A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 54

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USA > West Virginia > A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia > Part 54

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The vestry of St. Paul's Church, Weston, in 1893, were Mr. Er. Ralston and Mr. A. A. Warren, Wardens, and Messrs. D. M. Bailey, W. G. Harrison, R. H. Ilarrison, J. W. Williams, E. M. Vandervort, Hon. A. A. Lewis, Hon. W. E. Lively, Hon. Louis Bennett, Prof. J. W. Bonner and Dr. J. S. Lewis.

Dr. Lacy was succeeded by the Rev. William Hullihen Burkhardt, who held his first service as Rector on the third Sunday in January, 1894. It was during his ministry that the present beautiful church was begun and completed. On his arrival, he found $4,500 in bank for the new church. The lot was gotten by exchanging with the Baptist congregation our old church building and lot for their lot. The vestry also procured the ground upon which the old rink was located, $1,050 being paid for the same. The corner-stone was laid July 25th, 1895, the Masonic fraternity assisting. The Rev. R. R. Swope, D. D., of Wheeling, making an ad- dress, and the Rector giving a history of the beginning of the Church in Weston. The building of the church was a large undertaking, but, by the loyal support of St. Paul's

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congregation and the earnest work of the vestry, it was ac- complished. It was built of hard stone (rough), slate roof, vaulted and finished inside in oak. It is built in the shape of a cross. In the left transcept is a beautiful font; the right transcept is separated from the nave by a rolling partition, and is used as a Sunday-school and lecture-room. There is also a rector's study and a robing-room, on either side of the chancel. It is lighted by eighty incandescent electric lights and heated by natural gas furnace. It seats about 400. Before the walls were completed the contractor failed and the congregation had to carry on the work themselves. This failure, on the part of the contractor, was a severe loss. The money for the building of the church came almost en- tirely from Weston. The three beautiful chancel windows are memorials to two children of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Bennett, placed there by the parents and relatives of said children.

The font (white marble and an exquisite work of art) is a memorial to James Maxwell Bennett, eldest son of Louis and Sallie Maxwell Bennett, who placed it there.

The large window, in the left trancept, is a memorial to R. J. McCandlish and R. P. Camden. It was placed there by the Young People's Society and Mrs. Flora Camden.

A memorial window to Thomas Bland and Mary Newton Bland was placed by relatives. A memorial window to Fanny Harrison was placed by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Harrison. A memorial window to Sarah Bailey and also one to George Bastable, were placed by their respective grand- children. A memorial window to Lucile Bonner was placed by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Bonner.

The large memorial window in the lecture-room, to Rev. Andrew Fisher, was originally in the old church, placed there by the congregation.

The Holy Table was given by the Young People's Society. The chancel rail, by Mrs. J. H. Edwards' Sunday-school class. The lecturn, by Mrs. Henry Brannon. The pulpit, by Mrs. A. G. Giffin. The rolling partition, by the Pastor's Aid. The

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bell is a memorial to John Jennings Gibson, given by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Gibson. The belfry was completed by Messrs. E. M. Vandervort and E. G. Davisson.

The last payment on the church was made July 30th, 1900. Cost, $16,215.46. Two thousand dollars had been borrowed from the Church Building Fund Commission. This was paid back, with full interest. Mr. Burkhardt's last service as Rector was July 29th, 1900. The church was consecrated September 13th, 1900, by Right Rev. W. L. Gravatt,-Rev. T. H. Lacy, D. D .. preaching the sermon.

During Mr. Burkhardt's ministry, he found many outlying points to be supplied. Therefore, he gave but three Sundays to Weston. He held service regularly at Buckhannon, where there was a church building, and at Sutton, where he preach- ed in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Also, he minis- tered regularly to a congregation at Spruce Run, where he found an uncompleted church building. In the spring of 1897, St. John's Chapel was completed at Sutton.

