A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 59

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USA > West Virginia > A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia > Part 59

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In September, 1901, after a series of special services near- ly $300 was collected for the church debt, thereby reducing it to less than $600, at the same time a Rectory was pur- chased, very near the Church. This was at a cost of $2,000, and arrangements made gradually to pay it off.

St. John's Church, Willow Island, or Cox Creek .- The Rev. Thos. Smith, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was the first Episcopal minister who preached in the neighborhood of St. John's Church, Cow Creek, or Willow Island. The occasion of his first sermon was the funeral of Mr. Robert Triplett, in the year 1843. He was accompanied by the late Gen. John .J. Jackson, of Parkersburg. This first visit led to occasional services in a building used for a school and a Methodist Church. Mr. Smith's successors at Parkersburg also gave attention to this mission, which was seventeen miles distant by land. It prospered under their care and in the year 1845, Bishop Meade made his first visitation to it, accompanied by the Revs. E. T. Perkins and F. M. Whittle, now the Rev. Dr. Perkins, of Louisville, and Bishop Whittle, of the Diocese of Virginia. The present St. John's Church was erected in 1852. and St. John's Church Parish, was organized with ten communicants in 1855. The mission and afterwards parish, have had the ministrations of the following presbyters in orders: Revs. Thos. Smith, E. T. Perkins, T. K. Coleman, Wm. L. Hyland, S. D. Tompkins, J. F. Woods, J. R. Taylor and Grant Sommerville. It has had visitations from Bishops Meade, Johns, Whittle and Peterkin. Bishop Johns confirm- ed at one time 15 persons, Bishop Whittle 5, and Bishop Pe- terkin in 1879 and 1880, confirmed 8, in 1882, 1; 1883, 1; 1892, 2: 1893. 2: 1897. 1; total 35. The following gentlemen have served as vestrymen of this Parish: Messrs. Burr Triplett. Samuel Triplett, Phineas P. Feeney, Giles Hammatt, Frank Triplett. John W. Norris, James Irwin, David Garrett, and

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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

John H. Rolston, seven of whom are now dead. The strength of the parish is not so great as it has been in times past, on account of deaths and removals of members from the neighborhood. J. F. W.

July 11th, 1898.

Of late years the center of population seems to have chang- ed so that now the old St. John's Church is rather out of the way. Still a good congregation assembles there at the monthly service. The idea of putting a chapel near the river, while retaining the old Church for occasional services has been advanced.

Pocahontas.

Pocahontas county was formed from parts of Bath, Pen- dleton and Randolph, in 1821. In 1824 sixty square miles were added, taken from Greenbrier. The county was named for Pocahontas. Square miles, 820. Population .- 1870, 4,- 069; 1880, 5,591; 1890, 6,740; 1900, 8,572.

Clorer Lick and Huntersville .- As far as known, the first services of the Episcopal Church, were held in Pocahontas county, by the Rev. R. H. Mason, who came from the Warm Springs, Bath county, Virginia, in 1866. Mr. Mason came three or four times a year for several years, and held services in the house of Dr. John Ligon, Clover Lick, and also in Huntersville. After Mr. Mason's removal to Union, West Virginia, (1875), his services in Pocahontas were discontin- ued except at long intervals, and there were no regular ser- vices until Bishop Whittle sent Rev. E. J. Hall, a Deacon, in 1877. When Bishop Peterkin took charge of the Diocese in 1878, he found Mr. Hall resident in Lewisburg, and hold- ing services from time to time at Clover Lick, and in Hunt- ersville. In company with Mr. Hall, Bishop Peterkin paid his first visit to Pocahontas county in October, 1878, hold- ing services at Hillsboro and Huntersville, and at the latter place confirming one person. Since then, visitations have been made regularly and in all fourteen persons confirmed.

The Episcopal visitations made prior to the organization

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of the Diocese were by Bishop Whittle, September, 1869. .August, 1872, when he confirmed one in Huntersville. In 1874 (Grace Church), Madison Parish, comprising the coun- ty of Pocahontas, was received into union with the Council.

