1910 - Present

In the 1890's and early 1900's, circuit riding Adventist preachers initiated a ministry in Highland County, Virginia. By the year 1910, Adventism was firmly established there. This movement expanded southward through the work of two circuit-riding preachers, James W. Gardner, and S.A. Mundy.

Gardner and Mundy came 50 miles southward to the railroad town of Clifton Forge, 6 miles east was a small community called Longdale. Here, an enthusiastic response was received to the Adventist message.

On August 23, 1910, Rev. Gardner, and Rev. Mundy, assisted by Mr. L.F. Hendrix formally organized the Lone Star Advent Christian Church. Twenty-seven men and women became charter members of this new church. Rev. Gardner was the pastor of this new flock, and in order to secure means of livelihood, he became a laborer on the C & O Railroad.

At first, for about 6 years, the services were sporadic and were held in a tent. Then, in about 1916 a small white frame building was constructed. This building, with the addition of 2 Sunday School rooms served until 1963. In 1963, the present building was constructed, and in 1986, a new addition of Sunday School rooms was made. Then, in 2007, the Lone Star congregation began construction on yet another addition, the Lone Star Family Life Center. This facility includes a gymnasium, a stage (w/ baptistry), kitchen space, and youth ministry space.

The first recorded celebration of communion was in 1922. The first delegates to the Virginia State Advent Christian Conference was in 1925.

The leadership of the church during the 1930's and 1940's was under the direction of Rev. James W. Gardner, until his death in 1949.

A new leader was furnished by the direction of the Holy Spirit, in the person of Rev. Richard C. Polk, who arrived in July of 1949. Rev. Polk also served as pastor of the Central Advent Christian Church at the same time. From October 1954 until August 1956, Rev. J. Kenneth Andrews served in this pulpit. In September 1956, Lone Star had it's first full time pastor. Rev. George W. Saunders, Jr. served in that role until 1959. Following him, came Rev. Wendell K. DuBois.

Rev. DuBois terminated his pastorate in October 1964, and was then replaced by Rev. Lloyd T. White on December of that year. Rev. White served as pastor here at Lone Star until 1979. Upon his retirement Rev. Douglas Moore was called as pastor, and still serves in that role today. In 2005, Rev. Matthew Larkin was called to Lone Star to serve as our full-time youth pastor. He continues to serve in that role today.

It is impossible to name all the individuals who have attended and served the Lord at Lone Star. This church has a rich history, filled with blessings from the Lord. However, as exciting as our past has been, we look forward to seeing what God has next for the ministries at the Lone Star Advent Christian Church!