USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 35
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"CORRESPONDENCE.
WINCHESTER, VA., Oct. 25th, 1854-
REV. C. P. KRAUTH,
Dear Sir, We desire to express the pleasure which we in common with a very large audi- ence, derived from the instructive and beau- tiful discourse delivered by you on Sunday last and suggested by the burning of the venerable edifice to which every citizen of our town has been attached by strong ties from infancy. We but express a general wish, when we ask that you would place in our hands a copy of your discourse for publication. It is the more proper that you should comply, from the fact that such an event deserves to be made memorable, and such a building, with so many hallowed asso- ciations clustering about it, should not perish without the perpetuation of its history in a form durable and worthy of the theme. We say no more than it merits, when we add that your discourse was eminently worthy of the subject,
We are, with high regard, your friends, WILLIAM MILLER J. R. TUCKER
JACOB BAKER Jo. TIDBALL
THOS. B. CAMPBELL H. J. MESMER
ROBT B. HOLLIDAY J. S. CARSON
F. W. M. HOLLIDAY" T. A. TIDBALL .
"LUTHERAN PARSONAGE, WINCHESTER, VA.
J. R. TUCKER ESQ., AND OTHERS,
Gentlemen-I am not less willing to commit the discourse you so kindly ask for publication, because I feel that your estimate of it is one of the heart and not of the judgment. I meant but to lay a garland on an Altar, and I thank you that your reverence of the memories to which I meant to do homage, has given value to so inadequate an offering,
I am truly and gratefully yours
CHARLES P. KRAUTE.
The author is indebted to the publicatica re- ferred to, for much valuable data as his :"tide
Ruins of old Lutheran Church, Winchester
.
CHAPTER XXXVII
The German Reformed Church in Frederick County
This Church in the early settlement of Old Frederick County, was known as the "Reformed Calvinists Congregation." Old Orders of Court and other public records, mention no other name for this Church; and the Church records men- tion them as the Reformed Calvinist Ministry from the Palatinate, Germany. Their local Church record shows that their first Gospel services were held in the Opeckon, where at that time, 1743, was forming a nucleus of a village known as Opecquon, for many years-certainly as late as 1770. In the immediate vicinity, quite a number of Presbyterian families were there as early as 1736. Mr. Hoge conveyed them a lot (as shown elsewhere) of ground to erect a Meeting House on, and soon thereafter conveyed a lot for the "Graveyard"-the boundaries being given, "That it adjoins the lot whereon the Meeting House now stands." No record to show that the Re- formed Calvinists had any claim upon this or any lot in "Opecquon." Tradition has always shown that they worshipped where the Presby- terians worshipped-Indeed, it was the same place where the Quakers had quarterly meetings for years and continued to meet until the points of Hopewell and Crooked Run, were adopted as place for "Meetings." It is unfortunate that the reckless writer will appear so often on such in- teresting subjects, which leads to confusion and misapprehension. Quoting the language found in a publication bearing the date 1890, the reader will have before him what is termed "An histo- rical fact about this Church:" "The crumbling foundation of the little Stone Church near Kerns- town is supposed to be the locality where this Congregation Worshipped. The Church was abandoned in 1753-4 when a Presbyterian Con- gregation occupied it, and by long occupation by them it has since been known as a Church of that denomination." If the reader will turn to the sketch of the Presbyterian Church in this volume he will find facts derived from the most reliable records, concerning the origin of the Old Opeckon Church-and a description of the old grounds, graveyard, etc. In the article just quoted, the writer deals in supposition; and is in error when speaking of the "little stone church." If he had seen the foundation of those crumbled walls, he never could have made this
statement. The marks of the old foundation are plain at this writing. There he could have seen where the largest stone church in all the region, had stood for ages. Such statements do injustice to the noble band of Christians known as the Reformed Calvinists, who have ever maintained their reputation for integrity, sincere and un- varnished religion, and devotion to their me- thods. This Church has never wavered in her march through all the past; never at any time having a large Congregation, but always able to preserve their individuality among her sister Churches, with whom cordial relations existed at all times. The Fathers in the early lays wor- shipped at several other points in the Old County, one being at what is now called Old Furnace, St. John's where for many years they and the German Lutherans had joint ownership in a lot of ground near the