A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 7

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Lewisburg-I have visited Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, twice and baptized an adult. There are in this place several warm friends of the Church, and a few are anxious to join the Communion.

Convention of 1833. Richmond, Va.

Bishop Moore presided.

Present from West Virginia:

Mr. George Lynn, Jr., Hampshire Parish; Mr. Mann P. Nel- son, Christ Church, Berkeley county.

Reported for contingent fund, Christ Church, Berkeley county, $5; and for Episcopal Fund, Christ Church, $5 and Norborne Parish $11.25.

Mill Creek-Rev. J. E. Jackson reports: The congregation continues very flourishing. The Rector deeply regrets his visits to the Parish can only be monthly. 41 communicants, 2 marriages; 9 baptisms.

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Vorborne Parish-The Rev. W. P. C. Johnson reports: When the present Rector took charge of this Parish in June last, it was under discouraging circumstances. For sometime pre- vious it had been destitute of regular services, and conse- quently the usual zeal and interest of Episcopalians in the prosperity of the Church had in a measure abated. But with gratitude to Almighty God, he is now happy to report a more favorable state of things. Since his assumption of the pas- toral charge of the Parish, the Lord has been graciously pleased to visit it in mercy. At an association held in Sep- tember last thirty-three persons were added to the com- municants. Many more are still in an inquiring state of mind, but owing to the difficulty of procuring regular Communion, have been prevented from making public profession of re- ligion. We have a flourishing Sunday school and two Bible classes. The Education and Missionary Societies are in the way of receiving liberal encouragement. Communicants 118; marriages 10; baptisms 2 adults and 8 infants.

Convention of 1824. Staunton, Va.

Bishop Meade presided in Bishop Moore's absence. Present from West Virginia:

Rev. Wm. P. C. Johnson, Norborne Parish; Mr. Chas. C. Pinkney, Wickliffe (and Berryville): Mr. Robt. Rose, Kanawha Parish; Mr. Joseph Arthur, Christ Church, Berkeley county.

Reported for contingent fund, Martinsburg and Zion Churches, Berkeley county, $14; also Christ Church, Mill Creek $5. For Episcopal Fund, Christ Church, Mill Creek, $5.

Bishop Meade in his address, says: "On the 7th of August I set out on a tour through the counties of Berkeley and Jef- ferson, preaching the first day at Bunker's Hill. On the Sth and 9th I officiated in conjunction with the Rev. Mr. Jones, of Jefferson, at Hedges Chapel, where I confirmed 26, bap- tized 2 infants and administered the Communion. Here as usnal the congregations were large and attentive, assembling at the hour of eleven o'clock, engaging in holy exercises dur- ing the customary period, leaving the house of God for a short time, then reassembling for the afternoon services, and

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again filling the house at night. A large proportion of the evening congregation, I am told, consisted of those who re- mained at home during the two first services. This example is worthy of imitation. On the 10th we repaired to Martins- burg, about seven miles distant, where we met with the Rev. Mr. Drane from Hagerstown, who preached on the occasion of the ordination of Mr. Johnson, who was then clothed with the authority of a priest. I preached twice in Martinsburg, baptized 2 infants, confirmed 7 and administered the Com- munion. From Martinsburg I went to Smithfield where I officiated on the 12th and 13th in connection with Mr. Jones, W. M. Jackson and Mr. Johnson. On the evening of the 13th and the morning of the 14th I was in Charlestown, and on the latter day confirmed 9 persons. The 15th, 16th and 17th were spent at Harper's Ferry where I was aided in minis- terial duties by Wm. M. Jackson. On the morning of the 18th I proceeded to Shepherdstown, and found the inhabi- tants of the place in the utmost consternation by reason of the cholera, which had made its appearance a few days be- fore, and hurried some of its citizens into eternity. Not wishing to be, or seem to be, either rash or cowardly in duty, I submitted it to the proper guardians of the health of the place, whether I should proceed with the previously appoint- ed services. By their advice I omitted all night services, and only convened those who were disposed to attend in the morning and afternoon on one day, and on the morning of the following. One of these services was held by particular request, in the Lutheran Church, whose minister was absent. Mr. Jones and myself endeavored by suitable discourses, to improve the afflictive season.

Mill Creek-Rev. J. E. Jackson reports; the congregation at Mill Creek continues very interesting. 42 communicants; marriages 1; baptisms 5; deaths 2.

