History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 34

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054

USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 34

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(MRS. ) OLIVIA S. COOKE.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.

First Presbyterian Church, Norfolk.

Presbyterianism in Norfolk is a heritage from the early days of religious life and ac- tivity in America. Rev. Francis Mackemie was one of the first and most prominent of the apostles of this faith in the New World. His labors were spent chiefly in Maryland and the region northward, but in May. 1684, he vis- ited the part of Virginia lying on the Elizabeth River, and there found an organized Presby- terian Church, of which, in a letter preserved by the Massachusetts Historical Society, he says: "I found there a desolate people mourn- ing the loss of their dissenting minister, whom the Lord had been pleased to remove by death the previous summer." We may infer that their work began some time before this, and dlate the beginning of their church life some time about the year 1680. From this time to 1710 there are no records of the church. This

fact may be readily accounted for. however, by the periods of intolerance and persecution, of long duration, through the intervening years.

From the records of the Norfolk County Court we learn that Rev. Josias Mackie was licensed in 1692 to preach at three points,- the house of Thomas Ivy, on the Eastern Branch : the house of Richard Phillpot, on Tan- ner's Creek, and the house of John Roberts, on the Western Branch, and, in 1696. the house of John Dickson, on the Southern Branch. At a court held for Norfolk County in January. 1714-

These are to certify to their worships, His Majes- ty's justices for Norfolk County, that I the sub-criber do pitch upon a house, last summer erected and now built upon the land belonging unto Richard Butt, Senr .. in the Southern Branch for one of our appointed places of public meeting for divine worship and administra- tion of Gospel ordinances, requesting that the same may be entered a record under my hand the first year of His Majesty's reign, this 17th day of January. 1714. JOSIAS MACKIE.

The above request granted and ordered to be re- corded,

THOS. BUTT. Deputy Clerk.

Norfolk became a town in 1705. Mr. Mackie died in 1716, as recorded by the Nor- folk County Court, and his people are spoken of in a letter of the Philadelphia Presbytery as "the congregation on the Elizabeth River."

In 1801 the General Assembly appointed Rev. Benjamin Grigsby to itinerate through the lower parts of Virginia. By invitation of the church in the borough of Norfolk, of which John McPhail and William McKinder were ruling elders, he became identified with its work, and during the year 1802-03 succeeded in having a building erected at a cost of $12 .- 000. This building still stands at the corner of Bank and Charlotte streets, in good preser- vation; and the church organization in the "Borough of Norfolk" continues as the First Presbyterian Church. In ISI4 the number of communicants in this church was 43. In 1840 the congregation, which numbered 122 com- municants, removed to its new building on Church street, which is the present spiritual

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home of the large and flourishing assembly of their descendants and successors.

From the completion of the church build- ing in 1802 to the year 1822 the elements for the communion service in the church were fur- nished by the grandmother of Hugh Blair Grigsby and John B. Whitehead, and from that date to December, 1860, by their mother ; and by Mrs. John B. Whitehead, with the ex- ception of three years during the Confederate War, until her death, and then by her daughter until the present time. So from under the same roof for a hundred years less five have been borne the sacred elements for communion in the First Presbyterian Church.

PASTORS.

Rev. Francis Makemie. 1683-1692

Rev. Josias Mackie. 1692-1716

Rev. Benjamin Grigsby. 1801-1810

Rev. John H. Rice, D. D. 1811-1814

Rev. John D. Paxton, D. D. 1814-1819

Rev. Joshua T. Russell. . 1820-1824

Rev. Shepard K. Kollock. D. D. 1825-1834

Rev. John D. Matthews, D. D. 1835-1840

Rev. Samuel J. Cassells. . . 1841-1846

Rev. S. J. F. Anderson, D. D. 1846-1851

Rev. G. D. Armstrong, D. D., LL. D. 1851-1891

Rev. James I. Vance, D. D. ... Oct. 2, 1891-Feb. 1, 1895

Rev. James R. Howerton. D. D.

June 19, 1895

Rev. Edward Mack, D. D 1900 -

In 1851 Rev. George D. Armstrong be- came pastor, and for 40 years continued in the relation, sharing with the church the joy of her achievements, as well as the sadness and burden of her trials. These latter were no ordinary dispensations, such as are common to men, but scenes of bleeding hearts, and want and death-of pestilence and war. In 1855, during the summer of the pestilence, the church was brought almost to desolation. By the Ist of September only 87 communicants remained in the city. Some had died and many had fled from the fever. The pastor remained. Of the 87 remaining members few escaped the pesti- lence, and 32 died. After the scourge passed away hope returned, the life of the church was revived and she kept on her way until the war came on, and again her trials were multiplied.

