A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 9

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After spending two days in Parkersburg I proceeded to Point Pleasant, where the Rev. Mr. Goodwin officiates as mis- sionary. Here I spent three days in religious services, aided by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong, of Wheeling, and Mr. Craik, of Kanawha. Eight persons were confirmed on the occasion, and some baptisms administered. I had hoped to have been called upon to consecrate a new church about twelve miles from Point Pleasant, but it was not ready for that ceremony.

On my way from Point Pleasant to Coalsmouth I stopped for a short time at a little village on the Kanawha, where Mr. Armstrong preached, and I administered the rite of confirma- tion to two persons. After this I spent one week with our friends at Coalsmouth, Charleston and the Salines, at the latter of which places a neat brick church was almost ready for consecration. During our exercises twenty-five persons were confirmed, and a number of adults baptized.

Thus ended my labors in Western Virginia, concerning which portion of the Diocese I would remark that it becomes each year a more proper subject for the operation of the Do- mestic Missionary Society of the church in Virginia. Although I dare not promise great immediate results from missionary labors judiciously distributed over this mountainous, but rich and interesting region, yet it is highly proper that the church, in its efforts for its religious improvement, should keep pace with that spirit of enterprise which now seems to animate the citizen of Western Virginia in other things, and which bids fair to render it one day a very important part of our State and country. Two or three missionaries might now be well employed in places which have hitherto received but little attention.

Having concluded my notices of Western Virginia. I feel

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it to be an act of justice to my brethren, the clergy of that portion of the diocese, to notice a circumstance which has ob- tained publicity through some of our religious papers, in such a way, as to make a false impression as to their participa- tion in the same. I allude to the proposition for the formation of a new diocese out of parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and for which it has been stated the clergy of Western Vir- ginia are particularly desirous. The fact, as stated to me by the worthy brother, who first made the suggestion, is simply this: On meeting with a Presbyter of Pennsylvania dur- ing the last summer, he mentioned the subject, not having consulted with any one of the other four who compose the clergy of Western Virginia. The suggestion being well re- ceived. a time was proposed for a meeting of the clergy to take the matter into consideration; when it was insisted upon by the brethren of Virginia that it should be held at a time when I was expected in Wheeling, so that the consnl- tation might be in my presence. At a subsequent time, it was proposed by the same that the laity should be invited to attend. Only two others of the clergy of Western Virginia had ever heard of the proposition, until they saw it announc- ed in the public papers. All of these are however, now well satisfied that any plan which would disjoin Western from Eastern Virginia, would be highly injurious to the former.

My chief reason for adverting to this, is the desire to do away with the impression which the publication referred to is calculated to make, that on the part of the clergy of West- ern Virginia, there was a want of due consideration for the Episcopal office, in not conferring with me on the subject. Even, if it were wrong to consider such a matter without the previous consent of the Bishop, (which I am far from main- taining) in this case the worthy brother, who begs to be con- sidered alone responsible among the clergy, of Western Vir- ginia, for what was meditated, resolved that nothing should be wanting in the way of due regard to myself and office."

On February 20, a motion was made looking to a division of the Diocese, on account of extent of territory and the num-

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ber of the churches. After short discussions it was laid on the table. The same day Bishop Meade asked for an assist- ant, and on Saturday 21, Dr. John JJohns, of Maryland, was elected, receiving 43 out of 49 clerical votes, and 25 out of 33 lay votes.

Contributions to contingent fund: Clarksburg (by Bishop M.) $7; Hampshire (do) $2; Kanawha Parish (do) $27.75; Mor- gantown (do) $25; Parkersburg (do) $10; St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling. (do) $35; Trinity Church, Shepherdstown, $10; Zion Church, St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson, $41.

Parishes delinquent: Bunker Hill, Berkeley, $13; Point Pleasant, Mason county, $4.50; Norborne, Berkeley. $55.50: St. Matthew's, Wheeling, $8.50; Trinity Church, Shepherds- town, $12.

Missionary Appropriations: Rev. JJ. B. Goodwin, of Point Pleasant, $200; Rev. Joshua H. Harrison, Wellsburg, $200.

Parochial Reports:

Clarksburg, Harrison County-James H. MeMechen, Rector. Communicants, 5; baptisms, adults 1, infants 8; confirma- tions 3; marriages 3.

St. Andrew's Parish, Zion Church, Jefferson County-Alex- ander Jones, Rector. Communicants added, 3; present num- ber, 82; baptisms infants, white 14; colored 10; marriages 5; funerals 8. Contributions to benevolent objects, $400.

