Visit Us

We invite you to visit us to experience the community we’ve created. You may very well find you fit perfectly at River Road Church!

Who We Are

We warmly welcome new members into fellowship, eager to show the love and nurturing that River Road offers.

Staff & Leadership

Meet the ministerial, support, preschool center, endowment and board/committee leaders that help support the life of River Road Church.

River Road Church embraces worship that brings us close to God through thoughtful theology, liturgy, and the issues of the world around us, all of which matter to God.

Learn more about our intentional approach to worship and join us in person or online.

Worship begins at 11AM

Gather with us each Sunday in our beautiful sanctuary for inspired music and a relevant thoughtful message.

Children's Church

Children in the first through third grade are invited to Children’s Church, where they engage in age-appropriate activities related to the theme of the day.

We encourage you to join us for worship, in-person or online via livestream.

We believe that regular participation in worship sustains both the individual and the congregation.

Watch via YouTube

Livestream replays can be found on our YouTube Channel.

Worship Bulletin

If you are able, please print the bulletin and follow along.

More Info

Read more about our live service broadcast

Warm and welcoming, River Road Church embraces worship that brings us close to God through thoughtful theology, liturgy, and the issues of the world around us, all of which matter to God.

Learn about our style of worship, as well as music and periodic special services.

Planning a wedding and interested in potentially having your service at River Road Church?

Learn more about weddings in our sanctuary as well as who to contact as part of your planning.

If you are planning a memorial service for a recently departed loved one, River Road Church, Baptist offers ministerial support and care as you grieve, as well as assistance in planning the service.

Learn about our Columbarium Memorial Garden.

Discover opportunities for faith formation, community and learning for children and their families at River Road Church.

From weekly experiences of learning and music, to special events building fellowship and expressions of service, children are valued and nurtured.

Education

Age graded groups for Bible study are provided for children from infants through 5th grade.

Opportunities

From experiences in worship, to expressions of service, play and music, children are nurtured in multiple ways.

Middle and High Schoolers

Youth are invited to participate in an open community in which middle and high schoolers can build meaningful relationships, engage in thought-provoking worship and Bible study, learn tools for personal spiritual formation, and serve others.

Sunday School

Youth gather weekly for interactive, relevant Bible study and fellowship.

Opportunities

From mission experiences to retreats and PASSPORT Summer Camp, youth are nurtured and challenged as they grow in faith.

Opportunities for 18 to late-20-somethings

Discover opportunities for 18 to late-20-somethings to gather in small groups and larger gatherings for study and fellowship.

Education

Select from a variety of groups and approaches in which to study and grow.

Thoughtful Faith Community

Learn more about this time  to come together for fellowship and education.

Small Groups

Select from a variety of small groups including yoga, "fixers," book lovers, cinema buffs, and more!

Spiritual Formation

Discover opportunities to grow and connect, from our labyrinth and hiking trips, to team sports.

Life is a journey that brings joys and challenges.

As a family of faith, one of the most important and meaningful things we do is care for one another as we journey through life’s joys and sorrows.

Discover opportunities for pastoral care and support.

River Road Church Preschool Development Center is a school committed to partnering with parents in the raising of their young children.

Discover curriculum and programs that help children meet their individual social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and physical needs.

Get Involved

Discover multiple avenues for making a difference in the world through service to those in need.

Our Partners

River Road Church, Baptist works with and alongside multiple organizations working to care for others.

Make a joyful noise! River Road Church, Baptist celebrates a long tradition of quality music.

Participate in choirs, handbells, and experience performances of talented musicians. Learn about our approach to music in worship and how you can participate.

Adult Choirs

Discover opportunities to share your musical talent and grow in a community that plays a vital worship leadership role.

Children's & Youth Choirs

Choirs for children and youth help develop a love of music and provide an outlet for faithful creative expression.

Sharing great music in our sanctuary to reach out to the surrounding community since 1970.

Experience renowned organists, vocalists, and instrumentalists through our long-running concert series.

Reserve tickets today.

Sanctuary and Möller Organ

When planned in the late 1960s to accommodate a growing church, the design of the Sanctuary focused on the soaring aspect of a cathedral-type space that directed attention to the heavens. A classic pipe organ and complementary acoustics would assist in this effort.

The Chapel Organ

The chapel, originally built in 1950 as the first formal worship space at River Road Church, is still used for small worship services, weddings, and funerals.

