USA > West Virginia > A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia > Part 15
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Rev. J. H. Kepler, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Washington county Md., reports holding services every two weeks in St. Paul's Church, Sharpsburg, and Antietam. I have a spare Sunday which I employ in assisting my Rev. Bro. Dr. An- drews in the service at Shepherdstown. In the absence of Dr. Andrews I usually keep the church open for service in this place.
The Diocesan Missionary Society reported $900 as paid to six missionaries in West Virginia and $169.93 received from three churches.
The Treasurer reported $646.50 as paid to the contingent fund from ten churches. Delinquencies of West Virginia churches $939.49.
Rev. John Martin, born June 1809; ordained by Bishop Moore of Virginia, July 1834. Rector of Kanawha Parish West Virginia 1834-1840.
Convention of 1858. Winchester, Va., May 19.
Bishop Meade presiding.
Present from West Virginia: Five clergy and six laymen (among the latter Mr. Hiram D. Brown, of Wheeling, and Mr. N. S. White, of Charlestown.
From Bishop Meade's address: "Immediately after the Convention (Petersburg 1857) I entered on my triennial vis- itation to Western Virginia. Being enabled by means of the increased facilities for travelling, to anticipate the time
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by about six months, as has been the case in other parts of the State for the same reason.
My first visit was to Fairmont, where I proposed to spend two days, but was unable to reach it until the second. The Rev. William McGuire who attended me, during my Western tour, and rendered effectual aid, preceded me, and prevented disappointment as to any of the expected services. Three persons were confirmed at this place. Our members and patrons at Fairmont are few in number, but zealous and faithful, having done much in proportion to their numbers and ability. Services have been held every alternate Sab- bath in this place, since last fall by the Rev. Mr. Brodnax, who was ordained to the Deaconship in July last, at the close of the Seminary course.
On leaving Fairmont I proceeded to Wheeling where ser- vices were held for several days. In St. Matthew's Church twenty-six were confirmed in public, and one in private. There was no confirmation in St. John's and no minister at that time. The Rev. Mr. Smith is its present minister.
The congregations at Wellsburg and St. John's were next visited and one person confirmed in the latter. The Rev. Mr. Christian was then very zealously and acceptably labor- ing in these places, but has since removed to Ohio, for want of support.
At Moundsville I found the Rev. Mr. Hyland still officiat- ing to a small congregation and having charge of a school. I regret to learn, by a communication from himself and the vestry, that he has resigned his charge. It will require the union of the congregations at Moundsville, Wellsburg and St. John's, to give full employment to an active minister, and some aid from the Missionary Society to furnish a com- petent support.
My next visit was to - Martinsville, where our pros- pects were once somewhat encouraging, and where we had an unfinished church, with a small debt resting upon it. By removals and deaths and the want of ministerial serv- ices our prospects have been so blasted at this place, that
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notwithstanding my remonstrances to the contrary, the church was sold, a few hours after my departure, and the hope of having an Episcopal church there is for the present extinguished.
On reaching Parkersburg, I found the Rev. Mr. Coleman, a deacon of the Diocese of Maryland, in the performance of ministerial duties. He has since been ordained a Priest by the Bishop of Maryland, and received by a letter dimis- sory, to the Diocese of Virginia. At Parkersburg seven per- sons were confirmed, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper ad- ministered, and one child baptized. The ladies are still, with commendable zeal, continuing their efforts for a par- sonage; if seconded by the contributions of the gentlemen, according to the ability which God has given to that favored place, the desirable work might soon be accomplished.
At Ravenswood, to which my steps were next directed, I found the Rev. Mr. Tompkins still residing and connecting a school and small congregation in the county seat, about twelve miles off, with the few zealous Episcopalians in the Church at that place. Several services were held during the two or three days which Mr. McGuire and myself spent at this place, at one of which four persons were confirmed.
At Point Pleasant, where the Rev. Mr. Smith, from Char- leston, Kanawha, met us, and at Mercer's Bottom, several days were spent in religious services; two persons being con- firmed at the former and one at the latter. I have recently heard that the Rev. Mr. Tompkins has removed from Ra- venswood to Point Pleasant, and officiates there and at Mercer's Bottom. On our way from Point Pleasant to Coalsmouth, we spent two days at Buffalo, preaching to our few adherents at that place.
Owing to the failure of a conveyance, one of the two days assigned to our friends at Coalsmouth was lost to them. They are still without a minister. That Parish, taken in connection with some neighboring places, and embracing Guyandotte, where we have some warm friends, would af-
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ford a good field for an active and zealous missionary, who should be entirely devoted to the work.
