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VALLEY CREEK CHURCH.
piastre
GENEALOGY 976.101 D16AY
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1
KATHERINE SHIPMAN BATTE
HISTORY
OF
VALLEY CREEK
1
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
SELMA, ALABAMA.
BY
KATHERINE SHIPMAN BATTE.
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Dedicated to my husband, Rev. Junius M. Batte, pastor of Valley Creek Church. Katherine Shipman Batte.
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REV. JUNIUS M. BATTE
VALLEY CREEK CHURCH.
When we say history what do we mean, some fanciful idea, some romantic affair, or some deed of heroism that might have occurred, had circumstances been favorable? No, when we record history we state something that really transpired in the routine of man's life. In writing this, I am endeavor- ing to relate facts. Much of the early history has been lost, some through fire, but more through the death of those sol- diers of the cross, whose mouldering bones lie beneath the sod. Could we but again sit before the warm blaze of the crack- ling yule log as she blazes and sparkles, sending forth her warmth and brightness; there, listening to the daring deeds
of our forefathers of centuries past. Hushed in death are those voices, now only the pages of history can relate those circumstances, which make up the life of a nation. In writing this little history; I do not wish simply to place before the minds of the people the rise or fall of so great an organiza- tion. But to show the coming generation what great things have been done; they seeing the, "foot prints on the sands of time," may push forward to build a tower of strength, a character which can not be erased. And say as those loved ones who have gone before:
"I love thy church, oh, God! Her walls before thee stand,
Dear las the apple of thine eye, Engraven on thy hand."
It is with much regret that an early history of the Old Valley Creek Church was not written. Is it not strange in a community, so long distinguished: for her intellect, her patriotism, her morals and her religion that we must be compelled to "glean and gather," up from the debris of itme the material to compile the history of our Valley Creek Church? The second oldest Presbyterian
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church in the state of Alabama. Huntsville claims the ascen- dency of a short time. Yet, we can not help feel that Valley Creek should have the honor. We count the existence of things from their birth not from the time they stand alone, or perhaps walk or brought into notice by some great deed. It would be almost unreasonable to believe that those chris- tian people coming from the "Rocky River Church and other congregations of North Carolina landing in Dallas County about 1817 should have waited a year or more before assembling in some favorite place and there hold worship. We believe it was done, therefore we conceive of the idea that the church Iwas established some time before it was asknowledged by the Presbytery.
"From the end of the earth will I cry When my heart is over whelmned, Lead me to the rock that is higher than l" Their trust was only in the "Rock of Ages."
Yet, it was not for the lack of interest on the part of those, who first broke the soil around the sainted church doors that we have no history. They were a very busy people. doing what they thought most important first. Therefore, we must search through the debris of tinie or dig among the ashes of an expired generation to collect the early facts; much has passed beyond the recovery of man. I hope that all is not lost and yet, hope to bring to light hidden things and thus preserve the history of this church.
I shall be compelled to rob the grave stones of their in- scriptions and gather from the feeble voice of tradition still audible and from such resources, as, are well, authenticated.
We must not judge the past by what we see, do not imagine, that, that massive brick structure has always held its proud head so high, and basked in the golden sun. Do not imagine that days of toil and nights of anxiety were not spent in getting such a house nor do not imagine that the organiza-
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tion was there from creation, and the toiling missionaries did not come from afar and sow the seed, and patiently wait for the Lord to send the harvest.
For me thinks I can hear them as they plead.
"Do you know there's one who loves thee Poor and loveless thou are
That the tender peerless Savior Longs to fold thee, to his heart?"
Then, poor despairing, out cast one, Oh, come while 'tis called, "To-day!"
Tomorrow ne'er may dawn for thee, For the Christ is on his way."
"What the missionaries did was a work of faith and a labor of love."
"Sacred is the trust now committed to us." A sublime honor has fallen upon us. To care for the church and tdvance its work which was begun years ago."
Valley Creek Church.
Is located in Dallas County, Alabama, near the northern part of the county about five miles north-west of Selma on the hills between the Range Line and Summerfield roads, in Pleasant Valley, and about one-half mile from the creek; hence, the organization is known as "Valley Creek Church." The situation itself tells of God's love, there beneath the shadows of the oaks, she stands; the gentle zephyrs kiss the century worn cheek-and the birds make glad the hallowed, spot as they warble their merry songs, the creek with her gen- tle ripple lulls the night fall to sleep and laughs the morning sun to brightness and, "makes the meadow green and proud."