St. Mark's Parish, Bangor Church, and Kanawha Parish, St. John's Church-J. Craik, Rector. Communicants added 22; died, 1; total 59; baptisms adults, white 8; infants, white 14; colored 1; confirmations 25; marriages 3; funerals 7; fami- lies 46; adults 122; children 135.

In addition to these two organized parishes, the rector has charge of a congregation in the Kanawha Salines, and there- fore combines the whole in one view. The building at the Ka- nawha Salines, for which in May last $2,000 was reported as having been subscribed is nearly completed and will cost $3,300. A part of the sum not then subscribed has been pro- vided, and the effort to complete the building absorbs all our resources.

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St. John's Church and Christ Church, Wellsburg, Brooke County-J. H. Harrison, Rector.

St. John's Church-Communicants died 1; added 1; total be- tween 30 and 40; baptisms, infants 8; adults 1; confirmations 3; marriages 2; funerals 5.

Christ Church, Wellsburg-This church was opened for di- vine services the 6th June, 1841, and has since been opened for worship once in two weeks. Communicants added 4; died 1; total 20; baptisms, infants 10; adults 3; confirmations S; marriages 2; funerals 2.

Report of James B. Goodwin, Missionary at Point Pleasant and Mercer's Bottom, Mason County-Communicants added 5; removed 1; died 1; total 19; baptisms, adults 2; infants 9; marriages 4; confirmations 12. Four or five candidates for confirmation were unavoidably absent when the rite was ad- ministered. One third of my time the past year has been di- vided between Gallipolis and Pomeroy, Ohio.

The church in this place is daily gaining strength, increas- ing we think, not only in numbers, but in the spirituality and zeal of its members.

James Chisholm, at Present Officiating in Berkeley County, Ta. respectfully reports, that for several months of the past year, his ministerial labors were devoted to the colored population of three or four contiguous plantations in Albemarle. It was my custom to hold two services each Sunday, at different preaching stations and to accompany these services by oral catechism. I have no occasional offices to report in connec- tion with this sphere of labor.

Convention of 1843. Richmond, Va., May 17.

Bishop Meade presided.

Present from West Virginia: Rev. Messrs. Armstrong and Chisholm.

Missionary Appropriations: Rev. Joshua H. Harrison, Wellsburg, $200; Rev. A. Wheeler, (Springfield, Jefferson county, Ohio); Jackson county, $150. Rev. J. B. Goodwin, Point Pleasant, $100.

REV. EDMUND T. PERKINS, D. D., 1848.

REV. RICHARD T. BROWN, 1846.

RT. REV. FRANCIS MON. WHITTLE, D. D., 1847.

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Contributions to Missionary fund: Cash from Mrs. Mary Jackson, for church in Wellsburg $5.

Contributions to contingent fund: Kanawha and St. Mark's Parish, Kanawha, $47; Trinity Church, Shepherdstiwn, $36; St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling, $75.

Parochial Reports:

St. John's and St. Luke's Churches, Kanawha Parish and Bangor and St. John's in the Valley, St. Mark's Parish-James Craik Rector. Communicants added, 13; removed 1; died 1; withdrawn 1; total 68; baptisms, adults 3; infants, white 27; colored 3; total 33; confirmations, none; marriages 2: funer- als 4; families, about 50; adults, about 150; infants about 150. Amount collected for the different institutions connected with the church $25.00.

We reported something under this head last year but the Secretary or publisher of the Journal has omitted to state it. We cannot do much, but do not like to be published as alto- gether unmindful of our obligations.

A part of the ground included in the above report is mis- sionary, and I am happy to say that if the poor had nearly failed out of our churches, as was most sadly true, they are beginning, in one portion of this field to return. On this ac- count I have not attempted at one of these points, to collect the conventional fund, or in any way to speak of pecuniary contributions.

Norborne Parish, Berkeley County-Churches, Mt. Zion, Hedgesville and Trinity, Martinsburg, James Chisholm, Rec- tor. Communicants added 9; removed 6; died 1; total 94 (of which 2 added from other parishes); baptisms, adults, white 2; infants. S white, and 2 colored; confirmations none; mar- riages 5; funerals 2. Number of families about 70; adults 200; infants 150. Amount collected for institutions connect- ed with the church $40, for other benevolent purposes $16.

