USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 36
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102
"Saturday, March 30th, 1805-Bishop Asbury came to Winchester to hold the Conference-Mon- day, April Ist, We opened the Baltimore Con- ference, sitting five days in very great order and peace, We had Seventy-four Preachers present." This is the first great event in the history of this Church. Within the writer's memory differences arose in the Methodist Church which resulted in separation into two Conferences. In 1844 the first
step was taken; of which we will not now speak.
Returning to the first Church on Market St., this was sold in 1818 to Peter Ham. The second church was built on a lot on same side of the street and was used until 1852, when it was sold; and the Female Seminary conducted by S. P. York was in successful operation until the War clouds in 1861 drove Mr. York out of business. After the War, Rev. Silas Billings and Daughters reopened the place for a young Ladies' Seminary. In 1853, Sept. 12th, the corner-stone of the magni- ficent building on the Corner of Market and Cork streets-diagonally opposite the Centenary Re- formed church-was laid with imposing cere- monies. The congregation had then become so large, that it required a building of large di- mensions. Some of the most distinguished Meth- odist Divines have swayed great audiences as- sembled there, with a style of oratory well re- membered by the writer. How easy it is to recall the impressive Norval Wilson, who won the esteem of all, and John S. Martin with his overwhelming arguments that brought convic- tion to many hearers; And the inimitable Tom Sewell-with his flashes of oratory, that stirred emotions which could be done only by this pop- ular speaker. From the day this church was dedicated, the congregation was fortunate in having such strong men to minister to them; and it was mainly due to their influence that the disturbing questions were held in check for several years. The Methodists had been strug- gling with the Slavery question since 1844-when there was an agreement in the General Confer- ence upon a plan of separation. Two Organi- zations were created to be known as the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, and the M. E. Church South. The Southern membership was slow to become too distinctive, desiring to cling to the old Mother Church for many reasons; and this is why we find the one Church in Winchester until a year or two before the impending Crisis came. While it was well known for many years, that differences existed in the Winchester con- gregation, no overt act occurred to produce a separation. All were disposed to worship to- gether; but it finally became apparent that har- mony was affected, and although many regretted the necessity, yet all felt there was a principle to stifle if this condition continued. At last the momentous step was taken, when on July 5th, 1858, thirty members withdrew from the Market street church, and were granted Certificates "As being persons of good report, and consistent members of the M. E. Church." The movement was headed by the late Col. Wm. R. Denny; (whose son, Rev. Collins Denny, D.D., has been for several years a distinguished member of the Faculty of the Vanderbilt University-Nashville.)
.
203
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
This band of thirty, who stood for the principles as they viewed the situation, were no laggards- they proceeded to organize as a separate Church, and on the 24th of the same month, Rev. W. W. Bennett, Presiding Elder of the Washington District duly organized them as a Congregation under the Virginia Conference, M. E. Church South. The writer remembers the reception given their first Pastor, Rev. George H. Ray, when he came the following November, and held his first services in the Court House Hall. No other man could have suited the critical period so well as did Mr. Ray. His success in shaping the course of this new congregation was marvel- ous. He commanded the respect of the com- munity and was highly esteemed by all. The site for the new building was selected on Brad- dock Street, and a neat and comfortable edifice was soon erected. The following Christmas, the building was far enough on the way, to make the basement possible to have their Christmas services held in it. The work was pressed, and the church was completed by July, 1859, and de- dicated. Rev. John C. Granberry, D.D., con- ducted the services. This Church enjoyed a few years of remarkable progress-Organized two Missions outside the Town. Mr. Ray conducted a series of services far out in the country, at a well known point Lamp's School House-where there is a noted Spring and an inviting grove of forest trees. Here Mr. Ray, aided by some of the old time Class Leaders of that section, held the first Bush Meeting held in the memory of the writer. The distinction beween this and what was once out-door "Grove Meetings" was, that the former had a few tents on the