Founder - Apostle Emeritus Rufus Hayes, Sr.

Apostle Rufus Hayes was born in Dallas, Texas.  He is married to Mother Minnie W. Hayes.  His ministry began in Washington, D.C. under the leadership of the late Bishop Smallwood E. Williams, founder of the Bible Way Churches Worldwide.  He is a gifted teacher, great preacher, and a man after God’s own heart.

He established Charlottesville Church of Christ in June 1965.  Not long after relocating to Charlottesville, he sought time on local radio stations to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  For 49 years, he could be heard on the air on Radio Station W.I.N.A.1070 A.M. with “The Gospel Sermonette.” 

Possessing a reputation as an achiever, Apostle Hayes began to seek better things from the Lord.  The Lord directed him to go back to school.  He graduated with a Masters Degree and Doctorate in Theology from Virginia Seminary in Lynchburg, Va. 

Charlottesville Church of Christ was able to move from its small location to a brand new edifice in September of 1990.  However, in May 2006, his faith was tested as he watched the new building burn to the ground.  God showed his hand to be mighty by working through the community to raise funds and supplies.  One year later, the facility was restored and Apostle Hayes returned to "his home on the hill."

Apostle Hayes is known as a worker for God.  In addition to being a preacher and gifted teacher,  he is known as a builder.  He beautifies the house of the Lord with things made by his own hands.  He is a talented and willing to attempt anything he puts his mind to.  He's also been known to dabble on the piano and organ as well as patch up things that are broken.  He will visit homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and jails any hour of the day or night due to having a heart for the people of God.

In addition to serving his local church, he serves as Apostle Emeritus of the International Bible Way Virginia Diocese Western District churches.  He is certainly God’s man for such a time as this.