In 1880 a plan was inaugurated to build a church at Clover Lick, and through the zealous interest of Mrs. Dr. Ligon it was so carried out that on Sunday, August 21, 1892. we were able to consecrate a neat and comfortable building as Emmanuel Church.

The various ministers in Lewisburg held occasional ser- vices in Pocahontas county, but the Rev. Dr. Lacy (1881- 1885) was specially active and interested in this work, and more lately Rev. Mr. Turner (1898-9) held regular services.

Appointments have been held at Clover Lick, Huntersville, Greenbank, Dunmore, Hillsboro, Edrai, Marlinton and Frost.

Within twenty-five miles of the Church at Clover Lick (including the English residents around Mingo) there may be now (1900) residing about twenty communicants. So far we have found great difficulty in organizing this scattered band, and in providing them with any regular service. The completion of the railroad along the Greenbrier River, con- necting Clover Lick with Eikins on the one hand, and Ron- ceverte on the other, will materially lessen these difficulties in the future.

The following gentlemen have acted as vestrymen: Col. James T. Lockridge, Dr. John Ligon, Samuel B. Lowry, James W. Warwiek, Dr. C. P. Bryan.

Rev. Mr. Turner who took charge of Greenbrier Parish in the fall of 1897, for some time, preached regularly in Poca- hontas county on one Sunday in each month.

In July, 1901, Rev. Guy H. Crook, residing at Lewisburg, was commissioned by the Bishop to carry on the work in this county, and it is hoped that now the completion of the railroad has made communication easier, that more may be done in building up our church.

Marlinton is a promising missionary point where we have

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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

six or eight members. A site has been selected for a church and occasional services held, but no further progress has been made.

At Clover Lick is the only church building we have in the county. The neighborhood derives additional importance from the establishment of a large lumber plant at the Depot, a mile from the Church. This will eventually become quite a little town.

Huntersrille has sensibly declined in the last few years ow- ing to the removal of the court house to Marlinton.

At Hillsboro, or the Academy as it is often called, we have an occasional service. At one time we had four communicants there, but now (1891) only one.

Preston.

Preston county, was formed from Monongalia in 1818. Square miles, 650. Population,-1870, 14,555; 1880, 19,091; 1890, 20,151; 1900, 22,727.

In the years 1878-1881 Bishop Peterkin preached from time to time at Irondale Furnace and Gladesville, but removals and changes seemed to make it expedient to discontinue these services. At one time we had a few people at Newburg, but they also have removed. All these persons were more or less identified with St. Matthias Church, Grafton.

In April, 1899, Bishop Peterkin visited Terra Alta, preach- ing in the public hall, and confirming one person.

Putnam.

Putnam county was formed from parts of Kanawha. Mason and Cabell, in 1848. Square miles, 320. Population .- 1870, 7,794; 1880, 11,375; 1890, 14,305; 1900, 17,330.

St. John's, in the Valley, Scary .- From Bishop Meade's book it is learned that the congregation at Teays' (not Quay's) Val- ley, was first gathered together by the Rev. James Craik, D. D., of Charleston, in a still-house not later than early in the forties; that St. Mark's Church, St. Albans, was built in 1846 and shortly after St. John's in the Valley. Old residents of

GRACE CHURCH, CLOVER LICK.

ST. JAMES AND RECTORY, LEWISBURG.

REV. GUY H. CROOK.

THIE CHURCH AT GLEN JEAN.

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IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Scary, who claim to remember him, say that Bishop Meade preached more than once in the still-house referred to, and a number of times later, in the Church. Indeed, the walls of the old church building were standing in 1887.

On Sunday, July 3, 1887, the Rev. C. M. Campbell held his first service at Scary, in a school house, about a mile below the site of the church. From this date until May, 1892, oc- casional services were held here,-first in the school house mentioned, and later in the church,-at one time as often as once a month, but for the most part during the summer sea- son, as the roads in winter were often impassable and there was but one communicant, Mrs. Robert Simms, a very old lady, since entered into her rest, and very few people living in the immediate neighborhood.

