 | Charlie Grant, often referred to as the “Chaplain of Chaplains,” started the program in Loudoun shortly after the sheriff’s office approached him in 1979. Times-Mirror Staff Photo/Beverly Denny |
Charlie Grant is a larger-than-life local legend.
Standing approximately 5-feet-tall, yet toting a personality that can easily fill a room, Grant has been among the most influential men Loudoun County has seen in the last 40 years. His emergency radio, like an extension of his body, constantly blares. It’s always with him due to his work as a senior chaplain for the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department.
This volunteer job is just one of an array of jobs in Grant’s repertoire. Among his proudest work is the success he’s had with the Good Shepherd Alliance, a Christian-based emergency housing program, and providing affordable transportation with the Virginia Regional Transit service, or VRT.
Because of his continued service to the community and inspirational message, Grant is the Times-Mirror’s Citizen of the Year for 2011.
Area giant
Grant has been busy since moving to Sterling in December of 1969—and Loudoun County is better for it.
While cultivating a family that includes 10 biological children and 24 grand-kids, Grant has served on the Board of Supervisors and started many key county charity programs.
From the beginning, Grant was focused on how to better Loudoun County.
“There were about 3,000 people living in Sterling when we first came,” Grant said. “There was very little in the shopping center and the high school was way out in the country, 95 percent of the Broad Run High School had to be bused. That was wasting taxpayer dollars.”
Pastor of a Baptist congregation, Grant doesn’t believe in elaborate building of worships, opting instead to practice in homes, schools and community centers.
Grant was approached by the Sheriff’s Office in 1979 – known for his service as a pastor – to start a chaplain program. Grant, the ultimate chaplain, has been faithfully on call 24-hours-a-day since the Sheriff’s Office approached him, arriving at scenes to provide support for the families of victims. He also runs a “mobile canteen,” providing food and beverages to personnel working a scene.
Additionally, they asked him to put together a shelter program for homeless teens.
Grant founded the Good Shepherd Alliance in 1983, which provides emergency housing and support for homeless Loudouners. He remains involved in the organization by putting the disadvantaged in contact with others who can help and even going out of his way to give rides to those in need.
Grant parlayed his community work into a run at the Board of Supervisors and in 1991, serving four years and bolstering Loudoun’s growing economic engine.
He lobbied for the Sterling Home Depot to come to town, an unpopular idea at the time, which helped flesh out a large shopping center in a town that had little.
Grant has been so involved, even as a soon-to-be 75-year-old, that even his doctor is trying to tell him to slow down.
“The doctor insisted I stop doing this,” Grant said.
Those who know Grant understand that he’ll keep moving forward, Loudoun’s own “Little Engine That Could.”
But 15 years ago, that engine nearly sputtered.
Grant was driving for the VRT when he was in a near-fatal car accident. Grant was unconscious for eight days while his body tried to recover from multiple injuries, including a lacerated liver.
Grant attributes his survival, like many of the good things in his life, to God.
On that day, there was an abnormally quick emergency response to Grant’s crash. Wind blew smoke and fumes away from his vehicle and the fire extinguisher in his vehicle somehow deployed, its discharge shielding Grant from the fire.
“The Lord worked some wonderful miracles to bring me through,” Grant said.
Grant has had his hand in so much of the development of Loudoun County, it would take a book to list it all. So, he wrote one.
Dale Van Atta has known Grant since the 1980s. He and Grant recently co-wrote and published Grant’s biography, “From Helltown to Heaven… and all the stops in between.”
“Charlie is unique in that he is appreciative of members of all churches without trying to convert them. He is able to cross that boundary,” Venada said. “When it comes to Loudoun, I don’t know if anyone has done more volunteering and helping others than Charlie.”
Still, a book may not even be enough to chronicle all of Grant’s accomplishments and good deeds.
“Not surprisingly, many call Chaplain Charlie Grant a Saint. He is the hardest-working and most compassionate man I have ever encountered,” Byron F. Andrews, chief of the Sterling Rescue Squad, said about the book. “This book only scratches a few of but thousands of experiences that Charlie has had over his incredible life and underscores the impact that Charlie has had on the people and the community.”
