Over the course of many years, our music ministry has been provided with generous and thoughtful financial support from the Endowment at River Road Church.

When River Road considered the possibility of renewing Children’s and Youth Handbell Choirs, the Endowment helped to give them a jump start by making it possible for us to engage Paul Honaker, a superb handbell director, as their conductor. The success of these handbell choirs has become obvious to anyone who has heard them ring in worship at the Family Service on Christmas Eve or at other times of the year. The Endowment supported the purchase on an additional octave of White Chapel bells, bringing our set to a full five octaves. The Endowment also provided funding that allowed Paul Honaker to refurbish a donated three-octave set of Schumerich bells used regularly by our Youth and Family bell choirs in recent years.

In 2013, I requested a grant which made it possible for me to study with three of the most highly respected organ teachers in Europe during a week-long master class centered in Romainmôtier, Switzerland. Conversing about music with, and performing for, legendary organists Guy Bovet, Luigi Tagliavini, and Lionel Rogg was really a rare opportunity. The course included performances of music from several different countries and historical periods – and master classes were held on organs that were suited for each particular type of repertoire. I thank the Endowment Board for recognizing the value of that enlightening organ study week.

The success of the E. Carl Freeman Concert Series is due in great part to the annual contribution from the Endowment. Music lovers from the larger Richmond community have been nurtured by the performances we promote through the concert series each season. Many people who attend these concerts are only able to make a small contribution at each concert; therefore, without the generous grant from the Endowment, it would be impossible to engage many of the high profile musicians who perform in the series.

In advance of the Rejoice and Give Thanks capital campaign, the initial study of the Möller organ was made possible through a grant from the Endowment. By making it feasible to bring the renowned consultant Jonathan Ambrosino to River Road to inspect and evaluate our Möller organ, we were able to determine that this instrument was worth restoring.

In 2016, River Road Church hoped to initiate a choral scholars program that would bring talented college and university students into the fellowship of our Chancel Choir. It was our hope that being involved in River Road’s Chancel Choir might foster a life-long interest in great sacred choral music. I was delighted that this proposed program received full support, in every sense, from the Endowment.

The vision of the Endowment, and its willingness to help the music ministry explore new possibilities, has made a tremendous difference in the overall ministry of River Road Church. It is my sincere hope that your thoughtful contributions to the Endowment will enable the continuation of its valuable work into the future.

The River Road Church Endowment Fund provides critical support to the church in carrying out meaningful and life-changing ministries. You’re invited to attend at least one of the 50th anniversary celebration gatherings. To make your reservation at one of the gatherings please contact a member of the Endowment Board:
Hilton Almond, Fred Bagwell, George Davis, Bill Gray, Ransone Hartz, Andy McAllister, Eleanor Nurney, Susan Phillips, Seth Roberts, Susan Rucker, Bill Stanton, or Linda Schreiner