The present building with seating capacity of 85, was erect- ed in 1SS8, largely through the efforts of Mrs. John Kirtley, a daughter of Mrs. Simms, and at a cost of about $500. At the time of my last report of this work to the Council, in 1892, it was valued at $500 and the lot at $100. This lot was originally deeded to the Episcopal church, but with the provision that any other religious denomination in good standing might use the building at such times as it was not needed for our own services. Accordingly the new Church was built with the same understanding. Therefore, it is not a union Church, as some have thought, but belongs to the Episcopal church in this Diocese.

Bishop Peterkin preached in the new building for the first time on Sunday, October 7. 1SSS, though he had before preach- ed here in May of the same year. During Mr. Campbell's ministry at St. Albans, we had only the one communicant at Scary, and the attendance was never very large, except per- haps upon some special occasion. Mrs. Simms died in Feb- ruary, 1897, and since, there have been no communicants there, and but an occasional service.

Raleigh.

Raleigh county was formed from Fayette. in 1850, and

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named for Sir Walter Raleigh. Square miles, 680. Popula- tion-1870, 3,673; 1880, 7,367; 1890, 9,550; 1900, 12,436.

In company with the Rev. Dr. Lacy, Bishop Peterkin vis- ited Raleigh in October, 1882, and had the pleasure of meet- ing the venerable General Beckley, after whom the Court House was named. In the last few years both Bishop Peter- kin and Bishop Gravatt have visited this point. The Rev. H. B. Thomas, and the Rev. F. A. Meade have held services there from time to time, and now this point is under the charge of Rev. Guy H. Crook, of Ronceverte. He reports about fourteen communicants, and they are looking forward to building a chapel.

Randolph.

Randolph county was formed from Harrison, in 1787, and was named for Edmund Randolph of Williamsburg, Vir- ginia. Square miles, 1,080. Population-1870, 5,563: 1880, 8,102; 1890, 11,601; 1900, 17,670:

The Bishop visited Beverly, Sunday, June 15, 1879, con- firmed one person and baptized three infants. This is thought to be the first confirmation ever held in this mountain town. The Bishop visited Beverly again Wednesday, August 25, 1880, and Thursday, May 28, 1885, accompanied by Rev. Messrs. Gibbons, Noland, Gibson and Brittingham, on his way to the Lewisburg Council.

The Rev. Mr. Gibbons several times conducted services and preached in Beverly while he was rector of Christ Church, Fairmont.

No visit of Bishop from August, 1886, to August, 1894,- then Mr. Jno. S. Lightbourne with him. He had recently taken charge of work with headquarters at Bayard, going also to Elkins.

Bishop visited, Monday, August 6, 1894, Bayard; confirm- ed 3. Tuesday, August 7, 1894, Davis; confirmed 2; Wed- nesday, August 8, 1894, Belington; Elkins, Sunday, February 23, 1896; Davis, Monday, February 24, 1896; Bayard, Tues- day, February 25, 1896; Elkins, Sunday, September 27, 1897,

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confirmed 1: Davis, Monday, September 28, 1897; Bayard, Tuesday, September 29, 1897. At this time Mr. Lightbourne transferred residence to Grafton, though retaining work as above.

Bishop visited Bayard on Monday, August 2, 1898, con- firmed one, presented by Rev. Dr. Hubbard. Tuesday, Au- gust 3, 1898, Davis, baptized a child.