In 1896 the Chapel at Spruce Run was completed,-the work being done by a lay-reader (now Rev. W. L. Davis), with the Rev. A. K. Fenton in charge. Rev. T. E. Swan, Deacon, was put in charge of Buckhannon and Sutton (1898.) In 1899, Mr. Swan moved to Wellsburg and R. C. Caswell was placed in charge, continuing there until September, 1900. Since 1897, the Rector's whole time was given to St. Paul's, Weston.

In 1898, Mr. Burkhardt began the establishment of regular services at Middle Run School-house, four miles to the south- west of Weston, and at present there is an encouraging out- look for a strong mission in the future.

Sunday, September 23d, Rev. Andrew Glassell Grinnan preached his first sermon as Rector of the parish. At that time the vestry was composed of D. M. Bailey, Er. Ralston, Wardens; E. G. Davisson, Louis Bennett, William E. Lively, E. M. Vandervort, John S. Lewis, Albert A. Lewis, A. H. Kunst. R. H. Harrison. John S. Mitchell and James Ralston.

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Resolutions of the Vestry, St. Paul's Church, Weston, W. Va., on the Occasion of the Death of Mr. R. J. McCandlish.

At a meeting of the Vestry of Saint Paul's Church, Wes- ton, Diocese of West Virginia, held at the National Ex- change Bank of Weston, on Thursday, February 27, 1890, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopt- ed:

Whereas, it has pleased our wise and merciful Heavenly Father to call to his reward Robert J. McCandlish, Esq., late of Parkersburg, and for many years a resident of this town and a member of the Vestry of this Church; therefore, be it

Resolved, I., That we have learned with sincere regret of the death of this most estimable Christian gentleman.

Resolved, II., That this Vestry and this Church, this con- gregation and this community, have reason to treasure ten- derly the memory of Mr. McCandlish. Coming here, from Norfolk, Va., about the year 1851, when not only was our Church in its infancy, having only been organized in 1848, and the church building erected in 1850, and our flock then indeed a "Little Flock;" the town was then very small (the statistical gazeteer of the United States, for the year 1858, putting the population at 250), and religious service of any kind were not near so frequent or regular as now, and this, our good brother, as the friend of humanity in a large and exalted sense, performed many kindly offices most generally performed by ministers of the Gospel, and as that word min- ister means servant, he was in the best sense, as the great Apostle would say, "the servant of all men," and we do not believe a man more generally and unanimously beloved ever lived in this community,-noble, pure-hearted, generous, humble Christian.

He acted here for a long time as vestryman, lav-reader and Sunday-school superintendent, and was in many ways. without exaggeration, so far as man could do so, the life of the Church. He represented this Church in the Council of

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the Diocese of Virginia as far back as 1853; he lived here from 1851 to July, 1872, when he removed to Parkersburg, leaving behind the record of a faithful life well spent, the sweet aroma of which still lingers here, and having planted many good seeds, which even now are bearing fruit, to the glory and praise of our Merciful Saviour and Heavenly Fath- er; and, though moving to a larger and busier town and hav- ing many pressing duties resting on him, he never lost his interest in this Church or the people of this community.

Resolved, III .. That we recognize his loss as one which not only we are privileged to share with his friends in Park- ersburg, but that his death is a calamity to the Church in the entire Diocese of West Virginia. He was one of those, who now rapidly are passing away, who wisely promoted the organization of a new Diocese in 1877.

The worth of his services was speedily recognized, and he was elected treasurer of the Diocese at the primary conven- tion, which met in the city of Charleston, in December. 1877, and he has served in that capacity ever since, discharging faithfully the duties of that onerous office, and with kind- ness to all concerned, moreover promoting the zeal of others by his own.

Hle was regularly elected to each succeeding General Con- vention from the organization of the Diocese, with the ex- ception of the first one, 1880.

Resolved, IV., We believe our loss and the loss of the Diocese is his blessed and eternal gain,-surely, if ever a Christian found rest and peace in death, he has found it. We seem almost to hear the words of his dear Lord, and ours, addressed to him as he stood robed in light on the further shore of death's dark river, "Well done, thon good and faith- !ul servant; enter thon into the joy of thy Lord."

