A History of Methodism in Rockbridge County, Virginia, by Albert M. Cupp; Chapters 1 - 10 Scanned and transcribed by Bill Johnson and submitted for use in the USGenWeb Archives ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** PREFACE I was born December 24, 1866, three and one-half miles northeast of Fairfield, Virginia, on my father's farm. I joined Emory Methodist Church at Vesuvius when I was eleven years old. After receiving my education in the Rockbridge County schools, I attended Dunsmore Business College in Staunton, Virginia, graduating from that school in 1890. I followed farming as a means of livelihood, and have always been proud that I am a Methodist. On April 28, 1892, I married Miss Ellen M. Senseney in Trinity Methodist Church, Lexington, Virginia, the officiating minister being the Rev. F. J. Prettyman. In March, 1901, I located on my present farm and joined Wesley Chapel. Rev. Robert E. Abbott, while pastor in 1951, asked me to write a history of Wesley Chapel, and in 1955 my District Superintendent, Dr. J. W. Myers, asked me to write the history of Methodism in Rockbridge County Not realizing what a fathomless task I had undertaken, with eighteen churches and preaching places, which by 1847 were divided north and south, I have done the best I could with the aid of old church records, old Bible records, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, gravestones, and records in the clerk's office. All these pieced together have made some very interesting history and, although it may not be complete, it gives a vivid picture of the Methodist Church during the past one hundred seventy-four years. Some of the most outstanding laymen of the Methodist Church of Rockbridge County were: Howell G. Humphries, John Hamilton, John Burgess, Stuart Taylor, Mathew Bryan, George Hite, John Saville, Edward Bryan, D. Q. Stokley, James Dorsey, William Cummins, John Linksinbery, Fred Allbright, John Shelton, Cyrus Hyde, John Ruff, James Matheny, William Burks, Jefferson C. Deacon, John Letcher, Governor of Virginia (War between the States 1861-64), Samuel Vanderslice, James M. Senseney and many others. So this is my story, behind the story. I ask you to go back in imagination to the days of our forefathers and to their places of worship. Yours Cordially, Albert M. Cupp INTRODUCTION Allegheny Circuit, first on the Minutes in 1783, comprised all the territory lying west of the Blue Ridge and stretching northward to the headwaters of the Potomac, and embraced Greenbrier County. In 1783, Francis Poythress and Benjamin Roberts were assigned to Allegheny Circuit, Greenbrier District, Virginia Conference. The Virginia Conference met at Rehoboth Church May 22,1792, Bishop Asbury presiding. Stith Mead, Hope Hull, Philip Cox, Jeremiah Abel, Salathiel Weeks, John Lindsey, Bennett Maxey, John Metcalf, John Cobler, James Ward, and Samuel Mitchell were all young men just coming into the Conference. Botetourt Circuit, formed 1790, and Allegheny Circuit were so closely allied in the movements of Methodism that in the frequently shifting relations they sustained to the general work, they always went together. In Botetourt, as well as in Allegheny and Rockbridge County, the planting was mainly through the agency of the local preachers. In 1779 Henry Ogburn and others conducted wonderful Camp Meetings in Botetourt and Allegheny when five hundred were converted. Very evidently Methodism was planted in Rockbridge County through the back door, from the south and west, by the very humble and poor people. Very bitter opposition existed to Methodism among the wealthy and refined. In 1806 Noah Fidler was the first to preach at Staunton, Virginia, in Mr. Eagan's blacksmith shop, using the anvil block to stand on. This was given the name of Gospel Hill, which name it bears today. The Walkers Creek Circuit was formed in 1815, embracing Augusta and Rockbridge Counties, with such appointments as Gospel Hill at Staunton, Bryans Furnace at Vesuvius, Shaws Bottom on Walkers Creek, Lamberts Meeting House at Rockbridge Baths, The Log Cabin Meeting House on North Buffalo and Lexington. Many of these men were highly educated, but counted it a privilege to endure hardship and privation for Christ's sake. Their physical endurance and faithfulness became proverbial, for on cold, stormy winter days people would say, "There's nothing out today but crows and Methodist preachers." DEDICATION This book is dedicated to the noble and self- sacrificing ministers and laymen who, in early years, planted Methodism so successfully in Rockbridge County, and to the ones at present carrying forward the banner of Jesus Christ. America My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died! Land of the pilgrims' pride! From ev'ry mountain side, Let freedom ring! My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love. I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills, Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song. Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright, With freedom's holy light; protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King! S. F. SMITH. INDEX TO NAMES OF THE CHURCHES No. I Lexington Trinity Methodist No. II Ebenezer Methodist (Lamberts Meeting House) No. III Goshen Methodist No. IV Fairfielc No. V Emory Chapel (Bryans Furnace) No. VI South Mountain No. VII Raphine No. VIII Marvin (Whites Gap) No. IX Collierstown No. X Elliotts Hill No. XI Mt. Horeb (Pullens) (Log Cabin Meeting House) No. XII Rapp's School House No. XIII Mt. Moreland No. XIV Wesley Chapel No. XV Mt. Zion No. XVI Buena Vista St. John's No. XVII Beth-Horan (Natural Bridge) No. XVIII House Mountain No. XIX Roaring Run No. XX Evangelical Methodist Church No. XXI Randolph Street Methodist Church LEXINGTON METHODIST CHURCH In 1782, Dr. William Graham took over Liberty Hall Academy and moved from Timber Ridge to a hilltop overlooking the frontier village of Lexington. This school building was destroyed by fire. In 1793 a stone building was erected. The contractor and builder was William Cravens of Rockingham County, a professional stonemason and a local Methodist preacher. William Cravens, born 1766, long and extensively known as Billy Cravens, was a zealous and powerful local preacher, rude in speech and uncultured in manner, yet instrumental in the conversion of multitudes in the Valley of Virginia. The Reverend Cravens availed himself of every opportunity to preach, and the home of John Burgess was his