We are not owners of the gifts and resources with which God has blessed us, but merely stewards. We came into the world with nothing, but we leave having had the opportunity to make a contribution to the present and the future. The question is how we distribute the material wealth accumulated during our lifetime with an awareness of God's presence in our lives.

What is the Legacy Society?

The Legacy Society of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia is an honorary society established by Bishop Neff Powell to acknowledge and thank those who have chosen to support the continuing life of the Church. They do this through bequests and other planned gifts to their parish, the Diocese, or other Episcopal institutions. The Bishop and the Executive Board believe that planned giving, a ministry directed toward those who follow after us, is essential to the vibrant future ministry of the Church.

Who are the members of the Legacy Society?

Anyone who has designated their parish, the Diocese, or an Episcopal institution (or any combination of these) in their will or has established a gift instrument such as a trust is eligible to join the Legacy Society. If you would like to join, contact Evans House or e-mail Bill Lindsay at blindsay@dioswva.org and request a Legacy Society brochure, fill out the membership form, and mail it in.

What are the benefits of membership in the Legacy Society?

Your name will be entered on a Legacy Society commemorative plaque that hangs in Evans House (unless you request anonymity). There is a celebration each year, usually at the time of Annual Council, to honor all members of the Society, and you may receive other special invitations from the Bishop from time to time as well. Most importantly, by adding your name to the roll of the Society you will have looked beyond this life to witness to the fact that all we have comes as a gift from God and now will one day return to God.

Why does it matter?

We all enjoy a rich inheritance in the Episcopal Church. Generations have worshiped at the same altars and prayed the same prayers as we do today. Traditional services mark the structure of our corporate life, and beloved parish churches inspire us with their beauty. It is up to us, the current generation, to preserve this rich heritage for those that come after us.

Parish Legacy Societies

Three parishes in this diocese have decided to establish their own Legacy-type societies: Trinity, Staunton; St. James, Roanoke; and Trinity Ecumenical, Moneta. Trinity Ecumenical calls theirs the Galilee Society. In each case, these societies honor congregational members who have remembered the Church in their estate planning. Members are automatically eligible to be members of the diocesan Legacy Society. If you would like information on how to form a parish legacy society, contact Evans House or e-mail Bill Lindsay at blindsay@dioswva.org. Also, e-mail if your parish has a society that is not mentioned here.