Grand Pianos

River Road Church has been blessed to have in its inventory of instruments five grand pianos, each given to the church by members.

Community

As a thoughtful community of faith, we celebrate multiple avenues for gathering to connect, learn, grow, be inspired and serve.

Thoughtful Faith Community

Make connections and build relationships Sunday evenings as we share a meal and fellowship together.

Distinguished Speaker Forum

Experience challenging and enlightening speakers on a variety of relevant topics. Get free tickets to upcoming events.

Events & Announcements

Discover upcoming events and opportunities at River Road Church, Baptist.

Online Church Directory

A member-only area offering contact information on congregational members.

Calendar

Get the details on a variety of upcoming events, services, and opportunities.

Concert Series

Experience renowned organists, vocalists and instrumentalists through our long-running concert series. Reserve tickets today.

Mission Opportunities

Participate in ministries of love, care, and hope.

Staff & Leadership

Ministerial Staff

Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Glaze

Pastor

Beth Bailey

Seminary Intern for Young Adults

Beth joined the staff of River Road in November 2021 as the Seminary Intern for Young Adults to serve in an official capacity in her home church, where she was baptized as a teenager! Beth is a graduate of the University of Virginia (BA and MT). She is in her final year of seminary at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond and will graduate in May 2024 with her Master of Divinity. She hopes to be ordained soon after graduation.

Beth was named a CBF Vestal Scholar for 2022 and has been involved with CBFVA for the past few years, assisting with and leading youth retreats. Additionally, she worked two summers of PASSPORT Camps while in college. Beth is passionate about serving young adults and navigating religious trauma with those who have been hurt by the church. She hopes to serve in a congregational or campus ministry after her time ends at River Road.

Beth is married to her husband, Colin Bailey, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering at VCU. They have a Golden Retriever named Ginny who they spend a lot of their free time with playing and walking outside. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Rev. Dr. David Breckenridge

Minister of Pastoral Care

David joined the staff of River Road in April 2019 as the Minister of Pastoral Care. He is a graduate of Mississippi College (BA), the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv), Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University (DMin), and the College of William and Mary (MEd). David is also a Resident in Counseling with Westhampton Family Psychologists.

Cumulatively David has more than 30 years in ministry, serving churches as senior pastor and youth minister in Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, and Mississippi, as wells serving as a hospital chaplain in Kentucky. Most recently David served as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Memphis for 10 years. Through the years David has served in a variety of leadership roles with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He is a member of the Alliance of Baptists.

David is married to Leigh Ann, who is nurse practitioner and a professor of nursing at VCU. They have three children. Hannah, a LCSW, lives with her husband, Anson, and daughter, Nelda, in Rockville, Maryland. Seth is a sales associate at Cabellas in Short Pump, Virginia. Micah is an athletic director and coach in Memphis, Tennessee. David enjoys hiking, biking, live music, gardening, touring museums, attending sporting events, and most any adventure. He enjoys these all the more when doing so with family and friends.

Rev. Marnie Fisher-Ingram

Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families

Marnie was called as Associate Pastor to Youth and Their Families in January 2018. She is a graduate of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (BTSR) and received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown College in Kentucky.

Marnie joined the staff of River Road after serving 11 and a half years with PASSPORT, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama, as Youth Program Coordinator. Marnie has more than two decades of experience in youth ministry and is passionate about building relationships with teenagers. Marnie is an active member of the Cooperative Baptist Youth Ministry Network.

Marnie is married to Daniel, a fellow minister here at River Road, and mother to Mollie. Marnie loves college basketball, her Peloton, being outside, red sour patch kids, reading, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Robert Gallagher

Minister of Music

Bob Gallagher came to River Road Church as Minister of Music in August 2011. He oversees the vibrant Music Ministry for children, youth, and adults.

A native of New York, Bob received a Bachelor of Music in Organ from Manhattan School of Music, Master of Music in Organ from The Juilliard School, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Catholic University of America. He also holds diplomas and prizes in Organ, Harpsichord, and Improvisation from his year of study in Paris.