first regular preaching place. Here a Methodist society was organized. In 1816 the Methodists purchased a piece of land on the east side of Randolph Street from Henry and Elizabeth McClung. Trustees were: Mr. Wright, John Burgess, James Peoples, John Sheltman, and Jacob Tyler. On this lot was built a small frame church. We have no record of how long the Reverend Cravens lived in Lexington. Records show that he moved to Indiana in 1820. It is believed he lived in Lexington up to that time and preached at the Randolph Street Church. In 1832 the Lexington Circuit was formed with Joseph Spriggs, preacher, in charge. The Circuit was composed of Meeting Houses at Lexington, Shaws Bottom, Lamberts, The Log Cabin on North Buffalo, built by Elijah Vansandt in 1794, Roaring Run, in Botetourt County, and Bryans Furnace, built in 1808 at Vesuvius. Other preaching places, such as Kerrs Creek, Colliers Creek, South Buffalo, Broad Creek, Fairfield, South Mountain, and other homes, joined the circuit. The record shows that each appointment had preaching every two weeks and preaching every day in the week except Monday, which was rest day. The First Quarterly Conference for the Lexington Circuit was held at Lexington, May 12,1832. Charles B. Tippett was the Presiding Elder, with Joseph Spriggs, preacher in charge. Isaac Liggins, a Negro man, was licensed to exhort with a view of his migration to Liberia, Africa. Names of the stewards for the circuit were Cyrus Hyde, John Hamilton, and Edward Bryan. The first Methodist Sunday School in Rockbridge was organized in the Lexington Church in 1833 with fifty scholars and a fifty-volume library, reported to be in a flourishing condition. Shaws Bottom Church was supposed to be the first Methodist Church built in Rockbridge County. This was located about two miles north of Rockbridge Baths, on the west side of Walkers Creek and was named after Mathew Shaw. One of the old pioneer preachers (name not available) took ill while conducting a meeting. He made a request that, should he die, he wished to be buried under the pulpit. This request was complied with. The church became so haunted that no one would go there after dark. At the Fourth Quarterly Conference held in Lexington, March 2, 1833, C. B. Tippett, Presiding Elder, and Wm. B. Edwards, preacher in charge, appointed John Hamilton, James Matheny, and Cyrus Hyde, a committee with authority to sell the Methodist Meeting House at Shaws Bottom together with the ground, and report at the next meeting. No Report. The story of the pioneer preacher was told to me in my younger days by S. F. Drawbond, whose wife was Nanny Shaw, daughter of Mathew Shaw. Names of stewards for the Circuit for the Conference year of 1835 were Edward Bryan, D. 9. Starkley, James Dorsey, John Hamilton, John Burgess, William Cummins, John Linksinbery, James Dowell, Fred Allbright, and John Sheltman. The leaders were Joseph Lambert, Fred Painter, William Echard, Stuart Taylor, Robert W. Sherard, Howell G. Humphreys, and William L. Burks. In 1835 Wesley Chapel and Mt. Zion Churches were built and added to the Lexington Circuit. Names of young men who have been licensed to preach from the several appointments of the Lexington Circuit are William Hay and Isaac Liggins, both Negro men; John A. Porter, from Lexington; James Bishop, from Roaring Run, Stuart Taylor, William Taylor, and Charles A. Reid (these last three from Lamberts Meeting House); William Taylor (Bishop); William Hamilton, and William Krebbs, both from Wesley Chapel. Report of the Sunday School for the Conference year 1843: Ebenezer 6 Teachers 39 Scholars Buffalo 7 " 30 " Kerrs Creek 7 " Wesley Chapel 6 " 65 " Mt. Zion 6 " 40 " Lexington 11 " 76 " Fairfield 7 " 54 " Bryans Furnace 8 " 27 " Pullins 3 " 21 " About this time the small frame church in Lexington was replaced with a large brick church. In 1841 the Lexington Circuit purchased their first parsonage from William Chapiee for the sum of $1,000.00, payable in three equal installments-January 1, 1842, 1843, and 1844. At the Fourth Quarterly Conference, in the year 1846, it was shown that the sum of $200.00 was unpaid on the parsonage and a committee was appointed to sell said parsonage to straighten up the affairs. In 1849 the Lexington Circuit was divided into four Circuits, namely: Fairfield Circuit, composed of Fairfield, Whites Gap (Marvin), Emory Chapel and South Mountain. Ebenezer Circuit - Brownsburg. Wesley Chapel Circuit, composed of Wesley Chapel, Mt. Zion, Natural Bridge and Elliotts Hill (in the home of John Savill). Lexington Circuit, composed of Lexington, Collierstown, and South Buffalo. Lexington was made a station in 1854. A Financial Account of the Lexington Circuit of 1848 and 1849: Lexington Paid $150.04 Assessed $175.00 Wesley Chapel " 65.70 " 102.26 Mt. Zion " 20.30 " 25.00 Colliers Creek " 15.00 " 15.00 Emory Chapel " 63.00 " 63.00 Fairfield " 71.39 " 75.00 South Mountain " 18.02 " 18.00 Whites Gap " 20.34 " 20.00 Kerrs Creek " 7.00 " 7.00 House Mountain " 8.28 " 16.00 Ebenezer " 104.64 " 116.00 Natural Bridge No Report Brownsburg " 22.25 " 25.00 South Buffalo " 8.49 " 10.00 North Buffalo " 4.90 " 5.00 ________ _______ $559.35 $681.26 121.91 short Divided as follows: B. N. Brown P. E. $ 45.00 Samuel Regester P. C. 407.61 O.P. Wirgman J. P. 106.74 The General Conference met in New York, May 1, 1844, and worked out an honorable and peaceful plan of separation between the North and South over slavery, yet many churches kept up a continual quarreling among themselves until it was more of an inferno than a church. Mr. Samuel Vanderslice said he was tired of the continual quarreling, that he had no place to go, but wanted peace, and anyone who wanted to join with him, to do so. He walked out of the church and every person followed him except four young men by the names of James and Harvey Senseney, Frank Rhodes, and James Kirkpatric. This group of Methodists used the Court House for a church for nearly seven years before they were able to build a church of their own. It was known as the Methodist Episcopal Church South and was located on Jefferson Street, where the Co-op Store now stands. In order to raise funds to build a new church, Samuel Vanderslice told John Letcher (later known an Governor Letcher), "I will give as much as you will towards building a new church." John Letcher gave $1500.00. Samuel Vanderslice gave his home, which was all he had. Deed made the 6th day of July, 1853, by and between Samuel