A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 52

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USA > West Virginia > A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia > Part 52

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Of the families in the Valley at this time, there were the Hudsons and Thompsons at Coalsmouth, and the Slaughters, Quarriers, Summers, Rogers, McFarlands, Patricks, Drydens, Lovells, Welchs, Reynolds, Lewis and others at the Salines and Charleston. There is probably no doubt that Mrs. Alex- ander Quarrier and Mrs. Joseph Lovell were the most active communicants, and did more to organize and sustain the Church than any others at Charleston.

The Rev. Charles H. Page was the first regularly appointed clergyman to look after this work. He was sent here by the Bishop in 1822. and found about twelve communicants at the Salines and Charleston, and about as many more at Coals- mouth. Coalsmonth at that date took the precedence in ac- tivity and energy, as shown by the fact that three years later the first church was built there and known as "Bangor

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Church." This beginning enlarged into Bangor Parish, which includes quite a section of Kanawha county. Bangor was the name of the Parish from which the Hudsons came.

In 1823 Mr. Page reported that he expected churches to be built in Charleston and in Mason county, and that there was one now being built at the mouth of Coal. In 1824 he report- ed baptism thirty-five, twelve colored children, sixty deaths and twelve marriages. In 1825 he reports that "the worals of the people were improved." In 1826 he reports that he has been regularly preaching at Charleston and Coals- mouth and at Barboursville and Guyandotte, and the con- gregations varied from one hundred to one hundred and fifty, baptisms twenty-four, deaths thirteen and marriages two. The Rev. Mr. Page left in the year 1826, and the parish seems to have been without a clergyman for several years.

In 1831 Bishop Meade says he went from Staunton to Charleston in six days, and while there he confirmed sixteen, although there had been no minister at this point for five years. In the same year the Rev. Frederick D. Goodwin was sent to Kanawha Parish, and from his dairy we learn that there was no place of worship at Charleston. In the country, about two miles cast of the present town of St. Albans, there was a small brick church known as "Bangor Church." The parish then had thirty communicants. Mr. Goodwin was admitted to Deacon's Orders in July, 1831, came at once to this parish and remained until October, 1832, when, on ac- count of ill-health, he had to leave. His labors were abun- dant. Alternate Sunday mornings were given to Charleston and Coalsmouth, twelve miles apart; in the afternoons he conducted services at Mrs. Fay's and Mrs. Boen's, up Elk. In May, 1832, he went on horse-back about four hundred miles to Alexandria to the Council, where he was advanced to Priest's Orders. He made a trip of about one hundred and fifty miles to Lewisburg, Greenbrier Parish, where he says he found one communicant, and admitted three others, which act he trusts was acceptable to God, although aware

MAJOR ALEX. T. LAIDLEY.

ST. JOHN'S RECTORY, CHARLESTON.

SHELTERING ARMS HOSPITAL.

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that it was not to some of the Presbyterians. He pays a tribute to the saintly MeElhenny, a Presbyterian divine. He made another trip on horseback of over three hundred miles, through the country up the Ohio River to Wheeling, stop- ping at each village until he had "preached thro' his saddle- bags," as he expressed it. He modestly suggests, that, owing to the cholera excitement, the people flocked to hear hin wherever he went. In December, 1831, he married James Y. Quarrier and Letitia Chilton.

The Rev. John B. Martin was graduated from the Virginia Seminary in 1834, and immediately came to this parish and remained until 1839. Bishop Meade, in 1834, said that he was in Charleston and Coalsmouth, and that there would soon be a church in Charleston and a larger one at Coals- mouth, and he hoped they would soon have the services of two ministers, which were then required. Mr. Martin re- ports for Charleston thirty-one communicants, and fifteen hundred dollars subscribed for a new church. It was during the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Martin that the old St. John's Church, of Charleston, was built. The following facts in re- gard to it have been gathered.