Her, pastor was removed under an arbitrary military order and confined to a harsh military exile for 15 months.

After the war prosperity returned and the church continued to be a center of light and of moral and spiritual power in the community, an exponent of evangelical Christianity and a perpetual admonition against all unrighteous- ness.

In July, 1891, the congregation celebrated the 40th anniversary of the installation of Dr. Armstrong as pastor. This anniversary also marked the termination of the pastorate that had been so long and tenderly cherished.

Rev. Edward Mack, D. D., is the pastor of the church at this writing; there are 17 offi- cers, a membership of 600, and the estimated value of church property is $85,000.

All the Presbyterian churches of the com- munity, including those of Portsmouth and Berkley, are the offspring of this mother church.

Second Presbyterian Church, Norfolk,

Was organized in 1872 with 50 members, three elders and three deacons. In February, 1873, Rev. N. M. Woods was called to the pastorate, and the present church building on Freemason street was erected at a cost of about $15,000. After the retirement of Rev. Mr. Woods, Rev. E. O. Frierson was called to the pastorate, and continued in charge for several years. He was succeeded by Rev. R. Moreton, who continued to supply the pulpit for a limited time.

In October, 1888, Rev. William S. Lacy was installed pastor, and continued in this po- sition, honored and loved by his people and the good people of the entire city, until failing healthi compelled him to resign in 1899. Ex- tensive improvements were made in the church building this year, adding much to the attract- iveness and comfort. In January, 1900, Rev. J. Ernest Thacker entered upon the pastorate. The membership now numbers 254, with five elders and seven deacons. The church prop- ! erty is valued at $25,000.

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Colley Memorial Presbyterian Church, Norfolk,

Was organized in 1883. with Rev. L. IT. Bald- win as pastor. His active services continued until 1889, during which time the work pros- pered. Rev. R. A. Robinson was elected pas- tor in 1800. In January, 1898, Rev. C. W. Maxwell was installed pastor, and continues in that position. The members number 177. with five elders and six deacons. The esti- mated value of the church property is $60.000. Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, Norfolk, Was organized in 1884 with a roll of 40 com- municants. three elders and three deacons. Rev. E. B. McCluer was its first pastor, and continues in that position. The church has had a moderate but substantial growth. Its mem- bership now numbers 180, with four elders and seven deacons; the church property is valued at about $12.000.

Lambert's Point Presbyterian Church, Norfolk,

Was organized in 1897. The church is pros- pering under the ministry of Rev. C. D. Gil- keson. The church has an attractive building. a faithful set of officers and an earnest people. The number of members is 63. with two elders and two deacons; the estimated value of the church property is $5,000.

Park Place Presbyterian Church, Norfolk,

Is the youngest church of this communion in the city, having been organized in May, 1899. with a membership of 32. Rev. George W. Lawson is its zealous and popular pastor. The membership is now 39, with three elders and three deacons. The church has a handsome building, valued at $7.000.

Armstrong Memorial Presbyterian Church, Berkley.

This church was named for the distin- guished divine. Rev. George D. Armstrong, I). D. It was established about 10 years ago.

with 11 members, and they have increased to 106. The church building cost about $6,000. The first pastor was Rev. E. L. Scott : he was succeeded by Rev. E. B. McCluer : then Rev. H. G. Miller, who was followed by Rev. I. ... Slaymaker, the present pastor.

First Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth.

In the month of May in the year 1822, the old church which stood on the northwest cor- ner of Middle and London streets in the city of Portsmouth was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God by Rev. Benjamin H. Rice, of Petersburg. Virginia, and the church, known as the Middle Street Presbyterian Church, was formally organized with five members. How long previous to that date Presbyterian serv- ices had been held in this city is not known with accuracy: it is known, however, that prayer meetings with occasional preaching, conducted under Presbyterian auspices, had been held for several years previous to the organization of this church. Rev. John D. Paxton, D. D., of Norfolk, and Rev. Joshua T. Russell, between 1814 and 1824. held oc- casional services in private houses in Gosport ; and for a year or more Presbyterian services were held in Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, which at that time had no regular rector. After these services in Trinity Church were discontinued the Presbyterians used the school-house of Anson Brooks on the south- east corner of Middle and London streets.

