Legacy Giving & Stewardship Development
Image: VAUMF