Bob came to love solo and choral singing starting as a boy soprano, and he has conducted choirs of all ages throughout his career. A great source of inspiration was singing in choirs at Brooklyn’s Plymouth Church, New York’s Riverside Church, and Chautauqua Institution in Upstate New York. He sang and conducted in numerous choral workshops under the direction of Paul Christiansen at Chautauqua, and he has sung in over ten Royal School of Church music choir camps under conductors such as Barry Rose, Richard Tanner, and Bruce Neswick. His voice teachers have included Charlene Chadwick and Sharon Christman. His conducting teachers include Gilbert Levine, Walter Hendl, and Patricia Handy.

Bob served as Associate Director of Music at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania, for 10 years and as Minister of Music at Wayne United Methodist Church for 5 years. In Washington, D.C. he served for 8 years as Organist at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle and also taught in the departments of Organ, Conducting, and Liturgical Music at The Catholic University of America. He served as Assistant Organist at Columbia University during his student years in New York.

In addition to serving in church music ministry, Bob has performed as organist, harpsichordist, conductor, and accompanist throughout the United States and Europe. A founding member of the Liturgical Organists Consortium (a group of five organists committed to the renewal of esteem for the organ in the Catholic Church), Bob has [recorded] performed on several CDs and has been broadcast [heard] on Pipedreams and With Heart and Voice.

Bob and his wife, Louise, enjoy living near Stony Point, just across the James River from the church. Louise currently works as Music Coordinator and Cantor at St. Bridget Church in Richmond. She is also landscape and portrait artist, using primarily oil paints.

Rev. Daniel Ingram

Minister of Administration

Daniel was called as Minister of Administration in January 2018. He came to River Road following eleven years of service with PASSPORT Camps in Birmingham, Alabama. PASSPORT is a CBF partner organization with which River Road has a long and rich history. Daniel has also served congregations and non-profit organizations in Virginia and North Carolina.

A native of Fredericksburg, Daniel holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a M.Div. from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. He was ordained in 2006 by College Park Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. Daniel enjoys building, running, cooking, strumming a guitar, and cheering for the Hokies. Daniel is married to Marnie and they have a daughter, Mollie.

Rev. Anna Perry Miller

Associate Pastor for Adult Discipleship

Anna joined the staff of River Road Church in January of 2019. Her pastoral focus is on the discipleship of our adults through study, worship, and missions, believing that all we do as the church contributes to our formation as followers of Christ.

Anna received her BA in Church Ministries and Music From Averett College. She is also a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Christian Education.

Through the years, Anna has served in various ministry capacities, most recently as the pastor at Westhunt Baptist Church in Henrico, Virginia, for almost nine years.

Aside from two interim ministry roles, Anna served at Derbyshire Baptist Church as their Minister to Youth and Young Adults, and as the Minister of Education and Senior Adults at First Baptist Church of South Boston, Virginia.

Although she was born at Fort Sill in Oklahoma (an army baby), she is a Virginia girl. Her teen years were spent in Waynesboro, Virginia, where she went to high school and was active in her youth group and church. It was in Danville at college that she met her husband Dean, marrying him in 1990. Anna and Dean have three grown children, Bray, Adam, and Maggie Beth, two of whom are married. Her family welcomed her first grand baby at the end of 2022. The Miller family lives in the far reaches of Glen Allen, Virginia, enjoying country quietness and beauty.

In her free time, Anna enjoys being outdoors, creating art and crafting, reading, and enjoying meals, games, and fun with family and friends.

Sandy Rooney

Minister to Children and Their Families

Sandy was called as Minister to Children and Their Families in January 2019. She is a graduate from University of Virginia with a Masters in Education, and received her undergraduate degree from University of Richmond in Early Childhood Education. Sandy joined the staff of River Road after teaching at the preschool for 15 years.

She and her family are longtime members of the church. Sandy is married to Scott, who is a Surety Account Executive at Marsh & McLennan Agency. They have four children: Beth, Meg, Matt, and Amanda. Beth is married to Colin Bailey, and is in her last year at seminary here in Richmond. Meg is in her second year of divinity school in Atlanta, Georgia. Matt is a senior in college, and Amanda is a junior in high school. In addition, the family has a dog named Indy. Sandy enjoys the beach, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Support Staff

Cassandra Ducca

Communications Specialist

Cassandra came to River Road Church in September 2011 as the Communications Specialist. She has a B.S. in Communication, with concentrations in Professional Writing and Advertising from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She graduated from Monacan High School in Chesterfield County.