Vanderslice and Wife, party of the first part, to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of the town of Lexington, Virginia, namely: John W. Hamilton, Samuel Vanderslice, John Ruff, John G. Hamilton, Andrew A. Hamilton, James R. Saunders, William L. Burks, Robert G. Marshall, and Alfred Doglas. Due to the fine work of Dr. John S. Martin in 1864, the white members of the Randolph Street Church joined with their brethren on Jefferson Street in first turning the Randolph Street Church over to the Negroes. After thirty-five years of service the foundation of the Jefferson Street Church was found to be giving way and the church was condemned. The little group of Methodists of Jefferson Street Church worshiped in Franklin Hall for nearly two years while they were building a new church, on a new location on South Main Street, where the pesent Trinity Church now stands. On December 31, 1888, the following building committee was appointed: R. L. Northern, F. P. Rhodes, J. A. Jackson, J. W. Miley, William Netz, S. 0. Campbell, and Rev. A. M. Cackley. Deed made January 2, 1889, between R. K. Godwin, party of the first part, for the lot on South Main Street to the Trustees of the Lexington, Virginia, Methodist Episcopal Church South, namely: William A. Ruff, E. N. Boogher, James M. Senseney, F. P. Rhodes, S. T. Moreland, S.0. Campbell, R. L. Northern, and L. Wright. Mrs. John Middleton willed her home to the Methodist Church for a parsonage. This home adjoined the church on the north. Later, the house was sold and helped pay on the parsonage purchased on Preston Street. This deed was made December 1, 1896, between M. B. Campbell and S.0. Campbell, her husband, R. L. Hutton and Annie M. Hutton, his wife, to the Trustees of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church South, of Lexington, Virginia, namely: S. T. Moreland, R. L. Northern, F. P. Rhodes, E. N. Boogher, W. A. Ruff. L. Wright, J. M. Senseney, J. A. Jackson, and S.0. Campbell. Work was started on this lot just purchased to build a new church. The Corner Stone was laid August 21, 1890, by the Grand Lodge of Virginia Masons. Grand Master T. C. Craighill presided over the exercises. The following is a list of names and articles put into the copper box: The Building Committee of December 31, 1888, S. T. Moreland, Secretary; R. L. Northern, F. P. Rhodes, J. A. Jackson, J. W. Miley, William Netz, S.0. Campbell, and Rev. A. M. Cackley, Pastor. Architect, Benjamin B. Price; E. N. Boogher, of Lexington, Contractor and Builder. The Officials of the Church, S. T. Moreland, Recording Steward; Presiding Elder, Rev. P. H. Whisner D. D; Rev. A. M. Cackley P. C.; Exhorter R. I. Hillis. Stewards -- J. M. Senseney, F. P. Rhodes, J. A. Jackson, S. T. Moreland, R. L. Northern, S. 0. Campbell, E. A. Quisenbery, J. M. Henkle. Trustees-J. M. Senseney, F. P. Rhodes, L. Wright, E. N. Boogher, W. A. Ruff, S. T. Moreland, R. L. Northern, S. O. Campbell. Official Roll of the Sunday School -- S. T. Moreland, Superintendent; J. M. Senseney, Ass't. Supt.; E. N. Boogher, Secretary; W. R. Kennady, Ass't. Sec.; S. 0. Campbell, Treasurer; Samuel C. Charlton, Librarian; J. E. Deaver, Ass't Librarian. Teachers -- Rev. A. M. Cackley, R. I. Hillis, Miss Catherine Charlton, F. P. Rhodes, Miss Ella Kirkpatrick, Miss Lizzie Kirkpatrick, Miss Ellen Senseney, Prof. Charles S. Dod, Mrs. Sallie Pitzer, Miss E. K. Vanderslice, Miss Laura Crigler, and S. T. Moreland. The Ladies Sewing Society of the Church raised $6,472.50 towards building the new church. The roll reads as follows: Mrs. C. C. Burks, President; Mrs. F. P. Rhodes, Vice-President; Mrs. John Miley, Treasurer; Miss Kate Vanderslice, Secretary; Mrs. Wm. Netz, Mrs. S. 0. Campbell, Mrs. R. L. Northern, Mrs. C. C. Burks, Mrs. Sallie Pitzer, Mrs. S. C. Charlton, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. F. P. Rhodes, Mrs. George Offlighter, Mrs. Knighten, Mrs. Ann Robert- son, Mrs. J. E. Heck, Mrs. Tom Crigler, Mrs. J. A. Jackson, Mrs. David Land, Mrs. Wm. Humphreys, Mrs. E. A. Quisenberry, Mrs. John Easton, Mrs. John Miley, Mrs. George Baker, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Charles Bowman, Mrs. Tom Sale, Mrs. John Quisenberry, Mrs. Frank, Mrs. William Edwards, Mrs. Mat Pettigrew, Mrs. Maggie Robertson, Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Sarah Mohler, Mrs. Hilderbrand, Mrs. William Hartigan, Mrs. Wm. A. Rhoads, Mrs. Rice Miller, Mrs. Mary Mohler, Mrs. John Beard, Mrs. Margaret Humphrys, Mrs. Day, Miss Fannie Parker, Miss Ella Kirkpatrick, Miss Laura Crigler, Miss Sarah Charlton, Miss Lena Northern, Miss Allie Pettigrew, Miss Annie Pitzer, Miss Lutie Boogher, Miss Fannie Boley, Miss Lizzie Kirkpatrick, Miss Lillie Heck, Miss Kate Vanderslice, Miss Nettie Banker, Miss Minnie Deaver, Miss Mamie Deaver, Miss Maggie Rhodes, Miss Loula Charlton. Other lists of names put in the box included: Mayor, John W. Haughawout; Councilmen, J. L. Campbell, F. T. Glasgow, W. S. Hopkins, T. E. McCorkle, John Sheridan, Jayhugh Wills. Clerk, A. T. Shields; Attorney, Edmund Pendleton; Treasurer, S. 0. Campbell; Assessor, A. W. Varner; Police, E. B. Perry, W. L. Crigler, John Spillan, Joseph B. Holmes. The articles put in the box included The Lexington Gazette, Rockbridge News, and the Glasgow Herald; also other articles such as Bibles, hymn books, church papers and coins. On October 8, 1894, the church was dedicated by Bishop W. W. Duncan. (Forest J. Prettyman was preacher in charge.) Also present were Dr. P. H. Whisner, of Buena Vista and Dr. B. F. Ball, Presiding Elder of the Roanoke District, who read the Scripture lesson. There was a debt of $1,000.00 on the church, which was raised in a few minutes. The church was presented, debt-free, by James M. Senseney, to be dedicated to God. The Bishop's text was from Jeremiah 11:16. After thirty-five years service, this beautiful brick church, built in 1890, was too small to accommodate the ever-growing membership, and the growing number of Methodist students attending the V. M. I. and Washington and Lee University made it necessary to enlarge the church. On Thursday, June 17, 1926, at 4:00 P. M., a large crowd gathered at Trinity Methodist Church South to witness the laying of the Corner Stone, which was the gift of Mr. C. C. Remsburg of Lexington, Virginia. The exercises began with a selection by the Lexington Concert Band. Rev. T. M. Swann, preacher in charge, made the introductory remarks, giving the reasons for a larger church