Resolved. V., That to his bereaved wife and children we tender our sincerest sympathy. We know so well how gen- tle and loving was his home life, and how much they mourn the loss of this devoted husband and father.

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Resolved, VI., That a copy of this preamble, and these resolutions, be sent to Mrs. McCandlish, at Parkersburg, a copy spread on our record, and a copy be sent to the Church News.

E. M. VANDERVORT, Registrar. (Signed)

The following letter, from Bishop Meade, is likely to be of interest:

Millwood, Aug. 2d, 1852.

To the Vestry of the Episcopal Church, in Weston:

Gentlemen-I have set apart, from the young men recent- ly ordained, the most promising and efficient one for Western Virginia, wishing him to labor for that part of it, which lies nearest the Allegheny Mountains. Clarksburg and Fairmont are desirous of ministerial services and would gladly have a minister entirely to themselves, but so difficult is it to send suitable ministers in sufficient numbers for the present need, so impossible is it indeed, that the Bishops, in disposing of the young ministers, are obliged to make one answer for many places. I have, therefore, determined to offer one to Clarksburg, Fairmont and Weston, to preach every third Sunday at each place, occasionally visiting other places dur- ing the week. There are a number of destitute congrega- tions in Kanawha, not less than six, who will gladly receive him, and I have requested him, after visiting Fairmont, Clarksburg and Weston, to go to Kanawha and judge for himself as to the path of duty. But I hope that he will re- ceive such encouragement from the first-mentioned places as to prefer bestowing his labors there. Between these three places, I should hope there will be no difficulty in raising for Mr. Castleman the sum of $500; but, if there should be, I will endeavor to get $100 from the Missionary Society to make it up. While I recommend it to the members and friends of the Church to avail themselves of this opportunity to get the partial services of Mr. Castleman, at the present time, I hope it will not be long before another minister be

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found to divide the duties of the large field of labor, which your region of country opens to a missionary.

Mr. Castleman is recently married to a very suitable lady, and will leave this county, which is his native place, for West Virginia, in two weeks from this time. On Sunday, the 22d, he expects to preach at Fairmont, during the week at Clarksburg, and on Sunday, the 29th, at Weston. He will then, I expect, go on to Parkersburg and down the river to Point Pleasant, and up to Kanawha.

I shall be pleased to hear from the vestry, or any member of it, on this subject.

Your friend and servant,

W. MEADE. Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia.

Lincoln.

Lincoln county was formed out of parts of Cabell, Putnam, Kanawha and Boone, and named in honor of President Lin- coln. Square miles, 460. Population-1870, 5,053; 1880, 8,739; 1890, 11,170; 1900, 15,434.

Bishop Peterkin visited Lincoln in October, 1882, and vreached in the court-house. He found no Church people there, and has not been able since to repeat the visit.

Logan.

This county was formed from parts of Giles, Tazewell, Ca- bell and Kanawha, and named from Logan, the famous Mingo chieftain. Square miles, in 1890, 800; 1900, 443. Population-1870, 5,124; 1SS0, 7,329; 1890, 11,095; 1900. 6,955.

Bishop Peterkin visited Logan county, in October, 1882, and preached in the court-house. He was accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Lacy. Together they made a long trip on horse- back, starting from Hinton, and holding services at Prince- ton. McDowell Court-House, Wyoming Court-House, Logan Court-House, Boone Court-House and Raleigh. Again, in October, 1891, Bishop Peterkin visited Logan, riding over from Charleston. He was hospitably entertained by Mr.

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Hatfield. From Logan Court-House, the Bishop continued his ride over to Dingess, on the Norfolk and Western Rail- road, where he also held services. At this visit to Logan Court-House, a great improvement was noted in the village, but, in the absence of any constituency, there was no special encouragement to attempt any regular services; and, indeed, it would have been beyond our power to do so.

Marion.

Marion was formed from Monongalia and Harrison, in 1842, and named for General Francis Marion. Square miles, 300. Population-1870, 12,107; 1880, 17,198; 1890, 20,501; 1900, 32,430.

