Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 31

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607

USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 31

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Pattersons Creek Church

The Scotch-Irish settlers on the Pattersons Creek Manor in their conveyances at an early day, mention the Meeting House property,- nothing to show what sect or society. By refer- ence to Dr. Graham, we are able to say the Pres- byterians occupied a church on this creek in 1768, and had a prosperous congregation in .1781, and that Rev. Mr. Waugh was their first Supply. The first regular pastor, Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, was there in 1777-1779. Dr. W. H. Foote was Pastor 1846-1860, while he had the field embrac- ing Romney and Springfield. M. W. Wood- worth, 1865-1887; J. M. Duckwall, 1889; I. N. Campbell, 1891-93. Other Ministers supplied this Church at various times.

Shepherdstown Pres. Church

This Church has many claims for distinction, one being that they entertained the Virginia Syn- od in 1799. They also claim it to be the oldest Church Organization in the Valley of Virginia. This has often been discussed by other claim- ants. No record evidence can be found to sup- port the claim. Dr. Graham gives some strong reasons in support of the claim. He says, how- ever, "that it was in 1768 the name first appears in the old Donegal Presbytery records, and from this date to 1783, the church had no regular pas- tor, but was supplied no doubt by such men as Rev. John McKnight. This continued to 1787, when Rev. Moses Hoge settled there and min- istered to this church as their Pastor for twen- ty years." Next came Rev. John Mathews, 1808-1830; E. C. Hutchinson, 1830-33, also John D. Mitchell, 1830-31, both being "supply ;" John T. Hargrave, 1834-39; Joseph M. Atkinson, 1845-49, pastor; A. C. Heaton (supply), 1851-54; Henry Mathews, 1853-60; Robt. L. McMurran, 1860-66; E. W. Bedinger, 1867-70; Henry C. Brown (supply), 1873-74; Jas. A. Armstrong, 1880-83; Charles Gheislin, 1883. Under his pas- torate this church enjoys great prosperity.

Elk Branch Church

This Church is located at what is known as Duffields Station on B. & O. R. R., about six miles West of Harpers Ferry. The building is on the North side of Elk Branch. This place had some notoriety in the early days. A small fort was there, and the stockade enclosed the large spring and it was at this point where the first Church stood. For convenience of site, the congregation erected the present building, which is about a half mile East. Church his- tory says this Church first appears 1769. Tra- dition gives a much earlier date, and many ac- cept the latter as reliable. Dr. Graham says, "The same Ministers supplying other churches in the Lower Valley, were supplies of Elk Branch." John McKnight was the first pastor, 1776, served until 1782. No other church rec- ords of this church until 1833. Since then the church has prospered under the pastoral care of Rev. Silas Billings, 1858-1869; John A. Scott, 1870-90; Robt. B. Woodworth, 1891-93; J. E. Triplett, 1893.

Hopewell (Smithfield) Presb. Church

This is the name given to the Smithfield Church in Jefferson County. The writer was much con- fused several years ago while collecting these notes-two Hopewell Meeting Houses in Quak- er settlements in same county-the old stone

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Hopewell house a few miles North of Winches- ter, on East side of Apple-pie Ridge, and the Hopewell Church mentioned in the old Presby- terial records, raised the question if the Hope- well (now Smithfield) might not have been a Quaker Meeting House. But a careful investi- gation cleared the atmosphere around this old Presbyterian point. With a few exceptions, this church has been regularly supplied, and has prospered. Its first record is 1773; the first stated supply was Rev. Jas. Martin and John Hoge, 1780. Dr. Wm. Hill served this church during his eight years ministry at Charlestown and Bullskin, 1791. Other Ministers supplied the church for several years, covering the ground until Rev. Wm. C. Walton came, 1818-23; J. M. Atkinson, 1845-49; Edwin L. Wilson, 1875-93; Chas. R. Stribling, 1893-97; R. Ashlin White, 1897.

Springfield Church

This church is in Hampshire County. The record does nothing more than to reveal the fact that a church was at this point in 1792, when Rev. John Lyle served the church for fifteen years, living at that point. Dr. Foote says Mr. Lyle was ordained by the Presbytery of Lex- ington, at Springfield, Nov. 30, 1793. His per- manent residence until his death was at Spring- field, dividing his time between Springfield, Rom- ney, and Pattersons Creek. That he established a classical school at Springfield, which attained great celebrity. Mr. Lyle married a sister of Rev. Joseph Glass, a granddaughter of Samuel Glass the emigrant. Other ministers serving this church as pastors, were Dr. Wm. H. Foote, 1845-1860; George W. Finley, 1870-91 ; Carson W. Hollis, 1893-94; G. A. Gilbortzer, 1895-1902; Ed- ward A. Snook, 1902.

