This is a class of caring and loving Christians who come together to share life's experiences in the context of devotionals and outstanding lessons given by class members. The biblical study is based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teachings "Adult Bible Studies".

Click HERE to jump to "A HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDY CLASS."

To see the class in action, click HERE to view more International Bible Study Class Pictures online, and COME JOIN US!

For a sample lesson, here is the downloadable Word document version of the Palm Sunday lesson on the Crucifixion, given by O.T. Crowther on April 4, 2004.

A HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDY CLASS

In the early 1970’s the Adult Sunday School met in the foyer of the original sanctuary with a total of 16 members. Bob Lacy and T P Allen asked Joe Ward to restructure the Adult Sunday School Class in 1976.  The International Bible Study Class began in the Activities Building [Gymnasium] in September of that year.  The class name was selected from the teaching material used, “The International Bible Study Course” [Uniform Series] compiled and written by representatives of 12 protestant denominations.  The material was well researched and provided continuity for the members.  Five teachers were selected; four of who taught one Sunday a month and one taught on the 5th Sunday.  Coffee and tea were made available 20 minutes before class.  One dollar, to cover the cost of the beverages and condiments, was collected from each member on their birthday, after the class sang “Happy Birthday”.  This money was collected so that no church funds would be used for the social period before the class.   Class attendance grew to an average of 100 by the early 80’s.

While serving as Sunday School Superintendent in the mid 80’s Sue Ward became aware that a number of children were being “dropped off” for Sunday school by their parents. Thinking that classes with a different format might appeal to these adults the International Bible Study Class members were given the opportunity to start two other classes:  1) a discussion class, and, 2) a Bible Study class using a workbook.  About 30 members expressed interest in these classes and became the nucleus of the present day adult classes.  Within six months the International Bible Study Class was back to 100 members and the other two classes flourished.

Over the years the format for the International Bible Study Class was slightly changed to include participation by more class members.  In addition to the President/Coordinator, a Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer were added along with chairmen for Devotions and for “Meet the Church”.  The volunteer teachers increased to 12 so that each taught once a quarter.  The President provided each teacher with three different source materials to prepare a meaningful Christian lesson. 

Class members suggested that there be an outreach project.  John and Dorothy Maphis studied several different non-profit organizations and proposed a program to help the local Homeless.   Boxes were placed at the front of the class to collect toilet articles and clothing which were delivered weekly to the Daily Planet in downtown Richmond.  Class members brought quantities of these items every week, as well as, for the Annual CARITAS program.

Sally and Henry Milam donated a piano to the class.  The Church could not afford to provide the class with songbooks so a committee from the class chose 66 hymns, typed and assembled 100 books.  The committee was made up of former Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran and the daughter of a Presbyterian minister.  There are now 150 books containing 92 hymns.

During the years other committees have been added.  Participating now are 5 officers, 15 teachers and 26 chairmen and co-chairmen serving on 13 different committees: Announcements, Beverage Service, E-mail and Web Site, Greeters, Name Tags, Outreach, Pianists, Piano Set-up, Prayer List, Room Set up, Room Take Down, Song Leaders and the Sound System. Twenty-seven additional hymns were suggested by members and were added to the Song Books.  Another 50 or so members participate in making coffee, giving a devotional or introducing themselves to the Class during the “Meet the Church” segment.  The material has remained “ The International Lesson Series”.  The membership exceeds 270 with an average attendance of 110-120 during the regular school year.

Tom and Pat Ray donated a “new” piano to the class in September 2002, and the old piano was passed on to a non-profit homeless group, The Good Samaritan Ministries, which is one of the Class Outreach agencies.
  
Another first for the class happened when Bill Knox’s family, on his death, requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to several different organizations, one of which was the International Bible Study Class.  A beautiful new mahogany lectern was purchased with the funds donated.  Dedication was on Sunday, April 13, 2003.

The International Bible Study Class has encouraged and provided teachers for children and youth, Scout leaders, as well as, leaders and workers for just about every project undertakien by Salisbury Presbyterian Church.

Several practices which began in The International Class have been adopted for the regular church services: coffee, greeters, name tags, prayer list, sending get-well and sympathy cards, greeting those around you in the Sanctuary, as well as, working with the homeless. 

The International Class is composed of caring and loving Christian members, who study and listen to outstanding Christian lessons, but also, can tease each other, laugh together and share each other’s sorrows and joys.  God has blessed us greatly.

Gene Lepley was selected to be Chairman of the Class with Ben McKeel and Joe Ward serving as Co-Chairmen.  January 1, 2006 this leadership took effect.

 Joe and Sue Ward                  
January 2006