The trustees of the church were Henry Rogers, Joel Shrewsbury. Alexander W. Quarrier and James Craik. On May 10th, 1837, the said trustees executed a number of deeds by which they conveyed, for sums varying from fifty to one hundred dollars, some of the pews of the church, which were designated by the number thereof on the door of the pew, to the grantee, his heirs and assigns forever, subject to the uses and under the control and government of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia.

The numbers of the pews and the grantees' names are as follows: No. 2. Archibald A. Quarrier and James M. Laidley ; No. 3. James C. McFarland: No. 5, Samuel Hanna; No. 7, .John P. Turner; No. 9. O. E. Doddridge; No. 11, Alexander W. Quarrier; No. 13. Hudson Estill and Allen Sebrill: No. 26. Joel Shrewsbury, Sr .: No. 27, Dr. Spicer Patrick: No. 28,

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Henry C. Anderson; No. 29, Thomas S. Garnett; No. 30, Joel Shrewsbury, Jr :; No. 31, James Y. Quarrier; No. 32, Charles Whittaker; No. 33, James Craik; No. 34, William T. Whit- taker; No. 36, Solomon K. Grant; No. 37, William Gillison, and No. 38, Henry Fitzhugh.

In 1840, Solomon K. Grant, having removed to Kentucky, conveyed his pew to George W. Summers. The nineteen pews sold brought over fifteen hundred dollars, and the other pews, it is supposed, were left free to all who came: or, if sold, the deeds were not recorded.

The lot on which this church was erected was conveyed by deed dated 16th February, 1835, made by Thomas C. Thomas and Malinda, his wife, parties of the first part, to A. W. Quar- rier, Joel Shrewsbury, Jr., Henry Rogers, James Craik, par- ties of the second part, and William Meade, Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, and John B. Martin, minister of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church of the Parish of Kanawha, parties of the third part, in consideration of the sum of two hundred and seventy-five dollars, conveys to the parties of the second part, in trust for the benefit of W. K. Meade, Bishop of, etc., and John B. Martin, and of the vestry and congregation of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Charleston forever, the lot of land on Main, at upper end of the Silas Cobb lot; 68 feet 4 inches on Main street, and running back toward the hill, with a cross street extending from river, between John Hall and James C. McFarland lots, 165 feet. The deed was acknowledged before John P. Turner and William Gillison, trustees, and recorded in Book H, 577, on the day of its date.

Either history or tradition has said that the church was finished in 1834, but it will be noted that the deed to the lot was not made until 1835. There may have been a contract or title bond which gave them control, and the deed made when the purchase money was paid. The church was conse- crated November 10th, 1837, by Bishop Meade.

Rev. James Craik, D. D., LL. D.

The Rev. Mr. Craik was a descendant of Dr. James Craik,

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of Alexandria, Va., the associate and physician of George Washington, who attended the General in many of his most dangerous experiences.

Born at Alexandria, Va., August 31, 1806, licensed in the law November 26, 1828, practiced in Charleston until 1839; made Deacon at Charlottesville, Va., 1839, ordered Priest at Alexandria, Va., 1841, Rector at St. John's Church, Charles- ton, Va., (now West Virginia), 1839 to 1844. Preached fare- well sermon at St. John's in the Valley and Charleston, last Sunday in July, 1844, from Acts XX., 21. Rector of Christ's Church, Louisville. 1844-1882; member of Standing Commit- tee, 1845-1882; Deputy to General Convention, 1846-1882; President of the House of Deputies, 1862-1874. Organized the first Sisterhood west of the Alleghanies, and founded the Orphanage of The Good Shepherd for boys, 1867-1870. Before his life's close the corner-stone of the Church Home, and In- firmary, was laid, and he saw that structure grow into fair proportions, which will ever stand for the "Greater Glory of God," and be to the coming generation his memorial. In all things he was a man; brave and fearless for the truth; be- loved by his flock; honored by the Church; respected of all men.

He was a Churchman, zealous for the faith, careful for its order. Alive to the dangers by which it was assailed, he en- tered the lists of controversies and manfully battled for its defense. He was the author of many treatises and works, some of which attained national or foreign reputation. He entered into eternal life June 9th, A. D., 1882, leaving behind him the fragrance of a life well spent, the sense of a work well done, and held in loving remembrance by the great city where for so many years he ministered.

