Humble Beginnings

    Christ Wesleyan Church was founded in 1945 by Reverend Pearl Allred(picture on the right). J.H. Fralin from Roanoke, Virginia donated $25.00 for a tent revival meeting, which was conducted by Rev. J.A. Howard and Rev. J.E. Guill, the then District Superintendent of the Pilgrim Holiness Church. Nine individuals found Christ during this meeting. The following year, there was another tent revival, and seventeen more people were saved. Rev. Allred started Sunday School gatherings at her home on 212 Harless Street, which led to the formation of the Christiansburg Pilgrim Holiness Mission. In 1947, a church building was constructed on a garden spot, which became the official location. A plot of land was purchased for $1,000 in 1949, and a new facility was completed in 1950. In 1968, due to the merger of the Pilgrim Holiness Church and the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the name of the church was changed to Christiansburg Wesleyan Church. Later, between the years of 1973-1978, under the leadership of Rev. N.J. Underwood, a fellowship hall was added to the rear of the property.

Caring Is What We Do Best

    The church welcomed Rev. David L. Hurd (pictured on the left) as pastor in 1986. During his tenure, the church saw significant growth but faced limited space and parking challenges. To address this, the church sought a larger property and found five acres of land in the Grandview Subdivision in 1993. Plans to relocate the church's ministries were set in motion, thanks in part to the generous support of Rev. Charles and Sharon Jones from Charlottesville. Their sacrificial gift of $14,500 provided the down payment, while the remainder was financed by a loan from the district. The old facilities were sold to McNeil Realty in the fall of 1996, and the church met at the New River Valley Community Room from November 1996 until September 1997 when the new $256,000 facility was completed. J.H Fralin and Sons Contractor were the contractors for the build, which included the church's first preschool named "Little Hands Preschool." The dedication of the new facility was held on September 28, 1997.

    Pastor David and his wife Debbie have touched the lives of many during a lifetime in ministry. Pastoring for over 39 years with selfless dedication and a servant’s heart, they have ministered to others in life’s memorable moments. They have celebrated in joyful times when decisions were made to follow Jesus Christ, at baptisms, and officiating at weddings. Together they have been present during times of trial, illness, the loss of loved ones, and presiding at funerals. They have shared God’s love while providing needed counsel, prayer, and pastoral care. Pastor Hurd also served in the local community. He participated in the Christiansburg Ministerial Association holding various offices, and volunteered as Chaplain at the local hospitals. He received a lifetime membership award from the Virginia Parents and Teachers Association for his service as President of the PTA at both the primary and elementary schools in Christiansburg. He has worked for the New River Valley Juvenile Detention Home as a Child Care Level 1, and also for the Intellectual Disabilities Agency of the NRV under the direction of Sheila Roop. He was also employed as a bus driver for Radford City Schools for a number of years leading up to his retirement. Through their faithful leadership, steadfast stewardship, and commitment to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Pastor Hurd served as Lead Pastor of Christiansburg Wesleyan Church for a faithful 32 years between 1986-2018. 

A New Name, Same Identity

    Throughout the course of 78 years, the story of Christ Wesleyan Church is one of transition, dedication, and perseverance. Hurd preached his final sermon to the church during the morning worship service on Sunday, Feb. 25. Despite the retirement of the faithful Pastor Hurd, the congregation remained steadfast in their faith and merged with Radford Wesleyan Church on May 1st, 2018, becoming one unified community. Under the new leadership of Pastor Gale Janofski, the church flourished and continued to serve its members and seek to reach the lost with unwavering devotion. However, Pastor J retired after his four-year term. Even during the transition period after Pastor J's retirement, the church remained committed to its mission (Exalting Christ and Caring For Others) and appointed Pastor Greg Reynolds as "Interim Pastor" to lead them. Finally, after searching for a pastor for nearly a year, the church was blessed with a new pastor and pastoral family in August of 2023. Since its founding, the members of Christ Wesleyan Church have demonstrated a deep commitment to their faith, the bride of Christ, and to each other. Serving as an inspiration to all who know their story.

Meet Our New Pastor
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