At Charleston and the Salines two days were spent; at the former four were confirmed and at the latter three. The Rev. Mr. Smith is still there, performing much duty, and deeply feeling his solitary position, having no brother min- ister nearer than fifty miles.
From Charleston I returned by the way of Point Pleas- ant to Parkersburg, by steamboat, and thence by railroad and stage to Clarksburg and Weston. At the latter place, five were confirmed, and the Rev. Mr. Smith, their minister, admitted to Priests orders. The former, Clarksburg, was without a minister, the Rev. Mr. Castleman having left early in the spring, after having performed faithful services there, for some years, and been mainly instrumental in the erection of their present excellent church."
From Bishop John's address: "October 2nd, I preached at Charles Town and confirmed 15.
3rd, I preached at Smithfield and confirmed 3.
4th, I preached in Shepherdstown and confirmed seven; in the afternoon I addressed the servants.
5th, I preached at Martinsburg and confirmed seven.
6th, I preached at Bunker Hill.
7th, I preached at Hedgesville and confirmed twenty.
8th, I preached at Harper's Ferry.
Total number of confirmations in the Diocese 625 (of which 11 were colored.) Of the whole number 102 were in 15 West Virginia churches.
Parochial Reports:
Rev. Richard T. Davis reports:
Trinity Church, Martinsburg-Communicants 45; confirmed 7 ; baptisms 5; Sunday School teachers 7; scholars 40; con- triubtions, Communion alms $43.47; foreign missions $18.65; domestic $1; diocesan $13.78; American Tract Society $22.25; total $76.90.
Mt. Zion Church, Hedgesville-Baptisms 8: communicants
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70; confirmed 20; Sunday School teachers S; scholars 40; tribntions, Communion alms $13; foreign missions $12; Church at Harper's Ferry $10; conventional collection $10; diocesan missions $10.05; Bible Society $30; total $85.05.
Rev. Samuel D. Tompkins reports:
Grace Church, Rarenstrood-Baptisms 4: communicants 17; contributions, contingent fund $17.00.
Norborne Parish, Middleway- Rev. William McGuire. Bap- tisms 7: communicants 33; contributions $55.22. Took charge September 1st.
Trinity Church, Shepherdstown-Rev. C. W. Andrews. Baptisms 17; communicants 58; confirmed 6; families 30; contributions $3.50.
Zion Church, Charlestown-Rev. Charles E. Ambler. Bap- tisms 12; communicants 106; confirmed 15; Sunday Schol, white teachers, 16; scholars 105; colored teachers 10; schol- are 50; families 70; contributions in connection with the church, $481.32; otherwise $120.70. Total $602.02.
St. John's Charleston and St. Luke's Salines, Kanawha Co. -Rev. Thompson L. Smith, Rector. Baptisms 7; communi- cants 55; confirmed 8; Sunday school teachers 8; scholars 60; contributions $87.05.
St. Paul's Church, Weston-Rev. Thomas H. Smythe, Rec- tor. Baptisms 3; communicants 28; confirmed 6; Sunday School teachers 7; scholars 50; contributions $60.
St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling- Rev. E. T. Perkins, Rector. Baptisms 42; communicants 175; confirmed 26; Sunday School teachers 30; scholars 200; contributions, Parochial $701.15; otherwise $846.33. Total $1547.48.
St. John's Church, Wheeling -- Rev. Joseph H. Smith, Rector Baptisms 29; communicants 62; Sunday School teachers 16: scholars 130; average attendance 80 to 90; families 51; contributions, missions $20; Communion alms $331.65; week- ly offertory for incidental expenses $185.94; other collections for Parish purposes $750. Total $1,287.59.
The present Rector entered upon duty here during the
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' month of August 1857. Previous to this there had existed a vacancy in the Rectorship from the preceding Easter. There are a number who expect at the next visitation to re- ceive the laying on of hands.
The Diocesan Missionary Committee reports $650 paid to 5 missionaries in West Virginia and $148.17 contributed by 6 churches.
The treasurer reports $529 paid to the contingent fund from 10 churches in West Virginia; arrears of $80S.82.
Convention of 1859. Norfolk, May 18.
Bishop Meade presiding.
Present from West Virginia: Five of the clergy and one of the laity.
