History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 35

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 35

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

1878-1887

Rev. G. A. Beebe.

1878-1887

Rev. R. A. Ricks 1887-1800

Rev. T. Pressley Barrett. D. D.

1800-1896

Rev. W. S. Long. D. D).

1896-1898

Rev. I. P. Barrett. D. D.

808-1800

Rev. G. W. Tickle. .

1890-1900

Rev. J. P. Barrett. D. D.

1900 -

Berca Christian Church, -

Near Great Bridge, Norfolk County, was pur- chased from the Methodists about 1865, and since which time its congregation has steadily increased. It is now served by Rev. J. W. Harrell.

Rev. M. P. Porter is pastor of the Chris- tian Church in Berkley.

Churchland Baptist Church

Is called after the village of that name, which

Providence Christian Church

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1 is the center of the richest agricultural dis- trict of this section. The church was first called Shoulder's Hill, being a branch of the original Shoulder's Hill Church, about six miles distant in Nansemond County. A church was built here in 1829, when the place was called Sycamore Hill, and for a period of 32 years the congregation worshiped alter- nately at Shoulder's Hill and Sycamore Hill.

Regular pastoral services were kept up during the Confederate War by Rev. Reuben Jones, who had been pastor since 1855. On the third Sunday night in November, 1873, the edifice was destroyed by an incendiary fire. In the spring of 1869 a new building, which cost upward of $6,000, was dedicated by Rev. J. L. Burrows, D. D.

The Churchland Baptist Church is one of the very few country churches that employs a pastor all the time and furnishes a parsonage for him in which to live. This church is somewhat noted for its liberal and systematic contributions to the objects of benevolence ; and for the fidelity and promptness with which they pay the pastor's salary ; and for the good Sabbath-school work; and for the orderly de- portment of the congregations.

Rev. Reuben Jones served this church un- til his death. when the vacancy was filled by Rev. A. B. Dunaway, D. D., now of Port Nor- folk, and after the latter's resignation, the pres- ent pastor, Rev. William V. Savage, was called. The church property is valued at $1,- 200. There are 185 members.

Court Street Baptist Church, Portsmouth,

Was constituted in the year 1789, under the labors of Rev. Thomas Armistead, who was an officer in the Revolutionary Army. He was of high family and rich connections. He was pastor until the year 1792. In 1791 the Ports- mouth Baptist Association was formed in this church. After the resignation of Rev. Mr. Armistead the church declined greatly, and at one time between 1792 and 1802 the church employed a colored man by the name of Jacob

Bishop to be its pastor. Thomas Etheredge and Jacob Grigg, in their turn, served the church as pastors for a short while.

111 1802 Rev. David Biggs became pastor, and the church became once more prosperous, but his removal to the western country caused a decline in the Baptist cause in Portsmouth.

It is cause of deep regret that the records of the church are lost from the foundation to the year 1854. The facts mentioned above are taken from Semple's "History of the Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Virginia."

We learn from the older members of the church that the next pastor after Rev. Mr. Biggs was Rev. Thomas Bunting, but how long he was pastor and what was the con- dition of the church we have no means of knowing. The next pastor was Rev. Smith Sherwood, who served the church a short time, but labored in the lower part of the as- sociation all of his life; he left a family when he died, the most of whom are still living, and some of them are members of this church at this time. Rev. Mr. Sherwood was suc- ceeded in the pastorate by Rev. Mr. Woolford, but we are unable to give any information in regard to the condition of the church at that time.

The next pastor, so far as we can learn, was Rev. D. M. Woodson, who was an able preacher and an upright man. He took charge of the church in 1821, and remained Io years. The church was quite prosperous under his labors, but in consequence of a cancer he be- came unable to preach, and after his resigna- tion Rev. Thomas Hume, Sr., was called to the pastorate. He became pastor on the 17th day of March, 1833, and continued in that re- lation until October, 1854, at which time lie commenced a new interest in that portion of the city of Portsmouth known as Newtown, and the Fourth Street Baptist Church was the result of his labors. Under the guidance of Elder Hume, the church attained a higher de- gree of prosperity than had ever marked her history. At the commencement of his labors the church worshiped in a small, wood house

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at the corner of Queen and Court streets, but in a few years they erected a brick house front- ing on Court street. For the completion of this house the members made great sacrifices. Many of the male members, who were me- chanics, worked on the building at night after having worked all day where they were em- ployed. The house was completed in the year 1838, and remains a monument to their zeal. devotion and self-denial. Under the wise coun- sel of Rev. Mr. Hume the church became one of the most liberal churches in the State, and was active in the cause of missions, Sunday- schools and all means of spreading the king- dom of Christ. On the resignation of Rev. Mr. Hume, Rev. S. M. Carter supplied the pulpit for a short time.