During 1820 or the early part of 1821 the first steps were taken towards the building of a Presbyterian church, the leading spirits being Anson Brooks and Francis Grice, and it was mainly through the efforts of these gentlemen the first church was built. The lot. 180 by 561/2 feet. was purchased in July. 1821, for the sum of $500 from Mrs. Barbary Dougald, of Aberdeen, Scotland. The five members who constituted the church were Francis Grice, his mother, Mary Grice, Dorothy King. Jane Dick- son and Abigail Maulson. The first pastor was Rev. J. J. Pierce, who continued until

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

January, 1823, and the first member received into the church was Mrs. Susan Perry. The first child baptized was Virginia Grice, daugh- ter of Francis Grice. The first regularly in- stalled pastor of this church was Rev. Joseph C. Smith, who continued about three years and was succeeded by Rev. R. F. Cleveland, who served only one year. The next pastor was Rev. William Neill, who continued until the dissension between the Old and New School Presbyterians arose. He sided with the "Old," but the majority of his flock went with the "New School."

Rev. James Stratton succeeded him. In December, 1842, L. W. Boutwell was elected and ordained a ruling elder, and in December, 1843, H. V. Niemeyer; the former fell a vic- tim to the yellow fever and the latter died in 1883, having served for 40 years.

Rev. James M. Kinball was elected pastor in February, 1848, and died March 2, 1849, from the effects of a fall. He had a twin brother so much alike that it was with diffi- culty one could be distinguished from the other. Some months after the death of the minister this brother visited the city and, unannounced, appeared at the weekly prayer meeting in the church, which caused great consternation in the assembly, and some thought the deceased pastor had arisen from the grave.

Rev. G. W. Noyes was the next pastor, and he was succeeded by Rev. Charles Evans. Under this pastor, Dr. John W. H. Trugien was ordained a ruling elder, who, although having a large practice, always made it a point to attend divine services at his church. He was one of the heroes who fell at his post of duty. laboring to relieve the suffering of his fellow men during the prevalence of yellow fever in 1855. Rev. Alexander Porter became pastor next. and while he served the church the High Street Presbyterian Church was or- ganized with 17 members and Rev. Robert J. Tavlor was called to its charge, who left in 1862 to be a chaplain in the Confederate Army.

Rev. I. W. K. Handy succeeded Rev. Mr.

Porter in December, 1854, and remained in charge until 1862, when he was arrested, thrown into prison by the Federal government and held for 15 months. The two churches were without pastors during the Confederate War, and at its close were united, with the Rev. James Murry as minister, who was suc- ceeded in the spring of 1867 by Rev. D. C. Irwin, who was followed in 1873 by Rev. J. M. Rose. On the 7th of January, 1877, while the congregation were engaged in religious service, the building was discovered to be on fire. The benediction was pronounced and the congregation retired in an orderly manner. A short while after the sacred edifice was in ruins.

The location was changed to the northeast corner of King and Court streets and a hand- some new church edifice was dedicated on the 26th day of September, 1877. Rev. Mr. Rose having resigned, Rev. R. Henderson was in- stalled on April 14, 1881, who served until 1884, when Rev. T. Peyton Walton was called to fill the vacancy. Rev. R. L. McMurran suc- ceeded him and entered upon his duties Oc- tober 25, 1885, and this devoted Christian labored here until his death, September 28, 1892. The vacancy was supplied by Rev. John L. Allison, who was succeeded by Rev. R. B. Eggleston, the present pastor. The elders are : William H. Stokes, Paul C. Trugien. William A. Culpepper, E. L. Lash, E. R. Barksdale and E. S. Burgess ; the membership is 300.

There is a church at Pinner's Point and a mission chapel at Prentice Place, suburbs of Portsmouth, both served by Rev. J. W. Lacy. The property, all told, consists of five build- ings, with an estimated value of $30,000.

HEBREW SYNAGOGUES.

There are two Hebrew Synagogues in Nor- folk and several congregations which are without a regular place of worship.

Beth-El, Norfolk,

The synagogue of the Orthodox Hebrews, was founded by A. L. Goldsmith and Jacob

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Umstadter. Mr. Goldsmith was the grand- father of Messrs. Nusbaum, of this city. The building is located on Cumberland street, op- posite the Norfolk Academy. J. W. Spagat is president and Lewis Nusbaum vice-presi- dent. The late Samuel Seldner was president for a number of years. The rabbi, Rev. H. Benmoshe, is a native of London, England, and enjoys repute as a scholar. There is a Sabbath-school attached to the synagogue, having about 75 to 100 children in regular attendance.