The Organization.
The date of the organization is uncertain, it is suppos- ed by some to have been as early as 1817, others give the date
REPRESENTATION OF ORIGINAL VALLEY CREEK CHURCH
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1818 and 1819. It is very evident there had been preaching occasionally in this nieghborhood, as early as 1817 under the forest oaks. But the first sermon which can be reliably au- thenticated was under the spreading oak near where once stood the home of Mr. Robert Morrison in 1818. This Missionary was sent by the New York Presbytery. The second sermon was near the spot where the church now stands in front of Mr. David Russells home, but time, many years ago saw this home deday and there now only a few brick remain to mark the spot.
When this church was organized the Indians still roamed the forest, the state had just been admitted and Dallas County laid out. William Wyatte Bibb, was Governor; a Virginian by birth, a graduate of William and Mary College and a physi- cian by practice.
In 1817 from Mecklenburg, N. C., eight Scotch- Irish families started on the long journey to Pleasant Valley, Alabama. Passing Fort Jackson, four families decided to re- main over land make a crop of Indian corn before going further into the wilderness. Afterwards they floated down the Ala- bama river to Moores' Bluff, (now called Selma.) Wm. Mor- rison, the apostle of the valley, his brothers Robert, Carson and John, Christopher Osborne, Enoch Morgan and Major James Russell, (see Picketts history) land their families were the first pale faces who began the clearing of forests, building of roads and homes and tilling the soil in a new land where "Nature oftener took the Indian's part." Scarcely were the chimneys of their crude homes completed before a log churchi was erected near the site of the present structure. Here, each Sabbath morning these Scotch Presbyterians assembled and read from a book of sermons brought from their home far across the seas words of comfort and hope.
(Selma Journal, by Mrs. Ida M. Peacock.)
The states contributing mostly to swell the population; were Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Ten- nessee but some few came from the New England States.
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The emigrants were not wealthy, as a rule; but neither were they shiftless out-casts from the older states.
They were people who wished to better their condition and were not afraid of long journeys or of facing rough surroundings, yet some were rich planters and large slave owli- ers. Agriculture was the chief industry, those who were not engaged in planting were occupied in furnishing supplies to the planters or handling their crops. The principal crop was cotton, and for years the people rested content with one gift of nature, leaving a later generation to profit by the wonderful mineral riches hidden in mother earth. We must remember at that time Alabama was without a railroad making trans- portation very difficult. "It was not until 1831 a railroad was begun between Tuscumbia and Decatur, they were three years constructing forty-four miles, (Picketts'.) When we con- sider the many difficulties, which our God fearing ancestors surmounted; should we not look around and be more thank- ful for our many blessings? And in deep gratitude cry, as the Psalmist; "Bless the Lord, oh, my soul and all that is within me, bless His Moly name." These who were so full of enthu- siasm, so full of the love of country and their God,, soon out- grew the little log house; and built one more commodious and enjoyed greater comforts land blessings from, "The hand of Him, who doeth all things well." This frame building was very comfortable.
The odd style of the pulpit was one of its great attrac- Itions. It was very high from the floor. The minister came in at a little door near the pulpit, walked in front of the pulpit to the further side, opened a small door leading to his seat inside of the enclosure; the door was then closed. On either side of the pulpit were doors leading from out of doors the congregation came in through them. In the rear of the church was a division of seats for the slaves. There were two isles arranged similar to the present church. There was no musi- cal instrument, save the old time tuning fork in either the little log house or the frame building. It was generally the
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privilege of one of those sainted fathers or mothes of Israel to raise the tune, how those walls echoed and re-echoed those hallowed tunes, so sacred to their memory. No grander music ever swelled the breezes, no cords more solemn ever passed the portals of Glory; than those sung by your garndsires, and reverberated by the walls of Valley Creek Church. The com- munion set was not that of the present, it was a very hand- some in appearance but bore an antique look, it was not silver but possessed all the brightness of sterling ware, it was the old Brytania ware, so much valued in former days; but it was burned when Mr. Benjamin Glass' house was burned, he being an elder had charge of those things with some church records. The communion was served quite differently from the present mode; there was a very long table always kept in front of the pulpit, and wooden benches, the communicants went forward and sat around this table and were served; then returning quietly to their seats.