Christ Church, Fairmont .- In 1848-'9, Messrs. Thos Steele and John Kearsley moved, with their families, to this town. They were Episcopalians, but, having no Church of their own, the services were first held in John Kearsley's parlor, later in the Presbyterian Church. In the autumn of 1852, Right Rev. William Meade, accompanied by Rev. Messrs. Castleman and Tompkins, held services in the Methodist Church. About this time the Rev. Mr. Castleman took charge, and he has been known as the founder of the Church. As the congregation increased, it was decided to buy the old Methodist Church, which was done, and, after needed re- pairs had been made, it was consecrated by Bishop Meade, assisted by Rev. Messrs. Castleman, Page and Perkins, in 1854. The vestry was regularly organized, and Thomas G. Steele and Colonel Thomas Haymond were the Wardens. The other members of the vestry were Thomas G. Watson, Thomas F. Watson, George H. Sprigg and Charles H. Mat- thews. The Rev. Mr. Castleman resided at Clarksburg, and came to Fairmont once a month. He remained in charge until 1857, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Broadnax, who served a little less than a year, and then was called to Illi- nois. In 1858, the Rev. Mr. Jacobs, from Virginia, took charge of this parish and that at Moundsville. He served

CHRIST CHURCH, FAIRMONT.

THOMAS G. STEELE.

RT. REV. C. C. PENICK, D. D.

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until about the time of the beginning of the war. The Rev. J. J. Page, formerly from Virginia, then came from Browns- ville and took charge of the congregation and served until some time in 1862. The vestry was changed in 1861, and the following were elected: Colonel Thomas Haymond, Sr. Warden; Charles H. Matthews, Jr. Warden; Thomas Steele, Treasurer; Joseph E. Sands, Registrar; Alpheus Haymond.

When Mr. Page resigned, in 1862, and was set across the lines to Virginia, for a time, the Rev. Mr. Curtis, who was in charge of the parish at Clarksburg, gave monthly services to the Church at Fairmont. He left, in 1863, and the Rev. John F. Woods took charge.

October 21, 1875, the Rev. G. A. Gibbons took charge of the parish, and, the old church being considered unsafe, ac- tion was taken towards building a new one on the old site. Until the new building was completed, services were held in store-rooms and churches loaned by other denominations. The old church was torn down, in the autumn of 1879, and the first service was held in the new on August 2, 1880. The Rev. Mr. Gibbons remained until 1885, and was succeeded by the Rev. Howard McQueary, who remained about two years, and was succeeded by the Rev. Austin Rodrick. Mr. Rodrick remained about one year, and, after he left, the Rev. John Ambler gave the parish occasional services, until the Rev. John Foster took charge in 1893. Mr. Foster resigned in 1895, and was succeeded by the Rev. Luther W. Doggett. During this administration, services were held in a school- house at Smithtown, and in borrowed churches at Monongah occasionally, and a few hundred dollars were accumulated for the purpose of erecting a church building at the latter place. On September 15th, 1899, Rev. Luther W. Doggett resigned, and Right Rev. Charles Clifton Penick, D. D., was called and came and took charge of the Church. He found about one hundred names on the list of communicants, and an accumulated indebtedness on running expenses of about

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$1,000. The church building was in good repair, the Rev. Mr. Doggett having accomplished much in this respect.

The town of Fairmont has grown to have over 5,000 in- habitants, and is fast becoming a great center of coal opera- tions in the State. For some reason, our Church in Fair- mont has not kept pace with the other branches of the Church,-whose combined membership now reaches some- thing like 2,000 souls. It is true that the Episcopal Church numbered, amidst its small constituency, some of the most prominent and influential people of the community; but it is also true, that, at this time, there appeared to be a great lack of spiritual life throughout the entire community. Material prosperity, with its rapid developments, sweeps and sways the hearts and minds of men, while the enemy works on continually, sowing tares. It is a hard struggle to over- come such powerful influence for corruption and destruction, and to turn a perilous prosperity into the service of God and the uplifting of the people. "Loyal hearts and true" are deep in the struggle, battling with hope on their side, know- ing God is with them, but the battle is very hard and the victory comes slowly. Worldliness, with new-gotten wealth, surges like a rising flood, but, where "sin abounds, grace doth much more abound," and slowly the Church of God asserts her power and sends out her life of hope.