Perhaps Grant’s best trait is his continued giving and bettering of the Loudoun County area, long after he’d done his fair share.
“Let’s put it this way,” Grant said. “If I put my mind to it, I can do it.”
Grant has tinkered his community service based on what the area needed at the time. He started with emergency housing, because too many were homeless. He then moved to transportation and helping to get others around, then to jobs. Grant is the stopgap that tries to plug each and every one of Loudoun’s problems.
Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) perhaps envisioned Grant’s perseverance best when he tried to list the jobs that Grant currently partakes in, still to this day. Delgaudio got to seven, claiming those were only the ones he knew about.
“He’s a good example of a former supervisor continuing to make a change,” Delgaudio said of Grant. “The infrastructure and help he’s put into this county, all while remaining opinionated, is remarkable.”
Other supervisors chimed in as well.
“Charlie is certainly deserving of the recognition,” Chairman Scott York (R-At Large) said. “He is someone who serves the community in multiple capacities and improves the lives of many.”
Role model
Herbert Rivas stared on glowingly as we interviewed Grant, soaking up the stories of his grandfather-in-law. Since marrying into the family recently, Rivas found out that Grant was, well, kind of a big deal.
“I heard that [Charlie] is a kind of living, local legend around here,” Rivas, who lives in New York with Grant’s granddaughter, said. “He is very inspiring to see, I didn’t understand that [Loudoun County] didn’t have so many things that he helped develop.”
Rivas and Grant share a lot of talks about life and about God, each able to quote scripture. Yet, Grant has always been a family man.
In the 1970s, Grant worked for Loudoun Fire Rescue with four of his sons. Another of Grant’s grandsons just graduated as a third-generation EMT for the county.
“The spirit on which our county was founded was people wanting to give,” Grant said. “If we’re going to get back to being where we should be as a nation, we need to get back to that.”
Grant has some advice for local lawmakers, too.
“There should be the idea of helping people in the community without expecting anything in return,” Grant said. “I never started with the idea I’d get a reward for the things that I’ve done. I still don’t.”
Grant said he wishes he could do more to get other people involved in volunteering.
“Make your life worth keeping,” he said.
At the Times-Mirror office, Grant answered a text message on his iPhone, something you don’t usually see from a 74-year-old. Of course, this was Charlie Grant.
“When I see grandpa here, I see someone who hasn’t wasted his life,” Rivas said.
No, he hasn’t.
The cross is a Roman torture device, only a demented religion would use such a violent symbol.
Is Jesus was beheaded, would the symbol of Christianity be a sword?
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
In 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Paul calls on the Corinthians to end their dissensions and share the unified outlook of the Gospel. Discord arises when we forget that we belong not to human leaders or institutions but to Christ who was crucified for us. Indeed, the unifying word of the cross of Christ is the center of the Gospel and the power of almighty God’s salvation. God desires that His people be united in purpose.
My tax dollars better not be spent paying his meals at the fire station.
Separation between church and state!
First Court House nativity scenes, now articles about a “chaplain”.
Why am I exposed to so much religious garbage? I’d prefer to keep me and my family’s life free from middle-eastern, bronze-age superstition.
Thanks in advance.
The Sterling VFD absolutely need a chaplain, the firefighters must get traumatized from all the burning high rises they’re constantly saving people from.
1. Who doesn’t like to wear helmets with Roman torture devices on them?
2. Does have have a single shred of evidence for the existence of the deity he worships?
3. Is he so afraid of death, that he believes in middle-eastern, bronze-age, Jewish folklore?
To the haters, one simple comment in response…“Answer not a fool according to his folly…” Prov 26:4
Can’t believe some of the “hate” comments. You obviously don’t know Charlie. I’ve had the honor of volunteering with him several years ago. He is truley deserving of this honor. I got to see first hand his tirelesss and unselfish work with the Sterling Fire Dept. Congratulations to a well deserving individual
PS- Charlie can take his imaginary deity and shove it somewhere special.
All “Reverends” and priests (insert religious title here) are charlatans.
He’s obviously a gullible, religious idiot, who is a fraud.
Well deserved Charlie…well deserved indeed! Congratulations!
