A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 8

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The congregation at this place is large and attentive. With- in a few months $1200 have been subscribed towards erecting a new Church in a more favora le situation than the one now used. The sum of $50 from different individuals has been raised for the benefit of the Theological Seminary at Alexan- dria.

REV. FRANCIS B. NASH, 1845.

REV. CHARLES W. ANDREWS, D. D., "1842.

REV. THOMAS SMITH, 1843.

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Norborne Parish, Berkeley-Charles C. Taliaferro, Rector. Since I submitted my last report to this body, the painful separation between me and the people of Cumberland, my first charge, and over which I had watched for five years, has taken place, and my lot cast in another part of the dio- cese. But I think the hand of the Lord ordered my way to my present charge in Berkeley County, where in humble re- liance on His grace I am laboring, according to the ability He hath given, for His glory and the good of souls. The church register which I found in the Parish, presented the names of 124 persons as communing members of the Church. This list was made out in 1832 and added to occasionally af- terwards. Of the whole number, 124, only 95 are now proper- ly members of the church; 7 were improperly recorded at first as communicants in the church; 16 have been lost by re- movals; 3 by deaths; 3 stricken from register for evil living, and one for joining another denomination; 9 persons have been added to the Communion; 4 confirmed; 14 children bap- tized; 17 marriages celebrated; S funerals, since I regularly commenced my labors in the parish, which was last February, 12 months.

I have endeavored to use, according to my ability, the com- mon means of instructing and blessing the rising generation, such as catechizing and bringing them into Sunday schools and Bible classes. My time is principaly divided between Martinsburg and Hedgesville, and on the afternoon of the Sunday in the latter place we preach at Back Creek, where we have a few members, but a very respectable congregation. In Martinsburg we preached first in the Presbyterian, then in the Lutheran, and at present in the Court House. The old Church is out of repair, and so inconveniently situated that the vestry have determined upon building a new one in the heart of the town. Nearly $2,000 is subscribed and a building committee appointed to plan, locate and contract for the building of said church. I regret to say that my pros- pects for usefulness in Martinsburg are not so bright and cheering, as in other parts of my charge. The very large,

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various and devout congregations which we meet in Hedges- ville greatly encouraged our hearts.

The whole amount of contributions, besides those for erect- ing a Church, are, for missions, $189; Education Society, $52; Colonization Society, about $20; Theological Seminary, $40.

For the whole diocese of Virginia the committee report 3,297 communicants, an increase of 633.

Convention of 1839. Norfolk Borough, May 15.

Bishop Moore presiding.

Number of clergy in Virginia, 78, among them, Rev. Alex- ander Jones, St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson County; Rev. John Martin, Kanawha Parish, Kanawha C. H .; Rev. Charles C. Taliaferro, Norborne Parish, Berkeley, Martinsburg; Rev. J. Horace Morrison, Trinity Church, Shepherdstown; Rev. William Armstrong, St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling.

Present Rev. Messrs. Jones, Morrison, Armstrong and Tal- iaferro.

Bishop Meade, in his address, says: "From Charlottesville I proceeded to the west in order to participate in the consecra- tion of our beloved brother, the Rev. Leonidas Polk, to the Episcopate. I was detained two days in Staunton through some accident to the stage, and preached repeatedly during that time. I was sorry to be obliged to pass through Lewis- burg, where I had intended to tarry two days. This was oc- casioned by the delay in Staunton. I spent the 16th and 17th (November 1838) in Charleston, Kanawha, preaching four times and confirming six persons. On the 18th and 19th I was at Coalsmouth, in Kanawha. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I spent at Point Pleasant, preaching five times and baptizing two children, and administering the Communion. The Rev. James Goodwin is officiating in this place and in Jackson County, and will, I hope, succeed in establishing the Church in that region. (The consecration was December 10th, after going to Chillicothe with Mr. Peet.) The Bishop says: "From thence I proceeded to Wheeling, where I spent three days, preaching frequently and confirming sixteen per- sons. A severe cold prevented me from preaching in Wells-

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

burg and at St. John's in Brooke county. I am happy to state that these are now supplied by the Rev. Mr. Sewell, formerly in Prince William."

Contributions :

Zion Church, St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson County, con- tingent fund, $15: St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling, contin- gent fund, $30; Wellsburg, Brooke County, contingent fund, $7; Trinity Church, Shepherdstown. contingent fund. $10. Bishop's fund, $5.