The frame church for many years was an unceiled build- ing, the congregation felt the need of improvements, so, through the management of the good women all difficulties were overcome and the church was nicely sealed. The contract was given to Mr. Benton.
The original members of the old brush arbor organiza- tion have gone to their rest; there are some few of their chil- dren left, many grand children, the great-grand children are many. In passing, I shall call to the minds of our readers a few of the surviving children of the senior members. Mrs. Benj. Russell, perhaps better known as "Aunt Jane," daughter of Enoch 'Morgan, one of the original promoters, and an elder. She was born' December 21, 1828.
Mrs. Kate Boggs, wife of M. R. Boggs and daughter of Benjamin A. Glass another elder of the early days.
Mrs. Mary Hopkins.
Mrs. Mary Cole.
Mrs. Eliza J. Cothran, nee Miss Callen.
Mr. A. L. Gilmer, son of James and Rachel Gilmer.
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Mr. Osborn, son of Christopher Osborn.
Mr. Daniel Kenan.
Miss Rill Roller.
If there are others now living who have children of the organizers, the writer could not learn their names. The Pick- ens, Blairs, Goldsbys, Calhouns, Kenans, Irwins, Kings, Blevins, Marshalls, Taggarts, McCurdys, Phillips, Gil- mers, Callens were among the early settlers; but according to history the Morrisons, Morgans, Russells and Osbornes were the first to break the soil.
In 1835 the first camp meeting was held at Valley Creek, these meetings were held each year for many years. A larg brush arbor was built to accommodate the crowds who atten- ded as the church was not large enough. I am told, that many lived too far to go home and return each day; built tents and camped near the great arbor; that they might attend each service and not cause perhaps a spiritual lull by seeming indifferent. "By their fruits ye shall know them."
Bacon hath said, "if a man be gracious to a stranger, it shows that he is a citizen of the world, and his heart is no is- land cut off from other islands, but a continnet that joins them." So these people by their generosity, nobility, open heartedness and loyalty to their country and their God; now stand as a continent built of solid rock, "a tower of strength extending to the "Rock of Ages."
It was not long after the church was duly organized, that a plot of ground was laid out as a burying place for their dead. It contained about two acres, this land is a part of Benj. A. Glass' original estate. It is situated a quarter of a mile from Valley Creek Church, North-west. Whether this tract was purchased or donated the writer could not learn, it is believed by some to have been donated, recently about two more acres were obtained from the same estate. The first little grave in the former plot was a child of Mr. David Russell, he was a charter member of the church. "A little child shall lead them." When this little one died the burial ground had not
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been selected. But Mr. Russell chose this spot for the last resting place of his little child, this being such a beautiful site, it was obtained for the Valley Creek Cemetery. The good and faithful women of the church years before the war, have the credit of raising themoney to build the brick wall, which now partly stands as an enclosure, the rest of it having fallen down.
The workmanship being inferior or the water standing against it caused it to give away. Now, for almost a century the inhabitants of this region of country have brought their dead. The first made grave in the new tract, is that of little Alice Rountree, daughter of Robert M. and Mattie Moore Rountree. These plots are the sleeping places of a large con- gregation. Doubtless many more sleep beneath the sod, than walk above to tell of the past.
"This City of Rest" is studded over with many head- stones, as memorials of the dead as as, loving tributes of respect from the living.
There is nothing striking or peculiar concerning the head stones, they are all plain and solid reminding one of a good substantial people. Believing the monuments in a cemetery or grave yard, a fair index of the former social equality or dif- ferences among the dead, as the styles of houses among the living.
When passing through a country and you observe great and massive houses almost a rivalry to a palace. You will see in that cemetery proud monuments or towering obelisks rising aloft to mark the graves of the dead.
In our Valley Creek cemetery, we find those stones which are indicative of a refined, a proud and an unassuming people.