Norborne Parish-Rev. W. P. C. Johnson. Communicants 119; baptisms 4 adults and 33 children; confirmed 32; mar- riages 11; funerals 3: contributions to benevolent objects $103.75.

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Convention of 1835. Lynchburg, Va.

Bishop Meade presided in Bishop Moore's absence.

Present from West Virginia .

Rev. William N. Ward, Clarksburg, Harrison county.

Reported from Norborne Parish $S for the contingent fund; $17 for the Bishop's fund.

Bishop Meade in his addres, says: "On the morning after the last Convention I left Staunton on my way to the West, and reached Lewisburg on the third day. There I remained nearly three days, preached four times and confirmed three persons. Our friends in this place are few but zealous, and appeared very anxious to have the regular services of the church there. It would be very desirable to have a mission- ary in that region of country. On leaving Lewisburg I pro- ceeded to Kanawha, and reached Charlestown on Tuesday morning. I remained here two days, and performed service four times, confirmed 1; baptized 7 and administered the Communion. On Tuesday morning I left Charlestown for Coalsmouth, about 12 miles distant, where we have a small church and congregation. There I preached twice, confirmed one person, administered the Communion and baptized 7 chil- dren. The prospects of the church in Kanawha are bright- ening. A zealous and acceptable minister is now laboring there. A church will soon be erected in Charlestown, and a larger one built at Coalsmouth. It is hoped that ere long the services of two ministers may be required. On the even- ing of the second day which I spent at Coalsmonth, I descend- ed the Kanawha in a steamboat, and ascending the Ohio reached Parkersburg on the 29th, and spent three days in that place, preached five times, baptized 1 child, confirmed 4 and administered the Communion. We had no place of pub- lic worship in Parkersburg, but I received assurances that this deficiency should not long continue. The Rev. Mr. Wheat of Marietta, has charge of our little flock in this place, and officiates every other Sabbath. I tarried one day with him in Marietta, and preached once in that place.

On Monday night I proceeded to Wheeling, reached there

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the following day, and spent the 4th and 5th days of June in religious services. On the 16th I proceeded to Steubenville, Ohio, where I spent a day with the Rev. J. Morse, and preach- ed once for him. Mr. Morse has for many years rendered very effectual services to two of our congregations in Brooke county, the one at Wellsburg, and the other at St. John's. He accompanied me to Wellsburg where we spent the Sab- bath and each of us preached. We spent Monday and Tues- day at St. John's, about seven miles distant, where I preached twice, confirmed 7 and administered the Communion. On the following day I preached again at Wellsburg and confirmed 7.

I then returned in company with Mr. Morse to Wheeling, where we spent several days in frequent services. During my stay in Wheeling I preached or lectured twelve times, ad- ministered the Communion, and confirmed 36. I now turned my steps homeward and, passing through a part of Pennsyl- vania reached Uniontown on the 23rd and from thence went to Morgantown, where I preached on the evening of the 24th, and also the next morning. On Thursday I reached Clarks- burg, which is in the heart of Western Virginia. There I spent three days, preached five times, baptized 1 adult and 12 children, confirmed 5, and administered the Communion The people of Clarksburg and Morgantown expressed a strong desire to have a minister sent to them, and I was truly happy to be able to gratify their request in a manner well calcu- lated to promote the interests of religion and the church in that region. The Rev. Mr. Ward, who was ordained in Alexandria in July last, went to Clarksburg in the fall, and has since been faithfully and acceptably laboring in these two places. On Monday following, after the services at Clarksburg, I preached a funeral sermon at Mrs. Watson's, about thirty miles from Clarksburg, in which place Mr. Ward has since established regular services."

Norborne Parish-Rev. W. P. C. Johnson reports communi- cants 115; baptisms, infants 9: marriages 15; funerals 4.

There have been no material changes in this parish since my last report. The various benevolent institutions con-

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

nected with the church, still continue to receive encourage- ment. There is a large and interesting congregation of col- ored persons, to whom I officiate once a month.

Kanawha Parish-Rev. John Martin reports: Communi- cants, Charlestown, 14;Coal 14; Salines 3; total 31. Funerals 1; marriages 1; baptisms 7. $42.00 have been collected for the missionary objects of the Church, and $1.500 subscribed towards the erection of a church, and the hope is indulged that the building will be commenced during this summer.

Harrison and Monongalia Counties-William Norvell Ward, missionary, reports: Communicants 7; baptisms 1 adult and 4 infants; marriages 1; funerals 2. A Sunday school at Clarksburg promising much good. Number of scholars 60.

