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Editorial 4.14.11

The Rev. Dr. Robert Bluford Jr., the man principally responsible for saving the site of Historic Polegreen Church in Hanover County, as well as an additional 107 acres of Civil War battlefield, was honored Friday night in Norfolk as the Virginia Press Association’s 2011 Virginian of the Year.Past recipients of the award have included former governors and senators, best-selling authors, prominent educators, musicians and athletes, and well-known CEOs, newspaper publishers, and broadcasters. They were all worthy of the award as Virginians who achieved fame and success in their given fields.

This year, the VPA decided to restructure the criteria to place less emphasis on celebrity

and more emphasis on humanitarian achievement.For this reason, Bob Bluford, who is hardly a household name outside of Hanover and Henrico counties and the City of Richmond, joined a list of luminaries that includes Ralph Stanley, the Statler

Brothers, Arthur Ashe, Patricia

Cornwell, Mills Godwin, Gerald Balliles, Harry F. Byrd Jr., June Carter Cash, Willard Scott, Ricky Rudd and Roger Mudd.Many people who know Bob Bluford through his association with the Historic Polegreen Church Foundation may be unaware that he flew B-24 bombers during World War II, and was director of Presbyterian Campus Ministries during the turbulent 1960s. He and two associates created Richmond’s Fan Free Clinic in 1970, which led to free clinics in 58 other Virginia Communities within a decade. In 1975, Bluford began a movement that resulted in the Laurel community in Henrico being designated a Historic District.

In the 1980s, we went to work on Polegreen Church, an area threatened by encroaching residential development that is significant as a Civil War battlefield and as the spot where the Rev. Samuel Davies began a quest for the freedom of religious choice in Colonial Virginia.

At age 92, Bluford still works tirelessly for Polegreen Church, and for a number of causes relating to Native American Heritage, reviving Virginia’s official state song, and Civil War heritage.

We at the Herald-Progress are proud to have nominated Dr. Bluford for the award. Much more credit must go to Hanover residents Sumpter Priddy Jr., Doug Blue and Del. Chris Peace for research and the preparation of the nomination.

NEWS FROM POLEGREEN

Inside:

Spring 2011Newsletter

HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION

• Bob Bluford is Virginian of the Year

• Message from the President

• From the Desk of the Executive Director

• Annual Report

• Resource Development

• Programs & Events

• Atkinson Leads Volunteer Program

• News from the Annual Meeting

• Sesquicentennial Committee

Polegreen’s Bluford is Virginian of the Year

Continued to www.historicpolegreen.orgDr. Bluford with editor Greg Glassner and advisory board member Sumpter Priddy.

POLEGREEN


Greetings and good health to you! Thank you for your continued support of the Historic Polegreen Church Foundation. You will be pleased to know that 2010 proved extremely successful for the Foundation. Not only did our programs and educational outreach expand but we also dedicated our new visitor center and office building. We hope you will visit often.

HPCF ended the fiscal year 2010 with total net assets of $ 4,885,359, which is an increase of $34,104 over the previous period. This positive position represents sound investment strategies by our money managers as well as the vigilance of the Board of Directors for cost controls. In order to be cautious

about a possible “double-dip” recession, the Finance Committee, based on considerable discussion, recommended moving its managed accounts to a 50/50 weighting of bonds/equities from a 40/60 bond/equity weighting. I hope you will agree that this conservative approach is a wise and accepted standard in these times.

Operating revenues (excluding investment gains and interest) dropped in 2010, due in part to the recovering economy, but mostly attributable to construction taking place on site. 2009 numbers skew this simple analysis due to three restricted contributions from the Parsons, Cabell and Windsor Foundations for building our new center and office space totaling $125,000. Otherwise a dynamic analysis of revenues actually would show an increase totaling over $100,000 in support for operations. Our 2010 program enhancement led to mid-year budget adjustments increasing previously expected expenses. These investments advance HPCF’s mission and benefit at-risk youth across the region.

Upon review of the End of Year 2010 Financial Statements HPCF finances are healthy considering the still sluggish economy and

competition among historic non-profits for finite donor resources. In light of this reality, the Board committed to a new strategic plan with measurable goals built around 5 elements that include increasing awareness of and visitation to Polegreen in metro Richmond, continuing to create and implement programs telling the Polegreen story, strengthening the financial underpinnings of the Foundation by launching the targeted initiatives, developing a management plan to address leadership succession and staff capacity needs, and finally, implementing site plans for further development at the site. The Board is confident that this vision is one which will be embraced by our community of supporters.