The history of the Episcopal Church in Randolph county extends over but a short period of time. On June 18th, 1878, Bishop Peterkin confirmed Dr. John H. Weymouth in the Presbyterian Church at Beverly; this was the first confirma- tion in Randolph county, which is one of the largest and old- est in the State, having been formed in 1787. It is perhaps needless to say that the Episcopal Church was unknown to a great number of people in West Virginia, and it was an up- hill task to organize a Church. Thirty years ago there were only two communicants in the county,-Dr. Washington Hil- liary and wife, who came to the county from Maryland, and who owned vast tracts of land on Roaring Creek, nine miles west of Beverly, but, having no Episcopal Church associa- tion, they affiliated with the Methodist Protestant Church; they afterwards sold their possessions and moved to Ken- tucky. This left the county without a communicant, until the confirmation already referred to. Bishop Peterkin visited Beverly some times once a year, enroute to Pocahontas coun- ty; other ministers also visited the county, notably. Rev. G. A. Gibbons and Dr. T. H. Lacy. About fifteen years ago, some Englishman purchased land at Mingo Flats, about thirty miles south of Beverly; subsequently others came, the whole forming an English Colony; they were adherents of the Church of England, and, although nothing was done by them with a view to definite organization, the ministers of the Episcopal Church have always been heartily received, and the Services of the Church appreciated. The greater portion of this colony have since returned to England. On Sunday. Feb- ruary 232, 1896, Bishop Peterkin visited Elkins, and again

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on Sunday, September 27th, 1897, when he confirmed one. Another visit was made on Friday, March 3d, 1899. The first confirmation in Elkins was by Bishop Peterkin, in the Pres- byterian Church, since which others have been confirmed in the same church. The town of Elkins has built up quickly in the last ten years, and from time to time Episcopalians from other counties have located there, many staying but a short time. Services have been held in different buildings, and our ministers have had to depend upon the courtesy of other Churches, notably the Presbyterian Church, which was formerly known as "The White Church." Rev. Mr. Gibbons held occasional services at Elkins for years, and he was suc- ceeded by the Rev. John R. Joyner, who was then residing at Bayard, but, on account of failing health, he was compel- led to relinquish his work. The Rev. John S. Lightbourne then took charge of the work, supplying its need of services, in connection with other points in Taylor and Tucker counties. When Mr. Lightbourne moved to Pennsylvania, Rev. John C. Ambler, Missionary to Japan, who had been home for an ex- tended visit, took charge of the work, living at West Grafton, in the rectory of Grafton Church. On July 9, 1899, Rev. James Logan Fish took charge of the work, and has retained the same ever since. The need of a church building was felt by the Episcopalians at Elkins, recognizing, as they did, that the growth of the Church was retarded through lack of a per- manent place to worship; services were, from time to time, held under unique circumstances, occasionally in an empty store, the Opera House, or other hall rented for the purpose. In the fall of 1900 a site for a church was purchased from Senator Davis, of Elkins, worth $600, half of which was do- nated, the actual cost to the Church being $300: an urgent appeal for funds was made, and liberally responded to by friends in Elkins and the county generally. The result is a neat building, capable of seating about 150 persons. The building, site, furniture, &c., are valued at $2,200. The loca- tion is a good one, being central, and in a position likely to

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improve in appearance, and increase in value. The Church has been named "Grace," and on Sunday, December 16, 1900, was opened for service, when a large number of people at- tended. A Sunday-school organized on the day of opening has shown an average of about thirty-five in attendance. The building of this church was made possible by the generous gift of $502 from a lady in Massachusetts, through the Rev. A. H. Amory, of Lawrence. The gift was most opportune, and made possible the building of a church in a most impor- tant center. We have no way of personally thanking this good woman for her thoughtful liberality, for she prefers to remain unknown, but we here gratefully acknowledge her timely aid and pray for God's blessing upon her.

On April 7th, 1901, Easter Day, this building was conse- crated by the Bishop of the Diocese, and six persons were confirmed. During this visit arrangements were perfected to relieve Mr. Fish of the care of Grafton and transfer his resi- dence to Elkins, with the additional charge of Davis and Par- sons and Belington. At this time, also, a very suitable rec- tory was purchased at Elkins for $2,000, and arrangements made to pay for it in small installments. This whole section of the State is developing rapidly, and we are encouraged to expect the strengthening and developing of the Church at the same time.

Ritchie.

