USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.1 > Part 34
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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 health 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, Vorfolk,
Was organized in 1383. with Rev. I. H. 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 1890. 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, D. D. It was established about 10 years ago,
with II 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. W. A. Slavmaker, 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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' ' 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 clder, 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 T. Taylor was called to its charge, who left in 1862 to be a chaplain, in the Confederate Army.
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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 laborcd 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 thie Orthodox Hebrews. was founded by A. L. Goldsmith and Jacob
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Umstadter. Mr. Goldsnuth 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.
Chef 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 churchi 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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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 CHURCHES.
Memorial Christian Temple, Norfolk.
The history of this church dates back to the year 1889. The first meeting was held No- vember II, 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 $IS,-
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000, and the church as a body has discharged
chosen a delegate to meet the brethren of the its indebtedness and now enjoys the privileges North in general conference, which was held of its handsome, commodious brick building , at Windham, Connecticut, to seek to bring free from debt.
Providence Christian Church 1
Is one of the oldest 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 laboring 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.
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. 1804-1820
Rev. Mills B. Barrett. 1830-1844
Rev. Joshua Livesay.
1845-1840
Rev. William Tatem.
1819-1853
Rev. Nach Tatem.
1851-1855
Rev. Mills .B. Barrett
IS=6-1850
Rev. W. H. Bovkin. 1865-1862
1868
Rev. C. A. Apple .. 1860
Rev. W. R. Wellon- 1870-1873
Rev. J. N. Manning. ISTO-1873
Rev. R. C. Tuck. . 1871-1878
Rev. H. H. Butler. 18;8-1887
Rev. G. A. Reebe. 18:8-1887
Rev. R. A. Ricks .. ISS7-1800
Rev. T. Pressley Barrett. D. D.
1800-1896
Rev. W. S. Long. D. D.
IS06-1808
Rev. T. P. Barrett. D. D.
1898-1809
Rev. G. W. Tickle. ..
1800-1900
Rev. J. P. Barrett. D. D.
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Berca Christian Church, 1
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
In Mav, 1820, at a conference held at Re- publican Chapel. Isle of Wight County, Elder Nelson Miller, of Providence Church, was Is called after the village of that name, which
Rev. P. S. P. Corbin.
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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 ȘI,- 200. There are 185 members.
Court Strect 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.
In 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. Smithi 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 10 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 17thi
day of March. 1833, and continued in that re- lation until October, 1854, at which time he 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 baving 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.
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