At this convention the amendment to the constitution re- quiring lay delegates to be Communicants was adopted.

Convention of 1836. Fredericksburg, Va.

Bishop Moore presided.

Present from West Virginia:

Rev. Chaplin S. Hedges, Middleway and Harper's Ferry; Rev. William M. Jackson, Wickliffe Parish, Jefferson county; Rev. Alexander Jones, St. Andrew's Parish Jefferson county.

Messrs. Philip R. Thompson, St. Mark's, Kanawha: Daniel Morgan, Trinity Church, Shepherdstown; John L. Ransom, Zion Church; Edward Colston, Norborne Parish.

Bishop Meade, in his address says: "On the 11th October (1835) I set out on a visit to the churches in Jefferson and Berkeley. On the evening of the 11th I reached Smithfield and preached by candlelight and the next day being Sabbath I preached twice and administered the Communion. On Mon- day the 12th, I preached morning and evening at Martins- burg, on Tuesday at Mt. Zion, where I had a full house, ad- ministered the Communion and baptized a child. I proceeded thence to Shepherdstown where I met the Rev. Mr. Jones and the Rev. Mr. Andrews. The latter preached twice and myself three times. On Friday I preached in Charlestown, and then returned to my former residence in Frederick county."

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The secretary received the following contributions to the contingent fund and for the salary of the Bishop.

Zion Church. Charlestown, $10, contingent fund; $5, Bish- op's fund; Shepherdstown Church, $10, contingent fund; $5, Bishop's fund; Wickliffe Parish, $8, contingent fund; $4.42, Bishop's fund; St. Mark's, Kanawha, $3.04, contingent fund, $1.96 Bishop's fund. Total, $31.04, contingent fund; $16.38 Bishop's fund.

Parochial Reports:

Kanawha Parish-John Martin, Rector. There is nothing of special interest to report from this parish. A church is be- ing built in Charleston, and will probably be ready for use in a few months. Very liberal subscriptions have been ob- tained towards this object. The congregation is increasing and a few at least, it is hoped are enquiring what they shall do to be saved.

Number of communicants 15. I have preached regularly to large congregations in the Salines; number of communi- cants 2; removed 1.

St. Mark's Parish, Kunairha County-John Martin, Rector. My time has been equally divided between this Parish and Kanawha. Here is an interesting congregation which is rap- idly increasing. The services of another minister are greatly needed in order to effect any permanent good. Number of communicants 14: baptisms, infants 2; marriages 3; contri- butions to the amount of several hundred dollars have been made by the members of this parish towards the erection of a parsonage and the church in Charleston. Collected for other objects near fifty dollars.

St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson County-Alexander Jones Rec- tor-Communicants 115; added 4; died 2; baptisms, white 12; colored, 8; funerals 13.

The rector has very little that is pleasing to report con- cerning his charge. Religion is respected, and the ordinances of grace generally well attended. The accountable, dying creatures of God, are however still walking in the error of their ways, and the means of grace have no visible effect.

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

This he much aseribes to his own unfaithfulness, and the want of practical, serious, zealous faith among the people of God. Other clergy in West Virginia besides those mentioned above, Rev. William Armstrong, St. Matthew's, Wheeling.

Convention of 1837. Petersburg, Va., May 17.

Bishop Moore presided.

Clergy in West Virginia:

Rev. William Armstrong, St. Matthew's, Wheeling; Rev. Alexander Jones, St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson; Rev. John Martin, Kanawha Parish, Kanawha county; Rev. Charles C. Taliaferro, Norborne Parish, Berkeley, Martinsburg.

No clergy or lay delegates from West Virginia, present.

No visitations reported by the Bishops.

The committee on parochial reports say that 48 clergy have reported. embracing about 70 parishes. Marriages 207; funerals 357 ; baptisms 580; confirmations 147; communicants 2664, a net gain of 53 for the year. Contributions to the be- nevolent operations of the Church $8.438.21.

