Pastor Tim Patterson stands behind the pulpit of First Apostolic Church of Blacksburg, located on Cherokee Street in Blacksburg. The local place of worship has in been in use since the late 19th century. Sometimes the obstacles one goes through is simply God's way of getting a person prepared for the opportunity to accomplish great things.

As a youth running the streets in Blacksburg, preaching the Gospel was not a part of Tim Patterson's plans, instead choosing to live life as if each day was a guarantee.

"I was living for the world and didn't even know it," Patterson said. "A lot of people living in Blacksburg can tell you about it; but I'm glad we have a God that provides second chances."

Adulthood provides most the chance to correct their past, something Patterson did through a simple prayer accepting Jesus into his life. Soon after, the local man felt the calling to ministry, choosing to begin a church in his hometown.

Life is never perfect, even with Jesus in control. Watching on helplessly as his daughter Rachel underwent surgery to remove an antenna lodged an estimated 22 centimeters into the young girl's body following an all-terrain vehicle accident last summer, Patterson had to go back to the old landmark for strength.

"We had preachers and saints from all over praying over this child," Patterson said. "It took days of prayer to come through this. ... Without a doubt, for her to still be living is a miracle."

Rachel has since made a full recovery. However, there were apparently more blessings left for Patterson in God's storehouse.

The Blacksburg resident has probably passed the white, wooden church situated at the top of a hill overlooking Cherokee Street in Blacksburg hundreds of times. But it wasn't until a 'For Sale' signed was posted outside the building that he began to notice.

Patterson acquired the structure earlier this year. The church, now known as the First Apostolic Church of Blacksburg, had its first service at the building in June.

The former home of St. Albert's Chapel Methodist Church, the place of worship has been in use since the late 19th century.

"The church deed says the church has been around since 1882, but I've heard some say it may have been built in 1870," Patterson said.

Taking the reins of any property is a task in itself. Patterson found there were a few more pitfalls than normal in this case, partly due to the age of the church.

"It took close to 10 months to get everything closed on," Patterson said. "The main thing was that the church was built before Cherokee County existed, so the deed was located in the county it was located in at that time, which just so happened to be York County.

"There was hurdle after hurdle, but the Lord saw us through it."

Even before putting his name on the dotted line, Patterson went to work getting the church back in shape. Work was done to the building's foundation and carpet, along with replacing windows and painting the structure's walls.

However, Patterson was able to save on expenses like the pews, pulpit and other items for use in the church sanctuary due to the way the last congregation occupying the place of worship took care of the building.

"We didn't have to do anything to the sanctuary; everything from the pews to the pulpit was intact," Patterson said. "Even the old church bell still works."

First Apostolic Church of Blacksburg will be dedicated Aug. 22. The public is invited.