Romney Presb. Church

For more than a hundred years this church has been prominent in the records of the Win- chester Presbytery, always presenting features of strength and influence in the Hampshire Coun- ty Ecclesiastical field. Composed of men of zeal, wealth and intelligence, the membership in gen- eral being above the average; supplied with min- isters of marked ability, the impression was eas- ily made that the Romney Church ranked with the oldest churches West of the Blue Ridge. The writer was astonished and confused, when investigating the origin of this church, that no early record could be found-either church or county-to throw any light on the subject. It was well understood that no county record was expected to be found concerning the town itself earlier than its incorporation as a town in 1762, as the county seat was elsewhere. Therefore

the first public record of the town, gave no encouragement that a search of the court rec- ords would reveal anything relating to the Rom- ney Church prior to this date; and indeed quite a long time elapses after that date before men- tion is made of it. Tradition has a church or- ganization on the South Branch at a very early day; and that, too, within the bounds of what was afterwards Romney, the county seat. The first Church record is to be found in the Minutes of the Old Donegal Presbytery, October 1781, when this Presbytery was requested to send an Ordained Minister to assist the congregation in completing an Organization, and to ordain Elders. And in this request, this congregation was joined by the congregation of Pattersons Creek. This indicates that both places were occupied by Pres- byterian congregations at a period much earlier than this Presbyterian Record shows. The au- thor not being able to find more, thought it wise to consult such authority as Dr. Foote, and finds in a work styled by him "The Session- al Records of Mount Bethel Church," the fol- lowing statement: "Until the year 1833, the members of the Presbyterian Church in Hamp- shire County were all with the exception of those living convenient to Bloomery, enrolled in one church under one Eldership. During the year 1833, according to the direction of Pres- bytery, the necessary steps were taken for the division of the church, and in the Fall of 1833, the Presbytery divided the church at Mt. Bethel and directed four new ones to be organized, one on the Jersey mountain, one on the North River, one in Springfield, and one on Patter- sons Creek, the church in Romney not requir- ing an organization. The reason for this divi- sion was, that the members had become so num- erous, that in their scattered situation the church was unwieldly." Mt. Bethel is mentioned by Dr. Graham who throws additional light on the division mentioned by Dr. Foote, viz, the follow- ing minute found in the Winchester Presbytery for October 17, 1812: "Mr. Black informed Pres- bytery that the Congregations heretofore known on these Minutes by the names of Springfield and Romney, having become disorganized, have been by him organized into one congregation, hereafter to be known by the name of Mt. Bethel."

Dr. Graham also gives a list of pastors of the Romney Church : Rev. John Lyle, 1793-1807; James Black, 1812-1833; Robt. B. White, 1836- 1844; Dr. Wm. Henry Foote, 1845-1860; George W. Finley, 1870-1891; E. D. Washburn, 1893-1905. Dr. Frank Brooke is the Pastor at this writing. He succeeded Dr. Washburn after the latter's lamented death.

CHAPTER XXXIII

Winchester Presbyterian Church

In giving a sketch of Presbyterianism in Win- chester, the writer is confronted with much that would be tedious to the general reader, and em- barrassing to others, who may be descendants of the Presbyterians who in the early part of the 19th Century had many conflicts in the old Stone Church, erected in 1790 at the East end of Piccadilly Street. Some of the conflicting opin- ions entertained by the large and influential con- gregation, were too often expressed by the old Scotch-Irish members, in manner and language that frequently threatened ruptures between Pas- tor and people. Much of this has become famil- iar to the writer in his study of the history of this Church; but he sees that no good can result from rehearsing it in this connection; and will endeavor to give matter for useful reference only.