for the Methodists of Lexington. The Masonic ceremonies were in charge of Dr. William M. Brown, District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia A. F. and A. M. and Mountain City Lodge No. 67, Lexington, Virginia. The Masonic hymns were beautifully sung by a large choir. Dr. Hubert Sydenstricker, Presiding Elder of the Rockingham District, made appropriate remarks following the ceremonies and introduced Dr. Henry C. Pfeiffer of Charlottesville, who delivered the oration of the occasion. When completed, the Methodists of Lexington will have one of the most beautiful churches of this community. This new Trinity Methodist Church was formally opened Sunday morning, December 19, 1926, by Dr. F. J. Prettyman of Gastonia, N. C., a former pastor. Dr. Hubert Sydenstricker, Presiding Elder of the Rockingham District, presiding. The Rev. T. M. Swann, preacher in charge, welcomed the congregation and acknowledged the splendid work done by the members of the building committee, the gift of the baptismal font by Mrs. Frank P. Rhodes, and the splendid co- operation of all the members of Trinity Church. Then followed the sermon by Dr. Prettyman. Closing this day of rejoicing by the Trinity Methodist Church of Lexington, Dr. F. J. Prettyman preached again that night. This church was dedicated March 23, 1947, by Bishop W. W. Peele of Richmond, Virginia. The Bishop dedicated the church and preached at 11:00 A. M. Dr. T. M. Swann, District Superintendent, Staunton, took part in the service, also the Rev. B. Rev. B. T. Candler, preacher in charge. It was during the pastorate of Dr. G. G. Martin that a movement was started to secure this church which, with the furnishings, was valued at one hundred thousand dollars. The building committee was as follows: Rev. T. M. Swann, P. C., J. W. Higgins, R. Y. Hawkins, H. C. Slusser, and R. M. Irby. The architect and builder was J. W. Krouch of Lynchburg, Virginia. The names of young men sent out from the Lexington Methodist Episcopal Church as preachers were: George C. Vanderslice, John A. Porter, and Frank Charlton. Names of Presiding Elders and Preachers who served on the Lexington Circuit from 1832 until 1849. Charles B. Tippett 1832-1835 P. E. Joseph Spriggs 1832-1834 P. E. William B. Edwards 1835 P. E. John Miller 1834 P. E. Norval Wilson 1835-1838 P. E. John H. Linn 1835-1836 P.C. John S. Martin 1835-1836 P.C. George W. Humphrys 1836-1837 P.C. Samuel Bryson 1838-1842 P.C. A. Eskridge 1838 P.C. John Stein 1838 P.C. Wesley Rehr 1839 P.C. William H. Enos 1840 P.C. Z. Jordan 1841 P.C. N. J. B. Morgan 1842-1845 P.C. S. Smith 1842 P.C. T. Morgan 1842 P.C. B. H. Nadal 1843 P.C. William Krebbs 1843 P.C. Frank Ritchoi 1844 P.C. B. N. Brown 1845-1848 J. P. William G. Willson 1845 J. P. Samuel Register 1846 J. P. N. S. Buckingharn 1846 J. P. 0. P. Wirgman 1847-1848 J. P. The Lexington Circuit has no record of any preachers from 1848 until 1854. They also had no preacher for four years during the War between the States, from 1862 until 1866. Names of Preachers of Lexington Station. George T. Williams 1854 C. B. Riddick 1855 Paul Whitehead 1856 J. R. Waggener 1857 S. S. Lambert 1858 H. V. Mitchel 1859 G. W. Booker 1860 F. M. Peterson 1861 J. S. Rees 1861 S. S. Lambert 1862 Most of these men were supplied from the Virginia Conference. P. H. Whisner 1866-67 Samuel Rodgers 1868-69 I. R. Finley 1870 W. G. Cross 1871-72 John L. Clark 1873-74 Wm. K. Boyle 1875-76 I. W. Canter 1877-78 Wm. H. Seat 1879 L. C. Miller 1880-83 Wm. A. Wade 1884-85 J. H. Waugh 1886 A. M. Cackley 1887-91 F. J. Prettyman 1891-94 S. Gardner 1895 J. T. Wightman 1896-98 H. P. Hamill 1899-1900 J. H. Light 1901-02 J. 0. Knott 1904-06 W. S. Hammond 1907-10 M. B. Mitchell 1911 W. F. Locke 1912-15 F. L. Woolf 1916-18 G. G. Martin 1919-22 J. J. Rives 1923-24 T. M. Swann 1925-26 J. H. Smith 1927-30 Jaines A. Johnson 1931-34 F. W. Aaron 1935-38 W. A. Wright 1939-43 B. T. Candler 1943-47 Nathaniel H. Davis 1947-48 Harvey W. Ashhy 1948-53 Joseph L. Stone 1953-56 CHAPTER II LAMBERTS MEETING HOUSE (Ebenezer) Tobias Lambert, with his family settled on their farm in the vicinity of Rockbridge Baths about 1800. Lambert, wishing to make a much needed contribution to the religious life of the community, encouraged the erection of a place of worship on his land, which became known as Lamberts Meeting House. Tobias Lambert died in January 1823. On April 28, 1834, the heirs of Tobias Lambert deeded this place to the Trustees of Ebenezer Meeting House, namely: Don L. Stokley, John Buchanan, David Snider, Stuart Taylor, Hugh Bryant, Mathew Shaw, and Edward Bryan. (The majority of the Trustees were Presbyterians.) This was used by the Presbyterians, as well as the Methodists, who preached every two weeks on Thursdays. Stuart Taylor was a Presbyterian and a member at Lamberts Meeting House. Passing the Meeting House one Thursday, he was astonished to see so many horses hitched around the house. Through curiosity, he hitched his horse and went in. With difficulty, he procured a seat just inside the door in time to hear Joseph Spriggs, (preacher in charge), take for his text, "You Must Be Born Again." This so impressed him that he began attending Methodist meetings and a few years later attended a camp meeting held by John V. Rigden at Cold Sulpher Springs, where he was happily converted in 1841. He later attended Shaws Camp Meeting where his wife and son, William, were converted, joining with the Methodist Church at Lamberts Meeting House. Young William was not satisfied with his conversion, even though he prayed when called on, until after he grew to manhood and was attending a camp meeting at Panther Gap. It was here that he was converted. Stuart Taylor, having been converted at the camp meeting at Cold Sulpher Springs, was so filled with Methodism and the Holy Spirit that he went home and erected a family altar. After doing this, he mounted his horse and rode through the neighborhood telling the people of his conversion and how happy he was, and begged them to live better lives. He became a wonderful Christian leader, also a local preacher and a fine singer. He was always in demand for revival meetings, which he enjoyed very much and without pay, other than to see men and women converted to God. When the church divided and every member joined with the South, Stuart Taylor stood firm for the North, and during the War between the States he applied to the Baltimore Conference for a preacher and promised to support him