ground, not of sufficient number to entitle it the distinc- tion of the Old time Camp meeting. At this Bush Meeting, Mr. Ray was instrumental in giving the large crowds who daily assembled, a good time, though he may have failed to make all his hearers good Christians. Succeeding Mr. Ray, came Rev. E. M. Peterson, P. F. August, Lester Shipley, all members of the Virginia Con- ference. Mr. Shipley while Pastor, entered the Confederate army and the Church was without a Pastor during Gen'l Banks' stampede through the town in the Spring of 1862. This renowned Genl. had seized the church upon his arrival in Winchester, and converted it into a hospital. The Union army always used it when the town was in possession of the Federals, and was so badly wrecked by such use, that it required years of stint and labor after hostilities ceased, to put the building in condition for Church services. The present handsome Braddock St. M. E. Church South, with its Annex for Sunday school work, is now the home of the revived Church, the main building was greatly improved and en-
larged in 1898-9, and when the U. S. Govern- ment made allowance of $2,560 for damages, in 1904, the Church erected their annex. Since the close of the Civil War, the following Ministers have successively rendered effective service to this church : Rev. Norval Wilson served as Pas- tor until Conference could make the regular ap- pointment. During his ministry this Church was greatly strengthened by accessions from the Mar- ket Street Congregation. Quite a number of the old congregation had felt the effects of an atmos- phere engendered by the episodes of the war, caus- ing a desire to seek what was more congenial to their feelings; and thus the old Market Street Church looked desolate for several years. Some very strange sights were presented the old citizens on Sabbath mornings for the first year or two af- ter the war. A few men from almost every other church in the town, were seen wending their way to the old corner where they had heard so much that was congenial to their lacerated feel- ings, not from sorrow that the Union had been saved, but that so many Rebels had been spared to return and re-enter their old churches. It looked strange in that day to see Elders and Deacons, Stewards and good lay members, seek- ing the recesses of the Northern Methodist Church-where they could unburden their woes, and remember the Boys in Gray, who were fit subjects for their special pleadings. Rev. R. S. Hough was appointed by the Baltimore Confer- ence of M. E. Church South, and came as pastor in Spring of 1866. Succeeding him, came I. R. Finley, J. E. Armstrong, T. R. Carson, Samuel Rodgers, J. S. Gardner, H. H. Kennedy, J. W. Shoaff, W. P. Harrison, D. M. James, S. S. Martin, G. T. Tyler, T. E. Carson, (second term), J. N. McCormack, W. H. D. Harper, S. R. Cox, W. H. H. Joyce, Chas. D. Bulla, and D. H. Kern, present pastor.
The Market Street Church has had the follow- ing Ministers since the Civil War: Revs. Crever, Ward, Welsh, Gardner, Courtney, Fergusson, France, Bishop, Koontz, Eldridge, West, Weed, and the present Pastor Mr. Beale. The congre- gation has increased in the last few years; but it is doubtful if the old Tabernacle will ever see the old time crowds that assembled there in the long ago, and heard with rapturous delight Rev. Ben. Brooke, when at his zenith as an Orator. The old Church has witnessed many interesting events; being the largest Church edifice in Win- chester for many years, it was frequently used to accommodate large bodies, where addresses on religious subjects were delivered by renowned Orators. During all the years through which the Winchester Methodist Churches were forging their way up to the present point, it must not be forgotten that in the country many churches were
204
CARTMELL'S HISTORY
seen to arise from the Potomack on the North, to the sections South and from the Blue Ridge to the Green slopes of the Allegany. All this great territory was once in one circuit; and for many long weary years the lone horseman had been seen wending his way in and out, through the settlements, and later on the primitive vil- lage and remote places, to disseminate the doc- trines of Free Salvation. The old circuit-rider rendered service, not only to his own church, but was largely instrumental in keeping the sparsely settled country in touch with the outer world; and thus his influence grew. His appearance among the rugged mountaineers was hailed with delight, for he was their mail-carrier and news gatherer. They were men of great courage, as well as energy. In this way, the frontier and destitute regions were taught Methodism pure and unadulterated. The little Meeting-houses soon became the important place among these people. As the interest increased, others came to share the labours; and in a few decades the territory abounded with working Methodists; and in all the regions round, evidences sprang up to show that they were gradually possessing the land. One of the