Remarks-There are in the parish three Church Sunday schools, containing together 100 pupils, and served by 20 teachers. In one of the schools there are classes of young colored catechumens who are orally taught. By the aid of a

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devoted Lay Reader, the Rector is able to maintain constant service within the parish, ten miles distant from either of the two parish Churches. It is expected that the congrega- tion at Martinsburg, which has been sometime without a stated place of worship, will during the summer enter their new church. In Mount Zion Church, divine service is per- formed for colored congregations, in the afternoon of every communion day.

Trinity Church, Shepherdstown-C. W. Andrews, Rector. Communicants added 3; died 1; total 36; baptisms, infants, 1; families 35; parts of families 10; parish library of 100 vol- umes. Amount collected since December for different insti- tutions connected with the church $225.64.

The Rector took charge of this parish in November last, and thinks it, although small, an interesting and promising field of labor. During the past year the congregation have erect- ed a new church edifice, which they have furnished with an organ, bell and clock, and they are out of debt.

St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling-Wm. Armstrong, Rector. Communicants 100; baptisms, adults 5; infants 20; marriages 8; funerals 8; Sunday school, 100 children, 18 teachers. The rector has nothing of special interest to report concerning the spiritual condition of his congregation. In common with many of the churches throughout the West, our means for rendering assistance to the benevolent institutions of the church have been seriously affected. The offerings of this congregation, however, though less in amount, are now as much, if not more in proportion to the means of his people, than when times were considered favorable.

St. John's Brooke County-J. H. Harrison, Rector. Commu- nirants added 3; total, 33. Burials, infants 2.

Christ Church, Wellsburg- J. H. Harrison, Rector. Commu- nicants 2 added and 2 deceased, total 18; marriages 4; burials 2 adults; 1 infant; baptisms 1 infant.

My time has been equally divided during the past year be- tween the parish of St. John's, in the center of the county, and the parish of Christ Church, Wellsburg, with the exception

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of four Sundays, two of which were spent in the parishes in Ohio.

Convention of 1844. Lynchburg, Va., May 15.

Bishop Meade presided.

Dr. S. H. Tucker, lay delegate from St. Andrew's Parish, the sole representative from West Virginia.

Bishop Meade in his address mentions visiting Jefferson and Berkeley counties, but does not give details.

Bishop Johns in his address says: The 16th, 17th and 18th of October (1843) were passed, day and night, in the stages be- tween Staunton and Charleston, Kanawha. On this journey and as far as Point Pleasant, I was accompanied by the Rev. Mr. MeElroy, to whom, as well as to the Rev. Mr. Craik, I was indebted for much important aid.

October 19. Preached at Charleston. October 20. Conse- crated St. Luke's Church, at the Salines and preached. Also at night and the next morning, after the Rev. Mr. McElroy. October 21. Preached at night at Charleston. October 22. Preached and confirmed five persons at Charleston, and again at night confirmed two. October 23. Preached at Coals- mouth. October 24. Preached at St. John's in the Valley and confirmed ten.

This place is designated by a beautiful name. The congre- gation is one of great interest. Though the building, which they occupy is of the humblest pretensions, yet it is most happily changed from its original use. It is only recently that the Church has been introduced into this neighborhood, through the voluntary missionary efforts of the Rev. Mr. Craik, who has indeed been doing the work of an evangelist throughout that region. The building to which I have allud- ed was once a distillery, and is now commonly called "Still House Chapel." Its former apparatus of death has, of course, been dislodged, and a floor having been laid, and a rough chancel and benches provided, it is converted into a dispensa- ry of the waters of life. Here, under a roof by no means im- pervious to wind and rain, quite a large congregation of plain