and his family. A minister was sent and remained with him until the War was over. Meantime, a new place of worship was built in the neighborhood and a new society of the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed. A brick church was built near the old site. This church was evidently built prior to the War between the States. Stuart Taylor, born in 1795, died in 1874. Ebenezer Church has passed over a very dark, trying and discouraging period of more than thirty years, but through faith in the Methodist Episcopal Church South, they finally see a brighter light. On July 25, 1895, Frank Shewey sold to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of Rockbridge Baths Area, 0.75 acre for a parsonage -- Deed Book No. 82, Page No. 413. This parsonage was built and Rev. Quincy Wheat was the first preacher to occupy it in 1897. Ebenezer Church sent out two young preachers. The first was Charles A. Reid, a fine young man of promise who joined the Baltimore Conference in 1842. He was reared a Presbyterian, became a Methodist in 1839. Born in Rockbridge County in 1820, he died in Westminster, Maryland, in 1890. He filled some of the largest churches in the Baltimore Conference. The second young man was William Taylor, son of Stuart Taylor. Born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, on May 2, 1821, he died at Palo Alto, California, on May 18, 1902. Converted in his youth, licensed to preach in 1842, he was received on trial by the Baltimore Conference in 1843. After he served six years in the Conference, the Missionary Society sent him, in 1849, to San Francisco, California, as a pioneer missionary to the Pacific Coast. Here he soon became known as the "Street Preacher." In 1856 he became an evangelist and traveled largely in the United States and Canada, where thousands of souls were converted to God under his ministry. We find him next in Australia, thence through England and Ireland, as a flaming torch. He was then led to Africa. The results of his labors here were unsurpassed in the history of the Christian Church. He made a tour of the West India Islands and British Guiana in South America and back to Australia. In 1870 we find him in India, where God gave him marvelous success. While in India he heard God calling him to South America and there laid the foundation of the educational work of the Methodist Episcopal Church in that country In 1844 he was elected delegate to the General Conference. Under such a wave of enthusiasm as never before, or since, that swept over that body, he was elected Missionary Bishop to Africa. There he spent twelve years in most arduous toil for the uplift of its inhabitants to a better civilization. In 1896 the General Conference released Bishop Taylor from the burdens of any active ministry. He spent the remainder of his declining days in Palo Alto, Calif. Bishop William Taylor's apostolic zeal and successful evangelistic work has been unparalleled in the history of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After about sixty years of service in the old brick church, the Trustees of Ebenezer deemed it necessary to move over on the east side of the river, up about a half-mile. Here they purchased, on May 23, 1907, a beautiful house, and a lot of about three acres of land, from the McCurdy heirs, for the sum of $1,030.00. Using the house as a parsonage, they built a beautiful modern frame church on the northeast corner of the lot in 1908, at a cost of $1,830.00. Much of this work was donated. Mr. Joseph Potter was contractor and builder. The brick from the old church was sold to the Presbyterians for their Sunday School room. In 1950 four Sunday School rooms, a dining hall, and kitchen were built at a cost of about $2,000.00. This was done during the pastorate of Rev. John T. Banks and C. L. Salmon. In 1955 a heating furnace was installed for the church at a cost of one thousand dollars. Denzil R. Daniel was pastor. At present, the church roll membership is 141; Sunday School roll, 120; a Young People's membership, and a W. S. C. S. Names of Preachers who served Ebenezer Church 0. W. Lusby Supply 1893-97 Quincy Wheat 1897-99 A. C. McNeer 1899-1903 R. L. Wilson 1903-04 A. B. Sapp Supply 1904-09 G. W. Staples 1909-12 C. V. Vanderlinden 1912-14 J. N. Vandevander 1914-18 G. E. Pope 1918-23 L. L. Loyd 1923-27 B. L. Parrott 1927-29 H. W. Craver 1929-33 J. B. Grimes 1933-35 T. L. Robertson 1935-36 G. L. Waters 1936-37 C. H. Michael 1937-38 J. C. Spindler 1938-40 J. A. 0. Shipley 1940-41 Lee 0. Mortzfeldt 1941-45 Kane E. Henley 1945-48 John T. Banks 1948-5l C. L. Salmon l95l-52 Guy C. Smith l952-53 Denzil L Daniel 1953-56 Karl L. Crowe 1956- (31) V CHAPTER III GOSHEN METHODIST CHURCH From all records, Methodism must have been planted at Goshen and a society formed by Rev. John V. Rigden about 1842, when he was conducting camp meetings in that community, with the help of Stuart Taylor and son, William. The fruits of these meetings continued to grow, as we see by 1877, when they have a preacher in charge, Milton Taylor. On September 15, 1893, The Goshen Land & Improvement Company made a donation to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, at Goshen, Virginia, namely: E. W. Hoult, W. J. Snead, N. W. Bates, R. S. Robenson, H. B. Webb, W. P. Sandridge, and Robert C. Benson. A frame church was built and Rev. H. D. Bishop was preacher in charge. In 1933, after forty years of service and growth, this church burned. It was rebuilt on a much better new location donated by Ethel C. Ayers and husband. The deed was made August 17, 1933, to the Trustees for the Methodist Episcopal Church South, at Goshen, Virginia, namely: W. J. Ayers, M. G. Pullen, and R. M. Beard. This church was built and paid for and dedicated by Dr. Selwyn K. Cockrell, Presiding Elder of the Rockingham District, in 1934. Rev. L. 0. Rose was preacher in charge. The sermon was preached by A. L. Hamsbarger, a former pastor. The present church membership -- 69 active members; on roll in church school -- 60; W. S. C. S. --13 active members. The Preachers who have served Goshen Circuit Milton Taylor March 1870-1879 R. M. Williams " 1879-1881 Rufes H. Wilson " 1881-1882 C. T. D. Collins " 1882-1884 C. L. Potter " 1884-1886 C. C. Linthicum " 1886-1889 H. M. Roane " 1889-1891 J. W. Whitesell " 1891-1892 H. D. Bishop " 1892-1895 W. H. Marsh " 1895-1898 A. L. Harnsbarger " 1898-1901 Luke R. Markwood " 1901-1905 J. W. Reeves " 1905-1908 A. B. Sapp " 1908-1909 L. Butt " 