oldest preaching places for the Methodists, was Stephensburg. The Family re- cord of Col. John Hite's family tells of his daugh- ter Elizabeth and her husband, Rev. Mr. Phelps, building the first Methodist church at that point as early as 1794. The substantial brick struc- ture now used by the Methodists at that place, stands on the old site. In the graveyard found in the rear, are buried the remains of the founders of this church, the grand-daughter of Joist Hite and her husband Mr. Phelps. A Congregation of Methodists had a preaching point at Sen- seney Town (Middletown) at a very early day, and worshipped in the single Meeting-house, where other denominations had joint use. As the Methodists increased at this point, and at such places as Funkstown, Mckay's (Nineveh) and Stephensburg, the circuit-rider was taxed to serve so many other points remote from those named. It was but natural that he should de- vise some plan for contracting the work and have the scattered Congregations rally at some point, where closer ties could be formed by continued conferences with each other, where ministers from neighboring circuits could come, and there enjoy the Love-feast that was promised. There was no suitable building at any point in the cir- cuit, nor accommodations for the assembling Congregations. These conditions in the large Circuit increased as the zeal of the Minister in- creased, as he traveled from point to point; all of which was to culminate in the primitive Camp-Meeting. There was an ideal place near the centre of the "Upper Circuit" for such an
assemblage. No Meeting-house could be selected, lest that point be regarded as more favoured than others. The place, above all others-well known in the circuit-was "Chrisman's Spring," known as such since 1735, taking its name from Jacob Chrisman, son-in-law of Joist Hite. The former and his descendants owned the vast tracts adjoining, on which was the old homestead, where liberal hospitality was offered to Ministers of the Gospel. The famous spring and adjacent forests were freely offered by this generous family. The oldest inhabitant to-day has no re- collection of the first Camp-Meeting, with the old tent wagons on the ground and roughly im- provised annexes, to offer shelter to the families who had come well provided with food. The scanty sleeping accommodations were sufficient to induce the Campers to remain on the "Grounds" for about ten days. Who can tell of or measure the results of this first "Love-Feast" in the Lower Valley. The impetus given the work of the Methodists, had its first wave of progress to start from this first assembly of Congrega- tions. Their conferences created strong ties between them, and from that day, coming on down to the period when the writer, with thou- sands of the population for miles around an- nually, in the Month of August-repaired to the Camp-Meeting at Christman's Spring. Then it was when the modern Camp had come to take the place of the primitive. The appearance on the ground of a half hundred tents, with luxuri- ous appointments, standing in village style- streets and alleys-the old tented wagon there- but in the rear of the tent lines, supplies for the multitude. The hollow square, amply supplied with seats fronting the Preacher's Stand, always crowded with respectful audiences during ser- vices-day and night, formed an arena, that in itself was enough to inspire the preacher, as he stood before the people to tell the Old Story of the Cross. In addition to this, there were the grand old Oaks with their goodly boughs, the growth of Centuries casting their shadows over the multitude that waited upon his words; people and preacher felt the influence of the scene that was thus produced in what had been the solitude of a great forest. Whatever the source of in- spiration, the good and holy men never failed to impress the audience with their marvelous elo- quence. Kercheval says, "The first Camp Meet- ing held in the Valley in my memory, was at Chrisman's Spring, about two miles South of Stephensburg, on the Great Highway from Win- chester to Staunton; this was probably in the month of August 1806." He adds that he travel- led through the Southwest Counties in 1836, and often saw where Camp-meetings had been held. The Methodist Church of the present day need
205
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