"For he was a good man. full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people was added unto the Lord."

While in Charleston. in addition to his regular appoint- ments, he gave himself to missionary work, preaching in the

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afternoons at the Salines, now Malden, and often going to Teay's Valley.

Still Mission House .- At Staten's Run, on the Kanawha River, below Coalsmouth, and above "Walnut Grove," the residence of Judge Louis Summers, was an old still-house, which had been repaired and fixed up, to which the Rev. Mr. Craik would frequently go. The ladies kept up the Sunday- school and the neighborhood attended when there were ser- vices. Bishop Johns visited this Mission, in 1843, and held services and Confirmation there, and it is related by several persons then present that, among those confirmed, was John Laidley, of Cabell county. The Bishop reports the occasion as very interesting.

St. Luke's, Malden .- Under Mr. Craik's ministry St. Luke's Church, Malden, was erected. The Church assumed impor- tance there, as the population was greater than at the court- house, the salt industry being very vigorous. At Malden John D. Lewis, a descendant of Charles Lewis, who was killed at Point Pleasant, contributed of his wealth, influence and integrity to the support of the Church. He frequently at- tended St. John's, in Charleston, on Communion Sundays. Mr. H. Clay Dickinson was another earnest supported of the Church at Malden. For years he was treasurer, and all his children were baptized in the Church. James Norton and A. Spencer Nye were also elected vestrymen of St. Luke's. With the decay of the salt interest, Malden lost much of its population, and St. Luke's, becoming defective, was condemn- ed and abandoned. The membership nearly all moved to Charleston.

The Rev. Henry Dana Ward became Rector in 1845, and remained only a short while. He is the author of several works, one a contribution towards Christian Unity.

The Rev. Francis M. Whittle, present Bishop of Virginia, whose history is so well known, came to the parish from the Seminary in 1847, and remained nearly two years.

The Rev. Richard Templeton Brown became the Rector in

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1850, and seems to have been the first that was not sent as soon as he was graduated from the Virginia Seminary. He had graduated in 1838, and was an eloquent preacher and a poet of no mean order.

The Rev. Thompson L. Smith was called to the parish from Savannah, Ga., in August, 1854, and remained until Decem- ber, 1860.

Parishoners.

From 1846 to 1860 the parish lists were preserved, and among them we find Joseph Friend, Henry G. Tucker, Mary E. Tucker, Julia Tucker, William Gillison, Dr. Spicer Pat- rick, Virginia Harvey Patrick, Ellen Patrick, Sallie Patrick, Alfred S. Patrick, Joseph Bibby and family, Mrs. Forqueran, Alexander W. Quarrier, James Y. Quarrier and family, Mrs. Sallie Chilton, Miss Fannie Chilton, Miss Gillison, George W. Summers and family, Miss Anne I. Summers, Dr. John T. Cotton and Mrs. Sarah Cotton, Aaron Whittaker and family, John Welch, Miss Julia Welch, Henry W. Goodwin, Mrs. Eliza Goodwin, James M. Laidley, Mrs. A. M. Laidley, Davis H. Estill, Mrs. Estill, N. Fitzhugh, Mrs. Martha Fitzhugh, Mrs. Hickok, David J. W. Clarkson, Mrs. Elizabeth Clarkson and family, Mrs. Lenona C. Rogers, Dr. J. HI. Rogers, T. B. Swann, John S. Swann, Mrs. Eliza Swann, David McComas, W. A. Quarrier, Wm. Hedrick, Mrs. William Hedrick, James Hed- rick, John S. Moseley, Mrs. Moseley, Miss Fannie Friend, Josephine Friend, Ebenezer Baines, Dr. Thomas Watkins, Thomas L. Broun, Alexander T. Laidley, Mrs. D. R. Laidley, Samuel A. Miller, Mrs. H. Q. Miller, S. C. Farley, Elisha W. McComas, Mrs. McComas, J. M. Williams, Mrs. E. W. New- ten, Dr. John H. Hunter, A. Spencer Nye, Mrs. Nye, George S. Patton, Mrs. Patton, Joseph Simpson, Mrs. Simpson, Miss Margaret Clarkson, W. A. Jackson, Mrs. Jackson, Emma Jackson, Annie Jackson, Lucy Jackson, Joseph M. Broun, H. D. Ruffner, Mrs. Merriam, W. G. Norvell, Mrs. Norvell, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whittaker and family, Thomas Whittaker. Sarah Trudgian and family, Dr. William Cushman, Miss Nora