1909-1910 C. W. Staples " 1910-1912 H. M. Roane " 1912-1914 R. Carl Maxwell " 1914-1915 C. E. N. Hall " 1915-1916 Thomas Morgan " 1916-1920 E. A. Wilcher " 1920-1922 Geo. K. Heydrick " 1922-1926 E. Wilson Jordan " 1926-1930 L. 0. Rose October 1930-1935 B. T. Price " 1935-1936 R. D. McNeer " 1936-1938 A. M. B. Snapp " 1938-1939 L. C. Rose " 1939-1942 A. C. Budd " 1942-1943 Murray D. Mitchell " 1943-1944 Wilton E. Allen " 1944-1948 C. H. Beale " 1948-1949 L H. Smallwood " 1949-1950 R. L. Nuckols " 1950-1952 Warren L. Reeves " 1952-1953 Denzil R. Daniel " 1953-1956 Karl L. Crowe " 1956- CHAPTER IV FAIRFIELD METHODIST CHURCH We have no record as by whom, or when, the Fairfield Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. William Cravens was known to be in Lexington and Rockbridge County from 1793 until 1820. From Dr. James E. Armstrong's History of the old Baltimore Conference we learn that Billy Cravens was an eccentric, but zealous and powerful, local preacher and was instrumental in the conversion of multitudes in the valley of Virginia. With this in mind, we think Billy Cravens more than likely formed a Methodist Society at Fairfield in the early 1800's. The first preaching place was in the home of the Harris family. The records of the Lexington Circuit show that the Second Quarterly Conference was held July 26, 1834, at Fairfield, Virginia, with Charles B. Tippet, Presiding Elder; John Miller, P. C.; John Ruff, Secretary. On March 26, 1842, Alexander Moore sold lot number 6 in the town of Fairfield, Virginia, for the sum of $30.00 to the Trustees for a Methodist Episcopal Church at Fairfield, Virginia, namely: John Albright, Daniel Smiley, Michael Ornbaum David Shewey, and Francis Clemer. The church was built of brick, prior to this time, from the fact that the Second Quarterly Conference for the Lexington Circuit was held at Fairfield, July 23, 1842. Officers were: N. J. B. Morgan, Presiding Elder; S. Smith, P. C.; T. Morgan, Jr. P.; John Ruff, Sec. of the Sunday school; 10 Teachers; 54 Scholars, and a 100 Volume Library. The financial report for the preacher's salary was $51.77¼. The Fairfield Circuit was formed in 1849, including Whites Gap (Marvin), Emory Chapel, South Mountain, and other schoolhouses. The brick Methodist Church built at Fairfield in 1842, by a man named J. W. Wheat, was a modern, up-to-date church at that time, with gallery on both sides and across the end for the Negroes and Black Mammies, with their white- frilled caps on, who kept the white babies and small white children. After the close of the War between the States, the white people built a church for the Negroes. Deed Book R. R., Page 173, shows that James K. Edmondson, Comr., on November 1, 1879, sold to the Trustees of the Colored Congregation of the Methodist Church of Fairfield, Virginia, namely: Isaac McClung, Jerry Roan, Andrew Robinson, Syerus Jones, and George Jones. The two races of people have lived together each in his own church these many years in peace, harmony, and brotherly love. By 1880 the walls of the old brick church were so badly cracked that it was necessary to place iron rods across from side to side to hold the walls together. The church which had for seventy-four years rendered much wonderful service to the Methodists of Fairfield was found to be beyond repair. In 1916 the little band of Methodists at Fairfield, under the leadership of the young enterprising Rev. Harry S. Coffey, decided that the old brick church had served its day and it was up to them to build a more modern church. A frame church was built on the same site by G. A. Brooks of Waynesboro, Virginia, at a cost of $7,400. John Clemmer and William Dunlap of Roanoke, Virginia, made the pulpit furniture. This church was formally opened for public worship to God in November, 1916. The people of the Fairfield Methodist Church have come up through many hardships, trials, setbacks, and discouragements, but with faith in brotherly love for the church and in God, they are made stronger and better church workers. With a good growing Sunday School and a Young People's Meeting in a flourishing condition, the Methodists of Fairfield are very much encouraged for a brighter future. They purchased the first parsonage from Mr. W. F. Templeton in 1878 for $1,500.00, paying one thousand dollars cash and giving a note of $500.00, without interest, for the balance. Then they forgot about the note. In various ways they had accumulated six hundred dollars towards building a new parsonage on a new locality. Mr. Templeton, presenting his note of $500.00, told them if he had this money, which was past due, he could put it out on interest and that he would make them a deed to the property so they would have a clear title to the property. This deed was made by W. F. Templeton to the Trustees of the Fairfield Methodist Episcopal Church South on March 14, 1894. The record shows that the preachers on the Fairfield Charge lived for thirty years in this parsonage. The parsonage was sold to E. R. Flippo in 1923 for $1,500.00. On April 24, 1923, E. R. Flippo and wife sold to the Trustees of the Fairfield Methodist Episcopal Church South several acres of land for the sum of $660.00, on which to build a new parsonage. They sold two lots and built on the remainder at a cost of $5,000.00. Joe Eakin was contractor and builder of this parsonage, together with much voluntary labor. Reverend K. D. Swecker was the first preacher to occupy the new parsonage. The new church, built in 1916, was dedicated March 16, 1919, by Dr. Murray D. Mitchell, pastor of Central Church of Staunton, Virginia. At the time, there was a debt of $400.00, which was raised by Dr. Mitchell in just a few minutes. The bricks from the old church were used in building the steps up to the church door, but they soon crumbled. New concrete steps were built by voluntary labor in 1930, during the pastorate of Rev. D. N. Calvert. In 1952 the Sunday School rooms and Social Hall had been added to the church at a cost of $4,285.00. In 1955 the kitchen was furnished with water and many other things too numerous to mention. Number of Church Members at present 171 On roll at Sunday School 95 W. S. C. S., on roll 28 Young People, on roll 18 So they continue to go forward for Christ's sake. Jesus is still calling for workers in His vineyard. List of Preachers who have served Fairfield Methodist Church. J. W. Hedges 1855 S. B. Dolly 1855 F. C. Tebbs 1856-57 J. A. Windsor Jr. P. James Beaty 1858 