Ohef Sholem Temple, Norfolk,

Is the Reformed Church, and was founded in 1836. Rev. S. R. Cohen is the rabbi. He succeeded Rev. B. Eberson, who for many years officiated as rabbi and is now traveling abroad. The officers of the congregation are as follows : I. Moritz, president ; Jacob Hecht, vice-president ; Mr. Goldman, secretary; V. Strasburger, treasurer. The congregation has recently given out the contract for a handsome new house of worship, to be situated on Free- mason street. near Granby. The present lo- cation is on Church street, facing Freemason. Their services are largely attended. The choir is excellent, containing some of the best vocal talent. The congregation numbers about 96 families, and is constantly growing.

Chevra Gomley, Portsmouth.

The colony of Hebrews in Portsmouth of Russian. Polish and other nativity growing to such an extent, it became necessary for them to have a place of worship, and just a few years ago. after using the City Hall and other places, they purchased the club room of the old Portsmouth Club, which for many years stood on Middle street. This structure they moved to a vacant lot which they had bought on High street near Washington, and on which they made many improvements. Not long ago they bought a lot on Washington street near County, but subsequently sold it. This con-

gregation, which is known as Chevra Gomley, has purchased the Central Methodist Church structure, the congregation of which will move into the new edifice to be erected in the very near future at the corner of South and Wash- ington streets.

Church of Christ (Disciples), Norfolk.

Prior to 1867 there was not a member of this body of Christians in Norfolk. During that year a gentleman and his wife moved here from Richmond, Virginia. They began in a few months to celebrate the Lord's Supper, which is a weekly custom with this body of Christians, in their own home, having from time to time their friends to meet with them. Now and then a new member would move into Norfolk, and soon the plan was adopted of holding Lord's Day services from house to house. This was continued from year to year until 1873, when a hall was procured and dedi- cated and a church organized with 13 members. A pastor was at once employed. This hall was used until 1879, when the present building was erected on Freemason street between Brewer and Bank. The church was dedicated in De- cember, 1879. The present membership is about 200. This church, while poor, has al- ways been self-supporting, and has done a marvelous work in the way of contributing to every good work. It is pre-eminently a mis- sionary church. It has had from time to time a number of able and cultured pastors. It has accomplished great good in this city and com- munity. The present pastor is Rev. Ben C. Herr, an accomplished gentleman, a fine scholar, a preacher of rare ability and a most excellent pastor. The outlook for the church has never been brighter. The members ( Dis- ciples) number 450: the valuation of the ' church property is $25,000.

Lutheran Church, Norfolk.

On the 20th of May, 1896, Rev. J. E. Shenk was sent to Norfolk by the Lutheran

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

Synod to survey the field and gather together the scattered members of that church who were residing here and form a congregation. Al- though an entire stranger, Rev. Mr. Shenk en- tered with a will upon his arduous labors and with a firm reliance in the Great Head of the Church and knowing no such word as fail succeeded in a very short time in organizing a church of that denomination with about 20 members. With this small nucleus Rev. Mr. Shenk continued unceasingly to labor until at the end of six years he has now a congregation of 158 members, a fine Sunday-school and a comfortable and cosy edifice on Charlotte street, purchased from the M. E. Church. which has been handsomely fitted up with an attractive stone front and modern improve- ments on the interior, at a cost of about $8 .- 000. Services are held there regularly every Sunday morning and night and on Wednesday evenings of each week.

CHRISTIAN CIIURCHES.

Memorial Christian Temple, Norfolk.

The history of this church dates back to the year 1889. The first meeting was held No- vember 11, 1889, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Hill, No. 222 Freemason street. This was an informal meeting, which resulted in the appointment of a finance committee, and through this committee a call was at once extended to Rev. C. J. Jones, D. D., of Colum- bus, Ohio, November 16, 1889. Dr. Jones ac- cepted this call and entered upon his work early in the following year. About this time the committee to provide a place of worship pur- chased the Charlotte street chapel, March 7, 1890. and the friends of the enterprise met in the said chapel and enrolled 40 members. At a subsequent meeting, held April 18, 1890, 12 new names were added. May 29, 1890, the church met and elected officers as follows: Deacons. Col. A. Savage, Samuel A. Ether- edge and A. M. Eley; secretary, T. A. Jones : treasurer, A. Savage; ushers, P. H. Savage and James A. Eley.

