Blackstone

 Retreat, Renew and Know Christ’s Peace

2012 Board members photographed left to right:  Rev. James M.Tongue, Chair; Jim Bergdoll, Rev. Jeane D. Dunkum, Co-Secretary; Debra A. Broadwater, Dolly Porter, UMW Representative; Catherine Bolton, Co-Secretary; Frances Johnston, Former Board Chair; Samuel A. McCracken, Executive Director; Rev. E. Tommy Herndon, Jr.; Rev. Herndon P. Jeffreys III, Rev. Gerould A. Ward, Jr.; Rev. Burton E. White, Mary R. Jordan, The Honorable Glen A. Huff, Treasurer; Donn L. Lee, Donald L. Myers, Vice-Chair; Rev. Lee B. Sheaffer.  Not Present: Rev. Marc D. Brown, William DuBois, Rev. Robert J. Parks, Jr.; Jennifer Secki Shields

Reuben L. Blanton, Jr., Rev. Gene Tatum, Mary Nell Tatum and Sam McCracken stand in the stripped down parlor.

The New Year is beginning in an exciting way for the Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center.   A generous gift has been given in memory of Nell Ruth Clay Blanton by her son, Reuben L. Blanton, Jr. and her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Nell Blanton Tatum and Rev. Gene C. Tatum.  This gift and memorials made by friends at the time of her death will be used to renovate and refurbish the first floor parlor (room 113).  Mrs. Blanton graduated in 1937 from Blackstone College for Girls.

“I can think of no better way to memorialize our Mother than to renovate a room in her memory at Blackstone.  Blackstone College and the Church were very special to her,” said Mary Nell Tatum.

“We are thrilled with the Blanton/Tatum gift in memory of their mother Nell Blanton.   Their generosity is a dream come true as we strive to begin much needed renovation work to this wonderful historic property,” said Executive Director Sam McCracken.

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January 16, 2012

On November 4 & 5, the 34th Annual United Methodist Men’s Spiritual Life Retreat lit up Blackstone.

November 4 – 5, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The grounds of Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center were alive as over 800 youth and leaders attended the Virginia United Methodist Men’s Scouting Fellowship. Those attending were given the opportunity to work on projects that lead to rank advancement, while camping and participating in traditional scouting games and activities in the outdoors of Southside Virginia. It was exciting to have them at Blackstone!

November 4 – 5, 2011

December 11, 2011 from 4 PM to 9 PM, the Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center presents an “Evening at Blackstone.”  Star of Wonder and Dean Shostak’s Crystal Concert will be featured.

[googleMap name="Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center" description="Historical Women's College" width="450" height="450"]707 Fourth Street, Blackstone, VA 23824[/googleMap]