J. R. Wheeler 1859 J. W. Canter Jr. P. C. W. Dalrymple 1860 J. W. Ewan Jr. P. J. P. Etchison 1861-62 W. R. Stringer 1863-65 W. A. McDonald 1866-67 C. L. Dameron 1868-70 H. D. Bishop Jr. P. 1871 R. H. Wilson J. L. Shipley 1872-73 J. A. Porter 1874-76 Thomas Briley 1876-78 Oscar F. Burgess 1878-82 J. Kyle Gilbert 1882-83 Thomas G. Nevitt 1883-84 C. L. Torreyson 1884-85 (Died Apr. 29, 1885) James Rollings 1885 S. M. Tucker 1886 Henry S. Coe 1886-88 Henry D. Bishop 1888-92 J. M. Hawley 1892-93 Robert S. Hite 1895-1905 (A local preacher) P.S. F. Sixeas 1893-94 J. W. Canter 1894-98 Luke R. Markwood 1898-99 W. H. Marsh 1899-1901 Lewis H. Graybill 1901-03 0. W. Lusby Jr. P. 1902 W. E. Miller 1903-04 George Echols 1904-07 W. D. Eye 1907-10 J. H. Henderson 1910-14 C. K. Millican 1914-15 Harry S. Coffey 1916-20 J. H. Vandevanter 1920-22 J P. Atkins 1922-25 K. D. Swecker 1925-27 A. B. Sites 1927-28 D. N. Calvert 1928-30 F. L. Baker 1930-33 J. F. White 1933-35 H. L. Coffman 1935-38 W. B. Reynolds 1938-40 J. C. Spindler 1940-42 L. 0. Mortzfeldt 1942-45 E. E. Henley 1945-48 John T. Banks 1948-50 C. L. Salmon 1950-52 Guy C. Smith 1952-56 CHAPTER V EMORY CHAPEL THE MEETING HOUSE William Cravens, a professional stone mason and local Methodist preacher, was also a professional soul-winner. He was the first to preach and organize a society at what was first known as the Meeting House, with Howell G. Humphreys as Steward and Leader. From a copy of an old petition for funds to purchase a stove for the Meeting House, dated 1808, it shows that the Meeting House was built prior to that time. Names of those who bound themselves to pay the amount in grain or monies were: Matthew Shaw 2 bbls. corn Reuben Tankersly 2 bbls. corn Daniel Alben 2 bbls. corn John Heapby 2 Dollars Elizabeth Boid 2 bbls. corn Roiand Tankersley I bbl. corn John Shaw 1 bbl. corn Phillip Cynk 1 bbl. corn Sawney Morris 1 bbl. corn Obediah Tankersley 2 bbls. corn Elwood Bryan 1 Dollar The site for this Meeting House was very evidently donated by George Hight (son of George Hight of Revolutionary days), located on the side of the road, on the east side of St. Mary's River by a big spring of water and plenty of shade, an ideal place for a church. This church was built of logs, had a dirt floor, and many of the seats were split logs, with the ends laid on logs. Big chips protruded from the walls to set tallow candles on to furnish light. It was also used for a schoolhouse and other gatherings. About 1830, George Hight sold his eleven hundred and forty acres of land extending from Mary's Creek northward to the Augusta County line to William Mathew Bryan. On this he built his furnace, on the west side of St. Mary's river, and named the furnace Vesuvius. Mr. Bryan took a very active part in church affairs and the Meeting House became known as Bryan's Furnace. Mathew Bryan also owned and operated the cotopaxi furnace at the head of St. Mary's River. The products from these furnaces were transported by wagons twenty-seven miles down the river to Balcony Falls on the James, shipped to Richmond, Virginia, and sold to the Confederate Government for war supplies. William Mathew Bryan died shortly after the close of the War between the States, heartbroken and bankrupt. When the Shenandoah Valley Railroad was built in 1882 they named the station Vesuvius. This is now a thriving railroad town. In 1846 the name, Bryan's Furnace, was changed to Emory Chapel, in memory of Bishop John Emory, who, on Wednesday, December 16, 1835, left his home for Baltimore, Maryland. He was thrown from his carriage, receiving a wound in the head of which he died on the evening of the same day. His death was felt to be a great calamity to the church. In 1849 the Fairfield Circuit was formed, of which Emory Chapel was a part and remains so to the present day. In 1870 there was a wonderful Revival Meeting held at Emory Chapel by two young men named Moody and Sankey. From the many conversions of this meeting, there were two outstanding young men by the names of James Humphries and Robert S. Hite, both becoming local preachers. Humphries married and located at Christiansburg, Virginia, and was a leader in all church work in that community for many years. Robert S. Hite was born March 2,1831, at the old George Hight home on Mary's Creek. On February 25, 1862, he married Miss Nancy Humphries and in March, 1862, enlisted in Company E. Fifth Virginia Regiment Stonewall Brigade. He was shot through the lung at the battle of Kernstown and was never able to return to his Regiment. Robert S. Hite was licensed to exhort on August 31, 1872, in the Methodist Episcopal Church South. At the Quarterly Conference held at Fairfield, W. G. Coe was Presiding Elder. Robert Hite was made Deacon in 1883 and was made Elder in 1889 by Bishop Wilson. He was a faithful helper on the Fairfield Circuit and surrounding community. He also had appointments of his own on top of the mountain, for which he received $30.00 per year, but the Christian fellowship and prayers with these humble people were worth more than the thirty pieces of silver. Robert S. Hite died on May 5, 1905. Funeral services for him were conducted by George H. Echols, assisted by S. A. Parker and J. S. Smith. He was buried in the Fairfield Cemetery. One day in December, 1870, at the noon hour, Miss Mag Donald (the teacher) and the children were horrified to see that the church was on fire. All their wraps and books were burned -- a great calamity, so they thought at the time. The burning of the old church was the end of a long-standing quarrel in the church between the North and the South members. The Trustees for the new church were picked from the Southern group and it was built as a Methodist Episcopal Church South. The Trustees decided to move to a better locality. They went up the river about a mile where the valley widens out and the Tye River Gap road crosses the South River road, with the Blue Ridge mountains as a background. Here the present Emory Church was built. The site for the new church was donated by Hugh F. Lyle, the framing lumber by John W. Cupp, and the shingles also were donated. In less than two years the church was built and paid for by individual members. It was dedicated by John L. Gilbert, Presiding Elder of the Roanoke District, in October of 1872 with Charles L. Damaron, P. C. In 1877 the Rev. Thomas Briley conducted quite a revival meeting, at the close of which he received into the church a class of thirty-five