| Goochland Virginia Chapter History
Cedric called on a group of people that he knew would be eager and experienced to labor in God's vineyard. That meeting took place on Sunday, January 18, 2015. The following persons were present at this meeting Rev. Michele Armstrong, Minister Kathy Cheatham, Thomasena Cook, Janine Allen-Jordan, and Delores Armstrong. Everyone was excited about the vision God had given Cedric. They prayed and it was at this meeting Rev. Armstrong presented Matthew 9:37-38. "Then he said to his disciples. The harvest is truly plentiful' but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. The laborers were ready to work". On February 25, 2015, the Goochland Virginia and Vicinity Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, received their letter that Cedric Copeland was the newly appointed Chapter Representative. Thereafter, Cedric appointed Rev. Michele Armstrong and Delores Armstrong as his Assistant Chapter Representatives, and his team Thomasena Cook, Administrative Assistant; Minister Kathy Cheatham, Music Director; and Janine O. Allen-Jordan, Financial Secretary. Soon the word spread and the committee received over 100 people interested in being a part of this Chapter and this great organization. In March 2015 Cedric Copeland and Rev. Michele Armstrong attended their National Board Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada as Chapter Representative and Assistant Chapter Representative for Goochland, VA and Vicinity Chapter. In April 2015 the singers and musicians met for the first time at Shady Grove Baptist Church Gum Springs, Virginia where the first rehearsal was held and over 60 people were present for this historical event. Over the next several years the Goochland Chapter set out to "Proclaim the Gospel Through Song" while traveling throughout Virginia & other states ministering. This chapter has assisted the Pastors to help meet the needs of the Goochland VA & Vicinity Churches every August for the annual and much anticipated "Revival Tour." Since our conception several annual Celebrations and GMWA Serves ministry opportunities have birthed. Our Holy Week celebration "The Road to Calvary" is presented in our Goochland community yearly. Every year in December we participate in the "Goochland Christmas Mother" adopting and shopping for needy families. During our journey we have sponsored a number of special programs and events. We sponsored Workshops with two great clinicians; Dr. Patrick Bradley of Texas and Professor Craig Hayes of New Jersey. In November 2019 we were blessed to work with one of Richmond's finest, Elder Greg Mitchell on a project concert "The Gospel According to James & Timothy" honoring our founder Rev. James Cleveland and Rev. Timothy Wright. Our musicians continue to be committed to the success of this chapter. We appreciate their willingness to be servants of God. Our current musicians are John Fox, Charles Spurlock, Tony Wilford & James Bennett. Other musicians that have worked with us and who we still call on are Tony Winslow, Tim Holmes, Chaz Cox, Mark Johnson & others. Currently, our Board of Directors team consists of Cedric Copeland-Cox, Chapter Representative; Delores Armstrong, Asst. Chapter Rep; Min. Kathy Cheatham, Musical Director; Sharon Jennings, Treasurer; Tess Brooks, Financial Secretary; and Thomasena Cook, Administrative Assistant. It was with great sadness that on September 6, 2022 our beloved Assistant Chapter Representative Rev. Michele Armstrong gained her heavenly wings. Rev. Michele was one of the founding members of the Goochland Chapter. We will forever be grateful for her generous commitment to serve. The GMWA Goochland, Virginia and Vicinity Chapter will continue to strive to be what God has called us to be and to serve him and the community while exemplifying the true spirit of Ministry. |