By the Rev. Terrence Walker, Trinity, South Hill
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The Rev. Dr. John L. Ghee and Bishop Hollerith
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The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia celebrated the Feast of the
Venerable Doctor James Solomon Russell, Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the
New RZUA Headquarters in La Crosse, Virginia. A native of Mecklenburg
County, Russell attended Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute and
taught school in North Carolina where he learned of the Episcopal
denomination and became a convert. His most notable achievement, along
with founding at least twenty churches in Southside Virginia, was the
establishment of Saint Paul's College (1888-2013) in Lawrenceville,
Virginia, an institution that trained and educated individuals who
impact local and wider communities to this day.
Officiating
at the service was the Right Reverend Herman Hollerith IV, Tenth Bishop
of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Among the other clergy
of the Diocese was the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, Jr., who was recognized for over sixty years of service to the Church and to the larger community.
In
his sermon, the Reverend Doctor John L. Ghee, Presiding Bishop of the
RZUA Churches of America, focused on the concept that divine purpose
comes with a plan and with the resources necessary to accomplish that
purpose. Referencing Russell's autobiography Adventure in Faith
(Morehouse Publishing, 1936), Ghee enumerated the series of events that
led to a nationally recognized college in rural Brunswick County,
Virginia, being founded by a former slave. Ironically, Russell was also
involved with the founding of the RZUA Churches of America.
Present
for the service were three generations of the Russell family. Elected
officials from Brunswick and Mecklenburg Counties were either on hand or
represented at the celebration. A number of local businesses and
individuals were sponsoring agents for the commemoration. Music was
provided by the Sharon Baptist Church Mass Choir. Following the service,
attendees retired to Trinity Episcopal Church for a light repast.