Much has been said in the sketch of Old Opec- quon, relating to this church. There it will be seen that Winchester Presbyterians were mem- bers of the parent Church-(Opecquon) from its first establishment; and continued to attend church services there for many years after the town was incorporated in 1752. About this per- iod, the Ministers serving Opecquon and Cedar Creek churches, occasionally preached at some place in the Winchester village; and later on, preached by regular appointments. The con- gregation increasing as the Town grew, a de- mand was made for an independent organiza- tion; so that they might be supplied with a regu- lar pastor. The Old Presbytery in 1781 has this minute: "That Winchester be added to the Opecquon and Cedar Creek churches, and that the Minister appointed to supply the latter, give an equal part of his time and service to Winches- ter." We find this was done for about ten years. It appears that Rev. John Montgomery was the Minister during this period; and his service so acceptable, that the church increased not only in numbers, but also in its desire to have inde- pendent Organization, and a new house of wor- ship. The records show that both movements were well on towards completion in 1790, when Rev. Nash Legrand was called and began his celebrated pastorate in the new stone church. This stone building, now about 118 years old, can be seen to-day in fairly good condition. Says

Dr. Graham-"The old Church no longer used for Presbyterian worship, is a building of unusual historical interest. Besides the distinguished men who as pastors, have occupied its pulpit- Legrand, Hill, and Riddle, nearly all the famous Presbyterian Ministers of our country from 1790 to 1834, have preached within its walls. It was honored by a Meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, 1799-the only place out of Philadelphia (with a single exception) in which for a period of almost fifty years, that venerable Court had ever met. The Synod of Virginia has met in it Eleven times,-more fre- quently than in any other Church whatever. In it Oct., 1791, during a session of the Synod, the Rev. Archibald Alexander was licensed to preach the Gospel. In it also the Presbytery of Win- chester was Organized in 1794."

Truly this old Church has a history that should be preserved. It is now occupied by the "Colored Public School." The Presbyterians in 1834 sold the old stone building, together with ten feet of ground at each end, and fifteen feet in the rear, to the Baptist Church for their church purposes, for the term of 500 years, who sold it in 1858 to the Colored Baptist Church, who con- tinued their use until broken by the Civil War 1863, when it was used as a stable by Federal troops. At the close of the War, it was leased to the School Board of Winchester for the use of Colored Schools. The School Board made repairs required, and proceeded to use the old Church property at variance with the privileges granted in the first deed. Some encroachments have been made in converting this property to the present uses. In the old Graveyard, that once was part of the Church lot, many old fami- lies buried their dead; immediately East of the Church. The ashes and bones of many noble men and women repose beneath the play-ground of this School. Neither the remains of the dead nor the scholars are disturbed by the change that less than one hundred years has wrought in this noted place. For several years prior to the sale of the old Stone building, dissensions arose in the old Church, some having their ori- gin between Pastor and people, some between the Official body and people and Pastor combined. Suffice it to say, however, there was a rupture

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in 1826, forboding no good to the Presbyterians. Steps were taken to build a new church, which was completed in 1827, and called Kent Street Presbyterian, taking its name from the street at its intersection with Water Street. David H. Riddle, a young licentiate, preached for the new congregation for several months, and was or- dained Pastor Dec. 4, 1828. The other fraction adhered to the old name and continued services in the Old Stone Church until 1832, when a union was made between the factions. This un- ion produced harmony, and they then became known as The Presbyterian Church of Winches- ter. The united church continued its joint ser- vices in the Old Stone Church until in 1834, Dr. Hill the Pastor resigned; the Church called Rev. John J. Royall, who served until 1838. Rev. Wm. M. Atkinson succeeded him; and it was during his pastorate that the division occurred in the Presbyterian Church, designated Old and New Schools. . This division found its way into the Winchester Church, resulting in the with- drawal in 1839 of four Elders and forty mem- bers from the old organization, who organized what was known as the Loudoun Street Church. They purchased the northern half of lot number 14 on southeast side of Loudoun Street, receiving a deed from Joseph Neill, dated Nov. 9, 1839. The board of trustees to whom this lot was con- veyed, was so changed that in 1848 it became necessary to reorganize; and the following were appointed by the Court, Dr. Wm. Hill, A. H. H. Boyd, Geo. W. Ginn, Geo. Keller, Wm. D. Gil- keson, R. M. Campbell, Jas. P. Riely, David Rus- sell, and M. B. Cartmell. The New School branch received the ministrations of Dr. Hill for several years. In 1842, Rev. A. H. H. Boyd was called. His ministry was noted for the accepta- ble service rendered, endearing him to the chil- dren of the third and fourth generations. His pastorate terminated at his death, Dec. 16, 1865. Jonah W. Lupton succeeded Dr. B-, serving until 1867; George L. Leyburn, pastor from 1867 to 1875; then Dr. Henry M. White, 1875 to Nov. 21, 1899, when he resigned on account of failing health. During the early ministry of Dr. Boyd, the two churches, Round Hill three and a half miles West from Winchester, and Hayfield about eight miles West from Winchester, were erect- ed. The latter stood on the Northwestern turn- pike, where the residence of Boyd P. Ramey now stands. The building was badly damaged dur- ing the Civil War, and was rebuilt on the South side of the pike. The neat brick church is in good repair; but owing to changed conditions and removals of Presbyterian families, services are discontinued. The Round Hill Church was erected 1845-6, in a beautiful grove of virgin