Ritchie county was formed from parts of Lewis, Harrison and Wood, in 1843, and named for Thomas Ritchie, of Vir- ginia. Square miles, 400. Population-1870, 9,055; 1880. 13,- 474; 1890, 16,476; 1900, 18,901.

Bishop Peterkin visited Cairo in August, 1879; in company with Rev. Samuel D. Tompkins, who from time to time, min- istered to the few church people there.

Cairo has assumed a greater importance in the last few vears, as the centre of extensive oil operations, but no start has yet been made to establish services. During his Rector- ship of the Church in Parkersburg, Bishop Gibson of Virginia,

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held some services in Harrisville. Bishop Peterkin visited Pennsboro in June, 1900.

Roane.

Roane county was formed from portions of Kanawha, Jackson and Gilmer, and was named after Judge Spencer Roane, Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia, 1795-1822. Square miles, 350. Population-1870, 7,232; 1880, 12,184; 1890, 15,311; 1900, 19,852.

Spencer, is the county seat of Roane county, thirty-three miles from Ravenswood, and the present terminus of the Ravenswood, Spencer and Glenville Railroad. Its former name was California, and was in Jackson county, before the formation of Roane county, in 1856. Thus it is within the bounds of Ravenswood Parish, as admitted to the Council of 1852.

We have ten confirmed persons living in this neighborhood, bnt no building or organization of any kind. Some extracts from a letter recently written by Mr. E. L. Bill, give about all that is known of the early Church services at this place.

In 1870 the Rev. S. D. Tompkins visited Spencer upon sev- eral occasions, when by reason of his age and infirmities he was far too feeble to do so, riding on horseback from Ravens- wood. Upon one of these visits he held service in the Court House, and gave infant baptism to Camilla Livingston Bill. and to the children of Dr. and Mrs. A. G. Bailey; Edward H., Elizabeth Moyes and Catherine (now Mrs. G. P. Stone).

In 1881 or 1882, the Rev. K. J. Hammond visited some friends in the town, and remained several days, holding two services.

In 1874 there was one service held here in the Presbyterian church by a layman. Since then (date not known), the Rev. H. T. Wirgman held a service here.

These are all the services that can be recalled until the Rev. Dr. S. S. Moore came from Parkersburg to hold a ser- vice in the Presbyterian church in 1892. Then came the Rev. C. M. Campbell to take charge as Missionary August 1, 1892.

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IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Summers.

Summers county was formed from Monroe, Mercer, Green- brier and Fayette, in 1871, and was named for George W. Summers. Square miles, 400. Population-1880, 9,033; 1890, 13,095; 1900, 16,265.

On Saturday evening, June 6th, 1874, the Episcopal Ser- vice was held in Hinton, Summers county, for the first time, by the Rev. C. M. Callaway, who preached an impressive and eloquent sermon. There were Services in the morning and at night, with a sermon on each occasion, Sunday, June 7th. After the sermon on Sunday night, all who were favorable to the establishment of the Church at this place were invited to remain for a short time. About twenty-five remained, and it was ascertained there were about thirteen communicants of the Church in the place. It was determined to organize a parish at once and try to build a small church. On Monday morning $5 was raised to pay Mr. Callaway's expenses.

B. S. THOMPSON.

On July 31st, 1874, Bishop Whittle confirmed Mary Ann Atkinson, Margaret Rose Atkinson, Ahuira Virginia Atkin- son, Miss Alice Dunn and Mary Chilton Fontaine. This was the first confirmation ever held in Hinton.