not rely upon the primitive plan for gathering accessions from remote places, or the hedges and highways. In the early efforts the camp-meeting plan was regarded as a necessity. Many people were slow to attend formal church services. There was something about the solemn church building, and the congregations in Sunday attire, and the minister with his pious dignity, that was not inviting to the class who preferred spending Sunday, the day of rest, in a way more congenial to their view of the Sabbath, consequently this large body of non-church goers was becoming an object of concern to the itinerant preacher; and when he had once evolved the plan for gathering in this class, the success of this Church was as- sured. The careless and indifferent were at- tracted by the novelty, and found their way to the Camp-ground, where many attractions were offered to encourage his attendance and stay; and ere many years had passed with this great experiment, the non-church-goer was as much in evidence at the camp-meeting, as the most de- vout class-leader, and every one of these great seasons of special effort, marked the date of conversion of many ungodly men, who from that day experienced a new era in their lives. Many of the brightest lights of the Church saw the first flash of the new existence at the old time Camp-meeting. Towers of strength they were in Evangelizing the land. We must say, however, that abuses crept in unawares during these great gatherings, for it is well known that many were drawn thither from no other motive but pleasure; and often gave trouble; but that august "Com- mittee" seemed to possess the mysterious power of omnipresence. The refined pleasure-seeker, as well as the turbulent fellow, suffered rebuke; and good order prevailed. The ten days spent on those old camp-grounds, in some old forest near some noted spring, surpassed all the ocean-re- sorts of the present day for genuine pleasure and lasting memories. It might be said that the life of this great work, that loomed up on the horizon of the 19th Century, gradually faded away after an experience of three score years. The Civil War period made quite a break in this out-door service; but very soon after the restoration of peace, the hosts assembled again annually; and for twenty years much enthusiasm prevailed in favor of this form of worship. But the Church no longer felt the need of such auxiliaries; and it is a rare thing now in the Lower Valley. To- day every village and hamlet is supplied with regular church service in neat edifices, of modern style; and in most cases, congregations are there to receive the message with as much formality as other churches.
The Middletown M. E. Church South is of such design and architecture, as to attract the
attention of all admirers of beautiful church buildings. It is an ornament to the Country; and one must conclude that Methodism at the old "Senseney-town" had been strengthened by its contiguity to the original camp-meeting. The point has attracted several Superanuated Minis- ters and their families, to make permanent homes there; and the visitor to this attractive little gem of the Lower Valley will be well re- paid by the courteous reception by the towns- folk, and enjoy interviews with the grand and good men who, worn out in the service of their Church, are now waiting the summons that must soon come. In such society, many delightful hours can be enjoyed as reminiscences are un- folded, and here you will find men who had been faithful to the trust of conducting the oldest camp-meetings, ever ready to entertain you with thrilling incidents in the life of the old Circuit- rider. This could and should fill a volume of interesting reading. Doubtless some one will pre- serve notes of the past, relating to such men, and in some way give to the public what the writer cannot properly do in this volume.
Stephensburg Methodist Church.
The little Village of Stephensburg was one of the earliest places in old Frederick for the New Sect, called Methodists, to make an effort to organize for church work. Long before her neighbouring town, Winchester, ever dreamed of the approaching Methodists, this little village had been visited by such men as Richard Owings and John Hagerty in 1775, and Francis Asbury in 1778, itinerant preachers of that period. In the notes on the M. E. C., at Winchester, the reader will see quotations from the Journal of Bishop Asbury, to confirm the claim made for Stephensburg and also in the sketch of Col. John Hite and family, where it will be seen his daugh- ter Mrs. Phelps, and her brother John Hite, jr., have the credit of building the first Methodist Church at Stephensburg. Taking this in con- nection with Church history and reliable tradi- tions, it is shown that very soon after the ap- pearance of the "two Strangers" that Kercheval mentions as being there in 1775, "preaching their strange doctrine of free Grace." Mr. Asbury was there 1778, and preached in an unfinished church. This was the first church built there, and was where the first church was organized by the fol- lowing persons viz, Rev. Elisha Phelps and wife, John Hite, Jr., John Taylor and wife, Lewis Stephens, sen., and wife, and several others. We find in the record of Col. John Hite's family, that Mr. Phelps and his wife lived and died near the village and both were buried in the rear of the little church of their founding. We have the proof of this on the Slab found in the Church-
206
CARTMELL'S HISTORY
yard showing the grave of Elisha Phelps and Elizabeth, his wife, bearing date 1815. Mrs. P. lived just North of Newtown. The Chipley family lived for years on the property.
