Minister Eva M. Hughes

God’s image of Minister Eva M. Hughes was made flesh on May 23, 1945 in Webster, Virginia, located in Botetourt County. She is the youngest of fifteen children born to the late Rev. John and Lizzie Mack. She is the proud mother of two children, Junius Jr. and Tanya Maria Hughes and six grandchildren.

Minister Hughes was educated in the Roanoke City School System graduating from Lucy Addison High School. She furthered her education through Cornet Business School, Shenandoah Bible College and Mary Baldwin Adult Degree Program. In addition, she has taken courses through Lexington Theological Seminary. During the early years of integration, Minister Hughes started her career in the business field as the first African American to be hired at Traveler’s Insurance Company and continues to excel and be challenged in all her undertakings.

Minister Hughes’s early Christian experience was nurtured in a loving Christian home and in a small church pastured by her father. She was baptized on June 23, 1963 at Loudon Avenue Christian Church under the leadership of Rev. Eugene James. She has served Loudon Avenue in several positions of leadership as Church Clerk, Chair Trustee Board, Sunday school teacher, Chair Deaconess Board, Christian Women’s Fellowship and Deacon. She has served on numerous civic and community organizations, locally, regionally and nationally. She has attended numerous workshops and conferences – all of which were preparing her for what God had ordained for her – to be His messenger and encourager of Good News to His people.

Following the required three-years training for the Order of Ministry under the tutelage of her pastor, Rev. Dr. William Lee, Minister Hughes was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Piedmont District Convention (Disciples of Christ) on July 27, 2007. This same body ordained her for ministry on July 25, 2009. For the past thirteen years she has been employed as Director of Faith Health Ministry at Loudon Avenue. She also serves as an Associate Minister at Loudon Avenue.

Minister Hughes takes great joy in being a woman claimed by God, committed to Christ and commissioned by the Holy Spirit.