Church Services Resumed after Temporary Closure
January 2024
Dear Beloved Congregation,
We are delighted to announce that after the completion of public works, our church services have resumed as of January 2024 after a brief temporary closure since July 2023. Your unwavering faith and patience during this time have been truly inspiring.
We have taken all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and our priority remains the well-being of our church family.
Let us come together once again to worship, pray, and find solace in our shared faith. We look forward to seeing you at our next service.
Blessings, The First Woodbine Church Team
PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING PROPERTY
February 11, 2020
As of April 2021, First Woodbine Church Cemetery / Woodbine Cemetery & Cremation Gardens / Woodbine Church Cemetery has assumed responsibility as the new operator of the cemetery previously/commonly known as Woodbine Cemetery. This cemetery is located at 12914 Canova Drive, Manassas, Virginia 20112, along with its adjacent properties.
Ownership and Authorization:
- The land on which the cemetery stands is owned by Canova Land and Investment Company. The company acquired title to this land through a Substitute Trustee’s Deed recorded in the land records on September 28, 2012.
- As the exclusive entity with rights to the land and property, Canova Land and Investment Company has authorized Woodbine Church Cemetery/First Woodbine Church Cemetery / Woodbine Cemetery & Cremation Gardens (the new operator) to perform the following activities:
- Future Burial Plots: Selling burial plots.
- Cremation Niches: Selling cremation niches.
- Burials: Conducting both in-ground and above-ground burials.
- Grave Digging: Preparing graves for internments.
- Memorials: Installing various types of memorials.
- Foundation Work: Digging foundations for memorialization.
- Managing Records: All new records and collect information from past clients (when provided)
Private Church Cemetery:
- Please be aware that First Woodbine Church Cemetery operates as a private church cemetery. Access for any business-related purposes requires prior arrangement, permission, and/or contracting with the cemetery.
Previous Occupants:
- Since September 2012 and until April 30, 2020, the land and property were occupied by The Woodbine Family Worship Center and Christian School, Inc., (and their associated companies) operated by Gene Wells, his family and associates.
- Canova Land and Investment Company did not authorize such occupation or authorized for them to sell burial plots, interment rights, or convey ownership certificates related to the land.
- Unauthorized services or products related to graves, burials, and memorialization were not authorized by Canova Land and Investment Company.
- Canova Land and Investment Company never received any monies paid to The Woodbine Family Worship Center and Christian School, Inc., by anyone for the services or sale.
Eviction and Investigation:
- Canova Land and Investment Company has evicted The Woodbine Family Worship Center and Christian School, Inc. and Gene Wells from the property, including the cemetery.
- An investigation is underway to determine any rights, products, or services that may have been sold or purportedly sold by the previous occupants.
Future Requests:
- First Woodbine Church Cemetery will carefully review requests for services related to burials or memorial installations on a case-by-case basis.
- Individuals or organizations submitting such requests will be asked to provide sufficient evidence to ensure compliance with the cemetery’s policies.
- All previous permissions, rights, authorization, or approvals granted by Woodbine Family Worship Center and Christian School, Inc. and Gene wells (illegal occupants) are not valid.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition.
For any questions or concerns, please contact:
info@firstwoodbinechurch.com
Mailing Address: Property Address:
8790 Centreville Rd. 12914 Canova Dr.
Manassas, VA 20110 Manassas, VA 20112
