Short History of Episcopal-Lutheran Congregation/Parish at Good Shepherd
1977 - 2022

This parish came into being in 1977 as a mission organized by a gallant and dedicated group of 14 people determined to have an Episcopal presence in the Twin Counties (Carroll & Grayson) of Southwest Virginia.  For several years this small group led a nomadic existence using borrowed space in Galax, VA.

In 1982, a house was purchased in Galax, VA.  After extensive remodeling, monthly celebration of the Holy Eucharist by various clergy began.  Lay readers led Morning Prayer on other Sundays.

In 1983 the congregation called the first full time vicar to administer the mission and provide weekly celebration.  The parish also became more involved in the community.  What is now Twin County Hospice, now owned and operated by Twin County Regional Health Care, was originally the Hospice of the Good Shepherd that was started with a grant from The Diocese of SW VA in the very early '80s.  Laura Weaver and Carolyn McDonald were the ladies who led the project. Volunteers were trained at the church and worked throughout the twin counties.   Later, a Hostel was established providing the area's only homeless shelter.  The Hostel provided space in the church for people in the community needing a 'hand up, not a handout.' Eventually, both the Hospice and the Hostel grew larger than the church was able to manage and became independent.

 In 1989 Good Shepherd acquired parish status and began exploring the formation of a joint congregation with the mission of the ELCA being considered for the Galax  area.  As a result Lutheran and Episcopal worshipers began to share services with celebrations from both faith traditions.

In 1991 the Episcopal priest retired and a Lutheran pastor assumed worship responsibilities for the rapidly growing congregation with almost equal numbers of congregants from Episcopal and Lutheran backgrounds.  By 1999 the Concordant which declared that Episcopal and Lutheran clergy could serve interchangeably had been adopted by both denominations. 

Following the retirement of the Lutheran pastor, an Episcopal priest was called as Rector in 2000.

After several years of effort, praying for God's guidance, securing an architect-engineer, selecting a planning and building committee, discussing and rethinking plans, finding a contractor -- the new house of worship was built and furnished.  Both the Episcopal and Lutheran bishops participated in the dedication on July 6, 2005.  This planning and building process was a spiritual journey as we became one body and we realized our vision of building a holy house to the Glory of God.  The church did very modest borrowing for the completion of the church.  The nearly half-million dollar construction and furnishing was paid for and work has been completed finishing the basement area for educational space.  The church buried a time capsule to mark the completion of the first phase of the new church and the church's history.  This time capsule was dedicated on July 25, 2006.

Following the resignation of our Rector in 2006, the congregation flourished during our deliberate and prayerful call process which resulted in the call of  Rector/Pastor Dr.Helen Beasley in 2008.

Rector/Pastor Dr. Helen Beasley retired January 1, 2014. Rector/Pastor Rev. Marty Wagner was called as part time pastor in 2017. She retired in November of 2021. Due to the Covid 19 Pandamic, we operated by Zoom for a year and a half and then begin having in-person worship along with Zoom on October 31, 2021. 

Good Shepherd has a Vestry/Council of five members and the staff includes part-time church administrator, music coordinators and sexton.   There are approximately 11 standing committees actively involved in the mission of the church.

To the right is our current Zoom/Mevo control center at Church of the Good Shepherd. In addition to Zoom, we have assisted listening for those attending who have trouble hearing.  It was constructed by Rob Meinecke and Mary Schwalenberg.