Graves are found there, marked as early as 1823, there are others who have not a grave stone, who were placed there before the mentioned date. In this quiet place of rest, there sleep heroes of the Rvolutionary War; some of 1812 and many who shed their blood in the Civil War. Time hath wrought its changes, even in the cemetery many of the head.
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stones and monuments are dark from exposure, having been a sentinel for almost ten decades, watching and marking out the resting place of the loved ones gone before. The twitter- ing birds are singing above their lonely graves, but; "the speechless babe and the gray headed man, shall one by one be gathered by their sides." The original lands all around Valley Creek were fertile and valuable. These early settlers were known for their energy, their love of country and high stan- dard of morality; none, since, have loved the house of Gad more than they. Think of this section of country, as once an unbroken, úncultivated forest, the home of the Red Man and they had but little disturbed the virgin soil. No market, 110 railroad, not even a mill whistle to break the sighs of the zephyrs, as they swept through the trees, a sublime soberness pervaded all nature. They could but say, "who is king of all this glory?" "The Lord of Host, he is King of Glory." Now the woodman's axe is heard to echo through the stillness. The white faces at first were few in number, but dauntless in couage. The settlers of Pleasant Valley were nearly all Scotch-Irish decent, they are the puritans of the South, the Blue Stockings of all countries. The emigrants; says Rev. John Douglas, came to this country through two avenues or routes. The one by the Deleware, their chief port Philadelphia the other a more southern landing the port of Charleston South Carolina. Those who landed at Chaleston continued their journey till they pitched their tents by some cool spring in the head-land or mountains. Those who landed in Philadelphia tarried perhaps a few years in the western part of the state, then emigrated to a more temeprate climate of Virginia, or the Carolinas, after transcending the mountain they followed down the stream till they met the flood-tide of up current, when from a common sympathy or a natural idiosyncrasy or speaking the same vernacular or a still stronger reason from being educated in the same religious creed, they readily
coaleaced and formed the same society and worshipping as semblies. This latter was the magnet which drew them to-
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gether and bound them more firmly than any other tie."
So we have learned the greater number of our primitive Valley Creek settlers were from Virginia or the Carolinas.
"Hither to the Lord hath brought us,"
Here," "Bethel I'll raise."
Just here I shall take the liberty of quoting from a letter by Dr. Rumple, (now deceased,) who for many years was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Salisbury, North Carolina. He says, "On the West coast side of Scotland almost North of Ireland, is situated the large island called Lewis, one of the Hebredes. Four years after the famous battle of Culloden Moss, where Charles Edward, the Pretender was defeated and put to flight, three brothers, James, John and Robert Morri- son left the Island of Lewis and sailed to America. After tarrying a brief time in Pennsylvania they joined the current of Scotch-Irish emigrants that was flowing Southward and settling in the region now so well known as the Rocky River Congregation," in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. James, the eldest of these died in 1804, he was one of the first elders of Rocky River Church, his eldest son William succeeded him in the eldership and served till 1816, when he moved to Ala- bama and settled near Selma. There he showed such zeal in building up the church he was called the "Apostle of the Val- ley."
He was one of the first elders in Valley Creek Church. His descendants are still elders, deacons, Sunday School teachers and useful members in the church of their fore-fa- thers, from this family sprung a long line of ministers, more than fifty have and are preaching the word of God. We do not think it would be a mistake to say that our Valley Creek Church has its origin in the Rocky River Church of North Carolina. For the knowledge of those who do not know let us state that at first and prior to the organization of the General Assembly and this church, the Presbyterian church was composed of a single Presbytery, viz: Philadelphia, consist- ing at its organization, in 1706 of seven ministers and three
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churches, this was the only governing body till 1717. The church had so increased, it was determined to sub-divide the existing body into at least three other Presbyteries, which were to constitute a synod, which should meet annually. Thus the Synod of Philadelphia was formed in 1717 and continued to be the chief Judicatory of the church till 1741, when a di- vision took place in the synod, owing to a diversity of senti- ment among its members-called, "Old and New sides." It was then divided into two co-ordinate bodies called the synod of Philadelphia and the synod of New York. These two separate bodies continued till 1788. When this synod was divided into four synods, viz: New York, New Jersey, Phila- delphia. Virginia and the Carolinas. Out of these was formed the General Assembly, which met for the first time in Phila- delphia, May 21, 1789 and was opened with a sermon by Rev. John Witherspoon, D. D., after which Rev. John Rodgers, D. D., was elected the first moderator and from that to the present continued to be the highest court in the Presbyterian Church.
