by S. Rotan Hale
There is simply nothing that compares to the down home feel of a country church experience. It is something that many unfortunately just may not understand. Travel a few miles just outside of Vinton, head toward Windy Gap Mountain and the sweetness of rural county living will overcome you.
Sitting on a back road is Bethlehem Baptist Church. Step inside during Sunday services and let the spirit move you like it moves church youth leader Mike Hamlar.
Hamlar and his wife Katina, have been members of the church on Ivyland Drive for years. They and their 3 children: Simone (8), Michal (4), and Micah (2) live just around the corner from the church in an area perfectly situated and seemingly untouched by the toils of city living.
On Sunday, Nov. 15 the spirit moved several members of the church in a great way resulting in a donation of over $6,000 to create a scholarship fund at the church.
April 16, 1925 – Jan. 13, 1995
“The scholarship was developed in honor of my late grandmother Irene L. Lark and Lucille B. Poindexter, my wife Katina’s late grandmother.” explained Hamlar who led the charge with $5,000.
“Education will continue to be my primary focus and I want to encourage our young people to further their education by completing a certificate program, attending a community college or a four-year institution,” he added.
Feb. 14, 1922 – July. 23, 2013
As an accomplished businessman Hamlar is part owner of Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home. He is also adjunct professor at American National University in Salem–little wonder education was a major focus regarding his recent unsuccessful bid for state senate.
Joining Hamlar in the spirit of giving was local entrepreneur Anthony Smith of Blue Ridge Towers, who was on hand to donated $1,000 to the cause.
Rev. James Calloway pastor of the church since 2011, was ever so elated to both individuals for their most generous and philanthropic deeds from which children of Bethlehem Baptist Church will benefit enormously for years to come.