Ascension Church, Hinton .- In the absence of early parish records, it is impossible to furnish much data concerning the origin of this Church. This much is known. Before the move- ment for its erection began, several ministers of our Church had visited the place, and held services, and had doubtless helped in no small measure to inspire in the little band of communicants in the town the determination to build a house of worship. Among these may be confidently and gratefully mentioned Bishop Whittle and the Reverend Messrs. Calla- way, Cobbs and Mason. Through the earnest and energetic efforts of Major B. S. Thompson, Captain C. S. Thompson and Hon. W. W. Adams, seconded by the zealous labors of the small band of workers, and, aided by the generous gifts of friends, the work was rapidly pushed forward, and in the

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early spring of 1881, a neat brick building, capable of seating 200 persons, was completed and thoroughly furnished. This church was destroyed by a severe storm on July 23d, 1897. But, by the determined efforts of the congregation, the prompt aid and inspiring encouragement of the Bishop of the Diocese, the kind sympathy and liberal support of our own clergy and laity, and many generous donations from friends and members of other Dioceses, the work of reconstruction was at once begun. In about eight months a new church oc- cupied the site of the old, and, though of wood, is a great im- provement upon the first building, being far more sightly and having a large Sunday-school, or parish-room and a conveni- ent vestry-room. The new church was occupied for the first time at the Bishop's annual visitation, on Easter-Sunday, April 10th, 1898. It is needless to say that it was an occa- sion of peculiar rejoicing to the minister in charge and the members of his congregation. It may be interesting to state that this congregation has owned a rectory since 1890. In 1892, the rectory first purchased not being sufficiently com- modious or conveniently located, was sold and a building, costing about $2,000, was erected on the church lot. This was occupied by the Rector and his family, in the spring of 1893.

The following ministers have been in charge in the order and between the dates named: Rev. Francis D. Lee and T. H. Lacy, D. D., 1880 to 1883; Rev: F. A. Meade, from Novem- ber, 1883, to April, 1886; Rev. Curtis Grubb, from October, 1886, to April, 1888; Rev. F. A. Meade, from May, 1888, to May, 1890; Rev. G. P. Sommerville and Peter Wager, 1891 to 1892; Rev. F. A. Meade, from September, 1892, to date, Au- gust 21st, 1900.

Dr. Lacy, during his residence in Hinton, 1882-3, frequently held service about four miles below the town. at Brooke's Station, sometimes in a little glen near the railroad and some- times in a grove on the river bank. It was from Hinton that Bishop Peterkin set out, under Dr. Lacy's escort, on perhaps

REV. FRANK A. MEADE.

RECTORY, HINTON.

MESSIAIL, ALDERSON.

ASCENSION, HINTON.

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the longest horse-back trip he was ever called to take in the Diocese, stopping at the following points: Concord, Prince- ton, Pocahontas, Tug River, Peeryville, Wyoming Court- House, Logan Court-House, Boone Court-House, Forks of Coal and Raleigh Court-House. This trip was about four hundred miles in length, through what was then a new and unexplored country. A great part of the way was by bridle path. In one county, we were told, there was no wheeled vehicle; in another, that there was no "church house."

Taylor.

Taylor county was formed from Harrison, Barbour and Marion, in 1844, and named for General Zachary Taylor. Square miles, 150. Population -- 1870, 9,367; 1880, 11,455; 1890, 12,190; 1900, 14,978.

Grafton .- The Church at Grafton dates from 1879. On the twenty-fifth day of September, in that year, a Mission was organized, with five communicant members. These were: Dr. A. H. Thayer and wife, Mr. Thomas G. Steel, Mrs. Luther Martin and Mrs. E. W. Lippincott. The work was placed in charge of the Rev. W. H. H. Powers, who resided at Weston. Through the kindness of Mr. George Brinkman, the Opera House was furnished for services. Later a hall was rented over the store which stood near the point where Main and Latrobe streets meet. For this a rent of $100 a year was paid. The place was fitted up with a chancel and seats and was used until the erection of a church. During this time the little congregation paid the rent for the hall, gave the missionary $120 a year, bought an organ for $126, besides meeting other incidental expenses. Services were held twice a month. The organization was first called Trinity Mission, but was changed to Church of the Good Shepherd. Finally the name St. Matthias' was adopted, in accordance with the terms of a gift of $325 for the completion of the building from St. Matthias' Church, Philadelphia. Rev. Mr. Brittingham was in charge of the Mission at this time, and it was largely through his personal influence, and his faithful work, that

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A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 59

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