site of the present church at that point. The place was then called "Zane," and the lot long since has formed part of the cemetery lot adjoining. Another point was Stone's Chapel, which was for many years prior to 1793 known as Jacob's church, and supposed to have been the property of the Re- formed Calvinists and Lutherans. The deed says "To the Calvinists and Lutheran Societies." The Presbyterians and Calvinists were regarded by all as the same body of Christians; and when the deed was found by the writer, the Reformed Calvinists yielded, and have not raised the point since. The first evidence of this Congregation having Church services in Winchester, was very soon after 1753; for it was in that year they secured a deed from Lord Fairfax for the ground forming the site of their first church building which conveyance is dated May 15, 1753, and for Lots No. 82 and 83. This seems to be the only Deed that can be produced by any Church in the Lower Valley in which Lord Fair- fax was grantor. The author has instituted search through every available source-county records as well as State and Church, and has had the aid of competent and experienced persons. The old records kept by Lord Fairfax at Green- way Court, were removed to the Office of Regis- ter of Lands in Richmond after his death, and there they have been carefully filed and preserved, and special effort was made to find deeds to
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other church property, and none could be found. As this is the only one found, it is well to have it appear in this connection. Why the trustees named should have been more fortunate than their neighbours, is not shown. Some have claimed that his Lordship was one of the Re- formed Calvinists, and this is why he singled them out. Fairfax was not inclined to make such instruments; he preferred to appear as the Lord Proprietor, and where he allowed privileges of this character, he refrained from dealing with Church sites, burial grounds, etc., as he did with indivi- duals. The latter were required to show his papers, or be ejected.
"The Right Honourable, Thomas Lord Fairfax, Baron of Cameron in that part of Great Britain called Scotland Proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia, To all to whom this writing shall come sends Greeting. Whereas Messrs. Philip Bush, Daniel Bush, Henry Brinker, Jacob Sow- ers, and Frederick Conrad of Frederick County, having set forth to my Office in behalf of the Reformed Calvinists, that Lotts Numbered (82) and (83) in the addition to the Town of Win- chester in the Said County are conveniently sit- uated for erecting and building a Meeting house for the use of the said Congregation, Know ye that for the causes aforesaid for and in con- sideration of the annual Rents and Covenants herein after reserved and Expressed I have given, granted and confirmed and by these pres- ents for me, my Heirs and Assigns, Do give, grant and confirm unto the said Philip Bush, Daniel Bush, Henry Brinker, Jacob Sowers and Fred- erick Conrad, as Trustees appointed by the said Congregation the said recited Lotts of land for the use aforesaid and for no other purpose what- soever as bounded by a survey and Platt of the said addition made by Mr. John Bayliss as fol- lows, on the Southern side by Philpott Lane, on the Westw'd end by East Lane, on the Northern side by Abbchurch Lane, on the Eastw'd end by the East line of the said addition-To have and to hold the said Recited Lotts of land No. (82) and (83) Together with all and singular the Ap- purtenances thereunto belonging. To them the said Daniel Bush, Philip Bush, Henry Brinker, Jacob Sowers and Frederick Conrad and Suc- cessors for ever they the said Philip Bush, Da- niel Bush, Henry Brinker, Jacob Sowers and Frederick Conrad and their Successors appointed Trustees as aforesaid, therefore yielding and pay- ing to me, my Heirs and Assigns or to my cer- tain Attorney or Attorneys Agent or Agents or to the certain Attorney or Attorneys of my Heirs or Assigns, Proprietors of the said Northern Neck yearly and every year on the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel the fee rent or sum of Ten Shillings Sterling money for the Said Lotts
of land, Provided that if the Said Philip Bush, Daniel Bush, Henry Brinker, Jacob Sowers and Frederick Conrad and their Successors shall not pay the said Reserved annual as aforesaid, so that the same or any part thereof shall be behind or unpaid by the space of thirty days next after same shall become due if Legally demanded, that then it shall and may be lawful for me, my Heirs or Assigns, Proprietors as aforesaid, my or their certain Attorney or Attorneys, Agent or Agents into the above granted premises to Re- enter and hold the same so as if this Grant had never passed. Given under my hand and Seal, Dated the fifteenth day of May in the twenty- sixth year of his Majesty King George the Second Reign, A. D., one thousand seven hun- dred and fifty three. .