Under the labors of Dr. Jones, the new or- ganization rapidly increased in its member- ship. In 1895 Dr. Jones tendered his resig- nation, to take effect August 31st, he having accepted a call to Marion, Indiana. July 31, 1895, Rev. J. Pressley Barrett, the present pastor, was called and entered upon his duties the first Sunday in September, having been formally installed on the evening of August 27th, the day before Dr. Jones left for Marion.

The work of this church has been en- couraging. Under the labors of the present pastor and his associates the church has wit- nessed several gracious revivals, and its de- velopment along spiritual and missionary lines has been marked. Up to the year 1895 the church had been supported in part by the mission boards of the church at large. In the beginning of the present pastorate the church undertook its own support, and its success has been phenomenal. for, while it is not a wealthy congregation. it has surprised its friends generally by not only supporting itself but also by supporting a native preacher in Japan and from time to time several Bible women in India and Africa.

It is now undertaking to raise the neces- sary funds to send and support a missionary in Armenia. It hopes to find the missionary for Armenia among its own membership.

Its financial condition is encouraging. It receives no offerings other than the free-will offerings of the people. It will have no enter- tainment or oyster supper money for its work. and since the adoption of this rule its finances have been in a growing condition, and they find the money easier to raise by direct giving than by indirect methods. It has received 37 members since November 1. 1899. and now has 300 members. It has for the past two or three years raised annually from $2.500 to $2,700. It hopes soon to reach its motto: To give as much annually for the support of the gospel in the foreign field as it does for its home work.

The present edifice was erected under the zealous labors of Dr. Jones at a cost of $18,-

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000, and the church as a body has discharged its indebtedness and now enjoys the privileges of its handsome, commodious brick building free from debt.

Is one of the oklest churches in Norfolk County, four miles from Norfolk, on the high- way to Great Bridge.

About the beginning of the nineteenth cen- tury many ministers of the gospel, viewing the increase of bitterness among the various sects of Christians in the State, and believing it the result of a diversity of sentiment on doctrines of minor importance, felt seriously impressed with the idea that these troubles might be ended by an association upon principles more liberal than those hitherto pursued. They contended that Christians might live in the ut- most love and affection by allowing each other the privilege of thinking for themselves, which privilege each one, taken separately, wishes to enjoy.

They therefore united together under the common appellation .- Christian,-which was given to the primitive Disciples at Antioch. taking for their rule both of faith and prac- tice the Holy Scriptures. Animated by the spirit of Christ, some ministers commenced labering for the Master in St. Bride's Parish. Norfolk County, Virginia, and "many found forgiveness for their complicated crimes." These. with Elder N. P. Tatem, who after- ward became pastor, gave to each other the right hand of fellowship in 1804 and organ- ized a church known as "Providence." From 1804 to 1817 no records of the church con- ferences have been preserved.

Delegates from the various churches of Tidewater. Virginia, met at Providence in May. 1817. and formed a union which after- ward became what is now the Eastern Vir- ginia Christian Conference.

In May. 1820, at a conference held at Re- publican Chapel. Isle of Wight County. Elder Nelson Miller, of Providence Church, was

chosen a delegate to meet the brethren of the North in general conference, which was held at Windham, Connecticut, to seek to bring about a union between the brethren of the North and of the South. This was accom- plished and continued until the breaking out of the war between the States. A conference of the churches of this section met in Ports- mouth, May, 1821.

The record shows the membership of Providence Christian Church in 1821 to have been only 36. In 1829 the membership was considerably over 100.

Following are some of the pastors of the church and the time which they served as such. viz:

Rev. N. P. Tatem. 1804-1829

Rev. Joshua Livesay 1804-1820

Rev. Nelson Miller.

1804-1829

Rev. Mills B. Barrett.

1830-1844

Rev. Joshua Livesay.

1845-1849

Rev. William Tatem.

1839-1853

Rev. Nash Tatem.

1851-1855

Rev. Mill- B. Barrett.

18=6-1850

Rev. W. H Bovkin.

1860-1862

Rev. P. S. P. Corbin

1868

Rev. C .A. Apple.

1860

Rev. W. R. Wellons.

1870-1873

Rev. T. N. Manning.

1870-1873

Rev. R. C. Tuck.

1873-1878

Rev. H. H. Butler.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 34

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912 Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1054

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054