Organization.
After examining carefully into facts, we shall consider the date of the organization of our Valley Creek Church 1818 by Rev. Francis Porter, of Long Cane Church, Abbeville District, South Carolina, under a brush arbor with logs for seats. Mr. Porter was called as pastor of this church, besides being the pastor he taught a little school in a little log house not far from the church he in his humble way told of the love of our dying Savior, and his spare moments were spent digging and delving with the minds of the children, teaching the "young idea how to shoot." How long he was pastor is not authenti- cally known. Rev. Sloss was an early minister, his date could not be ascertained.
At the organization of the church William Morrison, who was elder in the Rocky River Church, North Carolina, was made elder in Valley Creek Church, with his brother Robert Morrison, David Russell and Enoch Morgan, all from North Carolina,
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Third Pastor.
Rev. Thomas Alexander became pastor about 1822 land served faithfully for fourteen years, while in his charge he did a great deal of evangelistic work.
Fourth Pastor.
Rev. Junius B. King was fourteen years pastor, he began the pastorate about 1836. His attention to his flock was un- remitting and God blessed this labor of love. The work of the Lord prospered in his hands, it was in the midst of his usefulness he was taken away, his remains are in Valley Creek Cemetery. He died November 22, 1850. His friends of the church who loved him so devotedly erected a monument to his memory.
The elders installed during his time of service. Samuel H. N. Dickson, Ira Sterdevant, Samuel B. Pickens, John N. Taggart.
Elders ordained. John C. McNair, Samuel B. Pickens, deacon then elder.
Fifth and Sixth Pastors.
Revs. George Bell and Henry Pharr, were pastors in the 50's.
Seventh Pastor.
Rev. J. M. Watson began in the 50's and remained ciil 1868, he was pastor during the turmoil and blood-shed of war, he always bore a brave face and his words were always encouraging. He died October 7th, 1891 at his home near Petersburg, Tennessee, age 71. Mr. Watson was born in Eng- land, February 3, 1820. His childhood was sent in Mobile, about the age of twenty he left that city to study for the Gos- pel Ministry. In the fall of 1850 he began work at Unity Church, Middle Tennessee. He served also the churches of Middleton, Rutherford, Allisonia, Laurel Hill, Fayetteville . and Reese's church, Tennessee. Later he labored at Valley Creek Church, near Selma, serving there ten years, he was called to take charge of the Evangelistic work in Tuscaloosa
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Presbytery, afterwards he took charge of the Second Pres- terian church in Birmingham. We all reverence his noble manly christian life, we love and will cherish his sainted memory.
The Elders installed during Rev. Watson's pastorate. Jas. E. Morrison, (deacon then elder). James Kenan.
Deacons Installed .- George C. Phillips.
Eighth Pastor.
Rev. G. W. Boggs, came November 1868, stayed till 1875, the pangs of war were still felt and confusion reigned. Mr. Boggs turned much of this attention to the young.
The good counsel he gave to them had much weight in making them the leading men and women of the church today. He feared nothing when doing his duty. Elders ordained by Rev. Boggs .- G. M. Callen, Virgil Irwin.
Deacons Ordained .- Robert W. Morrison.
Just here I feel it my duty to praise the good women of the church. We have praised the nobility of our men, were they alone in all these trials, all these pleasures? The women since creation have been the leaders in building monu- ments and erecting towers. So these men found in their good wives, sisters and mothers great help meets, a very pleasant help in time of trouble. While the good man of the house- was weilding the axe and the hammer, grinding at the mill, upturning the soil, clearing away the forest, their wives were always found where duty called them. We could hardly be lieve that our dear old church, Valley Creek, would stand the monument she does had it not been for some assistance from the God fearing women , who sang the praises of God as they moved about their humble log cabin homes; which in la- ter years were remodeled or rebuilt and designed into hand- some homes. I shall steal a few moments of my readers time and relate a few deeds of nobleness and patriotism per- formed by our Valley Creek women. They organized an aid society, to do all they could to alleviate the suffering and give comfort to our soldiers.
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