Cassandra is from the East Coast, having lived in New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and is lucky enough to have family in southwest Florida to visit for warm vacations any time of the year. In addition to her work at RRCB, some may know about her homemade cupcakes, which have made appearances at the church on a number of occasions.

Prior to working at RRCB, Cassandra worked in gourmet food stores, a university office, an art gallery, as well as an educational non-profit organization, all in Philadelphia. She has a soft spot for good coffee, Italian food, art, music, and pop culture. Cassandra has two cats, Java and Kona, and very much misses her cats, Teddy and Poppy, whose pictures you can find in her office.

Laura Kuipers

Administrative Assistant

Laura Monfalcone Kuipers joined the RRCB staff in April of 2022. She is a Richmond native, having grown up in Mechanicsville and currently residing in Glen Allen. Laura is married to her husband, Ken, and she has a daughter, Becca, who attends Virginia Wesleyan University.

Laura loves spending time with family and friends. In her time off she loves to go camping, cooking/grilling, and laying outside in the hammock. Laura loves Christian music, being crafty, chocolate, Italian food, and coordinating special events such as weddings. She believes a bad day at the beach is always better than a good day at work. But is there really ever a bad beach day?

Prior to joining River Road Church Laura worked at Feed More as a coordinator with their Meals on Wheels Program.

Griendora McDowell

Financial Administrator

Griendora “G” McDowell is a three-decades-plus seasoned Finance Administrator. G owns Consultz4U and as an independent contractor serves our congregation as well as other organizations in the area. She is also a licensed and ordained Minister who serves as the Senior Pastor at Eastgate Baptist Church in Eastern Henrico. G launched her business in 2018 to assist churches and non-profit organizations in finance administration and workforce development.

Griendora is married to Michael McDowell, Sr. and they have two sons and six grandchildren between the two of them.

Her hobbies include reading for inspiration and information, researching real estate, traveling, and enjoying family time doing whatever and sometimes nothing at all.

Rev. Lacey Wondree

Ministries Coordinator

Lacey joined the staff in July 2021. She is a North Carolina native, receiving a B.A. in Sociology from Mars Hill University and a M.Div from Campbell University Divinity School. Lacey is an ordained minister alongside her husband, Rev. Chris Wondree, who is the Minister to Students and Families at Richmond’s First Baptist Church.

Chris and Lacey have three children: Bennett, Micah and Ella Cate (twins). Lacey is a fan of professional football and college basketball, cheering on the Carolina Panthers and UNC Tarheels. She also enjoys preaching, teaching, planning, organizing, and making connections with folks. She is grateful to serve here at RRCB and to work alongside a great staff. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to podcasts and audiobooks.

Mike Christian

Building Support Team

Mike Christian joined the River Road Church Building Support Team in 2018. A Richmond native and former Marine, Mike has lived in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Hawaii.

Mike enjoys cycling and reading in his spare time. He even rides his bike to and from RRCB every day! Mike is a hard worker, and if he’s not moving tables and setting up rooms, he is riding the “Zamboni” keeping our building in top shape.

Zelda Goode

Cook / Environmental Services Aide

Zelda Goode joined the River Road Church Building Support Team in 2010. Zelda, originally from Charles City, Virginia, moved to Richmond at an early age with her parents and six brothers and sisters. She is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in the city of Richmond.

She and her late-husband, Joe, were married for more than 35 years. They had two children, Uronda and Shawn. Zelda is extremely active in her church, including singing in the choir. Zelda is shining light at RRCB, always willing to help with events and special gatherings. She is a one-woman hospitality committee!

Rev. Paul Honaker

Music Associate

Mindy Thompson

Building Support Team

Preschool Development Center Staff

Danielle Simone

Director

River Road Church Preschool Development Center

Danielle brings to the school community 30 years in Early Childhood Education. With a masters in the same field, she has experience working in both private and public education. Not willing to give up the classroom completely, Danielle teaches an enrichment weekly and can often be found visiting in the classrooms with both staff and students.

She and her husband, Chris, have six active, yet adorable, grandchildren who all live in the area. Danielle enjoys yard work, reading, and sewing. She is the co-Director of Richmond Area Directors (RAD) and an advocate on both the community and state levels for early childhood students and teachers. Danielle continually seeks ways to expand partnership opportunities between the church and preschool.