Mr. Joseph E. Sands took charge of the Sunday-school of the parish, as superintendent, in 1859, and continued at its head until soon after Bishop Penick took charge. He then turned it over to his son, Dr. William H. Sands. During the years 1895 and 1896, while Mr. Sands was absent from home, his son Oliver was in charge as assistant superintendent.

In addition to the members of the vestry already mention- ed, the following have served: W. James Morrow, Jr .. A. B. Fleming, J. N. Gould, J. C. Smith and William Nuzum.

Smithtown, or, White Day .-- At Smithtown about ten miles north of Fairmont, occasional services have been held by the Rectors of Christ Church, Fairmont. In company

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with them, the Bishop has visited this point, and held ser- vices nine times, confirming three persons, none of whom would probably have been reached elsewhere. Our Church- people in this neighborhood are attached to the Church in Fairmont, and generally attend there, but, at places like this, were it possible to maintain an occasional service, we would reach a large number of persons, who must otherwise remain in entire ignorance of our ways. Even, by semi- occasional services, something may be done to break down prejudice and to prepare the way for better times.

Monongah .- The Rev. Mr. Rodrick, in charge of Fairmont, 1890, began services in Monongah, and, although there were very few Church-people in the settlement, yet considerable interest was shown. A lot was secured and $450 raised to build a chapel. At this time of writing, July, 1901, the money is in the hands of the Bishop. In 1890, 1891, 1894 and 1898, the Bishop visited this point, with Mr. Roderick, Mr. Fos- ter, and Mr. Doggett. It has not seemed possible, however, to keep up the services, and we are now awaiting further developments.

Mannington .- During his rectorship, at Fairmont. which extended up to 1885, the Rev. Mr. Gibbons held occasional services at Mannington, and those who succeeded him fol- lowed his example. The Bishops have made perhaps twenty visitations to this point. The town has grown in size and importance, specially owing to the development of the oil field, of which it was the center. Services were, for a long time, held in the Presbyterian Church, which was kind- ly put at our disposal.

In his report to the Council of 1891, Mr. Foster says: 1 beautiful lot has been purchased at Mannington, at a cost of $3300, and it is proposed to build, this summer. In his report to the Council in 1894, Mr. Foster says, We are now worship- ping in our new church, although it is not yet finished.

The subsequent history of this mission has not been en- couraging. The church building, undertaken with great zeal

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and pushed forward with self-denying energy. received the name of St. Andrew's, and the mission was duly organized. Mrs. L. G. Robinson, Mrs. Burt, Mrs. Shuey and Mr. Dietz were specially active in the work. But it was found that such mistakes had been made in the building, especially the foundation, as entailed a great deal more expense than wås contemplated, and other complications arising as to the payment of a considerable debt that had accumulated, while the church was far from finished, it is at this time of writing (July, 1901) seriously contemplated to abandon the present building, which has been somewhat wrecked by storms, and to make an entirely new start. We cannot believe that the labor spent has been altogether in vain. It has shown and developed interest, and, even though the mission has not prospered of late years, yet we look forward to the time when it will revive and flourish.

For a short time after Bishop Penick took charge of Fair- mont, in the spring of 1899, an effort was made to unite Mannington with Sutton and Buckhannon, and the whole put under the care of Rev. Robert C. Caswall, but the circuit proved 100 extensive, and, after a short trial, the plan was abandoned.

Marshall.

Marshall county was formed from Ohio county, in 1835, and named for Chief Justice Marshall. Square miles, 240. Population-1870, 14,941; 1880, 18,840; 1890, 20,626; 1900, 26,444.