Parochial Reports:

St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling-William Armstrong, Rector. AAs the Rector of this church has not enjoyed the privilege of attending a Convention of this Diocese since his settlement in it, and having neglected to make a report of the state of his parish, from year to year, as required by the canons. he would first state that his labors in this place commenced in August. 1832. The condition of the Parish when he entered upon his duties was not flourishing. There was no register to which he could have access, and consequently the number of communicants, as well as families, attached to the Church had to be ascertained by personal enquiry on the part of the rector. The result of his enquiries was that 25 persons con- sidered themselves communicants. The number of communi- cants which has been added is 72, making the whole number entered upon the parish register 97. Of these 6 have died, 8 have removed; 1 has withdrawn and 1 has been suspended, making the present number of communicants 81. Of baptisms there have been infants 58, adults 13; total 71; marriages

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63. Number of persons confirmed by the assistant Bishop of the Diocese and the Bishop of Ohio 43. The vestry are now engaged in the erection of a new church. The corner stone of the edifice was laid in May last, and its entire completion will be effected some time in August next. This church when completed will not be excelled by any in the Diocese. Its style of architecture is Grecian Doric.

Kannicha Parish-John Martin, Minister. Communicants added 5; removed 3. Total 19. Baptisms, 3 adults, 5 in- fants; marriages 9; funerals 10.

The Church in Charleston mentioned in last report has been finished and occupied since December. The cost of the edifice was about $4,000, and $500 are still owing. The Sunday school is not very flourishing; it numbers about 30 scholars and 7 teachers. The attendance on public worship is good, and ap- pears to be increasing ; great unity and peace prevail among us.

St. Mark's Parish, Kanawha County-John Martin, Rector. Communicants added and removed 2; whole number 12; bap- tisms, infants 7; marriages 1; funerals 2.

Congregations are at present large and attentive. This parish is much in need of a separate minister, for whose sup- port a comfortable provision is making. Sunday school em- braces about 20 scholars and 6 teachers; missionary collection about $20.

Contributions for contingent fund: St. Matthew's. Wheel- ing, $20; Mill Creek, (Norborne Parish) Berkeley, $10.

Convention of 1838. Winchester, Va., May 16.

Bishop Moore presided.

West Virginia clergy same as last year. Mr. Jones and Mr. Taliaferro were present. Laymen, James L. Ransom, Charles- town; Francis Silvers, Christ Church, Mill Creek; Edmund I. Lee, Jr., Trinity Church, Shepherdstown; Edward Colston, Norborne Parish, Berkeley County; George Sharp. Hamp- shire County.

Bishop Meade in his address says: "In the month of Octo- ber (1837) I set out on a visit to our few and scattered congre- gations in the more western part of Virginia. On Saturday

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

and Sunday, the 7th and 8th, I preached at Romney and ad- ministered the Communion. Our dear friends in that county would rejoice in the regular services of the Church, of which they have for some years been deprived. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 13th, 14th and 15th, I engaged in performing ministerial duties in Clarksburg, beyond the Allegheny Moun- tains. There I baptized five children, confirmed four persons and administered the Communion. I preached at Springfield on Monday and confirmed two persons. Reaching Morgan- town that evening I preached that night and the following day. These three places were for some years supplied by the Rev. Mr. Ward, but are now destitute. In passing on to some appointments on the Ohio, I spent a day or two at Washing- ton and preached in that place.

On the 27th I officiated in Wellsburg, and was assisted by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong, of Wheeling. On Monday and Tues- day, we were at St. John's, about eight miles from Wellsburg, where the Rev. Mr. Morse, of Steubenville, O., met with us, and to whose nursing care this little congregation is much in- debted. He presented eight persons for confirmation, and we administered the Lord's Supper to a very considerable num- ber of communicants. I earnestly wish that some pious man, who could live on three hundred dollars a year, would go and labor among this plain but kind people.

I returned with Mr. Morse to Steubenville, as I always do, and tried to make some little return for his kindness to this congregation by preaching for him. I next visited Wheeling, where I spent four days in a most agreeable, and I hope not unprofitable, manner. There was a noble church, costing $20,000 to be consecrated, and not less than eight of God's ministers from Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio were con- vened. We had services three times each day and endeavored to make full trial of our ministry. On Sunday I ordained Mr. MeMechen, a young man of the Methodist connection and ministry, to the office of Deacon, and administered the rite of confirmation to twenty-five persons. On the following day the pews were offered for sale, and the amount raised was

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more than sufficient to pay the debt contracted; so that the attention of the vestry was immediately turned to the erec- tion of a parsonage. An affectionate relation subsists be- tween the minister and his people, and the blessing of the Lord is upon them.