In 1855, when the yellow fever scourged the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, many of the leading members of the church died. Rev. Cornelius Tyree was called to the pas- torate, but after accepting the call asked to be excused from his obligations. Of course the church yielded to his request.

On the 22d of July, 1856, Rev. M. R. Wat- kinson was chosen pastor. His labors were very acceptable and his preaching was very at- tractive. Large congregations waited on his ministry. Great prosperity characterized the church for nearly five years, when, on the breaking out of the war between the States. Rev. Mr. Watkinson, in April, 1861, left the city of Portsmouth, and in a few days sent his resignation to the church by mail. After the resignation of Rev. Mr. Watkinson, Revs. Thomas Hume and J. F. Deans supplied the pulpit in succession till February 23, 1862. when Rev. I. B. Lake was elected pastor, but in the consequence of the evacuation of the city by the Confederate troops he did not serve more than one month.

There was no pastor from the time of Rev. Mr. Lake's leaving until about the Ist of .April, 1863. when Rev: C. E. W. Dobbs was chosen for a supply at first, and on the 27th of September was chosen pastor.

In May. 1863. the church had great diffi-

culty in preventing the colored members from acquiring entire control of the basement of the church. The city was at that time under military rule, and the commanding officers sympathized with the colored people. Great care was necessary to avert such a misfortune. When the matter was carried before the pro- vost judge he declined to interfere and the trouble passed away.

May 9, 1864, Rev. C. E. W. Dobbs, the pastor of the church, was imprisoned by order of Gen. B. F. Butler, and the church shortly after was occupied as a hospital by the Fed- eral forces, and continued to be so used until Rev. S. B. Gregory, missionary of the Bap- tist Home Mission Society of the North, came about the middle of December, 1864.

On February 10, 1865. the colored mem- bers of the church were granted letters of dis- mission for the purpose of organizing an in- dependent church. This church after its or- ganization was known as Zion's Baptist Church. Richard Cox gave the lot upon which the house was built. It is now a large and prosperous body.

On the 11th of June, 1865. Rev. William M. Young was elected pastor, but declined the call. On the 3d of September, 1865. Rev. J. L. Johnson was called to the pastorate, and continued pastor until May 31, 1867. His pastorate was quite successful. The smallness of his salary was the cause of his resignation. August 11, 1867. Rev. M. R. Watkinson was elected pastor by a vote of 39 against 36 cast for Rev. William M. Young. This call Rev. Mr. Watkinson declined. October 3. 1867, Rev. I. B. Lake was elected pastor but de- clined. November 10. 1867. Rev. Harvey Hatcher was unanimously elected pastor, and entered upon his duties the first of December following. During the pastorate of Mr. Hatcher the church built a pool for baptismal purposes. He resigned on the 27th of Feb- ruary, 1870. On the 20th of March, 1870. Rev. William M. Young was elected pastor, but again declined.

Rev. C. Wilson Sinith, of England, was

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

elected pastor, and commenced his labors May 1, 1870; he resigned on the 8th of April, 1871, to take effect in the following July. He was re-elected the IIth of June, I871, by a vote of 39 to 26. On the 8th of July, 1871, the church requested him to resign, not on ac- count of any moral objection, but because the church was divided, but Rev. C. Wilson Smith declined to do so. until, in mass meeting held July 16, 1871, there were 55 votes in favor of his resignation, to 27 in favor of his remain- ing. whereupon he resigned.

September 17, 1871, Rev. A. E. Owen was unanimously elected pastor, and remained as such to July, 1899. when Rev. R. B. Gar- rett was called to the church. This church has sent out from her members the following ministers, viz .: J. W. M. Williams, J. L. Reynoldson, Richard Allen, C. E. W. Dobbs, Thomas Hume, Jr. (who was baptized into the church, but licensed by the Fourth Street Baptist Church), H. Petty, T. J. Knapp, W. F. Higginbotham, George J. Hobday, C. A. G. Thomas, E. G. Corprew (colored), Ed- ward B. Morris, John W. Daugherty and W. P. Hines. The present membership is 501.

Fourth Street Baptist Church, Portsmouth,

Was constituted AApril 9. 1855, by members of the Court Street Baptist Church,-Rev. Thomas Hume, Sr., moderator, and Samuel J. Staples, secretary. The exercises contingent upon the formal recognition of the church were conducted by Dr. J. L. Burrows and Rev. Thomas Hume, Sr.