oaks, on ground dedicated by M. B. Cartmell, (the author's father). This place was long fa- mous for the Annual Protracted Meetings held in the old Grove, large congregations spending the whole day on the grounds, attending ser- vices rendered by many of the most distinguish- ed Ministers of their day. These Annual meet- ings were largely attended by families from every section of the county. The generous supply of refreshments served by the hospitable membership of this Church, continuing for more than a week, made these occasions memorable to all. Fain would the writer digress here, and pen many of his personal recollections of that interesting period in his life; but the line of duty calls his attention to the Kent Street Church where we left Dr. Atkinson in charge in 1846. Rev. Bev- erly Tucker Lacy, an eminent and forceful preacher, succeeded him in 1846, was installed June 19, 1847, served until 1851; then Rev. Jas. R. Graham came in Oct., 1851. His long service in this Church ended March 20, 1900, in the Union of the two Churches, with Dr. Graham as Pastor-Emeritus, but chosen to render such ser- vice to the new organization as would be agree- able to him. Kent Street Church suffered heav- ily during the Civil War; but was fortunate in having Dr. Graham as its shepherd. His faith- ful service has become an interesting part of the history of Winchester. It was in this Church where Stonewall Jackson worshipped when sta- tioned at Winchester. The Presbyterians in the Southern States were firmly cemented by the events of the Civil War; and when the oppor- tunity came in 1865, Old and New School Church- es in the Southern General Assembly obliterat- ed their lines of difference. Thenceforth the two Town Churches pressed their work with perfect harmony; and continued their relations as separate organizations. When the resigna- tion of Dr. White's long pastorate of twenty- four years was tendered, his congregation was seriously affected, and endeavored to secure a plan that would continue the relations of Pastor and people. Dr. White's pastorate had not only been dear to his own large congregation, but useful in its influence to the entire community. When his Church finally submitted, and the pul- pit became vacant, the congregation decided to confer with Kent Street Church in relation to a union of the two Churches. After many pre- liminary conferences, both congregations entered into the necessary details, resulting in a union under one Pastorate. This was effected March 20, 1900, after a separation of sixty years. Rev. Julian S. Sibley was called in Sept., 1900, and served until July, 1904, when he resigned. The church was without a regular Pastor until the

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Autumn of 1905. Dr. Graham filled the pulpit until Rev. J. Horace Lacey, D.D., entered upon his work with marked unanimity of feeling from the large congregation.

At this union of the two Congregations all the church property was merged and placed in hands of new trustees. Dr. Wm. S. Love, George W. Kurtz, Jas. B. Russell, Loring A. Cover, Wm. H. Smith, and T. K. Cartmell. The new Organi- zation elected as Ruling Elders: Dr. P. W. Boyd, W. W. Glass, T. N. Lupton, George C. Shepard, George W. Kurtz, and T. K. Cartmell; and as Board of Deacons, W. S. White, Wm. H. Smith, Henry S. Baker, M. Lohr Capper, John W. Myers, Henry Moling, Harry C. Baker, and Jno. E. Padgett.

The Church is now in a flourishing condition. The old edifice was remodeled, the large and comfortable Sunday School building seen in the rear of the main building, takes the place of the old basement, and the Sabbath School and Wed- nesday-night services are conducted there. The floor of the church building was lowered, and the auditorium, with its attractive changes, was completed in the spring of 1908. The cost of all the improvements amounted to about $28,000.

The old Kent Street building and lot was sold, and is now occupied by The Winchester Laundry.