Thank you for your support during these challenging economic times. Each donation helps support the mission of preserving the historic site and interpreting the contributions of the men and women at this special place. Financial contributions of all sizes matter and we are so privileged to have a wonderfully supportive group of people.

David W. Fuller, TreasurerChairman of the Finance Committee

Treasurer’s Report

David W. Fuller, TreasurerChairman of the Finance Committee

In related news, Polegreen and LDW Consulting recently partnered to revitalize our grant writing department revising our mini-case for support to focus on expanding capacity and enhancing programs instead of a singular focus on bricks and mortar. Polegreen’s long range endowment activities will be led by Dr. Bluford who is engaged in recruiting co-chairs for a major fund-raising effort furthering his vision of an educational center on site. Please contact the Foundation if you would like to participate in any of this work.

POLEGREEN


$19,969

$57,109 $97,398

Program ServicesManagementand GeneralFundraising

This selected financial information is part of the completed

compilation of financials prepared by Charles E. Walton & Co., P.C. Copies of these reports and our Form 990 are available upon

request. Please contact the HPCF office at 804-730-3837.

Statement of Financial Position

______________________________Assets______________________________

Current Assets 1,082,873______________________________ Net Property 3,776,236______________________________ Other Assets 26,250____________________________________________________________ Total Assets 4,885,359______________________________

______________________________Liabilities and Net Assets______________________________

Patrick Henry Birthplace 15,750______________________________ Total Net Assets 4,869,609____________________________________________________________ Total Liabilities and net assets 4,885,359

The Foundation wishes to thank M&T Bank, The Dominion Foundation, and the Robins Foundation for their recent investments in our educational program. Each of these organizations seeks opportunities to improve the lives of Virginians through grants to nonprofit organizations like Polegreen. Since December 1st these three philanthropic gifts will fully fund our educational outreach position for 2011. As a result, Dr. Farrah Graham will be working with students from across the region training them to use primary sources and hands-on activities on site.

Resource Development Grant News

Polegreen is now live on www.GiveRichmond.org and we encourage you to visit online. GiveRichmond is a searchable database that provides programmatic, financial, governance and management information about the charitable organizations serving the Greater Richmond region, including Southside Virginia. You will find this information organized in the form of a nonprofit “portrait.” The site is free and available to the public.

GiveRichmond allows you to give directly through the website by making a secure credit card donation. If you are interested in giving of your time, many nonprofits have included volunteer opportunities within the needs statement of their portrait. Lastly, you may choose to “give the gift of charity” by participating in our pilot giving card program. Make a donation and receive a giving card. Pass the giving card on to a friend or loved one and give them an opportunity to support a local nonprofit of their choice.

POLEGREEN


IN HONOR OF DR. & MRS. ROBERT BLUFORD, JR.Mr. & Mrs. David L. CamperMrs. Hazel M. Hubbard

IN HONOR OF MARY AYLETT PAYNEMrs. Sarah Redington

GOVERNMENTHanover County, Virginia

FOUNDATIONSThe Dominion FoundationHarry A. Thomas Memorial Fund of The Community Foundation The Robins Foundation

CORPORATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONSA.W. Bennett Company, Inc.City Wide Decorators, Inc.Covenant WoodsThe Dominion Foundation Matching Gift FundMechanicsville Power Equipment

IN-KIND SERVICESCity Wide Decorators, Inc.Dr. and Mrs. Robert Bluford, Jr.Hanover Ruritan ClubMr. Eugene AtkinsonMr. Tom Carlton

THE ANNUAL FUNDIndividuals

The Samuel Davies Societyhonoring gifts of $500 +Mrs. Martha D. NewellDr. Virgie M. BinfordMr. Bob Bluford, IIIMr. G. Everett B. ReveleyMr. & Mrs. Hunter B. KeckMr. & Mrs. F. Claiborne Johnston, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. David BradleyMr. & Mrs. David W. FullerMr. & Mrs. Robert GilesMrs. Margaret ThomasMr. & Mrs. Kenneth M. Perry

