The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc.

History of The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc.
1972-2012
40th Anniversary Celebration

The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc. was founded in 1972 by retired school teacher Mrs. Ora Smith. The organization was designed as a non-profit, community service organization to help the low-to-moderate income citizens and to assist in solving both individual and community problems. In efforts to get the Assembly started Mrs. Smith invited Mr. Don Anderson, founder of the N.A.S.P. (National Association for the Southern Poor) to help establish the assembly in Appomattox County, VA.

The Rev. A.B. Jones served as the first President of The Assembly from 1972 to 1978. Through his leadership and assistance of the N.A.S.P. staff, 23 conferences were organized.

The Rev. R.Q. Lawing, Sr. served as the second president from 1979 to 1981. Under his stewardship, several problems within the community were presented and addressed.

Mr. Selmon Robinson, a retired Army Officer, served as the third president for only six months. During the absence of presidential leadership, Vice-General Secretary Mr. Milton Chambers led the organization until an official election was held.

Mr. Thomas A. Chilton, Sr., a native of Appomattox County and retired Quality Control Specialist, was elected as the fourth president serving from 1982 to 1985. Under his direction, much progress was made.
• His first action was to write By-Laws and to incorporate The Assembly with the assistance of Mr. Robert Carter, Sr., Attorney at Law.
• A scholarship/book awards fund was established in 1989 and named in honor of the late Rev. R.Q. Lawing, Sr. One scholarship is presented every fourth year with the recipient receiving award fee during each interviewing year. Three book awarads are give each year for four consecutive years to deserving Appomattox County High School students. Still existing today this fund has aided many young college students.
• Also established was a Building Fund for The Assembly, a Job Placement program, and more than $3,000 were raised for the Holliday Lake Summer Camp Program.

Mr. Milton L. Chambers, a lifelong resident of Appomattox County, was elected as the fifth president at the young age of 31 in June of 1985. He provided leadership and guidance to members who were 20 years plus his senior. The first objective of President Chambers was to recruit younger members into the organization.

In 1986, The Assembly applied for and received a tax-exempt status. In 1987, the Building Fund committee was reorganized and funds were raised to erect an operational center.

A joint venture with our government helped Appomattox County receive a Community Development Block Grant for over $500,000. With a stipulation for the county to build on our property, both federal and county officials mandated that we must sign over our six (6) acre tract to the county. The Assembly purchased the property for such a small financial amount that it was more of a gift than a sale from Mr. Daniel B. Delaney who owned that tract of land. Mr. Delaney acknowledged that he wanted the land to always remain in the possession of The Assembly; therefore, under the leadership of president Chambers, he felt that turning our land over to the county would dishonor this agreement. President Chambers helped encourage Assembly members to maintain our land and use existing funds to pay as we go.

In 1992, The Assembly contracted W. A. Stratton Construction Company to erect a 50 x 80 foot shell. Upon construction, a suggestion was made to name the physical building the Carver-Price Cultural Center (CPCC) to honor Mr. George Washington Carver, a renowned world educator/scientist and Mrs. Mozella J. Price, the first black school supervisor of Appomattox County, VA public schools for negro children. Subsequently it was agreed by the board and members of The Assembly to name the physical facility the Carver-Price Cultural Center to preserve the heritage of these great African-Americans.

Upon receiving a large donation of building materials from Mr. Charles Bruce, owner of the Bruce and Stiff Funeral Home here in Appomattox County, the interior work of the Cultural Center began. Needing a General Contractor, Mr. Ralph Johnson, a Negro business entrepreneur, stepped in and served in this capacity. Working diligently to accomplish a goal, president Chambers and his brother Norman logged in over 2,000 hours to complete the interior work. Assisting with the interior work, Mr. Robert Walker and Mr. Oliver Chambers, local citizens, worked attentively 18 (eighteen) months at four (4) days a week providing over 100 hours of labor in helping to complete the interior. In April of 1997, a donation of $2,500 was presented to The Assembly by Transco, a local gas pipeline company in Appomattox, to install the drop ceiling which was scheduled to be completed by October of that year. Given the green light signal to move forward, members of The Assembly worked hard in achieving the fulfillment of their dream of having a facility to be used by our citizenry.