The Round Hill Church

The reference made to this church in preced- ing pages, embraced its history while a branch of the Loudoun Street Church; and for conveni- ence, this mention will now be made. During the pastorate of Dr. White, he preached regu- larly at Round Hill and Hayfield in the Sunday afternoons, and found the Congregations desired separate organizations. With his assistance, this object materialized in 1879, when a separate or- ganization was accomplished, and steps taken to call a pastor. Rev. Alexander Sprunt, a young licentiate, came as an Evangelist in 1879 (Rev. W. H. Wood was assistant to Dr. White prior to this). The first regular Pastor was A. S. Moffett from January, 1881, to Dec., 1884. He was succeeded by Rev. L. E. Scott, from May, 1886, to May 10, 1892, who was highly esteemed by the congregation. Robert W. Carter was in charge from 1893 to Sept., 1898. He was succeeded by Rev. John J. Fix, whose service was very effective in alleviating some of the unfortunate trials this congregation had so recently endured. His resignation was reluctantly accepted the latter part of 1902, to enable him to accept a call to the Church at Manchester near Richmond, Va. Since then this Church has had the service of Dr. White, pastor of Opecquon Memorial.

Gerardstown Church

Dr. Graham says: "This Church was an estab- lished Church in 1783, and was known for many years as Cool Spring, and was about five miles from Gerardstown, on what is known as the Runny-Meade farm, which has been owned by Mr. Wilson Coe for a half Century." No date is given when Presbyterian Worship was first conducted; but being an established Congrega- tion in 1783, it is evident that services had been regularly conducted there for a considerable time, for in their appearance in Presbytery at that date, they asked that the services of an emi- nent minister be appointed a supply, with a view to his being called as the pastor. This request coming from Cool Spring and Bullskin, proves that this church was well on the way to the suc- cess it attained within the next ten years. We have evidence in hand that having secured the services of eminent Ministers, many advances were made in the church work. About 1793, the church was removed to the growing Village of Middletown, afterwards changed to Gerardstown. This change, however, pending the erection of the first church in the Village, and the death of Rev. Thomas Poage, the promising young minis- ter who had been called to the new Church, must be the reason why this church was without a pastor for the next six years. In 1799, the Church took front rank among her sister churches when the Rev. Joseph Glass received the call, and at once entered upon his notable service, ter- minating 1817. He also served the Back Creek Church during this pastorate. This first church building was large, being brick and in the old style of architecture. The attractive edifice re- cently erected on the site of the old church, sur- rounded by extensive grounds and picturesque old Village Graveyard near-by, lends an in- terest to this historic place, that impresses every visitor, very dear to descendants of the old fami- lies who laid the old corner stone, and buried their loved ones in the long ago. This Church has had distinction in the able Ministers serv- ing faithfully in all these years. The first Ruling Elders were Wm. Wilson, Mathew Rippey, and Samuel Mckown. The venerable Lewis F. Wil- son was their pastor 1837-1853, and his son, Rev. E. L. Wilson, served this church from 1874 until 1893. He was succeeded by Rev. R. Ashlin White, son of Rev. George White, D.D.

Charlestown Church

This is one of the old churches in Old Freder- ick County. The Presbytery records show that in 1787 the congregation was calling for help, in the order of a "Minister to Supply them ser- vice." This was answered, and soon the supply

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came, and a small building was erected on a Nov. 18, 1900. He also supplies the pulpit in the lot purchased from Charles Washington. In the recently remodeled Stone's Chapel, and has or- ganized a church near Stephenson's Station. This Congregation erected a neat church edifice near Clear Brook. Since Dec. 8, 1901, Mr. S. preaches at this point regularly.

early part of the 19th Century, a large stone building was erected, which was used until 1852, when the present handsome church was erected on the original site. The first Pastor was Rev. Wm. Hill. Charlestown has always been re- garded as one of the strongest Churches in the Winchester Presbytery, gaining much renown in late years for having its distinguished and universally esteemed Pastor, Rev. A. C. Hop- kins, D.D., who experienced hardships and ser- vice as soldier and chaplain through the entire struggles of the Stonewall Brigade, 1861-1865. This church, after Dr. Hill's resignation, for some unaccountable reason, had no regular pastor until 1825, when it was reorganized. Rev. Wm. C. Walton, pastor from 1825 to 1827, then Rev. Septimus Tustin, 1833-37; Thos. W. Simpson, 1838-41 ; Warren B. Dutton, 1842-66; A. C. Hop- kins, D.D., Dec., 1866. During the preparation of this work Oct. 7, 1906, the 40th anniversary of Dr. Hopkin's pastorate was celebrated with ap- propriate services, not only by his own congrega- tion, but by the entire community; thus show- ing the appreciation of his fellow citizens for the faithful service he has rendered them.

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 31

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920 Publication date: 1909 Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.] Number of Pages: 607

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607