Parochial reports:

St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling-William Armstrong, Rector. Communicants, removed 5, died 3, total 100; baptisms, adults 4, infants 30; confirmations 16; funerals 11.

The Rector takes pleasure in stating that the condition of his parish is still encouraging. As this parish has never been represented by a lay delegation, the hope was indulged that on this occasion it would have been fully represented. In this, however. he has been disappointed, but hopes that hereafter such arrangements will be made by the vestry as to secure for this parish a full representation in the councils of the Church.

Zion Church, St. Andrew's Parish, Charlestown-Alexander Jones, Rector. Communicants added 5: died 5; total 62: bap- tisms, infants, white 15, colored 10; marriages 20; funerals 13. Amount collected for different institutions of the Church $250.

The rector has nothing worthy of observation to report.

St. Mark's Parish, Kanawha County-JJ. Martin, Rector. Com- municants added 1, removed 1, total 12: baptisms, infants 1; marriages 1; amount collected $30.

There is a good congregation at this place and some devot- ed friends of the Church. The entire services of a clergyman are very much desired.

St. John's Church, Kanarcha County-Communicants S. total 31; baptisms, adults 1. infants 10; confirmation 6; marriages 5; funerals 2; number of families 25; amount collected $70.

The prospects of this Church are quite encouraging. The congregation is good. Five hundred dollars have been raised in the last few months for the purchase of an organ.

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Trinity Church, Shepherdstown-J. Horace Morrison, Minis- ter. Communicants, removed 1, present number 37; baptisms, infants, white 11, colored 1; marriages 2; funerals 5; amount collected for different institutions of the Church, $199. In addition to this $34 have been contributed to purchase a Sunday school library. The minister took charge of this con- gregation last August. Although none have been added to his Communion, yet from the apparent interest with which the word of God is received, he indulges a hope that his labors have not been entirely in vain. He has preached about once a month to a large and attentive colored congregation, and from the eagerness with which the proclamation of the Gos- pel is listened to, he hopes that his endeavors in behalf of this portion of our population may be blessed of God. A Sabbath school and Bible class have been formed. The former is as prosperous as could have been expected at its commencement. The latter has not hitherto succeeded as well as the minister could have wished. It is proposed to enlarge the church, which is at this time small and inconvenient. About $2,000 are already subscribed, and no doubt is entertained of obtain- ing a sufficient sum for the purpose.

Christ and St. John's Churches, Brooke County-William Sewell, Rector. Communicants removed 1; total 40; baptisms adults 1, infants 7; marriages 8; funerals 3. The Rector be- came connected with this parish in January, 1839. At pres- ent it is a missionary station and receives aid from the Do- mestic Missionary Society of the diocese. Christ Church is in the town of Wellsburg, which contains about three thousand inhabitants. The rector preaches twice on Sundays, lectures on Wednesday evening, and attends a Bible class on Friday night. He has also organized a Sunday school which is in a prosperous condition. St. John's is eight miles distant from Wellsburg. Here the rector preaches every fortnight. This Church was organized about forty years ago by the Rev. Dr. Doddridge, but it does not exhibit that flourishing condition which might be expected.

Norborne Parish, Berkeley County-Charles C. Taliaferro,

. IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Rector. The Rector of this parish would state that he con- tinued his labors until they were arrested in October last, whilst on a short visit to his friends, by a severe spell of sick- ness, since which time he has not been able to return to his field of labor with any hope of rendering effectual service, and of course he has had no access to the records of the Parish from which to make a correct report; and offers these words only as the reason why he does not offer a proper re- port.

Convention of 1840. Charlottesville, Va., May 20.

Bishop Moore presiding.

Clergy in Virginia 83, of which in West Virginia:

Revs. William Armstrong, St. Matthew's, Wheeling; James Craik, Kanawha Parish, Kanawha C. H .; James Goodwin, Point Pleasant, Mason County; Alexander Jones, St. An- drew's Parish, Charlestown; John Martin, St. Mark's Parish, Kanawha; J. H. Morrison, Trinity Church, Shepherdstown.

Mr. McMechen officiating in Wood county, Parkersburg; Charles C. Taliaferro, Norborne Parish, Martinsburg.

Present Rev. Messrs. Martin and Morrison.

Lay delegates present :

William H. Pendleton, Norborne Parish, Martinsburg.

Bishop Meade, in his address, says: "On the 7th and 8th (December 1839) I officiated in Charlottsville, where I admit- ted to the order of Deacons, Mr. James Craik, of Kanawha, who has since been actively and acceptably engaged in the ministry in that county."