A computer room was constructed with six (6) computers being donated to the organization. Microsoft Office classes were taught by knowledgeable and dedicated Assembly members to citizens within the community to who wanted to learn the basic computer skills as well as preparation for job employment.

In 1999 the Leroy Morgan Scholarship Fund was established and administered by The Assembly. This yearly award is funded solely by the Morgan family to encourage youth to further their edication and widen their horizons. This award is presented each year to a deserving graduate of Appomattox County High School on a one-time basis.

Appomattox County Girl Scout Troop #2026 presented and erected an outside playground to be used by the community youth for outdoor activity.

Our most proud and recent accomplishment is the construction of our new board room, the “Chilton/Tanner” Board Room, that is named in honor of the late Mr. Thomas E. Chilton, Sr., fourth president of The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc. and the late Mr. Charlie Ed Tanner, Speaker, for over 20 years, in recognition of their many years of service and accomplishments.

Our organization has endured many hurdles in our path over the years as we strived to go forth and we have lost many dear dedicated members. For those who have died, a perfect quote from Leo Buscaglia summarizes how we feel. It states “I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.”

However, through the many difficulties over the years, the operation of the Carver-Price Cultural Center, under the umbrella of The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc., has operated very successfully, and the facility is being frequently utilized serving organizations of the surrounding area.

This facility is located in Historic Appomattox County, VA very near the National Historical Park of Appomattox Court House, VA, where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. The Carver-Price Cultural Center site serves the following organizations for hosting their monthly meetings and related fundraising programs and projects: the local NAACP Chapter, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, the Ladies Auxiliary of the V.F.W. and of course our Appomattox County Assembly and previously the Carver-Price High School Alumni, Inc.

The Carver-Price Cultural Center, in addition, accommodates the community and surrounding area to hold family reunions, weddings & receptions, birthday parties, baby showers, organizational banquets and workshops, High School class reunions, Receptions for Appomattox County and various church functions and many other structured events.

The Dream to Reality marks 40 Years of Loyalty, Passion, Endurance and Strength thriving in the midst of adversities.

We thank you so much for being a part of our 40th year celebration and we continue to solicit your prayers and support.



Our Motto: “We Will Help You-Help Yourself”









































History of The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc.
1972-2012
40th Anniversary Celebration

The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc. was founded in 1972 by retired school teacher Mrs. Ora Smith. The organization was designed as a non-profit, community service organization to help the low-to-moderate income citizens and to assist in solving both individual and community problems. In efforts to get the Assembly started Mrs. Smith invited Mr. Don Anderson, founder of the N.A.S.P. (National Association for the Southern Poor) to help establish the assembly in Appomattox County, VA.

The Rev. A.B. Jones served as the first President of The Assembly from 1972 to 1978. Through his leadership and assistance of the N.A.S.P. staff, 23 conferences were organized.

The Rev. R.Q. Lawing, Sr. served as the second president from 1979 to 1981. Under his stewardship, several problems within the community were presented and addressed.

Mr. Selmon Robinson, a retired Army Officer, served as the third president for only six months. During the absence of presidential leadership, Vice-General Secretary Mr. Milton Chambers led the organization until an official election was held.

Mr. Thomas A. Chilton, Sr., a native of Appomattox County and retired Quality Control Specialist, was elected as the fourth president serving from 1982 to 1985. Under his direction, much progress was made.
• His first action was to write By-Laws and to incorporate The Assembly with the assistance of Mr. Robert Carter, Sr., Attorney at Law.
• A scholarship fund was established and named in honor of the late Rev. R.Q. Lawing, Sr.
Still existing today this fund has aided many young college students.
• Also established was a Building Fund for The Assembly, a Job Placement program, and more than $3,000 were raised for the Holliday Lake Summer Camp Program.

Mr. Milton L. Chambers, a lifelong resident of Appomattox County, was elected as the fifth president at the young age of 31 in June of 1985. He provided leadership and guidance to members who were 20 years plus his senior. The first objective of President Chambers was to recruit younger members into the organization.

