The Phoebe Needles Center in Callaway celebrated the 100th anniversary of its building.
Over 230 people attended the April 30 event that included a pork barbeque lunch, games, tours of the facility, historic memorabilia and live music.
“This was a spectacular day in the life of the Center and one we hope to make an annual event,” said Billy Kingery, board president for the center.
Phoebe Needles Hall was built in 1917 as the Phoebe Needles Mission School. In 1917, Arthur Needles, then president of Norfolk & Western Railway, donated the money to build Phoebe Needles Hall. It was named in memory of his 6-year-old daughter, Phoebe, who died from meningitis.
The building has served as a school, an Episcopal mission and most recently as a summer camp and conference center.
People are also reading…
"This place has been a gathering spot for people in the community and the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia for more than 115 years,” said Rev. John Heck, executive director, in his remarks at the celebration. “The Center continues to evolve in ways to meet the needs of those who attend programs, rent the facility and participate in the day and residential summer camp programs.”