Contributions to the Episcopal and contingent fund :

Mt. Zion, Charlestown, $11,63; Norborne Parish, Berkeley, $3.50; Trinity Church, Shepherdstown, $18.00.

From list of vestries who have forwarded their quota in part:

Vestry of Zion Church, Charlestown, due $31; paid $11.63, balance, $19.37; Vestry of Trinity Church, Shepherds- town, due $18.50, paid $18.00, balance. 50c; Vestry of Nor- borne Parish, Berkeley, due $51.50, paid $3.50, balance $48.00.

From list of vestries which have forwarded nothing:

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St. Matthew's Parish, Wheeling, dne $50.00; Christ and St. John's Brooke County, due $20.

From first annual report of the executive committee of the Protestant Episcopal Association for the promotion of Chris- tianity in Virginia. They report that they have during the past year employed the Rev. Mr. Sewell at Wellsburg, paying him $200; the Rev. JJames B. Goodwin at Point Pleasant, in- cluding Gallipolis and Mercer's Bottom, $75; the Rev. John Martin at Coalsmouth, Kanawha, $100.

Parochial Reports:

St. John's Church, Kanawha County-James Craik, Minister. Communicants, added 1, removed 4, died 1, total 24; funerals 1; number of families 27; adults 60, infants 55.

This Church has been engaged during the past year in an effort to extricate itself from the debt incurred by the erec- tion of its house of worship, the purchase of an organ, pro- curing a Sunday school library and other expenses incident to the recent establishment of the church at this place. The amount of the public collections have been applied to these and other domestic purposes.

The Rev. John Martin resigned the charge of this parish in September last. The present minister commenced his labors about the last of December following.

The minister divides his time equally between the Church in Charleston and the Kanawha Salines, a village six miles above on the river. He performs divine service every Sun- day at each place, except when absent at some other mis- sionary point. At the church in Salines there are no com- municants. Three infants have been baptized and the congre- gation is usually large.

Pt. Pleasant and Mercer's Bottom, Mason County-James B. Goodwin, Missionary. Communicants, added 3; removed 2; total 3; baptisms, 3 infants; marriages 6.

There are four or five persons who are expected to join the Communion the first convenient opportunity. Two of these with their children are candidates for baptism. During the first eight months of my labors in this place I devoted one-

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

fourth of my time to Jackson County. The past year the same portion has been bestowed upon Gallipolis. The inter- ests of the Church seem to be slowly but surely advancing. This is thought to be an important and encouraging field for missionary labor.

St. Mark's Parish, Kanawha County-John Martin, Minister. Communicants, added 2 from other cures, total 14; bap- tisms, infants, white, 3; marriages 3; families 9; amount col- lected $10.00.

Since September last this parish has had the undivided la- bors of the minister. But little improvement, however, is ap- parent in spiritual things.

The parsonage mentioned some time ago as being begun is now nearly completed. The house is well situated and com- modions, and has about eight acres of excellent land con- nected with it, at a cost of from $1,200 to $1,300.

The minister of this parish has also occasionally extended his labors to other neighborhoods, and recently to Point Pleasant and the vicinity on the Ohio river, where the Rev. Mr. Goodwin is zealously laboring, and not without consider- able promise of success, to establish the church.

Trinity Church, St. Andreu's Parish, Shepherdstown-J. H. Morrison. Rector. Communicants, added S, (from other par- ishes) removed 3. present number 37; baptisms, white, infants 5; marriages 4; funerals 8; amount collected for different in- stitutions of the church $136.

Since the last convention the rector has taken charge of a parish in the diocese of Maryland, to which he devotes every other Sabbath.

Vorborne Parish, Berkeley County-C. C. Taliaferro. Since the Rector of this parish last reported in 1838, he has lost by death 9 communicants, has added 7, which leaves the present mumber 103; baptisms, adults 2, infants, white 17. colored 1; funerals 5; marriages 7. Contributed the last year for benev- olent purposes $133.36. We are still making efforts to ereet a new church in Martinsburg. He commenced regular ser-

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vices in the parish the 1st of last October, having lost through sickness and its consequences nearly twelve months.

Christ Church, Mill Creek-By the consent of the vestry of Norborne parish, and by the invitation of the vestry of this church, I took charge of it officially last June, but preached only once before October. I preach here one Sunday in the month by engagement, but have afforded this Church services nearly equivalent to two Sundays in the month. I have not been able to get a correct list of the communicants of this church, there not having been one made out for some years. I can only make out 25 communicants, one of which has been added this year. The Rector thinks that he sees in the in- creased size of his congregation and in the increased zeal of its members some token for good.