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people assemble to join in the simple, solemn services, and re- ceive the evangelical instructions of our venerable Church. So recently have most of the persons attending, become pos- sessed of a prayer book, that in conducting public worship, the Rector still deemed it expedient to aid them, by naming as he proceeded, the page of the particular portion about to be used. With this assistance, the whole service was en- gaged in by old and young with an appearance of devotion and fullness of response which I shall long remember. The Rector was expecting as his associate here and at Coalsmouth, the Rev. Mr. West, an aged servant of Christ, but still animated with youthful zeal in his Master's cause. He was then de- tained by sickness at Ravenswood. I may mention that it is in contemplation to erect a suitable house of worship for the use of this congregation, and as their own means are limited, I beg leave to commend their case to Christians elsewhere as one that has peculiar claims on their liberality. October 25. At Buffalo, after a sermon by the Rev. Mr. McElroy, I address- ed the congregation, and confirmed two persons. October 26. At Point Pleasant addressed the congregation at night, after a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Craik. October 27. This was the day appointed for consecrating the Church at Mercer's Bot- tom, eight miles below Point Pleasant, and near the Ohio river. The snow which fell during the night rendered trav- eling rather difficult. But accompanied by the Rev. Messrs. McElroy, Craik and J. Goodwin, missionary at this station, we reached the place in time. The state of the roads and the weather prevented many from attending. The building which is of brick, neatly finished, and located on a mound in the midst of a grove, I consecrated by the name of Bruce Chapel, a name selected by the minister and vestry, as an expression of gratitude for the liberal assistance received from Mrs. and the Misses Bruce, of Halifax, to whose generous contri- butions not a few of our feeble congregations are indebted for their ability to complete their respective houses of wor- ship. In this chapel I preached and confirmed four persons. After the services we became the guests of General Steinber-

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gen, and were refreshed by the kind attention of his hospita- ble family, with whom we tarried until the next day at noon, and then returned to Point Pleasant. October 28. I ad- dressed the congregation at Point Pleasant, at night, after a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Craik. October 29. I preached at Point Pleasant in the morning. In the afternoon addressed a meeting, convened by the Rev. Mr. McElroy, the agent of the Bible Society of Virginia. And again at night, I address- ed the congregation after a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Craik. October 30. Took a boat for Ravenswood, reached it the same night. October 31. Preached at Ravenswood in a pri- vate house, and confirmed two persons.

I here met with the Rev. Mr. West, who on his way to his missionary field at Teays Valley, had been arrested by a dis- ease, which threatened a termination of his labors. For several weeks he was detained at Ravenswood, under the roof of Mr. Quarrier, who with the several members of his family, performed the part of the Good Samaritan towards this aged and suffering servant of Christ, ministering to his wants, and alleviating his affliction with a delicate and un- tiring attention, which calls for our grateful acknowledgment. In this whole county, there is not, as I was informed, a single house for public worship belonging to any denomination. Our friends at Ravenswood design attempting the erection of a small and unpretending church. I trust they will not be dis- couraged, for a knowledge of the necessities of that region, must ensure aid from the more favored sections of the Dio- cese. November 1. Accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Craik, I reached Parkersburg at three o'clock in the morning. It was my intention to have spent two days at this place and then pass to Clarksburg and Weston. The arrangement of the stages, however, rendered this impracticable, except by in- terfering with other appointments; and as the brethren with whom I conferred concurred in opinion with the Rev. Mr. T. Smith, the missionary at those places, I concluded to relin- quish my visit to the interior and give the time to Parkers- burg. I am happy to know that my unavoidable failure,

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which I then much regretted, will secure for Clarksburg and Weston an earlier visit from Bishop Meade.

At Parkersburg, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Craik, and the Rev. Mr. Smith, we conducted religious services twice a day on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd, of November. November 3rd. I baptized two infants. November 4th. Before morning ser- vice I confirmed in private a sick person. At eleven, I preached and confirmed six persons, and united in the admin- istration of the Lord's Supper. We have no house of worship in this place, but were cheerfully accommodated by our Pres- byterian and Methodist brethren. The prospects of our mis- sionary here are certainly encouraging; and from the inter- est manifested in our services, I shall be disappointed if Parkersburg does not soon furnish a congregation respecta- ble in numbers, and possess a Church corresponding with its local importance. The enterprising missionary, associates with his official duties the superintendence of a female acad- emy just established, and which, if sustained as it should be, must exert an extensive influence for good. November 4th. At the solicitation of the Rector and certain members of the congregation in Marietta, Ohio, I crossed the river and preached in their Church at night, hoping that this incon- siderable service will be more than repaid to us by my Right Rev. Brother of Ohio in his visitations along the border of his Diocese. November 5th. Took a boat at Marietta, and reached Wheeling next morning at 6 o'clock. The same day, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong, I proceeded to Wellsburg, Brooke county. November 7th. In the morning preached in Wellsburg and confirmed three persons. Preach- ed again at night. November 8th. A violent cold, contracted by exposure on my ride to Wellsburg, confined me to the house, and prevented me from meeting my appointment in the vicinity at St. John's. The services, however, were con- ducted by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong and the Rev. Mr. Harri- son, Rector of the Parish. November 12th. Preached twice in St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling and confirmed eighteen.