One of the greatest human beings I know. Congratulations Rev Grant!
Charlie is Loudoun’s own “Mother Teresa”...his quiet, gentle service to others is absolutely flawless. I am honored and humbled to know him. Thank you, Charlie and thank you,God for put someone like Charlie into our community!
Correction: 1 Cor.9:23
As Paul the Apostle, who loved the people and was a servant unto all to the Corinthians, Charlie Grant loves his community and has been a servant to all for decades in Loudoun County. He is a man who truly lives by the humble servant’s creed, “And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” 1 Cor. 10:23
For this well-deserved recognition for many years of serving the Loudoun County community through growth and welfare, as well and being witness and comfort to the multitude of those during hardship and grief – Congratulations, Dad! We couldn’t be more proud!
I’m glad to see this article about such a wonderful human being. Thank you Pastor Grant, May God bless you and your family always.
I am blessed and honored to have known Charlie Grant for a while now.
I have been around a lot of dedicated, hard working people in my life.
But Charlie may be the hardest working, dedicated, most devoted husband, father, Grandfather (Great Grandfather) and civic minded volunteer I have ever met.
To know Charlie is to love Charlie.
No decent person would ever have anything negative to say about Charlie.
Not in a million years.
To me, this recognition is a reflection of the entire Grant family. They are an exceptional group of people.
I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than Charlie Grant. Charlie has a pure heart that serves his love of community and mankind in so many ways. While so many good people serve their community, the diversity and longevity of Charlie’s service is truly remarkable. THANK YOU Charlie Grant.
I prasie the Lord for such a Godly heritage.My grandfather has devoted his entire life to the Lord and has been willing to do whatever the Lord has asked of him. My grandpa has shown that he is a real man because he is willing and not ashamed to stand for what he believes in[God] and does not let what others may say or think about him affect him. He truly is a Saint!!!
We as humans[sinners] are so quick to judge before we take the time to get to know someone. I challenge you to get a copy of his book and read it. If you truly knew him you would not find yourself talking down about him. I understand how we all think that we could do something better than someone else, but remember that you are not wearing his shoes so you do not completly understand all that he has and still is going through. All I ask is that if you are going to post something bad about my grandpa please seriously think about why you are saying what you are saying. As our mothers always say if you do not have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all. I challenge ya’ll to take it to heart.
My grandfather has sacrificed so much and has asked for nothing in return. He truly is a saint and deserves to be honored for the contribution he has made to Loudoun County. God has truly blessed this man’s life…it is a miracle as you read in the article that he is even here right now. We must all take this article to heart and decide for ourselves what we believe and why we believe it.
I am proud to be the grandaughter of Chaplain Charlie Grant. As mentioned in the article above my grandpa will not stop until God takes him home to which I know that my grandpa will hear “Well done my faithful servant, well done.”
I love you grandpa and am super proud of you!!!!
God Bless
Wonderful selection, wonderful person. Charlie is an inspirition to all.
I love, without fail, when I ask Charlie how he’s doing, he replies “Pretty fair for a young guy”.
He is a great asset to our community and I think LTM made an excellent choice to name him citizen of the year.
Thank you Rev. Charlie Grant for your service to the community! You made a difference. Give honor where honor is due!
This reminds me of the Montgomery Burns Award For Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence from THE SIMPSONS:
http://www.lake-link.com/images/forumphotos/award84.jpg
It is very easy for someone to post slanderous comments when they hide behind a pseudonym or alias. Perhaps the LTM should require email authentication before allowing someone to post a comment. Even better yet, the TCP stack or MAC address can easily be used to identify the party posting slanderous comments. With minimal effort, the target of the slanderous comments could easily seek recourse through the legal system. I am really tired of reading comments like those below with no supporting documentation. I would be willing to work with the LTM to set up the protocals necessary to identify these posters at no cost to the LTM.
The impact of your contribution to the people of Sterling and Loudoun County will continue to be felt for many years to come Charlie - Well Done!
I am so proud of my Grandfather. He has been a great example to all of us. I want to be more like him.