Registered in the Proprietors Office In Book L folio 75
FAIRFAX."
No record has been found to give the exact location of the first building erected on the lots. Tradition, and Church records fully establish the fact, that the first building was in the most pri- mitive style, and was in use by the Reformed Calvinists and Lutheran Congregations as early as 1758. By reference to the sketch of the Luth- eran Church, it will be seen-Rev. Mr. Streit preached in this church in 1785; and it was known at the time as the Old Log Church, not far away from the unfinished structure known afterwards as the Old Stone Church. The loca- tion of the lots is easily found by reference to the records, situated on the eastern part of the Village of Winchester, bounded by Philpot Lane and East Lane. Who the Ministers were who preached for this Congregation from the erection of the log Meeting-House to about 1790, is not known to any of the membership of the present congregation. It is well established that Mission- aries of this faith preached at various times throughout the Valley for many years after the first settlement. Such traveling ministers were careful to keep note of their work and travels in pocket diaries. These have been preserved by the Church in some way, but are not always ac- cessible. A prominent Minister of this Church related "To the Author" many interesting in- cidents embraced in those notes, pertaining to the early life of the Reformed Calvinists along the waters of the Sherando River, that prove entertaining to the reader; but inasmuch as his informant had never seen these valuable "pocket diaries"-these pages need not be cumbered with what may appear doubtful to some readers.
The Winchester Church from about 1790, un- dertook through the efforts of several enter- prising ministers, to preserve a record of the church, and some of the recorded incidents
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would be interesting to all. Rev. G. M. Schney- der seems to have been the first regular Pastor, at least the record kept by himself or Rev. Willey for the years 1790 and 1800 inclusive indicate this. Some have thought that a succeeding Pastor, Rev. Dr. John Brown, wrote the whole up to 1804. From this date, nothing is recorded to show that this Congregation continued services; indeed, but little mention is made other than to main- tain evidence of ownership of the property. Notes appear that permission had been granted the Baptists to preach in the old Church. The name of Robert Sedgewick appears as a Baptist Minister in charge for a number of years. The most diligent enquiry of Officers and laymen of this Church, resulted only in the answer, that they had no authentic record covering the period of at least twenty-five years prior to 1840. Just previous to 1840, an effort was made to repair the old log Meeting-House, that had withstood the ravages of time for nearly one hundred years. An appeal was made to the Synod, comprised of this and other Congregations in Virginia, Mary- land and Pennsylvania, for aid. To this appeal, a generous response was given; and that influential body advised the Congregation to erect a Memo- rial edifice, one to commemorate the "One hun- dreth anniversary of the Organization of the Re- formed Calvinist Church in the Shenandoah Val- ley. This was a happy thought, one that filled the struggling band with inspiration. Their new zeal manifested itself to such an extent, the whole community was stirred with generous emotions; and it became possible for this revived remnant of the noble band, that had been scattered for so many years, to rally under their old banner, and when once planted on their new position, they began at once to fortify it. With aid from the Synod, and indefatigable efforts of the faithful men and women, the walls went up and a bul- wark was soon offered for the little fold. Their beautiful Memorial received the name of the "Centenary Reformed Church." For twenty years they were undisturbed. Standing on the corner of Market and Cork Streets, it became a prey to the legions of Banks, Milroy and Sheri- dan-Federal Generals-who always encouraged wanton destruction of Church and private prop- erty. This little monument of so much zealous Christian effort, was first converted into a hos- pital, and then a stable for officer's horses-re- sulting in total destruction of all the adornments of the Memorial. The bare walls and a shattered roof alone, marked the spot where the Centenary Reformed Church had stood. The same old zeal which shone out from the fathers, caught hold of the survivors. So soon as the first sad days of a Peace that can never be forgotten, settled over the land that had been torn asunder, and
with great sacrifice and untold effort, the little Church on the Corner, received such repairs as it was possible to give, and the scattered Con- gregation once more entered their sacred portals. Many additional repairs were made from time to time. The great strong Government at Washing- ton was appealed to for redress, to cover the damages the church had sustained. No heed was given to constant effort. At last, however, when nearly all of the participants in the havoc of des- truction had sunk out of sight, along with much of the animosity that existed so long between the two sections North and South, there came a day when new rulers and almost a new people recognized the justice of the claim for damages, that went up not only from this church but from similar Organizations. The Government had taken strong measures to redress in part such terrible wrongs. This Church in 1904-5 was al- lowed a reasonable sum for damages. The Con- gregation decided to erect an entirely new build- ing on the old site; and to-day as you pass the old corner, you will observe this congregation has made good use of their opportunity, and spent their money and labor in a judicious way. The beautiful modern edifice is attractive to the eye, and gives great comfort to this deserving band of faithful men and women. Long may they be sheltered within its walls, and neither they nor their generations to follow, be ever again driven out from its sacred precincts, by any foe, be he Man or Devil.
