Vancleave RLDS

On August 29, 1973 under the direction of our Branch President Elder Larry McMillan, a meeting was called to vote on purchasing four acres of land. The land was for the youth and general extension of the church. It was bought from Robin Ware for $2000 down at $1500 per acre. This land is located across the road from the main building.

The branch had 182 members on the roll in 1973.

An open air Tabernacle was built by the congregation on the newly purchased land. Bro. Floyd Goff donated all materials in the building of the Tabernacle. Many services, Homecoming dinners, and sings have been held in the building. Later a concrete slab was poured for the floor.

Open air tabernacle
Open Air Tabernacle, located across road from present church.  All materials donated
by Elder Floyd Goff.  Electrical work done by Arvis Taylor.

Asphalt was poured on the land for basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. A baseball field has not yet been completed. The facilities are open to the community at any time except when the congregation has a planned gathering.

On April 7, 1974, more land was purchased. It was approximately 1/3 acre between the 4 acres and another piece of land. $600 was the cost and Robin Ware was the original owner of the land.

Out reach in the community has always been a major contribution of the branch. The church has helped in the Boy and Girl Scout program when it came into the community, and has contributed to the baseball program for the youth. When families in the community have had crisis the congregation has always devoted their time, money, clothing or anything that was necessary to ease their burden.

Elder Jim Goff was Branch President in 1976. During that year the branch had most of our kitchen completed for homecoming and replaced the basement windows. Stoves, sinks and a refrigerator were purchased for the kitchen. The branch was delighted to have many of our members, both old and young taking on the duties of service. Some members were new in the church and others were rekindling the Spirits of old. We then had 204 on role.

On August 29, 1976, Brother William Barnhard, our District President, encouraged us to keep moving forward in the building of our community and making it a better place to live.

Jim Goff
James N. Goff, baptized into  Church June, 1948.  Ordained Priest 1961, Elder 1973.  Served as Branch President 1976, 1977.