From Bishop Meade's address: After speaking of a visit to the Warm Springs, he says: "I should have been happy to have extended my visit to the White Sulphur Springs, where I rejoice to learn that a church is expected to be put up the ensuing season, and also at Monroe, where a number of like minded persons are preparing to erect an Episcopal church; but as age advances I am unable to travel on horse- back, or even in a carriage through a mountainous country as formerly. If my life is spared, and the railroad is exten- ded, I may yet visit these places, otherwise I must consign them to the superintendance of my assistant brother.
In the month of September, I commenced my fall visita- tions, by spending two days at Charlestown, Jefferson connty, preaching twice and confirming seven.
At Harper's Ferry preached once, and baptized one child. At Shepherdstown spent two days, preaching twice, con- firming eight, and baptizing the child of the Rev. Mr. Davis. At Hedgesville, two days, preaching on each of these, and confirming eleven. Spent a day at Smithfield and one at Leetown preaching in each place. Preached also once at Bunker's Hill and confirmed one colored person. October 16th. I preached at Fairmont, baptized two adults and one infant and confirmed six. 17th. I preached at St. John's,
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Wheeling, and confirmed thirteen. This church, I regret to report is again vacant, the Rector having recently re- signed, and removed to another Diocese. At night I preach- ed in St. Matthew's, Wheeling, and confirmed thirty-eight. 18th. I preached in Christ Church, Wellsburg; and on the following day in St. John's, Brooke county. Both of these congregations are still without a minister. 20th. I preached again in St. Matthew's, Wheeling. 21st. I preached in Moundsville, and confirmed three. This and the Church at Fairmont, though remote from each other, yet being on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, are so near in time as to be conveniently served by the same minister. A few days before my visitation they became united under the care of the Rev. Mr. Jacobs, who has commenced his labors there with an encouraging prospect of usefulness.
23rd, I preached and confirmed four in St. John's Church, about eighty miles below Wheeling and a short distance from the Ohio. This congregation has been connected with the Church in Parkersburg, and like it, is now without a min- ister.
24th, I preached in Trinity Church in the morning and confirmed six. In the afternoon I addressed the servants, and at night after a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Perkins I again addressed the congregation.
25th, I preached at Ravenswood, Jackson county, in Grace Church, and confirmed one.
26th, I preached in the afternoon at Point Pleasant; the Rev. Mr. Perkins, who accompanied me thus far, officiated at night.
27th, I preached at Brnce Chapel, Mercer's Bottom. For the supply of this and Point Pleasant, an arrangement has been made with the Rev. Mr. Sturgis, of Gallipolis, Ohio, who gives part of his time to these missionary stations.
28th, was occupied in reaching Coalsmouth, where I preached on the next morning and confirmed one. I am thankful to be able to report that for this Parish, which
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has been long without a settled minister, the services of the Rev. Alonzo J. M. Hudson have been secured, and I persuade myself that whatever of discouragement may appear at first in a field which has been for several years uncultivated, will soon vanish before the faithful preaching of the Gospel, and more than double of former fertility, cheer the heart and strengthen the hands of God's minister.
30th, I preached both morning and night at St. John's Charleston.
31st, I preached in the morning at the same church and confirmed thirteen. In the afternoon I preached at the Sa- lines and confirmed five.
The night ensuing 1 passed without sleep and in much suffering, so that when morning came I was ill prepared for a ride of about seventy miles to Point Pleasant, and it re- quired all my solicitude to reach my next appointment at Clarksburg, and the next day at Weston; yet by shameful delays we did not arrive at Parkersburg, till twenty-four hours after time, and of course, notwithstanding all my ef- forts, I was prevented from meeting the two remaining ap- pointments west of the mountains.
I cannot close my brief reference to this visitation with- out expressing my continued and growing conviction of the importance, of more decided and systematic missionary ef- fort in that very interesting and very destitute section of the Diocese. From the western base of the Allegheny to Guyandotte, a vast territory with a growing population. we have now five resident clergymen. Yet at every place I vis- ited I found persons not only well affected towards our church, but solicitous for its stated services.
In several instances earnest appeals were made to me by friends who came from a distance, to tell of their wants and press their application for supply. According to their num- ber and ability they are ready to contribute to the support of the ministry, though for a season they will need aid from the east, and this, I can testify, our brethren here are free to furnish, the difficulty is not one of means but of men,
REV. W. F. M. JACOBS, 1859.
REV. THOMAS K. COLEMAN, 1857.
REV. A. J. M. HUDSON, 1859.
REV. THOMAS G. ADDISON, D. D., 1861.