The Church has been faithfully served since 1840, by the following named Ministers: Rev. Geo. A. Leopold came then and was succeeded by Rev. D. H. Bragonier, Robert Douglas fol- lowed him and assumed the work of several Churches; in 1845 he became sole Pastor; in 1847, Rev. G. W. Willard entered as pastor, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. O. Miler in 1850, who was succeeded by Rev. Seibert Davis in 1854. He remained until 1857; and was succeeded by a Mr. Fentzell, whose pastorate ended in 1861. Just as the War clouds appeared along the hori- zon, he hastened to a more congenial clime. In 1862, the church was closed for church purposes and occupied by Union Soldiers. After its re- novation in 1866, Rev. Hiram Shaull became the Pastor, serving until 1873; Rev. Chas. G. Fisher came in 1874, and resigned in 1880; when Rev. A. R. Krener came and remained four years; S. L. Whitmore came next; and was followed by Mr. Shontz and others, as visiting supplies. Rev. J. B. Stonesifer was installed as regular Pastor May Ist, 1892, whose ministry was productive of much good. His resignation Dec. 29th, 1900, was regretted by his many friends. The present Pas- tor, Rev. T. K. Cromer has made his pastorate very acceptable, not only to his own Church, but
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to the community in general. To him is given the credit for untiring zeal in creating the hand- some edifice. Some one may be interested in the Old Log Meeting House that was left on the hill, when the new church was erected down town in 1840-1, and will enquire what was its end. Answer is given by quotation from a Newspaper published on 14th Febry., 1844. "Last night, the whole population was aroused to behold a spec- tacle so alarming, so weird and full of grandeur, that its like may never appear again, though for quite a long time the stoutest heart was affected. A strange light filled the dark Eastern sky; then
the whole heavens were illuminated, from flaming light ascending from the Old Graveyards on the hill. This proceeded from the burning of the Old Log and frame house, for many years the former home of the German Reformed Church, the peculiar scene was heightened by the reflec- tion of the fire light on every house-roof in town all covered with many inches of snow."
Around this old building the dead of many generations had been buried; and the Lots deeded by Fairfax have for many years been used as a burial place for the dead friends of this Church, which continues its control.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
The Methodist Episcopal Church
The first Methodist Church building erected in 21, 1783, preached to a few people in Winchester; For seven days past I have had to ride the whole day, and preach without eating until five or six o'clock in the evening, except a little biscuit; this is hard work for man and horse, this however is not the worst, religion is greatly wanting in these parts. The inhabitants are much divided; made up, as they are of different nations, and speaking different languages; they agree in scarce- ly anything, except it be to sin against God." This great and good prelate in his effort to plant his Church in Old Frederick County, came at a time when Winchester was the theatre of Church work memorable for the harmony that existed between the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Re- formed Calvinists, German Lutherans, Baptists and even the Roman Catholics, all on the ground moulding character and principles for the noted men and women of that day. And doubtless the good man was appalled at the remnant of the population with whom he had to deal. Wickedness in this class did not deter his Society in their great work. The history of this Church shows that their ministers, as the grand old Circuit riders of the long ago, sought this class; and by their marvelous work from their first appearance, rode their Circuits extending from the Blue Ridge to the Alleganies and secured a foothold for Me- thodism, that made it possible to produce astonish- ing results. Behold her numerical strength of to- day, outstripping all other denominations, and to be reckoned with now as a power in the land ! Grand, glorious Soldiers of the Cross ! the World salutes you this day, as you have attained the summit from which you can see on every hand the mighty work of your dauntless hosts; Your As- bury had his day of despondency; but he never wavered, for we find an entry in his Journal dated July 21, 1784 when he seems encouraged about the Winchester people. He says, "We had many to hear at Winchester; they appeared to be orderly and solemn, and I hope it will appear that some were convicted;" The Bishop must have had great Winchester was in 1793, on Cameron St., between Water and Cork Sts. The lot was purchased in 1791. Where the Methodists held