Claude Franklin Moseley, 1903-1993

Claude Franklin Moseley was born on November 29, 1903, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. He earned his bachelor's degree from Randolph-Macon College and his Master of Theology from Union Seminary in Richmond. He did additional study at Yale Divinity School.

Claude entered the ministry of the Virginia conference in 1925, serving the West Lunenburg Charge. Other appointments included Cartersville, Amelia, Newsoms, Basic, Calvary, and Central in Richmond, Trinity in Roanoke, Central in Arlington, Colonial Avenue in Norfolk, Community in Kempsville, and Tabernacle in Poquoson.

He and his wife, Lucile Hopkins Moseley, retired to McGaheysville in 1971.

As Claude' s pastor for six years, I knew many splendid things about him, but learned even more from the family after his death. He was one of the first pastors to include a children's message in the worship service. He was intimately acquainted with the earth and our natural environment. He could "read" the history and potential of the land by keen observation. Claude was instrumental in selecting the sites for Virginia Wesleyan College and Westview on the James. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing because these activities brought him close to nature.

He enjoyed inviting groups in his churches to one of his famous "feeds," consisting of his Brunswick stew. Many found Christian fellowship and faith through these joyous events.

Claude was known for his keen sense of humor. His son said, “He relished a verbal joust in the form of a retort or a humorous sidestep to others who might start to tease or stick him with a barb. You could almost never catch him off guard."

In addition to all of these marvelous things, Claude Moseley was a person of deep faith in God. This faith sustained him when his beloved Lucile died just a few years after their retirement. It was also his refuge and strength when his son, Richard, died. He took great pride in Richard's work as a physician at Rjverside Hospital in Newport News.

Claude imparted this faith to others as a pastor, a preacher, and as a Christian gentleman.

Claude Franklin Moseley went to be with Lucile and Rick on April 12, 1993. His memorial service was conducted by this writer on April 17, in Asbury United Methodist Church. Harrisonburg, Virginia.

He is survived by a son, Gerard F. Moseley, Ph.D., of Eugene. Oregon, and a daughter, Frances Moseley Purdum of Richmond, six grandchildren, and three sisters.

-Donald H. Traylor