From Wheeling I descended the river and reached Parkers- burg on Tuesday. There I remained until Thursday night, when I went further down the river. While there I preached repeatedly, baptized four children and administered the Com- munion. I am happy to state that the Rev. Mr. McMechen, whom I ordained in Wheeling, is now settled at Parkersburg and laboring acceptably among our friends in that place. With the expected increase of the place, we may hope in time for a congregation of good size and a house suitable for God's worship in Parkersburg. On Friday I reached Guyandotte, where I found my good brother, Mr. Armstrong, of Wheel- ing, who had followed me in order to assist in the services which awaited me in Kanawha. We assembled a number of the people of the village that evening and administered the word of life to them.

On the following morning we proceeded to Coalsmouth, Kanawha, where I spent Sunday and Monday in religious services and where the Communion was administered and three persons confirmed. In this neighborhood, where we have but a few families as yet, they have nearly completed a par- sonage, and expect to build a new and larger church before long. The Rev. Mr. Martin has been officiating alternately between this place and Charleston.

On Thursday we passed through Charleston and performed divine service at the Salines, some miles up the river. I preached in the morning and Mr. Armstrong at night.

On Friday, the 10th, I consecrated a new and handsome Church of the Gothic order in Charleston, built principally through the exertions of some zealous ladies in that place. Mr. Armstrong and myself performed services three times each day for three successive days, and on Sunday I confirm- ed thirteen persons.

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Leaving Charleston on Monday morning I reached Lewis- burg on Tuesday, and preached that night and twice the next day, confirming one person and administering the Commun- ion. In Lewisburg and the country around there are some zealous friends of our church, who are very anxious for the services of a missionary, who might take an extensive circuit, and present the blessed gospel in connection with the in- stitutions of the church, in the manner most acceptable to them, and I sincerely wish they could be gratified and hope it will not be long before the Lord will direct the steps of some suitable persons towards that region."

Contributions to the Contingent fund and to the fund for Episcopal services:

Mill Creek Church, Norborne Parish, contingent fund, $15; Zion Church, Charlestown, contingent fund, $15, Bishop's fund, $15; Trinity Church, Shepherdstown, contingent fund, $15, Bishop's fund, $15; Christ Church, Norborne Parish, con- tingent fund, $10; Hampshire Parish, contingent fund, $5; St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling, contingent fund, $20, Bish- op's fund, $10.

Parochial reports:

St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling-William Armstrong, Rector. The Rector takes pleasure in stating that the new church edifice reported to the last Convention as having been com- menced, has been entirely completed and consecrated to the service and worship of Almighty God. By the blessing of God upon prudent, united and persevering efforts, the church here is attaining a maturity of strength, which will soon enable her to rank with her most favorable sister churches in the diocese. Her house of prayer is what the house of God should be, splendid without gandiness, neat, beautiful and appropriately furnished. The attendance upon her services has increased with her means of accommodation, and a com- fortable support is now given to him who ministers at her altars.

Baptisms, adults 4; infants 20; communicants removed 4, died 1; present number 92; deaths 6; marriages 11; confirmed

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by the Rt. Rev. Wm. Meade 25. The Sunday school attached to the church, the rector considers in a flourishing condition; the number of children in regular attendance is 100; the teachers 19 in number, and the superintendent, deserve much praise for their zealous and unwearied efforts in the cause in which they are engaged. The number of volumes in the library is about 400.

St. Andrew's Parish, Charlestown and Shepherdstown, Jeffer- son County-Alexander Jones, Rector. Communicants added 8, died 2; total 112; baptisms, infants, white 10, colored 20; marriages 15; funerals 13.

Amount contributed to different institutions of the Church, $350. The rector has nothing particularly interesting to state.

Kanawha Parish, Charleston- JJ. Martin, Rector. Communi- cants added 5, removed 2, died 1; total 24; baptisms, adults, 1 white, infants, white, 3; confirmations 13; marriages 7; funerals 2; number of families 25; amount collected $30.

In addition to the above I would remark that the congre- gation is steadily increasing, a large number of prayer books has been circulated, and much attention is paid to the re- sponsive part of the church service. The purchase of a bell and a vigorous effort on the part of the friends of the church 10 pay off the remaining debt, have prevented a larger con- tribution, than I have mentioned, to benevolent institutions connected with the Church. The plan of weekly offerings has been commenced and promises to be successful.

St. Mark's Parish, Kanaicha County-Communicants added 3, removed 1, died 2; total 13; baptisms, infants, white 2, col- ored 12, total 12; confirmations 3; funerals 2; number of fam- ilies about 15; amount collected about $15.

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A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 7

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