The house of worship is located in South Portsmouth. The church edifice, originally built of clapboards, was afterward enlarged by the addition of 16 feet to its length, and the erection of a gallery and belfry, and at present it is a commodious brick structure.

Rev. Thomas Hume, Sr., was the first pastor, who served the church with great suc- cess until May, 1861, at which time he left the city. it being evacuated by the Confederate forces. Soon after the constitution of the

church, the terrible scourge of the yellow fever became epidemic 'in our city. During its prevalence six of the members fell victims to its relentless hands; and others were scat- tered, and consequently lost to this particular church.

Again in 1861, the number of members was depleted and scattered by a call to arms ; but at the close of the war, a few were found ready to cultivate the field, and spend and be spent in the Master's service. During the war and after its close Revs. J. D. Elwell and C. E. W. Dobbs supplied the pulpit. Rev. John Phillips also preached a series of ser- mons, resulting in great good and the admis- sion of many members upon a profession of faith and baptism.

July 12, 1866, Rev. J. C. Hiden accepted the call of the church to the pastorate, and continued to serve the church with eminent usefulness to the close of his pastorate in Sep- tember, 1868.

In January, 1869, Rev. N. B. Cobb was elected pastor in connection with the church at Kempsville, Princess Anne County. Vir- ginia, who, with his amiable wife, was emi- nently useful. If his whole time could have been given to this one church, his ministry would have been an eminent success. Not- withstanding the division of his time between these two churches, the largest and most suc- cessful revival was carried on during his pas- torate with which the church has ever been blessed. Rev. Mr. Cobb continued until No- vember, 1870. It is also due to Rev. Mr. Cobb to state that he was instrumental in mak- ing collections for and purchasing a bell for the church.

Shortly after the resignation of Rev. Mr. Cobb. Rev. Patrick Warren made a visit to the church with a view to the pastorate, but, in a few weeks after his return to Washing- ton, sickened and died.

Rev. M. R. Watkinson, of Camden, New Jersey, labored a month with the church, the result of which was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It was about this time that at-

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tention was called to Rev. R. W. Cridlin, as a suitable person for pastor. Ile was called to the pastorate in May. 1871, which he ac- cepted. Rev. Mr. Cridlin's stay resulted, under the blessing of God, in uniting and strength- ening the church, and greatly building up the congregation and the cause of Christianity in our midst: thus giving evidence that the church woukl soon become self-sustaining. But his wife's health failed, and he felt com- pelled to leave for other fields of labor. In June, 1874, he resigned, to the great sorrow of the church and the entire community.

Rev. Q. T. Simpson became pastor in Oc- tober. 1874, but on account of the death of his estimable wife resigned after one year's serv- ice. The church then engaged the services of Rev. E. M. Buyrn, first as a supply, then as pastor, which office he hekl only for a short time. Again the church was without a pastor. during which time Rev. M. R. Watkinson made a second visit, which resulted in 14 pro- fessions. A second time did Rev. Mr. Wat- kinson decline the call to the pastorship of the church. Rev. R. W. Cridlin served his sec- ond term as pastor of this church. Rev. IT. F. Fisher is the present pastor, with 300 men- bers.

This church has been instrumental in licensing some of the most useful preachers of the Baptist Church: George M. West. January 17. 1856: Thomas Hume, Jr., April 12. 1860: 1. B. Lake, July 12, 1860; John N. Ward, August 22. 1838,-the last named was ordained by Elders Hume, Teasdale and Goodall. And here Rev. I. T. Wallace was examined with a view to his ordination. The following ministers have been members of this church, viz. : Thomas Hume, Sr., Thomas Hume, Jr., R. W. Cridlin, C. A. Raymond, I. B. Lake. C. Goodall. V. Palen, George M. West. John N. Ward. H. Ayers and N. B. Cobb.

First Baptist Church, Norfolk.

There had existed a Baptist Church in

Norfolk some 10 or 15 years prior to the year 1817, known as the First Baptist Church. It was composed largely of colored members. and Rev. James Mitchell was their pastor. This church got into trouble, and the white members, with the exception of the pastor's family, withdrew and built a new house of worship on Cumberland street, and consti- tuted themselves into a church known as the Cumberland Street Baptist Church.