In 1986, The Assembly applied for and received a tax-exempt status. In 1987, the Building Fund committee was reorganized and funds were raised to erect an operational center.

A joint venture with our government helped Appomattox County receive a Community Development Block Grant for over $500,000. With a stipulation for the county to build on our property, both federal and county officials mandated that we must sign over our six (6) acre tract to the county. The Assembly purchased the property for such a small financial amount that it was more of a gift than a sale from Mr. Daniel B. Delaney who owned that tract of land. Mr. Delaney acknowledged that he wanted the land to always remain in the possession of The Assembly; therefore, under the leadership of president Chambers, he felt that turning our land over to the county would dishonor this agreement. President Chambers helped encourage Assembly members to maintain our land and use existing funds to pay as we go.


In 1992, The Assembly contracted W. A. Stratton Construction Company to erect a 50 x 80 foot shell. Upon construction, a suggestion was made to name the physical building the Carver-Price Cultural Center (CPCC) to honor Mr. George Washington Carver, a renowned world educator/scientist and Mrs. Mozella J. Price, the first black school supervisor of Appomattox County, VA public schools for negro children. Subsequently it was agreed by the board and members of The Assembly to name the physical facility the Carver-Price Cultural Center to preserve the heritage of these great African-Americans.

Upon receiving a large donation of building materials from Mr. Charles Bruce, owner of the Bruce and Stiff Funeral Home here in Appomattox County, the interior work of the Cultural Center began. Needing a General Contractor, Mr. Ralph Johnson, a Negro business entrepreneur, stepped in and served in this capacity. Working diligently to accomplish a goal, president Chambers and his brother Norman logged in over 2,000 hours to complete the interior work. Assisting with the interior work, Mr. Robert Walker and Mr. Oliver Chambers, local citizens, worked attentively 18 (eighteen) months at four (4) days a week providing over 100 hours of labor in helping to complete the interior. In April of 1997, a donation of $2,500 was presented to The Assembly by Transco, a local gas pipeline company in Appomattox, to install the drop ceiling which was scheduled to be completed by October of that year. Given the green light signal to move forward, members of The Assembly worked hard in achieving the fulfillment of their dream of having a facility to be used by our citizenry.

A computer room was constructed with six (6) computers being donated to the organization. Microsoft Office classes were taught by knowledgeable and dedicated Assembly members to citizens within the community to who wanted to learn the basic computer skills as well as preparation for job employment.

Appomattox County Girl Scout Troop #2026 presented and erected an outside playground to be used by the community youth for outdoor activity.

Our most proud and recent accomplishment is the construction of our new board room, the “Chilton/Tanner” Board Room, that is named in honor of the late Mr. Thomas E. Chilton, Sr., fourth president of The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc. and the late Mr. Charlie Ed Tanner, Speaker, for over 20 years, in recognition of their many years of service and accomplishments.

Our organization has endured many hurdles in our path over the years as we strived to go forth and we have lost many dear dedicated members. For those who have died, a perfect quote from Leo Buscaglia summarizes how we feel. It states “I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.”

However, through the many difficulties over the years, the operation of the Carver-Price Cultural Center, under the umbrella of The Appomattox County Assembly, Inc., has operated very successfully, and the facility is being frequently utilized serving organizations of the surrounding area.

This facility is located in Historic Appomattox County, VA very near the National Historical Park of Appomattox Court House, VA, where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. The Carver-Price Cultural Center site serves the following organizations for hosting their monthly meetings and related fundraising programs and projects: the local NAACP Chapter, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, the Ladies Auxiliary of the V.F.W. and of course our Appomattox County Assembly and previously the Carver-Price High School Alumni, Inc.

The Carver-Price Cultural Center, in addition, accommodates the community and surrounding area to hold family reunions, weddings & receptions, birthday parties, baby showers, organizational banquets and workshops, High School class reunions, Receptions for Appomattox County and various church functions and many other structured events.




The Dream to Reality marks 40 Years of Loyalty, Passion, Endurance and Strength thriving in the midst of adversities.

We thank you so much for being a part of our 40th year celebration and we continue to solicit your prayers and support.



Our Motto: “We Will Help You-Help Yourself”