Mr. & Mrs. Harry J. WarthenMrs. Dorothy T. WingfieldMr. & Mrs. Frank AtkinsonMr. & Mrs. Moreland R. Irby, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. BeadlesMr. & Mrs. Sumpter PriddyMs. Karen Gorham

Patrick Henry Circlehonoring gifts of $250-499Dr. Karl PeaceMr. John ShinholserMr. & Mrs. David L. CamperMr. & Mrs. Robert F. StrohmMr. & Mrs. W. Taylor Reveley, IIIMr. Dennis E. BrownMr. Thomas Jefferson, IIIRev. & Mrs. Jim PayneThe Honorable & Mrs. Christopher K. Peace

Samuel Morris Meeting House Clubhonoring gifts of $100-249Dr. & Mrs. Edwin S. WysorDr. & Mrs. Franklyn H. Ashby, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Mills MintonMr. & Mrs. John EnsignMr. & Mrs. John Hardy WillsonMr. & Mrs. John KrebbsMr. & Mrs. John S. HartMr. & Mrs. John T. StevensonMr. & Mrs. Lamar WilliamsonMr. & Mrs. Peter E. BroadbentMr. & Mrs. Peter RippeMr. & Mrs. William ThompsonMr. & Mrs. William DentMr. E. S. WysorMr. Finn JensenMr. Frank HargroveMr. Frederick G. Kraft, Jr.Mr. G. Everett B. ReveleyMr. John B. BaileyMr. John D. MitchellMr. & Mrs. John RoseMr. Josiah RoweMr. Richard CarrMr. William WinfreyMrs. Anna Marie BlattMrs. Dotty C. Robinson

Mrs. Frances B. MackMrs. Hazel M. HubbardMrs. Mary Beth McIntyreMrs. Wilana MaddenMs. Jane ClarkMs. Jayne SneedMs. Kay SneddenMs. Nancy Hill

Friends of Dissentershonoring gifts up to $99Dr. Mathias BergmanMr. & Mrs. Alan KinkerMr. & Mrs. Allen WimettMr. & Mrs. Ed AlexanderMr. & Mrs. Harry F. HayesMr. & Mrs. Philip L. ColtrainMr. & Mrs. Ralph RhudyMr. & Mrs. Richard E. PeroeMr. & Mrs. Robert TateMr. & Mrs. Robert L. Williams, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Stuart RadaMr. & Mrs. Thomas J. AbernathyMr. & Mrs. William ChalmersMr. Daniel EscaleraMr. David PultzMr. Edward GalleMr. Glenn C. ThomasonMr. James AldridgeMr. Lloyd HuckstepMr. Otho D. MittererMr. Robert BirneyMr. Thomas EasonMr. Tom Brown, III.Mr. Win NuckolsMrs. Elizabeth A. RamseyMrs. Nancy EberleMrs. Peggy WitherspoonMs Dorothy EasonMs. Barbara MucklowMs. Grace WebbMs. Joan LosenMs. Kathy HuneycuttMrs. Marion JonesMs. Mary SissonMs. Peggy S. ForeMs. Rebecca K. CooleyRev. H. Starke Cauthorn

2010 HONOR ROLL OF DONORSThe Board of Directors and staff gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the following donors whose gifts have enhanced the historic site in extraordinary ways and developed programs and partnerships. Every attempt has been made to list donors accurately. Should there be an error or omission, please call: 804-730-3837.

offering on June 30, 2011 with the Commonwealth Bluegrass Band. Please come with your folding chair and blanket for an enjoyable evening on site. Ultimately, our vision is to be recognized for leadership in the historic interpretation of civil and religious freedom through the sustained preservation of the site, community outreach, collaborative partnerships, and educational programs. Over the past year, with your help, we are making this vision a reality.

Sincerely,

Christopher K. Peace, Esq.Executive Director

POLEGREEN


President’s Message

Robert Bluford, Jr.President

Dear Friends of Polegreen,Two hundred and sixty four years ago in the month of April, young Samuel Davies appeared before the Colonial Governor William Gooch to make his request to be licensed to preach in Virginia. Impressed by the twenty-three year old before him because of his demeanor, knowledge, and respect for thegovernor and his council, as well as his convincing pledge not to convert

Anglicans into Presbyterians, Gooch granted Davies the license he sought. On this day in Williamsburg in 1747 a seed was planted that was to grow beyond the anticipation of anyone present, including Davies himself.