Convention of 1841. Alexandria, Va., May 19.

Bishop Moore presided.

Clergy in Virginia 89, of which there are in West Virginia 7, viz:

Revs. William Armstrong, St. Matthew's, Wheeling; xJames Craik, Kanawha Parish, Kanawha C. H .; James Goodwin, Point Pleasant, Mason county; xAlexander Jones, Charlestown, Jefferson county; xJ. H. Morrison, Trinity Church, Shepherdstown; xJames H. McMechen, Clarksburg, Harrison county; Charles C. Taliaferro, Norborne Parish, Those marked thus x present.

Lay delegates: Chas. H. Lee, Norborne Parish, Berkeley; Cassius F. Lee, Trinity Church, Shepherdstown; B. C. Wash- ington, Zion Church, St. Andrew's Parish.

Bishop Meade, in his address, says: "In September (1840) I visited the churches in Jefferson and Berkeley, spending two days in Charlestown, confirming nine persons and exhorting the people, not without success to the providing of a com- fortable parsonage for their minister. During this visit I spent two days in Shepherdstown, where they are about to enlarge the church; also one day in Martinsburg, where I laid the corner stone of a new Church; and two days at Hedges Chapel, where I confirmed twelve persons."

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Domestic Missionary Society paid to Rev. James Goodwin, $125; paid to Rev. James H. MeMechen, $100; paid to S. W. Crampton, (in Hampshire) $100.

Treasurer reports: received from Rev. J. H. Morrison, for Jefferson county, $18; received from Rev. Mr. Armstrong, Wheeling, $40.

Contributions to contingent fund :

Norborne Parish, Berkeley $20.87

St. Matthew's, Wheeling 30.00

St. John's, Kanawha. 12.50

Trinity Church, Shepherdstown 19.00

Zion Church, Charlestown. 40.50

Zion Church balance on last year 19.37

Parochial reports:

Clarksburg-James H. MeMechen, Missionary. Communi- cants 3; marriages 1; collected for church institutions $50.

The Rector has occasionally visited Morgantown and Smith- field in Monongalia, and Weston, in Lewis, finding in each of these places one or two members of the church.

Vorborne Parish, Berkeley-C. C. Taliaferro, Rector. Com municants, added 11 (two from other parishes), confirmed 12, died 3, removed 1, total 111; funerals 1; baptisms, infants 4; marriages 3; contributions to benevolent objects $118.25. There has been raised and paid towards the erection of a new Episcopal Church in Martinsburg about $1500. I have con- tinued within the year past, to divide my time between the congregations of Martinsburg, Hedgesville and Bunker Hill, statedly, giving three Sundays in the month to the former, and one to the latter. During the summer and fall months I preached at a place on Back Creek, about 10 miles from Martinsburg, and at all these four places last summer and fall I performed services once a fortnight, either in the morning. afternoon or night.

Bunker's Hill, Berkeley-C. C. Taliaferro, Rector. Communi- cants 26; funerals 2; marriages 2.

Point Pleasant, Mason County-J. B. Goodwin, Missionary.

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Communicants, added 11, total 14; baptisms, adults 4, in- fants, white 5; marriages 7; funerals 4.

A parish has been organized in Mercer's Bottom, and $400 subscribed towards building a church. A beautiful site has been selected, and it is expected that the building will be so far advanced before winter, that it can be used for preaching. Four hundred and thirty dollars have also been subscribed for building a church in Gallipolis. We have received an excellent Sunday school library of 100 volumes from friends belonging to Grace Church, Providence, R. I.

St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling-Wm. Armstrong, Rector. Baptisms, infants 15; communicants 87; marriages 8; deaths 6.

St. John's Church, Kanawha Parish-James Craik, Rector. Communicants, added 3, one from another parish, removed 1, withdrawn 1, total 25; baptisms, infants 10; funerals 1; fam- ilies 27, adults 60, infants 55. Collections for miscellaneous purposes, $27.00. Subscription to build a church in the Kan- awha Salines, $2,000.

Trinity Church. Shepherdstown-J. H. Morrison, Rector. Communicants, added 2, from the diocese of Maryland. died 2, total 36; baptisms, white, infants 3, colored 6; marriages 1 (of colored persons); funerals 2. Amount collected for different institutions connected with the church, $185.