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Cashman, Miss Annie Cushman, George Jeffries, Mrs. Jef- fries and family, John Bonham, Miss Cornie Shrewsbury, Fayette A. Lovell, William Fox and family, Mrs. Polly Trud- gian. Mrs. Mary Winkler and family.

The War Times.

The congregation had no Rector during the war and the church was closed. Many of the congregation had gone from home "in defense of their rights." The Federal Army occu- pied the town, and the building was occupied by the Quarter- Master to store his supplies, etc. Application was made to the United States for compensation for the damage done the church, but the Government did not recognize the validity of the claim. When the cruel war was over, in May, 1865, Rev. W. F. M. Jacobs came to Charleston to gather together the scattered flock, and to take charge of the parish. He went to work to repair the waste, restored the building, enlarged the same, made it habitable and held the Church services as of old. He also started a parish school, and gave his best efforts in re-establishing the parish, and doing what he could for the parishoners. He was not a robust man, and his health failing he was unable to preach after March 22, 1866, and re- signed his charge November, 1866, dying soon after.

Otho K. Pate was a candidate for Holy Orders and served the parish as lay-reader from October, 1866, to September 15th, 1867. He died soon after his ordination. Rev. Joseph A. Nock became the next Rector, in November, 1867, and re- mained until November, 1869. The Rev. C. M. Callaway as- sumed charge June 8th, 1870, and remained until March 31, 1879, when he resigned. Rev. Robert Addison Cobbs was called to this parish October, 1875, from Alabama. A good and noble man of sound judgment, of faith, and full of the Holy Ghost. He was a Prayer Book Churchman, and con- ducted the services as prescribed by the Ritual, avoiding novelties that distract the peace of the Church. He was a most excellent preacher, though his delivery was not very

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attractive,-a deficiency of which he was well aware, al- though his congregation soon became accustomed to it and did not notice it. He became deeply interested in the forma- tion of the new Diocese, and there were many who desired to see him its Bishop, but he would not allow his name to be used. He was, after the formation of the Diocese, made its Secretary.

The Primary Convention of the Diocese met in this parish December 5th, 1877, and was presided over by the Right Rev. F. M. Whittle, D. D. LI .. D., Bishop of Virginia. Bishop Whittle began his ministry in this parish. The people of the parish are very grateful for the tender words he spoke, when announcing his decision to elect the Diocese of Virginia as his Bishopric.

The next move of interest was the erection of a new church building. Early in 1880, the Rector announced that he had received from the Bishop the sum of $25 to aid in the build- ing of a new church; but, it being difficult to persuade the congregation of the necessity for this, nothing was done until 1882, when a Building Committee was appointed. Nothing having been accomplished by this committee, in April, 1883, the vestry appointed another, composed of Mrs. A. I. Ryon, Mrs. C. S. Morgan, W. H. Hogeman and W. S. Laidley. Mrs. Ryon resigned, and the Rector, the Rev. R. A. Cobbs, was placed in her stead. Mrs. Morgan removed from the city, and Mrs. H. D. Ruffner was substituted in her place. Colonel Hogeman, the Ladies' Guild, the St. Agnes Guild and others of the congregation contributed to the purchase of lots 5 and 6 of the Fitzhugh property, on the southwest corner of Broad and Quarrier streets. They gave $2,500.25, and took the deed from J. G. W. Tompkins, and presented the same to the con- gregation. Afterwards it was found necessary to purchase lot 4, at a cost of $1,100.50. The Rector was pleased with a plan he had secured in Philadelphia, and it was adopted. Sub- scriptions amounting to $8,000 were secured, and the foun- dation contract let for the sum of $3,277.50. On the 26th of