This church was constituted September 20. 1817, consisting of 25 members. The pres- bytery was composed of Martin Ross, Aaron Spivey, and Richard Dabbs. Rev. George Patterson, who had been associate pastor with Rev. James Mitchell in the First Baptist Church, was chosen pastor, but remained only four months, receiving in that period three new members, and settled in Alexandria, Vir- ginia. Rev. Samuel Cornelius became pastor January 28, 1818. He continued five years and nine months. Under his administration 61 new members were added to the church.

Rev. Noah Davis, father of Prof. Noah K. Davis of the University of Virginia, be- came the pastor in October, 1823, and labored as pastor only 16 months, and as occasional supply for eight months. Rev. Mr. Davis left to become the general agent of the Amer- ican Baptist Tract & Publication Society in Philadelphia, of which he was the founder.

Rev. R. B. C. Howell, then a young grad- uate of Columbian College. Washington, D. C., was ordained in this church. January 27. 1827. by Rev. William Staughton, D. D., and Rev. Samuel Wait. A. M. He first served the church as a supply for three months; after that was elected pastor April 17, 1827, but did not accept until the end of the year. This was the commencement of the public career of a distinguished divine : he very soon made his mark in the community. His talents and aggressive power soon brought him in conflict with the Pedobaptists, and called forth his three sermons on baptism. which were pub- lished in pamphlet form. He also published three tracts, of some 40 pages each, in reply to

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

Dr. Ducachet, rector of Christ Protestant Epis- copal Church, on the office of sponsors in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and of other matters in dispute between Baptists and Epis- copalians. This year (1827) started Dr. Ilowell on the line of controversy, which he kept up a good part of his life. The church building was enlarged about this time. Dr. Howell resigned July 7, 1834, and left for Nashville, Tennessee, early in November, 1834, having labored with the Cumberland Street Baptist Church nearly seven years and a half and received to her membership 364 members.

The church was destitute of a pastor six months. During the period 12 members were added as the fruits of a meeting held by Rev. Thomas Hume, Sr., and others.

Rev. John Goodall became pastor in Jan- uary, 1835. He was a man of decided ability; his ultra-Baptistic sentiments, and his per- petual preaching on baptism, drove all the con- gregation from his pulpit except his own peo- ple. He remained only one year and received 12 members. The church was destitute of a pastor the whole of the next year ( 1836). During this time, Rev. Stephen Gardiner was ordained by Revs. T. C. Braxton, D. M. Woodson, Thomas Hume, Sr., A. Paul Repi- ton, and J. Hendren. During this year the church had occasional preaching by Revs. Comstock, Gardiner, Tinsley and others, and six members were added.

Rev. Joseph S. Baker, M. D., was made pastor in March, 1837. This was a period of great excitement and trouble, on account of disciplinary action against Rev. James Mitchell, pastor of the colored church, known as the First Baptist Church. Dr. Baker re- mained pastor three years, and received 106 new members.

Rev. Joseph B. Breed, from the North, be- came pastor in 1840. He continued two years and received 60 members. As the fruits of a meeting held by Rev. Joseph H. Fox, some 40 members were added to the church.

Rev. E. G. Robinson, D. D., a distin-

guished president of Brown University, was ordained in this church as its pastor in Novem- ber, 1842, by Revs. J. B. Jeter, J. Walker, J. R. Scott and Thomas Hume, Sr. Rev. Dr. Robinson was a man of exalted intellect, high culture and a magnificent preacher-all intel- lect and but little emotion-intensely opposed to revivals and religious excitement-at heart a strong Abolitionist. The church received 16 members and built the lecture room.

Rev. John W. M. Williams, D. D., sup- plied the Cumberland Street Baptist Church one year while Rev. Dr. E. G. Robinson, the pastor, served as chaplain at the University of Virginia. Rev. Mr. Williams was or- dained in this church February 27, 1844. Rev. Dr. E. G. Robinson returned from the university, but remained only a short time. In 1846 Revs. Latham and Kingsford preached in the church occasionally and a few members were added.

Rev. C. R. Hendricson, after laboring a short time as a supply, became pastor in June, 1847, and labored 17 months. He was a fine pulpit orator, and added to the church 50 members. The pastor fell into serious trouble and the church divided on the question of re- taining him as pastor; a majority voted to continue him, which resulted in the with- drawal of nearly all of the wealthy and influ- ential portion of the church, 74 members in number. On May 7, 1848, these persons were regularly dismissed to be constituted into a new church, now known as the Freemason Street Baptist Church. Rev. Mr. Hendricson thoughit it prudent to leave, and he settled in Elizabetli City, North Carolina.

