In addition to changes in our building, the 1970’s were also a decade of staff comings and goings. The main change occurred on May 17, 1974 when Dr. Broach announced his retirement, to be effective July 21 after 30 years of providing spiritual leadership. The Youth Banquet that year included a roast of Dr. Broach. A Celebration of Fellowship picnic was held in May where he was honored. His last service was July 22 when his sermon to topic was entitled “Finally Brethren….” He was presented with a set of golf clubs along with a check. He became the Director of the Ecumenical Institute of Wake Forest and Belmont Abbey.
In January 1975, the church voted to call Rev. Julian A. Cave as Senior Minister. A welcome reception was held January 28 and his first Sunday was February 16. Rev. Cave was a graduate of Furman University and Southern Baptist Seminary. He had also studied at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the University of Georgia, He was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Athens Georgia and had served as an Associate Minister in Charleston SC, and the pastor of a Scottish church while in Edinburgh. At the time he came to St. John’s, he was a Trustee of Southern Seminary.
Staying throughout the entire decade were Minister of Music Al McClanahan and Minister to Children Ruth Rodgers.
Our Associate Minister, Roberts (Bob) Lasater, was at the church throughout the 1970’s. However, in 1976, because of the church’s continued emphasis on service in the community, he assumed the duties of the newly created Minister of Outreach. William Johnson came to St. John’s shortly thereafter as Associate Minister. Bill held a B.A. degree from Mars Hill College and a Master in Religious Education from Southern Seminary. He had previously served as the Minister of Education at a church in Roanoke. At St. John’s, he was responsible for adult education and served as the coordinator with the Children and Youth Ministers, to more fully integrate the educational programs. The Youth Minister, Skip
Anderson. resigned in 1972 and was succeeded by Robert Sellers. Rob was a graduate of Mississippi Rob was a graduate of Mississippi College and held an Master of Divinity degree from Southern Seminary. He had previously served as a journeyman missionary in Indonesia under the Foreign Mission Board and as Youth Director at several churches, including Broadway Baptist in Louisville. Rob resigned in 1975 to serve as a missionary once again. Alan Melton was hired as an interim Youth Minister. In 1976, Tom Stallworth became the Youth Minister. Tom graduated from the University of Florida and held a Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary. He had previously served as an Associate Minister and Chaplain.
Other changes included the resignation of Cheryl Hamilton as organist. She was succeeded by Hulene McLean, a graduate of Meredith College. Hulene took a leave of absence in 1978, returning later that year. In the interim, Dan Hardin served as Organist. During the decade, Mrs. E.W. Bolt and Kathryn Winecoff joined (and left) the Administrative Staff. By the end of the decade the Administrative Staff consisted of Alice Sanford, Ace Millsaps, and Florine Olive. Jerry Stephens was Secretary to the Senior Minister. This Custodial Staff were Manley Johnson, Robert Baker, and Bertha Hill.