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suitable men, willing to encounter the labor and submit to the deprivation of this domestic work.
I love the cause of Foreign Missions, and rejoice when its bands are angmented by faithful and efficient men; but it perplexes and pains me to find, that whilst devoted Chris- tians, both men and women, respond to the loud cry from Africa, China and Japan, the groans of those of our own household are little heard and less heeded. For several years we have been seeking for, and would have been satis- fied to begin with, two Evangelists to itinerate through the counties on the Kanawha and Ohio, teaching and preaching the things that concern the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. We have yet to find the first competent ยท volunteer for this inconspicuous field: vet if abundant la- bors and self denial for the Saviour's sake, and the salvation of souls are attractive to those who feel the power of his love, and desire the promotion of his glory, there are ranges on our western borders, which might take precedence of any foreign missionary station, which our church has occupied. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth more la- borers, that there may be nowhere, any lack of service, and the whole field may be ably cultivated to its utmost fertility."
The Committee on the State of the Church, through Dr. Packard, said in their report: "In surveying our Diocese, we are struck with the fact, that there are but five clergymen west of the Alleghenies. It is high time that we were doing more for the vast and almost unoccupied field of Western Virginia. We cannot apply elsewhere for aid. The work is ours and we must do it, if done at all. We cannot here throw off our responsibility with the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?' They are our brethren and their inter- ests are ours. We are bound by every obligation to pro- vide for those of our own household. The time is coming when the population of Western Virginia, must be greater than that of Eastern Virginia, and when it is destined to ex- ert a commanding influence over the region East of the Blue
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Ridge. Do we, indeed, believe that our Church is the most Apostolic upon Earth, and shall we not seek its extension in every way, by planting it in every accessible point ? We have lamented this destitution in Western Virginia long enough, for some prompt and efficient action to be now ta- ken. We would suggest that missionaries might be support- ed by our older city churches; each of which might under- take the support of a single missionary. There might be also, some traveling missionaries, who would temporarily minister at points not yet ready for permanent occupation."
Parochial Reports:
Rev. Richard T. Davis, reports:
Trinity Church, Martinsburg-Baptisms 9; communicants 52; confirmed 8; Sunday School teachers 8; scholars 40; fam- ilies 36; contributions $234.05.
Mt. Zion Church, Hedgesville-Baptisms 5; communicants 77; Sunday School teachers 8; scholars 47; contributions $65.26.
Zion Church, Charlestown-Rev.Charles E. Ambler, Rector. Baptisms 27; communicants 108; confirmed 7; in two Sun- day Schools. teachers 24; scholars 140; contributions $666.53.
Trinity Church, Shepherdstown-Rev. C. W. Andrews, Rec- tor. Baptisms 10; communicants 65; confirmed 14; Sunday School teachers 9; scholars 55; families 40; contributions $1,083 (of which $850 for completing the new church.)
The congregation has this year completed a substantial and beautiful church, which was begun in 1854. This has absorbed for this year, most of the contributions usually ap- plied to other objects.
The church has never been so prosperous, in the number and zeal of its members, or in its spiritual interests gener- ally. The Rector has a very large colored congregation, to whose use the church building, formerly occupied by the white congregation, has been formally made over by the vestry.
Norborne Parish, Jefferson and Berkeley County, P. O., Mid-
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dleway-Rev. Wm. McGuire, Rector. Baptisms 6; communi- cants 34; confirmed 1; families 23; contributions $42.11.
St. Luke's Church, Kanawha Parish,-Rev. Thompson L. Smith, Rector. Communicants 23; confirmed 5; Communion alms $6.45.
St. John's Church, Kanawha Parish-Baptisms 6; communi- rants 54; confirmed 13; Sunday School teachers 11; scholars 63; contributions $73.
St. Paul's Church, Weston-Rev. Thomas H. Smyth, Rector. Baptisms 24; communicants 30; Sunday school teachers 7; scholars 45; contributions $160.
There was a class awaiting confirmation in this Parish last November; but the Bishop did not make his proposed visit at that time. During the past year I have preached and ad- ministered the Lord's supper in two other Parishes, one of tbem being vacant. The contribution of $160 mentioned above has been expended in laying a pavement around the Church, and painting the same.
Trinity Church, Moundsville, and the Church at Fairmont- Rev. Wm. F. M. Jacobs, Rector. Baptisms 8; communi- cants 45; in two Sunday Schools, teachers 16; scholars 70; contributions $374.13.
A small class for confirmation now awaits the Bishop's visit. The present Rector took charge the latter part of last September.