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April, 1884, the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, and the Rev. Mr. Cracraft, of Ohio, assisting, laid the corner- stone of the new church, but Mr. Cobbs did not live to see its completion. He died June 28th, 1887, and the funeral of this good man was the largest ever witnessed in Charleston. It was attended by all classes, sorts and conditions of men, and the sorrow expressed was genuine. Mr. Cobbs was deep- ly interested in the Sheltering Arms Hospital, and was a most faithful and efficient counselor.

The Rev. Robert Douglas Roller came to the parish in April, 1888. He was immediately placed at the head of the Building Committee, composed of Messrs. Frank Woodman, D. C. Gallaher, W. A. Quarrier and W. S. Laidley. A ready response was given to his efforts. The people had a mind to work, money was secured, the walls were finished, and the chapel partially prepared for service within a year. In March, 1890, the first service was held in the new church, and in the summer of that year the Diocesan Council met in the church.

When Mr. Roller took charge of the parish, the Ladies' Guild of St. John's appointed a committee, consisting of the Rector and Mr. S. S. Green, to whom they turned over the old rectory, which they had provided for the parish. This building and lot were sold for $4,200, and a lot next to the church was purchased for $3,100, upon which a new rectory was erected. In the midst of this activity, the financial de- pression came upon the country and town, but the ladies of the parish kept down all accruing interest until Easter. 1901, when the congregation, by an offering, wiped out all indebt- edness. The noble struggle ended in the joyous act of conse- «ration of the Church, which took place at the annual meeting of the Council, June 9, 1901. There was present in the Chan- cel that day the Bishop, Bishop-Coadjutor and twenty clergy- men in robes, besides others in the large congregation, which testified to the joy of the occasion.

The total value of this property to-day, free from incum- brance, is as follows: Church, lots, furniture, &c., $41.485.12;

REV. GERALD CARD.

ST. MATTHEW'S, CHARLESTON.

-1

---

ST. LUKE'S, CHARLESTON.

----

CHRIST CHURCH, BOONE CO.

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Rectory and lot, $8,000; Parish house lot, $2,000. Total, $51,- 585.12.

Missions in the Parish .- In 1874, during the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Callaway, a committee of the vestry, consisting of E. L. Bill, Louis Summers and W. S. Laidley, was authorized to secure ground and erect a chapel to be known as the "House of Prayer." The corner-stone was laid October 5th, 1874, and the building completed at once. Mr. E. L. Bill con- ducted the Sunday-school and services while a resident of Charleston. Mr. J. D. Lucadoe earnestly took up his work, and continued it when Mr. Bill moved away.

In 1892, when the work of building the new St. John's was well in hand, the Rev. Mr. Roller turned the attention of the congregation to active mission work. In that year a mission Sunday-school was started at Kanawha City, and continued for some years. This enterprise was known as St. Mark's, but the city did not grow.

St. Matthew's, on the South Side, was started by the Rec- tor and Mr. A. W. Quarrier, in April, 1892, with thirteen scholars. Mr. Quarrier, a sterling Christian, in attainments and character, was abont to enter the ministry, but was drowned in Kanawha River. Mr. W. W. Adams, of the Charleston bar, took up this work, but death overtook him, also. Although dead, his lovely character still speaks wher- ever he was known. Another earnest layman, Mr. John Howe Peytor gave time, labor and money to this work. The result, up to the time this work closes as parish history, February, 1897, was sixty-six baptisms, twenty-three confirmations and a beautiful stone church, with a fine lot, altogether worth about $6,000.

The "House of Prayer" was not centrally located, and the Rector secured the money in 1893, and bought two lots, a third having been donated, and moved the chapel to a new location. The interior was ceiled with Georgia pine. This property is now known as St. Luke's, and has a small rectory hard by. The total value is about $3,000.