Our experience at Polegreen over this past twenty years has revealed that there are yet a great many of our fellow citizens who do not know there was ever a time in America when the government and the Church were locked handin hand. As to the relevance of Samuel Davies, the Polegreen story and the impact on the first amendment to our Bill of Rights, it appears that we are engaged in a mission that multitudes of people around the world might findof great value. It is difficult to imagine what the world might be like if all tribes and nations,

including our own, were to experience religious andcivil liberty as we are able to experience it. Almost daily we read of those who are tortured or killed because of their failure to confirm to religious viewpoints that differ from their own. It doesn’t take thebrilliance of Einstein to see why multitudes take the view, “a pox on all your houses,” and go their way without regard to what role of the Creator of the Universe might be in their own life.

I leave you with a quote from one of Davies’ sermons: “A servant of Christ who does not, in every known instance, endeavor to do his master’s will is a contradiction.”

May the blessing of God be upon us all.Bob Bluford

From the Desk of the Executive DirectorOver the past several years, Foundation efforts have focused primarily on “bricks and mortar” enhancements. Last year, we dedicated our new visitor center and office building with two wonderful events. This winter the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail signs were placed in VDOT right of ways across the Commonwealth directing the travelling public to sites significant to the life of Patrick Henry including Polegreen. Interest and visitation appear to be increasing daily as a result of these improvements.

In 2011 the Foundation will busy itself with our educational programs and pursuing implementation of an updated strategic plan developed in consultation with Dr. Charlie Bryan and Dr. Dan Jordan. Polegreen’s programs include a lecture by Dr. John Ragosta who will speak on “Religious Freedom -- How we got it: Hornets, Snakes, Presbyterians, and Baptists” at the Library of Virginia, and attempts to distribute lesson plans to regional school systems. By mid-summer we will host our second annual Lawn Chairs & Liberty after-work musical

POLEGREEN


Sesquicentennial Committee In March, the Hanover County Sesquicentennial Committee of which Polegreen is a founding member hosted a digital scanning project alongside the Library of Virginia. This Library of Virginia effort is spread around the state as a part of the official commemoration program. For our first foray, at the Mechanicsville Pamunkey Regional Library, we had a good turnout with about 80 items scanned! Please visit this link to our local committee: http://co.hanover.va.us/planning/hcsc.htm.

News from the Annual Meeting In February of this year, the Board of Directors met in the new visitor center and foundation office building to consider Foundation business. Each year officers and new directors are selected. On behalf of the Governance Committee, Mr. Dave Fuller presented the following slate of officers for the upcoming year: Dr. Robert Bluford, Jr. – President F. Claiborne (Jay) Johnston, Jr. – Vice President & Secretary David W. Fuller – Treasurer Christopher K. Peace – Executive Directorand the following slate of directors to serve three-year terms expiring 2014, effective immediately: Robert B. Giles Kenneth M. Perry

The Board unanimously approved the slate of officers and directors as presented. Dr. Bluford thanked Mary Payne, Dotty Robinson and Margaret Thomas for their service on the Board.

Jay JohnstonThe Foundation wishes to con-gratulate its new Vice President, F. Claiborne (“Jay”) Johnston, whois a Senior Counsel at Troutman Sanders in Richmond, Virginia. Jay’s practice encompasses a wide-range of corporate finance and other corporate matters and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, change-in-control and related transactions, and corporate governance issues. During his career, he has served as counsel or special counsel to a number of Virginia’s leading businesses. His public service includes stints on the Board of Directors of the Library of Virginia, Westminster-Canterbury Corporation, and TheValentine Museum (now RichmondHistory Center).

We’re Going Bridal

Polegreen is pleased to take part in Premier Bride Magazine to be published in June and December, 2011. This will be our first advertisement to interested brides in hopes they will consider our site for their special day. Special thanks to Kayle Miller of Endzone Photography for shooting the beautiful pictures. Don’t forget to pick up your copy in June. Visit www.pbrichmond.com and click on “Ceremony Sites and Chapels.”

William Byrd Community House

The students of the William Byrd Community House visited the Polegreen site on April 21. They were the first group of students to test our new Archaeological Dig Simulation and Colonial Games. Thanks to our educational grants, students who visit Polegreen will have hands on activities to enhance their learning.