The Methodists steadily increased at Stephens- burg, and while many trying ordeals have fallen to the lot of the little town on the Valley's great highway, the Church at Stephens city of to-day, is one that has a place of honor in the Conference to which it belongs. Many godly men have arisen to high places in the Church at large, who had their beginnings here. The writer recalls several local preachers of great power, who took delight in recounting incidents of the early history of this Church. One was "Father Walls," as he was generally known; starting in the latter part of the 18th Century and receiving new impulses in the dawn of the 19th. He was an actor on the stage of that wonderful era; and his life and work were given wholly to the cause he had espoused. His grandson, Dr. Wm. Walls, and the writer had many experiences in the class- room of the old Winchester Academy, wrestling with "Euclid" the school-boys horror. Rev. John Allemong, of more recent memory, was a man of "good report." His life was of that exemplary kind that leaves a good impression on the community in which he had a long and useful ministry, beginning in 1820, ending in 1872. Prior to 1827, the congregation worshipped in their original log church-loth to give it up. About this time, the brick church was built on the old site-with many modern appendages, such as the high pulpit, bellfry-galleries, etc. This building suffered much unnecessary damage during the Civil War. The brick parsonage was burned, as a retaliation for some imaginary wrong done to Hunter's army. In 1882, the church building became unsafe and was removed from its foundation, and the present large and attractive church was erected on the old site. The congregation extended its borders, and through the joint efforts of Rev. F. A. Strother two new churches were built-one at Relief, and one to the S. E., called Lost Corner. This old Win- chester Circuit was supplied by noted men in its day, such as John S. Martin, Wm. G. Eggle- ston, David Bush, Wm. Wheelright, and others. They were some of the grand old itinerants of the by-gone days. The Winchester Circuit was divided into what has been called two charges- Stephens City and Middletown. This change oc- curred in 1891.
The next M. E. C., in order as to date within the bounds of the old County, is found at Bruce- town, where there has been for many years a large and prosperous Congregation. Gainesboro has maintained a strong standing in the Circuit to which it belongs. The old Greenspring Church
has a good history, which may receive fuller notice. On Timber-Ridge in the Western part of the county, are several churches doing good work,-Rock Enon M. E. church on Back-Creek, was built to supply a long felt want in that neigh- bourhood.
The Round Hill M. E. Church, standing on the north side of the Northwestern Turnpike, is not the original building, it being virtually the third house erected on that site. In 1844-5 the first building was erected on the lot purchased from Elijah Hodgson (see deed dated June Ist, 1844 to M. E. C. trustees). The first church had an interesting history when Methodism had become a factor for good in every neighbour- hood, it was found desirable to organize a church at this point. This was to be associated with organizations in several other places, notably the little preaching point-known in that day as Lamp's School-house. Living in that neighbour- hood was a man but little known to the outside world, but was destined to take place among the prominent Methodists in his day; but he always desired his work should be confined to his own Hills; this was "Henry Milhon," the founder of the M. E. church at Round Hill, from his own Pine forests came the huge logs for that first building, hewn and shaped by himself with the utmost precision, every one in perfect dress; and when the day came to raise the building, the writer was there as a boy spectator. The tall, gaunt, wiry man was at every point, and with willing neighbours, his first church went up; and before the winter came, this strange man as the Local preacher, conducted a successful meeting. His rugged but sincere sentences were rounded out with such zeal and originality, that his hearers seemed transfixed. This man was then in his prime-was a convert of the old Camp- meeting, and received such inspiration, that he never faltered in his work, telling others of the "story about the Cross," which had changed his reckless life. Without the advantage of the simplest rudiment of education, he set about by the aid of his wife, who could read, to learn suitable scriptures and hymns, and from such studies, the knowledge came that he never forgot. He was always ready with appropriate "Texts," from which he gave his hearers the most ex- haustive explanations. While no orator, his ori- ginal ideas were moulded into expressions that alarmed, and then soothed the convicted sinner. Let it be told, he grew famous among the many persons that were awakened by his strange power. He was known far and near as Father Milhorn, tho' never more than the Local Preacher-all Methodists know what this title implies! How- ever, his services were in demand all over the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.