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In 1894, St. Andrew's, a snug little rustic church in the shape of a Maltese Cross, was built, chiefly through the ef- forts of Mr. Peyton and Mr. William Means. St. Stephen's Mission, Len's Creek, was started in 1895, with an interesting Sunday-school.

In 1896, St. James' Colored Mission was started in the city of Charleston. A room was fitted up and an assistant se- cured for the work. Services were maintained for over a year, and then suspended for lack of help. The Mission has half a dozen communicants and twice that number of bap- tized persons. Dr. Roller hopes to press this work as the opportunity offers.

In the spring of 1897, all of the above Missions, except the. Colored Mission of St. James', together with seventy-two communicants, were set off from Kanawha Parish as mis- sionary territory, and formally organized into the Missions of St. Matthew's and St. Luke's, and the Bishop assigned the Rev. Gerald Card to this work. The people comprising these Missions are poor and must receive help from the Church for some time to come.

After setting off these independent Missions, Dr. Roller turned his attention toward the extension of the missionary work of the parish in other directions. In 1897, The Good Shepherd Mission was organized at Dego. The fourteen com- municants there have dwindled to five or six by removals, but important new coal works make this a promising point again. Services have also been held as opportunity offers at East Bank, Mammoth Mines, on Kelly's Creek, and summer Sunday-schools are maintained with more or less regularity at Martin's and Oak Grove school-houses, country communi- ties several miles from town, in the hills.

The present vestry of Kanawha Parish, in 1901, is as fol- lows: James F. Lewis, Warden; J. Lynn Richardson, War- den; Thomas L. Broun, William S. Laidley, S. S. Green, Reg- istrar; J. T. Waters, D. C. Gallaher, W. G. Hubbard and Charles E. Ward.

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In addition to the above, the following gentlemen have served as vestrymen of this parish since 1854: Thomas L. Broun, Joseph Bibby, E. L. Bill, Abram Burlew, Noah Cush- man, Dr. John T. Cotton, John Cotton. J. W. Chambers, John Dryden, Davis H. Estill, Joseph Friend, Henry Fitzhugh, Nicholas Fitzhugh, H. W. Goodwin, D. C. Gallaher, S. S. Green, Charles M. Gallaher, Charles Hedrick, William H. Hogeman, William G. Hubbard, William A. Jackson, George Jeffries, Malcolm Jackson, Joseph Lovell, Alexander T. Laid- ley, James M. Laidley, John D. Lewis, W. S. Laidley, J. D. Lucadoe, James F. Lewis, George S. Laidley, J. J. Lovell, O. S. Long, Samuel A. Miller, F. H. Markell, John H. Oley, Dr. Spicer Patrick, George S. Patton, A. A. Preston, J. H. Pey- ton, Alexander W. Quarrier, William A. Quarrier, Henry Rogers, James II. Rogers, H. D. Ruffner, Joseph Ruffner, Neil Robinson, J. Lynn Richardson, Joel Shrewsbury, Sr., Judge Lewis Summers, Joel Shrewsbury, Jr., George W. Summers, Thomas B. Swann, Lewis Summers, J. P. Turner, H. G. Tuck- er, B. B. Taylor, C. F. L. Vultee, W. S. Wheatley and J. Tal- man Waters.

Memorials and Gifts .- The money for the organ, was raised through the efforts of Mrs. Burlingham.

The Baptismal Font was given by Mrs. Ryon.

A Stained Glass Window (to the memory of Rev. R. A. Cobbs, in the Chancel), by the "Gleaners," a society working under Mrs. T. L. Broun. One by the family of Dr. John Cot- ton, to the memory of Mrs. Cotton. Another to the Quarrier family. Another to Colonel W. H. Hogeman. Another to D. H. Estill, the father of the Rev. R. Estill, D. D.

A rich Altar Cloth, by Mrs. Dr. Oberly, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, in memory of her father, Colonel T. T. S. Laidley, U. S. A.

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A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 52

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