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5008 Hildebrand Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24012


Sunday School — 9:45 a.m.
Morning Worship — 10:45 a.m.
Sunday Night — 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday Night Bible Study — 6:30 p.m.

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100 Years of History

The Rugby Church of God was organized in 1925 with Rev. Harry Carr as pastor. Services were first held in homes, missions, and various other places until February 1929 when land was purchased on Rugby Blvd, and 13th Street, NW at a cost of $4,000 to build a church. Ground was broken in July of 1929 and the first service in the new building was held in January 1930. The structure consisted of a sanctuary seating 250, a built-in baptistery, and full basement that provided rooms for Sunday School classes.

As the church grew, in 1956 it became necessary to relocate for future growth. The building and parsonage were sold to Pilgrim Baptist Church. Land was purchased on Hildebrand Road. Services were held in the Fraternal Order of Police building on Preston Avenue, NW until construction was completed. The name was then changed to "First" Church of God. In October 1957 the new facility was occupied and dedicated on November 3 with Rev. H. Clay Dunaway officiating. Rev. J. Tommy Williams was pastor at that time. The buiding consisted of a sanctuary to seat 250, six classrooms, a nursery and fellowship hall.

Continued growth was experienced under the leadership of Rev. William Giesler. A day school for children ages 2-5 started in the church in September 1959, an educational wing including a larger fellowship hall was added to the church in September 1960. Property across the street was purchased in November 1964 to construct a parking lot.

Under the leadership of Rev. James Chapman, the property across the street from the parking lot was purchased for construction of a day care center and gymnasium in September 1967. On March 10, 1968 the ground-breaking for Church Court Day Nursery and Kindergarten was held. Church Court has served the community now going on 47 years.

Charles Towriss became pastor in May of 1969. Much progress was experienced under his nine-year pastorate. The debt on the church was retired in July 1974, a few years early. The mortgage burning ceremony was held October 13, 1974. Also in 1974 new Church of God hymnals were dedicated and placed in the sanctuary and a new Allen digital computer organ was installed. To provide additional space a building program for a new sanctuary officially got underway in May 1976 with the approval of our loan from the Board of Church Extension and Home Missions in Anderson.

 

The ground-breaking service for the new sanctuary was August 1, 1976 with construction starting November 5, 1976. Worship services were held in the Church Court Gymnasium from May 8 until September 11, 1977, the first service in the new sanctuary.

 

Dedication of the new facility seating 600+ people including a balcony, a Prayer Chapel, two nurseries, restrooms and foyer space was held October 16, 1977 with Rev. Kenneth Tabor officiating. The mortgage on the Day Care Center was paid off in November 1977.
 

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Rev. Donn Sunshine

Interim Pastor

Rev. Donn Sunshine was born in 1962 and raised in Southwest Virginia. He and his wife, Rita, married in 1981 and have called the region home ever since. After owning and operating a custom home-building company, Donn answered God’s call to ministry in 1994. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Warner University and a Master of Theology from Anderson University School of Theology. After retiring from Wytheville First Church of God in 2024, Donn now serves as Interim Pastor at Roanoke First Church of God. He is honored to serve the church once led by his mentor and dear friend, the late Dr. James B. Milner.

Leadership Team

Michele Moore

Ministries Director

Michele Biography Here

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Zach Irby

Administrator & Outreach Coordinator

Zach Irby was born and raised in Roanoke and began attending Roanoke First Church of God in 2002. He holds a B.A. in Communication Studies with minors in Digital Media and Photography from King University in Bristol, Tennessee. Zach spent the past decade living out of the area and returned home to Roanoke in 2025. Prior to joining the church staff, Zach worked in television and print media as a news producer and reporter. He brings his experience in the field of communications and storytelling to his work with the church and its administrative and outreach efforts.

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Community Gatherings

Upcoming Events

  • 100th Anniversary Celebration Concert
    100th Anniversary Celebration Concert
    27 days to the event
    Sat, Oct 10Oct 10, 2026, 3:17 PM – 5:17 PM
    Roanoke First Church of God AuditoriumRoanoke First Church of God Auditorium, Roanoke, VA 24013, USA
    Oct 10, 2026, 3:17 PM – 5:17 PM
    Roanoke First Church of God Auditorium, Roanoke, VA 24013, USA
    Join us for a celebratory concert featuring local Christian bands and choirs to honor our church's 100th anniversary.
  • Growing Our Congregation Workshop
    Growing Our Congregation Workshop
    27 days to the event
    Sat, Oct 10Oct 10, 2026, 3:17 PM – 5:17 PM
    Roanoke First Church of God Fellowship HallRoanoke First Church of God Fellowship Hall, Roanoke, VA 24013, USA
    Oct 10, 2026, 3:17 PM – 5:17 PM
    Roanoke First Church of God Fellowship Hall, Roanoke, VA 24013, USA
    An interactive workshop designed to teach and inspire church members to engage with and grow the congregation during our milestone year.
  • Centennial Community Prayer Evening
    Centennial Community Prayer Evening
    27 days to the event
    Sat, Oct 10Oct 10, 2026, 3:17 PM – 5:17 PM
    Roanoke First Church of GodRoanoke First Church of God, Roanoke, VA 24013, USA
    Oct 10, 2026, 3:17 PM – 5:17 PM
    Roanoke First Church of God, Roanoke, VA 24013, USA
    Come together as a community to pray for our future and strengthen our faith under the newly appointed interim pastor's guidance.

Get in Touch

Roanoke, Virginia

hello@roanokefirst.org

(540) 555-0198

Celebrating 100 Years: Support our Century Fund

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