The First Board of Directors

In 1950, two years after their July arrival, the Johnsons convened a group of men to become the first “Rescue Mission Board of Directors.” It was at this time that the Rescue Mission became incorporated and received the endorsement of the Roanoke Minister’s Conference under the direction of Dr. Harry Gamble of Calvary Baptist Church.

Gus and Lois were faithful. They stayed at the Salem Avenue location for 14 years. During that time they were the only “staff.” Gus was hired as the Executive Director at a rate of $200 per month and Lois was named Associate Director (sans salary).

When there was not enough money to pay the rent, Gus would take his push lawn mower on the bus and go to South Roanoke, an exclusive section of Roanoke, to mow lawns.

To get items for the supper meal served at the Mission, Lois would take a shopping bag and visit the city market area at the close of business. Farmers who had items that did not sell that day were encouraged to put them into the shopping bags so that they could make the famous Rescue Mission “Enthusiastic Soup” so named because “we put everything we’ve got into it!”

In 1954, Mrs. Eberhardt of the Union Gospel Mission in Washington DC visited the Roanoke Mission to assist Lois with the establishment of a Woman’s Auxiliary and a children’s ministry.

The oldest surviving records list the board members in 1958 as follows: Dr. L.J. Walton (a local dentist was named president), Glenwood Deacon (an architect served as secretary), and Mr. E.J. Harris (a businessman served as treasurer). Other members included Richard Pence (attorney), Mr. E.R. Wooldridge, Mr. Grubbs, Mr. Wm. R. Mayes (engineer), Mr. Wiley N. Jackson (contractor) , Mr. James W. Michael (Michael’s Bakery), Dr. Wade Bryant (pastor of First Baptist Church), Mr. S.L. (Buddy) Fellers (attorney), Mr. Clyde Reynolds, Mr. Howard E. Sigmon (realtor), Mr. Aaron Conner (contractor) and Mr. Glenn Howell.

At the December meeting in 1958 the board voted to purchase the property at 114 East Salem Avenue at a price of $16,500 for a planned Mission expansion. At the next meeting, it is recorded that the building they had purchased had burned to the ground, but they voted to go forward and consider building a new Rescue Mission at that location. The City asked to buy the lot for parking. This lot is where today the Taubman Art Museum now stands.

Property on First Street was purchased and the property on Salem Avenue was eventually sold back to the City for parking in 1962. The first capital campaign was held in 1961 to raise funds to build a new Rescue Mission on First Street. Plans were drawn, funds were raised ($50,000) and J. Walker Contractors were retained to build the building.

Later this property was sold for $20,000 to the City of Roanoke to accommodate a new highway (I-581) and a building at 732 First Street (adjoining the vacant property on First Street) was also purchased at a cost of $9,200. Mr. H.A. Lucas was retained to renovate the building to accommodate the Rescue Mission’s expansion