Rev. Reuben Jones entered upon the pas- torship of this church June 23. 1848. The members were generally poor, but they were a praying, working people, and strongly at- tached to the old mother church. In 1849, Rev. J. S. Reynoldson held a meeting with the church, which resulted in the baptism of about 100 persons, many of whom proved ut- terly worthless. Rev. G. W. Johnson, from the Methodist Protestant Church, was bap-

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tized and ordained about this time. The church was beautifully frescoed, the pews cushioned and other improvements added dur- ing his pastoral administration. After five years and a half with this church, the pastor resigned and left in December, 1853, for Hele- na, Arkansas, having received into the church about 180 new members.

Rev. Meriwether Winston, a native Vir- ginian, was called from one of the churches in Philadelphia to be the next pastor. He was a very fluent and attractive speaker, but left after one year's service, about the commence- ment of the great pestilence of 1855, and set- tled in Savannah, Georgia. Rev. James L. Gwaltney settled as pastor the latter part of 1856. One of the first duties was to preach the funeral of all the members who had died with the yellow fever. He remained only one year and then returned to Boutetourt Springs.

Rev. J. C. Long, afterward a professor in Crozer Theological Seminary at Upland, Penn- sylvania, became the next pastor of this church the first of 1859. and continued until the Confederate War closed his labors in May, 1861. His term of service embraced about three years.

During the four dark years of the Con- federate War, the Cumberland Street Baptist Church was served successively for short periods. by Revs. C. H. Toy, C. Goodall and J. D. Elwell.

In February, 1864, Rev. H. J. Chandler was called to be pastor, and he accepted ; but before he had time to take charge, that is, on February 9th, the keys of the church were taken possession of by the provost marshal and handed. over to Rev. Ira Prescott and held by him for the Baptist Home Mission Society in New York. The congregation in- dignantly declined to accept the services of a pastor forced upon them by military authority. After preaching a while to empty seats, Mr. Prescott delivered up the keys of the church to Deacon March. which the latter accepted

upon the specific condition that he, Prescott, would go away and never come to the church again.

When Rev. Thomas Hume, Sr., took charge of this church in July, 1865, it was in a very feeble, dispirited condition. His labors at first were almost gratuitous. The congre- gation and membership gradually increased. His health began to fail, and while spending the spring in Florida to recuperate, Rev. Mr. McGonigal, from New York, supplied the church. He labored earnestly and successfully, and added a considerable number of members to the church. Rev. Mr. Hume resigned July 1, 1874, a short time before his death, which sad event occurred at his residence in Ports- mouth, Virginia, March 8, 1875, being about 63 years of age. Ile was pastor of the Cum- berland Street Baptist Church nine years. Under his administration, the church was lifted to a high plane of Christian zeal, be- nevolence and holy activity.

Rev. Thomas Hume. Jr., was immediately called to succeed his father, July 17, 1874. Hle held this call under consideration for sev- eral months, during which time. Rev. Samuel Saunders, late from the theological seminary, became temporary supply for the church.

September 18, 1874. Rev. Samuel Saun- ders, by request of the lower Northampton Baptist Church, was ordained in this church with the following order of exercises, viz. : Sermon, by Rev. C. H. Toy: charge to can- didate, by Rev. Reuben Jones ; presentation of the Bible, by Rev. A. E. Owen ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. G. J. Hobday : ordaining prayer, by Rev. J. F. Deans: charge to the church, by Rev. . A. C. Barran.

Rev. Thomas Hume, Jr., formally accept- ed the pastorate November 21, 1874, and shortly thereafter, December 27, 1874, was in- stalled by a large presbytery in the presence of a very large assembly: Sermon by Rev. W. E. Hatcher, D. D .; charge to pastor by Rev. W. D. Thomas, D. D. ; charge to the church by Rev. Reuben Jones. After four years of

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

faithful and eminently successful labor, Rev. Mr. Hume resigned in December, 1878 ..

Rev. W. W. Wood served a short time as a supply, and then became the pastor July I. 1879. continuing in that position until 1884. He was followed by Rev. Tiberius Gracchus Jones, D. D., and Rev. E. B. Hatcher, the present pastor, succeeded Rev. Mr. Jones. in 1893. The First Baptist Church is the mother of all the Baptist churches in Norfolk. It has 520 members and its property is valued at $40.000.

Freemason Street Baptist Church, Norfolk.

In May, 1848, the Cumberland Street Bap- tist Church ( or First Baptist Church) after free consultation gave a fraternal dismissal to certain persons, about 75 in number, who were the same month constituted into a church, Rev. J. B. Jeter and other ministers conduct- ing the services.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 35

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