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The Diocesan Missionary Society reports appropriations:

To the Rev. Mr. Goodwin at Point Pleasant $200, of which $50 were for the previous year's services. To the Rev. Thom- as Smith at Parkersburg $200, and also $50 for the purpose of making a tour of exploration. To the Rev. Mr. Harrison at Wellsburg $200; to the Rev. Mr. Wheeler in Jackson coun- ty, $150. To the Rev. Mr. West in Kanawha, $150. The com- mittee says: The western part of the Diocese, where all our missionaries are actively employed, is an exceedingly impor- tant part and demands now faithful and nurturing care. The present time, if enibraced, will enable us to plant the Church there; which in a little time will not only sustain itself, but repay with interest our present fostering care.

Contributions to Diocesan missions, through Bishop Johns, Kanawha county, $21.50; St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling, $30.00.

Payments to Contingent fund from Diocese $4,310.72. of which from West Virginia: Trinity Church, Shepherdstown, $40; St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling, $75; St. John's and St. Mark's Churches, Kanawha, $36; St. Andrew's Parish, Zion Church, $86.50.

Returned as delinquent: Norborne Parish, Berkeley coun- ty, $94; Church at Parkersburg, $18; Church at Clarksburg, $7: Weston Church, $6.

Balance dne from parishes: Trinity Church, Shepherds- town, $19; St. John's and St. Mark's Churches, Kanawha, for 1843, $12, for 1844, $32.

Parishes delinquent for 1843: Christ Church, Clarksburg, $5: Norborne Parish, Berkeley county, $94; St. John's Church, Brooke county, $20.

Parishes which have made no report to this Convention: Christ and St. John's Churches, Brooke county; St. Andrew's Parish, Zion Church, Jefferson county.

Parochial Reports :

Report of James Craik, Rector of St. John's and St. Luke's Churches, Kanawha Parish, Kanawha County, May 10, 1844- Communieants added 13: removed 10; suspended 1; with-

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drawn 1; total 36; baptisms, white adults 4; infants 11; con- firmations 19; marriages 3; funerals 5; number of families about 26; individuals connected therewith, about 80. Amount collected for the different institutions connected with the church $54.

At the date of the last report St. Mark's Parish (St. Al- bans) constituted a part of my charge, and was included in the report. That connection continued until last fall, when it was dissolved by the happy circumstance that the parish was enabled to secure the services of the Rev. Mr. West as rector.

Report of Rev. James Chisholm, Rector of Norborne Parish, Berkeley County, (Churches, Mt. Zion, Hedgesville and Trinity, Martinsburg)-Communicants added 7; removed 4; died 3; suspended 2; total 94; baptisms, adults 3, viz. white 2, colored 1; infants 25, viz. white 20, colored 5; total 28. Confirmations 10; marriages 4; funerals 13. Amount collected for the differ- ent institutions connected with the church: for the Educa- tion society $25; other contributions $57.50; total $82.50.

Trinity Church, Shepherdstown-C. W. Andrews, Rector. Communicants added 27; removed 2; total 59; baptisms, adults 3, infants 18; marriages 7; funerals 3; number of fam- ilies 42; parts of families 8. Amount collected for different institutions connected with the church $350, including im- provements upon the church building $550. The memory of the past year will be precious to many connected with this Church.

Report of Rev. Thomas Smith, Parkersburg-Communicants added 14; removed 1; died 1; total 18. Baptisms, adults, white 3; infants, white 24; confirmations 7; marriages 5; funerals 3.

Clarksburg-Communicants 7; baptisms, infants 7.

Weston Church-Communicants added 3; total 6.

My duties at Parkersburg and vicinity are important, en- grossing and encouraging. Our church is contracted for, and we hope to have it enclosed this summer, and with assistance from abroad to have the interior finished. Our Female Sem- inary has opened its second term with more encouraging

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prospects than heretofore. It is likely, though now expensive, after awhile to be productive. It bids fair to be of command- ing influence for the church. This parish was only organized 17th July, 1843, since which I have baptized 24 infants and 3 adults; married 5; buried 3. I found 4 communicants and have admitted 14; removed 1; death 1; confirmed 7.

Convention of 1845. Fredericksburg, Va., May 21.

The assistant Bishop presided.

West Virginia clergy present :

Rev. C. W. Andrews, Trinity Church, Shepherdstown; Rev. W. H. Good, Middleway, Jefferson county; Rev. Alex. Jones, D. D., Charlestown, Jefferson county; Rev. Thomas Smith, Missionary, Parkersburg,

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A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 9

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