Beth Howe

Assistant Director

River Road Church Preschool Development Center

Beth has been a member of the staff of River Road Preschool since 2007. During her first twelve years, she was a Lead Teacher in the Two-Year-Old program and a Teacher and Coordinator of the Afternoon Enrichment Program. In 2019, she became the Assistant Director.

She and her husband, Jay, have three adult children, James, Matthew, and Anna Grace, and they all attended RRP. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Teaching (NK-4), both of which she received from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Outside of River Road Preschool, Beth enjoys working in her garden, relaxing in the mountains, and spending time with family, their dogs, and friends. Beth believes that the foundation of all learning is feeling safe, secure, and loved! She loves working closely with children to help them learn and grow, being a partner with their families in their education, and watching the children develop over their years at RRP!

Preschool Development Center Site

The Preschool maintains its own website with more information.

River Road Church, Baptist, Endowment Fund

The River Road Church, Baptist, Endowment Fund,

chartered in 1967, exists solely for the long-term support of River Road Church. Administered by a 12-member Board of Directors, the Fund is intended to be a permanent funding source directly benefiting ministries and programs that typically cannot be funded through congregational giving or other sources. In this way, the Fund supports the Church in envisioning and accomplishing ministries that otherwise might not be possible.

2023 Annual Report

Board of Directors

Susan Rucker, President
Fred Bagwell, Vice President
Kathryn Norman, Secretary
Susan Phillips, Treasurer
Bill Stanton, Assistant Treasurer
Hilton Almond
George Davis
Bill Gray
Sara Heisler
Andy McAllister
Seth Roberts
Oliver Way

Endowment Fund Page

Learn more about the Endowment Fund, how to give to the Endowment Fund, and more.

Boards and Committees

Board of Deacons

provides general oversight of Church membership and its spiritual life.

Learn More

Board of Christian Education & Spiritual Formation

determines educational goals and standards for leadership.

Board of Administration

oversees financial operations of the Church and manages Church property.

Facilities Use Committee (BOA)

establishes guidelines for and coordinate use of Church facilities.

Finance Committee (BOA)

oversees Church’s financial operation and prepares annual budget.

House and Grounds Committee (BOA)

oversees maintenance of existing buildings and grounds.

Insurance Committee (BOA)

oversees Church’s liability and property insurance policies.

Kitchen Committee (BOA)

coordinates Wednesday serving teams and operating needs of kitchen.

Personnel Committee (BOA)

along with the Pastor, establishes and coordinates staff policies and benefits.

Safety Committee (BOA)

reviews and implements of policies concerning safety of buildings, grounds, and congregation.

Stewardship Committee (BOA)

promotes Christian stewardship and coordinates annual campaign.

Board of Missions

promotes Christian service by the members of the Church.

Board of Trustees

Holds title to Church properties and performs such duties as required by law, subject to the approval of the Church.

Building and Property Council

plans and coordinates new construction or major alterations.

Arts Committee

plans and coordinates art programs and acquisitions for the Church.

Auditing Committee

coordinates annual audit of Church’s books and records.

Baptismal Committee

assists Pastor and staff in preparing and conducting services of baptism.

Chancel Committee

coordinates flowers and decorations; assists with weddings and funerals.

Columbarium Committee

oversees guidelines and operating procedures for Columbarium.

Communication Committee

assists Church staff in publicizing ministries and programs of the Church.

History Committee

organizes and preserves all Church records not in current use.

Lord’s Supper Committee

prepares elements for all communion services.

Member Engagement Committee

identifies and recruits new members to join the Church and encourages less active and inactive members to become more active.

Music Committee

oversees and assists in planning all music programs of the Church.

Nominating Committee

presents a slate of nominees for all boards and committees of the Church.

Preschool Committee

develops Preschool policies and reviews its faculty and finances.

Recreation Committee

plans and coordinates recreational activities for Church members of all ages.

Social Committee

arranges and coordinates social activities as requested by Church staff.

Transportation Committee

recruits, trains, and schedules drivers to transport members to services.

Tellers Committee

coordinates the counting and recording of the Sunday offering.

Ushers Committee

recruits, trains, and schedules ushers for all worship services and other services.

Coordinating Group for Continuous Improvement and Congregational Vitality (ad hoc)

provides research and guidance on current trends and ideas to encourage church growth and engagement among membership