Trinity Church, Moundsrille .- The first Episcopal services heid in this parish were conducted by the Rev. William Arm- strong, of St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling. He preached occasionally in the court-house during the years from 1837- 1847, and administered the Lord's Supper for the first time in the parish in 1846. During his visits he sometimes adminis- tered the sacrament of baptism. Other visiting clergymen occasionally held services in the court-house. In 1845, the

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Rev. William Armstrong urged the Bishop of the Diocese io send a Rector to the parish, as the number of families at- tached to the Church had increased and the field was pron- ising. Bishop Meade appointed the Rev. William L. Hyland. who took charge, in 1849, of Moundsville and Wellsburg, re- maining eight years. During this time, the first church building was erected, at a cost of $1,700. It was consecrated by Bishop Meade in 1854, the corner-stone having been laid in 1853, Mr. Armstrong assisting.

The first Episcopal visitation to Moundsville was in No- vember, 1850, when Bishop Johns confirmed eight, in the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. William F. M. Jacobs suc- ceeded Mr. Hyland, in Trinity Parish, having also under his charge Christ Church, Fairmont. The Rev. David J. Lee sur- ceeded Mr. Jacobs, preaching for the first time in the parish July 15, 1860. He resigned, in April, 1861, and the Rev. John F. Woods took charge October 1, 1864. Mr. Woods remained in charge until 1869, when he removed to Fairmont. After his removal, he still held services regularly for some time, and the records of the parish show that, for years after- wards, he was frequently called upon for services and official acts. During his pastorate, a Young Ladies' Seminary was opened and made a successful start.

In 1873, from spring to autumn, the Rev. Thomas O. Tongue was in charge. December 1, 1876, the Rev. J. F. Woods took charge a second time, continuing until January, 1879, while residing in Clarksburg. During 1874, '75 and '77, the Rev. J. Rambo, of Bellaire, O., made occasional visits and performed a number of official acts. May, 1879, the Rev. A. Buchanan took charge of the parish, remaining until 1884. August 10, 1884, the Rev. R. Grattan Noland, Deacon, was, by Bishop Peterkin, placed in charge of this parish and Christ Church, Wellsburg. In May, 1885, he resigned, and the Rev. K. J. Hammond was called. Mr. Hammond took charge, July, 1885, and resigned June, 1886. About this time, for various reasons affecting the welfare of the congrega-

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tion, it was thought advisable to build a new church and a rectory on other lots, given by the Rev. J. F. Woods and Mrs. Ellen Caldwell and her children, for that purpose. These lots had been set apart, in 1866, but formally given during Mr. Buchanan's rectorate. The plan took shape gradually. In March, 1SS7, the old church building was sold to a business firm. A contract was signed, October 17, 1887, for a Gothic frame building (33x50 feet), with an addition on the side for a Sunday-school room. Ground was broken at once, and the corner-stone was laid December 1, 1887, by the Rev. Dr. Swope, of Wheeling, President of the Convocation, in which this parish lies, assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Woods, Ham- mond and Gantt. The building was consecrated to the wor- ship of Almighty God, June 8, 1891, after the meeting of the Diocesan Council, which had been held in it. The Bishop of the Diocese officiated. The instrument of donation was read by Mr. James B. Alexander and the sentence of consecration by the Rector, the Rev. J. R. Taylor. The Rev. Messrs. Woods, Hammond and Swope also assisted. The sermon was preached by Mr. Hammond, the former Rector, under whose ministry the new church was built. December 8, 1893, the Rev. B. M. Spurr entered upon his duties as Rector of the church, having been called from North Dakota. As the re- sult of his efforts, a fine building, known as Trinity Parish Institute, was opened to the public January, 1896, and dedi- cated March 31st, by Bishop Peterkin. This building is situ- ated next to the church, and contains twenty-nine rooms, consisting of six hospital rooms, restaurant, public reading- rooms and library, kitchen, bath-rooms, lavatories, bowling alley, school-room for a kindergarten, with capacity for seat- ing an audience of 300, and ten bed-rooms, &c., and cost $20,- 000.

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A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 54

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