OUR PASTOR, REV. DR. OWEN CARDWELL, JR.

Rev. Dr. Owen Cardwell became pastor of Diamond Hill Baptist Church February 1, 2020.  He believes and teaches the kingdom of God on earth as stated in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven”, emphasizing we must be instrumental in bringing the glory of God here on earth while we are living.   We do this by working for peace and harmony through helping our fellows to become Christians, followers of Christ; to become proficient in life by having food and shelter, education, training, love, friendship and so on.   Heaven on earth starts with us being exemplary, as Christians, in showing and following the right path in life.  Our path should not be to dream and look forward to the “pie in the sky, by and by” waiting on the Lord to take us home, but to work here and now while it is day for when night comes (death), no man can work.”  Again, our life here on earth is about outreach, bringing others into the fold to receive the blessings of the Lord.

He began his journey at the age of 14.   Rev. Cardwell, guided by his father and other Black leaders in his hometown, became a forerunner in Integration by the desegregation of the white E. C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia.  He and Lynda Woodruff (now deceased) enrolled at E. C. Glass at the beginning of the second semester of 1972.  They were freshmen and the journey would not be easy.  For their fellows they walked a lonesome and horrendous path to freedom, heroism in its greatest form.  For more information on Rev. Cardwell’s early years, click on the Podcast link below.

Dr. Cardwell is also the Rosel Schewel Distinguished Chair in Education and the Director of the Center for Education and Leadership at the University of Lynchburg.  He received degrees from:

    • PhD — Leadership Studies, Union Institute and University
    • MEd—Adult Education, Cambridge College
    • MTS —Biblical Studies,  School of Theology, Boston University
    • BA  —  Education, Virginia Seminary and College

Read more :

LINKS about Pastor Owen Cardwell

Owen Cardwell – Desegregation of Virginia Education (DOVE) (gmu.edu)

Podcast:  Episode 13: Dr. Owen Cardwell, Jr. | Lynchburg Neighborhood

Dr. Owen Cardwell speaks at Parkview Food for Thought | | newsadvance.com

Projects & Phoenix Initiative | Mysite (cardwellassociates.net)

Dr. Owen Cardwell speaks at Parkview Food for Thought | | newsadvance.com

Elder Flora S. Cardwell

Elder Flora Cardwell is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and completed her primary education in the Boston public school system. She continued her education at Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, (CC) where she earned a master’s degree with a concentration in Adult Education 1990. It was at Cambridge College that she and Reverend Dr. Owen C. Cardwell, Jr. studied and graduated as the first husband and wife team during the class of 1990 commencement ceremony & celebration. She continued her educational pursuits at Strayer University, Glen Allen, Virginia where she earned her MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management in 2011. She has received numerous certifications and training in the HR field.

As Ministry Leader, Elder Cardwell was called by God and licensed to the Gospel Ministry by Dr. Lance Watson, Pastor, St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Richmond, VA, and ordained into the Eldership by the late Bishop Alfred Kee, Fellowship Church, Lynchburg, VA.

Elder Cardwell under the leading of the Holy Spirit has inspired many women to transform and cultivate
spiritual and resilient lifestyles. Under her direction, NCIC women’s ministries, Women-to-Women, (WTW), and the Victorious Mighty Women of God (WMWG), became dynamic ministries which supplied nourishment, direction, and support for the whole woman: spirit, soul, and body. During those biblical inspired conversations and teachings allowed women to take off masks that hid their treasure within

Also, under the umbrella of the Victorious Mighty Women of God, Elder Cardwell oversaw several support groups and fellowships for women of all ages. She hosted an annual conference designed to unlock the treasure within for countless women from across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

She has been empowered by God to be a prophet, and intercessor. Elder Cardwell believes that her faith and love toward and God’s trust in and love for her has humbled her in many ways, and as such, has empower her to do many great ministerial successes in her life through faith, preaching, teaching, and serving. She recognizes that to list them before men, would appear to elevate her as the author of her successes. Rather, she chooses to exalt the One Who chose to conduct His Work through her, and Who is the only one who deserves all the Honor and Glory for each breath that He has given her on this journey, Jesus, the Christ, the Holy Spirit, God, the Almighty, the True Great and Everlasting Father. All Glory and Honor to God for the Great Things that He has Done!

Elder Cardwell is truly a 21st century example of a Proverbs 31 woman, especially in the lives of those she touches. Her worth is far more than rubies!
Professionally, God has enabled Elder Cardwell to become is a strategic Human Resources (HR) Director with 15+ years’ experience in managing HR organizations within secular industries.
Elder Cardwell is married to the Reverend Dr. Owen C. Cardwell, Jr., Pastor, of Diamond Hill Baptist Church where they serve together as a team. As a result of their union, they are the blessed parents of four adults, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.