Congrats to Chaplain Charlie Grant-he has absolutely made such a positive difference to so many within and beyond Loudoun County. His service as a volunteer’s volunteer within the Loudoun County fire-rescue service (supporting both the volunteer and career members) is 2nd to none. Charlie has always gone “with his heart” and that heart has always gone in a positive direction….CONGRATS CHAPLAIN 11/15!
Pastor Grant, why did non-profit Virginia Regional Transit under your leadership donate thousands and thousands of dollars in our gas tax dollars to Steve Simpson? Was that proper and chaste? How much of that non-profit gas tax money went to GAM Printers? Maybe these questions can get answered now.
The Good Shepherd Alliance came into existence when Pastor Charlie Grant began taking homeless people into his own Sterling home almost thirty years ago. At the time, Pastor Grant was Chaplain to the Sheriff’s Department. With no youth shelters in Loudoun County, Sheriff’s Deputies would call Pastor Grant and ask him to pick up homeless youth. During the winter of 1983, Pastor Grant took in fourteen homeless people and began his trademark pursuit of organizing the community to establish the first organized homeless shelter called Loudoun County Emergency Housing Alliance (LCEHA). This predecessor to Good Shepherd Alliance began soliciting funds and the homeless were housed for a short time at the Sterling Motel.
Pastor Grant persuaded area developers to allow LCEHA use of vacant residences to house the homeless. He approached developers, whose own workers often counted among the homeless and worked with them in the spirit of mutual responsibility and cooperation to address this growing situation. Together Pastor Grant and the developers came up with a proposal to help other homeless in the county, namely, to use as shelters those homes that were on the land slated for development, but that usually would lay unoccupied for two or three years before new constructiion required their destruction. The first houses were near the intersection of Route 28 and the W&OD; bike trail. When those homes were removed for a new housing development, another house was provided near the Potomac Baptist Church. Later still, the homeless were housed near Cascades Parkway and then for two years in Leesburg. Homeless persons capable of responsibility were assigned positions as house monitors supervising the residents and property.
It all began with Pastor Charlie Grant and his vision that the county would require a faith based homeless shelter to rebuild peoples lives and give them a much needed second chance.
May God continue to bless Charlie Grant and his entire family.
Pastor Grant is the only one I would ever nominate for this outstanding recognition
Western Loudouner? Are you trying to say that you don’t want to be associated with Eastern Loudoun? Why can’t you be just a “Loudouner”?
I am a 4th generation Western Loudouner and proud to have known Charlie for 46 years! This has been an award that has taken far too long! Congrats Charlie! You are what makes Loudoun a great place to live!
A great article and an even greater man! Thank you Charlie for all your years of kind service.
We could all learn from Charlie Grant, regardless of our beliefs. This is is not about a “religion” or politics (although Charlie is putting his faith into action). It is easy to say that “we” should help others. You are included in “we”, and that’s where the rubber meets the road.
Charlie is proof that one individual can actually make a significant difference in the lives of other human beings. This is true charity, when individuals get involved with their own time and resources.
It amazes me that some want to throw politics into this…has nothing to do with it…This man deserves this…for what he has done in and around Sterling…not for political gain but for people that need him….
Pushing aside the political side that some want to bring up, Charlie Grant is a mainstay of the community. He gives his time and effort to many and never seeks to publicize it. This honor is well deserved and Charlie is owed a debt of thanks many times over. Thank you Charlie for all you do and have done.
I guess some people like LTM Strikes Again don’t really know who they are commenting about. Maybe your jealous of the spotlight other’s who actually make a positive impact in their community get. It does however appear that your to embarassed to let people know who you really are.
Not surprising that the LTM would pick Dale Polen Myers’ political mentor as Citizen of the Year.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. That my friends is Charlie Grant.
Yes Virginia there are generous and giving souls ho devote their entire living experience to helping Sterling and Loudoun citizens and all visitors around the clock. And the white bearded Charlie Grant is by far the longest serving most diverse and clearly capable public spirit in the flesh and on the clock as a volunteer—24 hours a day 7 days a week. And he does not hold news conferences. Amen. The real deal. God Bless Charlie Grant and his wonderful family.
look out. the atheists will be up in arms to see a christian cross on a piece of government property representing a publicly funded institution of government.
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