John Wesley Newman, 1911 – 2006

There was only one thing that John loved more than his farm — he’d want to build another church! His ministry of 39 years was marked by his desire to see beautiful churches built. Notable among those in whose construction he played a significant role were Calvary and River Road in Richmond and Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Additionally, he manifested a unique interest in the establishment and development of new congregations.

John Wesley Newman was born on March 8, 1911, in Marion, Va. He received his undergraduate work at Emory and Henry College which later honored him with a Doctor of Divinity degree. He taught school for a while, and receiving a call to preach, he continued his education at Emory School of Theology, Emory University, Georgia.

In 1938, John married Helen Austin in Wytheville, Va. Helen was his devoted partner in all of his ministry and the mother of their two sons, John (who preceded his father in death) and James, who with his wife, Patricia, lives in Williamsburg. John and Helen have three grandsons, Peter, Randolph, and Austin, and two great-grandchildren, John and Caitlyn.

John began his ministry in Ingleside, Md., in 1938 and in 1977 retired from Raleigh Court United Methodist Church in Roanoke. During his ministry he served on many boards and agencies and was for six years the superintendent of the Roanoke District. After retirement, John and Helen lived in Roanoke for 23 years until moving to Williamsburg where John died on Jan. 26, 2006.

In addition to the faithful fulfillment of his calling, John was noted for his friendly, heartwarming relations with everyone he met. His greeting was almost without exception, "Hey, [Name], glad to see ya!" And now he has received his heavenly greeting, the fruits of his labor — "Hey, John, glad to see ya!"

— Rev. M. Douglas Newman