Church services prior to this date is not positively known. It is well established that Ministers of this Faith fre- quently preached in various sections of the Lower Valley as early as 1788, but no building is re- corded as their property or place of worship. The lot purchased was owned by Wm. Beaty, and by reference to this deed, will be seen the exact loca- tion. Winchester Church was one of a large Circuit-the Congregation must have been very small for years. No ministers were stationed at Winchester until about 1825; after 1830, it was continued on the list as a Station and the minister resided in the town-but preached over a large Circuit. The Methodist Church has made aston- ishing strides within the last Century. The first appearance of the Methodists in America was about 1770; and we are told by Rev. Francis As- bury in his Journal that when he arrived in Philadelphia, from England on 27th Oct., 1771, there were Methodists all told in America not exceeding Six hundred, who were unorganized. He also says, "the Conference was held in Phila., July 14th, 16th, 1773-the first held in America." At this Conference ten ministers reported being present and eleven hundred and sixty members of the "Society" were reported by the Ministers. This Journal shows that Mr. Asbury visited Frederick County, Va., during the summer of 1772 as Missionary, to spy out the land for this great Society; so that they could come over and possess the promising field. A special note is made that he was in the Village of Winchester, Tuesday Nov. 24, 1772-and "preached in an un- finished house, the rain beating in upon me, the people beheld the stranger with great astonish- ment." He records this important fact, that there were not one hundred Methodists in Virginia at that time. When we consider that this young man afterwards became the distinguished Bishop Asbury, whose reputation knew no bounds, his . concern for the mixed population, for we find him name and service being familiar in the Original in Winchester Sunday, June 4th, 1786, he says in one note, "The Lutheran Minister began a few minutes before I got into Winchester; I rode leisurely through the town, and preached under some spreading trees on a hill, on Joshua XXIV, Thirteen States, the notes he made of the pro- gress of Methodism in this section of Virginia, should be interesting to all readers. In his Jour- nal, the following entry is made, "Saturday June
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19, to many white and black people. It was a solemn, weighty time; all was seriousness and at- tention." At this point the author is reminded of many incidents in the lives of the old slaves with whom he was on familiar terms in the happy past. Some of these incidents may find place in these pages. One that he recalls may be appropriately entered here; doubtless it had its origin in the sermon preached under the spreading trees. It is well known by a few persons of to-day that among the large number of slaves owned by Rev. Joseph Glass, there was a woman of powerful stature, and one of the original Africans, known far and near as "Aunt Chloey," whose African dialect was so peculiar that no attempt will be made to imitate it. She had many traits that marked her as a woman of strong mental capacity, showing her knowledge of the habits and customs of the people she knew in her early life. She was communicative on such subjects only to those for whom she had the highest respect and regard. Her young mistress, Miss Anne Glass, asked her on one occasion if she remembered General Wash- ington when he was in Winchester? Quickly came the answer, "No honey, I never see Gen'l Washington, but I see that other great preacher, Bishop Asbury." Aunt Chloey lived to a great age-109 years. She died in 1856.
The Bishop was determined to see that the people of Winchester should have good counsel. We find this note, "On Sunday, August 23, 1789- having made a tour of the Berkeley Circuit, I came to Winchester. We had alarming Words from Ezekiel XXXIII, 11, I feel the worth of souls and their disobedience gives me sorrow . . . . " He records another incident and it is given as a re- ference for answer to the question, When was the first Methodist Church in Winchester erected? "Winchester, June 6th, 1793, They have built an excellent house, and we have better times than I expected; here nothing would do but I must preach, notwithstanding the lanes and streets of the town were filled with mire, owing to the late rains." Again in May 1794, he records his ar- rival in Winchester. He continued his visits to Winchester, and at last the Church records show in 1805, that he had been no idler in the wild Vineyard since his first appearance in 1783. The 22 years had produced wonderful results as shown by the Church record.
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