The Rector sees little to encourage him in the portion of his field of labor belonging to the Virginia diocese. Half of his time is still devoted to a parish in the diocese of Maryland. His church edifice in Virginia is at present in process of being enlarged and in other respects greatly improved, at the cost of something upwards of $2,200. Owing to the pressing demand for the means of carrying on this work, he has not felt himself at liberty, to urge on his congre- gation the duty of contributing to other objects. He has been prevented by ill health from preaching for more than three months past. Agreeably to a resolution of the conven- tion, he would assign as the reason for not attending its last meeting the insufficiency of his resources.

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

Zion Church, St. Andrew's Parish. Jefferson-Alexander Jones, Rector. Communicants, added 18, removed 1, died 2, present number 81; baptisms, white, infants 11, colored 5; confirmations 12; marriages 8; funerals 9. Amount expended for objects not connected with the parish, $285. The Rector reports with unfeigned gratitude, the abounding liberality of his people, in kindly and considerately administering to his necessities, and also in purchasing for him a neat and commo- dious parsonage. They have likewise bought a new and ex- cellent organ. the old organ, though a good one, being found to be too small, and have also expended much, not only in rendering the house of God more comfortable but handsome and appropriate for his worship. Amount expended for ob- jects connected with the parish, $2,700. He also reports that on every other Sunday he preaches in Smithfield in the after- noon, where there are a few devout persons zealously attach- ed to the church, and where he hopes soon to have a neat building erected for the worship of God.

Convention of 1842. Staunton, Va., May 18.

Bishop Meade presided.

Clergy in West Virginia:

Revs. William Armstrong, St. Matthew's, Wheeling; James Craik. Kanawha Parish, Kanawha C. H .; James Goodwin, Point Pleasant, Mason county; J. H. Harrison, Wellsburg, Brooke County; Alexander Jones, St. Andrew's Parish. Charlestown; James H. McMechen, Clarksburg, Harrison County.

Present. Rev. Mr. Jones.

Bishop Meade, in his address, says: "Early in April, I set out on the journey which has ended at this place. On the first Sunday I preached in Zion Church, Hampshire County, where only a very few of the small congregation, gathered there many years since, now remain. These few seemed glad once more to unite in a worship, which is very grateful to their hearts. Crossing the mountains I proceeded to Clarksburg, where I was pleased to find that the Rev. Mr. McMechen had established a female seminary, adapting one department of

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the building to public worship, where service is performed each Sabbath, for those who are partial to our church. I baptized one adult and several children, and confirmed three while there, besides preaching repeatedly and administering the Communion. Could a missionary of suitable character unite his labors with those of Mr. McMechen, who must neces- sarily be much occupied with his school, it is believed that a door is now opened in that place, and several others in coun- ties around, for laying the foundation of Episcopal Churches, which might gradually be built up with the general improve- ment of the country. A portion of his support will at once be contributed by friends in Western Virginia. From Clarks- burg I went towards Morgantown, stopping a short time at the house of Mrs. Watson, abont ten miles from Morgantown. In this neighborhood are some families which could easily be formed into a small church, which might, by God's blessing, be enlarged in time to come. I baptized several children and confirmed one person in this place. At Morgantown I was un- able through indisposition of body to preach as was expected, but baptized a number of children, most of them colored ones, being the property of a kind Christian master, who feels for their souls, as well as provides for their bodies. I should be glad to see many others follow his example, and act as spon- sors for the little ones born in their houses. My next ser- vices were in St. John's Church in the neighborhood of Wells- burg, where I preached and confirmed three persons. The following day I consecrated a very neat brick church in Wellsburg, which was chiefly built by the zeal and liberality of one family. I also confirmed eight persons in the same.

After spending two days in Wellsburg I went to Wheeling, where in conjunction with some brethren from Virginia and Ohio, five days were spent in continuous religious exercises. On the Sabbath fifty-five persons were confirmed, and admit- ted immediately after to the Lord's table.

From Wheeling I proceeded, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong to Parkersburg. This place has increased of late years beyond all others in Western Virginia. Many excellent

IN WEST VIRGINIA.

and handsome honses have been built on its beautiful sites. and among them two houses of worship. There was, however, none to consecrate, according to the forms of our church, as I had hoped when I last visited it. There is still, I think, an opening here, and in the adjoining county, for the successful operation of a suitable, faithful and zealous minister.

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A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 8

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