Host Your Event at Polegreen

Did you know that you could rent the Polegreen site for your special event? Do you need a conference room for that important meeting? Consider Polegreen for a serene setting to befit any occasion. From partial to full site rentals, the Polegreen calendar is busy with weddings, meetings and group tours. This means you will occasionally find a “Site Closed” sign for a private event. A local Boy Scout Troop is working diligently on two additional picnic tables so that you and your group can site and relax and enjoy our beautiful site. You can access our Facility Use Policy on our website and by clicking on “Host Your Special Event at Polegreen” from the homepage.

POLEGREEN


Upcoming Programs Events________________________________National Day of Prayer - May 5, 5:30 PM

Hanover County Heritage Day - May 14, 9:30 AM

Civil War Site Encampment - May 15

Hanover Association of Business / Chamber of Commerce After Hours Social - June 15, 5:30 PM until dusk

Lawn Chairs & Liberty Concert with the Commonwealth Bluegrass Band - Thursday evening June 30

Bluford/ Founder Memorial Service - October 23, 3 PM

Haunted Halloween - October 27, 6 PM Colonial Christmas Illumination - December 2, 5 PM

Lectures______________________________ Hanover’s Sesquicentennial Committee Lecture with Waite Rawls, CEO Museum of the Confederacy, June 26, 2 PM at the Historic Hanover Tavern

Polegreen Lecture Series with Dr. John Ragosta: “Religious Freedom - How we got it: Hornets, Snakes, Presbyterians, & Baptists”, July 12, 6 PM lecture at the Library of Virginia, reception to follow

Lunch & Learn OpportunitiesThe Foundation recently launched a new development initiative entitled Lunch and Learn. This monthly event is designed to assist Polegreen with expanding its giving base and raise awareness. The Foundation encourages you to refer your contacts to us so we may invite and facilitate similar meetings. Board members will co-host these opportunities in the future. Guests are treated to a brief program, lunch, and a tour of the Polegreen site. For more information please contact Missy Minton at the Foundation.

Calling All VolunteersEugene Atkinson, a longtime volunteer at Polegreen, has accepted the challenge to become our first Volunteer Coordinator. Eugene is in the process of gathering names of interested individuals who would like to assist our staff in giving tours and maintaining the site. All volunteers are required to attend a training sessions and fill out an application. Come help us spread the message of Polegreen and take part in history. For more details, contact Eugene at 804.525.0477 or by email at [email protected].


Historic Polegreen Church FoundationP.O. Box 2111Mechanicsville, VA 23116-0011

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMechanicsville, VA

Permit No. 190

Mrs. Richard ReynoldsPO Box 7170 Richmond, VA 23221-0170/232210170705/

Board of Directors Robert Bluford, Jr. President F. Claiborne Johnston, Jr. Vice President & Secretary David W. Fuller Treasurer Richard E. Bartell Robert Bluford, III David B. Bradley Robert B. Giles Barbara-lyn B. Morris Kenneth M. Perry G. Everett B. Reveley Robert F. StrohmHarry J. Warthen, III

Advisory Board Tommy P. Baer Dr. Virgie M. Binford Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr. Hugh Gouldthorpe Ivor Massey Jr. Martha D. Newell Sumpter T. Priddy, Jr. W. Taylor Reveley, III Rev. Jack Sadler Professor C. Jan Swearingen

Education Advisory Council Dr. Mathias BergmanRandolph-Macon College

Dr. William BosherVirginia Commonwealth University

Jenny CoteHistorical Author

Mark GreenoughVirginia State Capitol

Jennifer HurstPreservation Virginia

June LehmanSt. Catherine’s School

Kay Peninger St. John’s Church Foundation

Nora WheelerHanover County Public Schools

Dr. Jamelle WilsonHanover County Public Schools

Executive Director Christopher K. Peace [email protected]

Deputy Director of Resource Development Missy Minton [email protected]

Contact UsFor general information or questions, please contact: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2111, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116Phone: (804) 730-3837

To join our email mailing list, please visit www.historicpolegreen.org and find the tool in the lower right hand corner.

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inside: polegreen’s bluford is virginian of the year · launching the targeted initiatives,...

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