For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 (NRSV)

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Rockbridge County

Lexington, Virginia

I. Community Context: Timber Ridge “Old Stone” Presbyterian Church is located in Rockbridge County, five miles north of Lexington, the county seat. Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute are located in the City of Lexington. The immediate area is served by two Elementary Schools, one Middle School, and one High School. Life style diversity in the area is very high with 27 of 50 US segments represented in the area. Farmers, Labors, and Established Empty-Nesters make up the majority of the community. The area is somewhat non-traditional due to a below average presence of married persons and two-parent families. About three-fourths of the population over 25 years of age are high school graduates, while college graduates account for about one-third of those over 25 years. The median household income in the area is about $53,900, about $10,000 less than the national average. White-collar workers make up 60.2% of the population, while blue-collar workers make up 39.8% of the population. Tourism is a very important economic factor in the area. Attractions in the area include Cyrus McCormick’s Farm, the Virginia Horse Center, Stonewall Jackson House, Stonewall Jackson Cemetery, Lee Chapel, George C. Marshall Museum, Jackson Memorial Hall Museum, as well as Natural Bridge area attractions. Primary concerns of our community are finding a good church, finding spiritual teaching, dealing with problems in schools, having adequate food, good personal health and health insurance, establishing retirement opportunities, finding companionship, having good parenting skills, and dealing with teen/child problems, abusive relationships and divorce. Church characteristics and programs preferred by these residents include Bible Study and Prayer Groups, Spiritual Retreats, Activities for Families and Retirement Persons, Care for the Terminally Ill, Food Resources, and Programs for Divorce Recovery and Youth Social Issues.

II. Population Growth: The population of the service area is currently 10,548 persons. This is an increase of 440 persons or 4.4% since 1990. By 2009, the population is projected to increase by 2.1% or 223 persons. The largest age group (34.9%) in the area is comprised of 3,676 persons ages 3-22, which includes college students. Persons aged 80 and up, make up 5% of the population. The population growth in the area has been driven by a high number of retired persons coming from metropolitan areas as well as younger couples moving in who desire to “raise their children in a slower pace lifestyle in a rural area”. The average age of residents is 37 years with this figure increasing slightly by 2009.

III. Ethnicity: Among area residents, 88% are Caucasian. African-Americans represent the largest minority with 7.8 % . Hispanics/Latinos are projected to be the fastest growing group, increasing by 10.2 % by 2009.

IV. Other Churches: There are three other Presbyterian Churches in the area: Fairfield Presbyterian, Bethesda Presbyterian, and Lexington Presbyterian. Timber Ridge Associate Reform Presbyterian Church is located next door to Timber Ridge “Old Stone” Presbyterian Church. Other predominate denomination groups in the area include Baptist and Methodist.

V. Community Issues: A number of issues confront the residents of Rockbridge County and the City of Lexington. These include:

Supporting growth while maintaining small town culture and values;

Supporting growth diversity in jobs so our children will be able to afford to live and work here;

Providing for the improvement of roads, schools, public utilities and other public services as growth

continues at a fast pace;

Struggling to keep up with the Tax Base for the area as only small businesses, motels, and restaurants are

developed.;

Dealing with Land Development;

Resolving I-81 Issues;

Providing for Youth Social Programs and Family Activities;

Providing an active Retirement Program;

Providing food, clothing, shelter, and health care for the poor;

Preparing for the growth of minorities in the area.

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