.
St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling-Rev. E. T. Perkins, Rector. Baptismis 45; communicants 187; confirmed 36; Sunday School teachers 38; scholars 220; families 121; contributions (including enlargement and improvement of the church) $2,791.21.
Report of Rev. W. L. Hyland. Missionary at Large:
The following is the sum of my work during the past con- ventional year. I have preached generally twice every Sun- day, besides frequently lecturing during the week. I have conducted morning and evening prayers in whole or in part about 150 times. I have baptized two children by request. I have administered the Lord's Supper, (or assisted) once a
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month. I have married one couple. and attended one fu- neral, I am yet without a Parish, but I am ready and willing to work whenever my services are required.
Wickliffe Parish, Clarke County-Rev. W. S. Perkins re- ports: During four months of the year, a fourth Sunday has been given to Kabletown and Ripon, Jefferson county. The latter place has been made by the Diocesan Missionary society, a station where I preach every other Sunday even- ing. A Sunday School of forty scholars and seven teachers is connected with it, and a church is much needed. An ef- fort will be made this summer to build one, and if it should succeed, this station will make a valuable addition to this small Parish.
The Diocesan Missionary Committee reports, out of a to- tal expenditure of $2,753.06 that $625 was paid to 4 mission- aries in West Virginia, and of this, $550 was to two missiona- ries in Jefferson county. Eight churches in West Virginia contributed $163.82.
The Treasurer, reported 11 churches in West Virginia as paying $515.50 to the contingent fund.
Eighteen churches delinquent or not reporting.
Convention of 1860. Charlottesville, May 16.
Bishop Meade presiding.
Clergy in West Virginia: xRev. Charles E. Ambler, Zion Church, Charlestown; xRev. C. W. Andrews, D. D., Trinity Church, Shepherdstown; Rev. W. L. Hyland, Parkersburg; Rev. A. J. M. Hudson, St. Mark's Church, Coalsmonth; xRev. Wm. T. Leavell, Kabletown, Jefferson county; xRev. Wm. McGuire, Norborne Parish, Middleway; Rev. James Moore, St. John's Church, Wheeling; Rev. E. T. Perkins, St. Mat- thew's Church, Wheeling; xRev. Thompson L. Smith, St. Luke's and St. John's, Kanawha Parish; xRev. Thomas H. Smythe, St. Paul's Church, Weston.
xPresent.
Lay delegates: Mr. John Y. Beale, Zion Church, Charles- town; Mr. D. H. Conrad, Trinity Church, Martinsburg.
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No visitations in West Virginia reported :
The Diocesan Missionary Committtee report $1,250 paid to seven missionaries in West Virginia and $108.50 received from four churches.
In speaking of the plan or an itinerating missionary they say: "This seems to us, specially necessary for the West, where a dense population with scarcely any means of grace, may require an itinerant ministry; and if it please the Lord to send us a man suitable for the work, and ready to under- take its labors, the West itself will help, and the commit- tee are prepared to make up the difference.
In pursuance of these views a special appropriation was voted, by the advice of Bishop Johns to the Rev. Thompson L. Smith, of Charleston, Kanawha, for services to be rendered on missionary tours through the Kanawha valley, and rarely, if ever, has it been the privilege of the committee to receive such interesting accounts as those embracing the narratives of our missionary. On three separate occasions he visited neighborhoods almost entirely destitute of the means of grace, and where an Episcopal minister had never preached before. The services were most gratefully received, large numbers attended, and the blessing of God did not withhold the token of his converting grace. In one place where he preached in an old school house, the congregation gathered around him, both in the house and without, listening through the windows. Let the missionary speak himself. 'After the services I was introduced to a number of stran- gers; some spoke touchingly of their destitution, and beg- ged me to repeat my visit as early as possible. At this time a very respectable looking man, with a fine open counte- nance, and gray hair, came up to me and said, that though he was a member of the Baptist church, he had for some time thought of fitting up a house which he owned, in a inore central part of the village, as a church for the preach- ing of the gospel by any evangelical preacher of the gospel, who would occupy it, for he would be glad to hear the gos- pel from anybody. I suppose I had not until that evening,
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in his estimation been admitted into the list of Evangelical preachers. But the warm and hearty manner in which he grasped my hand that evening convinced me that he had no doubt of it, and he expressed the hope that I would occupy it often. I confess that I had but little confidence in his promise, having lived long enough to know that many cared but little for promises, especially where religion and God are concerned.
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