members, of which I was the youngest. Another member of that class was Robert L. Fultz, who studied for the ministry and joined the Baltimore Conference M. E. Church South in 1891. He was a strong preacher and rendered good service for forty-six years. Dr. Fultz located at Falls Church, Virginia. He died in 1950 and was buried in Thornerose Cemetery, Staunton, Virginia. John Samuel Cash was the fourth man Emory Chapel sent forth to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Raised in the Methodist Church and Sunday School, his father and mother, grandparents, and great grandparents were Methodists, yet for some reason, he was a Baptist preacher. He preached for many years at Goshen and Kerrs Creek Baptist Churches, where he did a good work and was beloved by all who knew him. When he died he was buried in Oxford Presbyterian Cemetery. William Fultz was preparing himself for the ministry, but died before he joined the Conference. A report from Emory Chapel in 1843, when it belonged to the Lexington Circuit: For Preacher's Salary -- $91.75 Sunday School Report -- 1 Superintendent 8 Teachers 27 Scholars The present membership is small, but all are loyal, faithful Christian Methodists. The church means so much to them that it has been kept in good repair through the years, with many improvements made as needed. Yet there is much to be done and will be done in the near future. Number of Church Members on roll 74 Number of S. S. Scholars on roll -- Young People's Society on roll -- "The harvest is great; but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." CHAPTER VI SOUTH MOUNTAIN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH George Hight (or Hite) was born July 3, 1755, in King and Queen County, Virginia. In 1776 he moved with his father to Botetourt County. While there he volunteered and served as a private in Captain Gilmore's Company, Colonel Christian's Virginia Regiment, on an expedition against the Cherokee Indians. On August 14, 1777, he volunteered as a private in Captain Cadwallader Jones' Troop, Colonel George Baylor's Third Regiment of Light Dragoon. At the battle at Monks Corner he, with fifteen others, was captured and confined on board a prison ship until August of 1781. When exchanged, he went to Jamestown where he rejoined his Company and Regiment and served until discharged in the fall of 1782, having served upwards of five years. He spent the remainder of his life on his farm which he bought near Montebello, Rockbridge County, Virginia. George Hight married Lovia Lunsford on May 24,1782, and raised nine children -- five boys and four girls. On August 5, 1835, George Hight, wishing to make a much needed religious contribution to his community, donated two and one-half acres of land to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, namely: James Cash, Howell G. Humphries, John Kiger, John Allbright, George Hight, David Shewey, and Frederick Allbright. This land was located near the top, on the eastern slope of South Mountain, in the eastern corner of Rockbridge County, and was to be used for a church site and a graveyard. The first church was built of logs. George Hight died August 21, 1837, and was buried in this graveyard, under a large tree. The Historical Society placed a marker over his grave a few years ago. South Mountain Church was first on the Lexington Circuit and a report was made of $3.50 on the preacher's salary, for the Conference Year of 1835. In 1837 they paid $28.56 -- Rev. John C. Lynn was preacher in charge. The Fairfield Circuit was formed in 1849 which included South Mountain, Emory Chapel and Whites Gap (Marvin). South Mountain, with George Hight as its leader, cast its lot with the Northern branch of the church and did a good work for many years. As George Hight, with all the other older members, passed on to their reward, the church was neglected for the want of a leader, as well as a preacher. About 1870 the Southern Branch of the Methodist Episcopal Church built a small frame church on the south side of the road, on top of the mountain where the road forks to the Irish Creek road. This church thrived for many years under the leadership of Robert S. Hite, a local preacher and great grandson of George Hite. About 1915 the old South Mountain Church was rebuilt and the name was changed to Heines Chapel. This chapel thrived for some years and had a good Sunday School, but today, 1955, about the only use that is made of it is a place to have funeral services for those who wish to be buried there. The Methodist Episcopal Church has abandoned this mountainous field altogether to the Baptist and the Brethren Churches. "Watch therefore, and pray." CHAPTER VII RAPHINE METHODIST CHURCH In 1895 a Methodist Church was organized by the Rev. John W. Canter, pastor of the Fairfield Charge, with Joseph Fauber, Etcheson Agnog, William Brown, A. E. Fultz, and their families as charter members. They purchased an acre of land from J. E. A. Gibbs for $20.00 to build a church. Raphine was on a boom in a small way for several years. Some of the promoters had built a two-story, eight-room frame house on a two-acre lot for a high school. For some reason, the school was a failure and the house was for sale. The Methodist people sold the Gibbs lot and purchased the schoolhouse, using it for a church. This church was connected with the Fairfield Charge and prospered. It grew in numbers and contributions, having a good Sunday School of young people with a bright future. After about sixteen years of good work, Fairfield Charge was not furnished with a preacher for some reason or other. Raphine, without a preacher, lost a leader. With no leader, Raphine lost its membership Without a membership, Raphine lost its church which was sold for a community hall. This was quite a church tragedy, caused by a small mistake made by one of the ablest preachers of the Baltimore Conference Methodist Episcopal Church South. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." CHAPTER VIII WHITES GAP (Now Named Marvin) The first mention of Whites Gap Methodist Episcopal Church was at the Third Quarterly Conference held at Wesley Chapel, November 8, 1845. N. J. B. Morgan was Presiding Elder, with B. N. Brown and W. Willson preachers in charge. Seeing the need of a church at Whites Gap, John W. Hamilton, Bernard Wood, and Archibald Alexander were named on the Building Committee to procure a lot and build a church at Whites Gap. On November 10, 1845, John McCaenitux Jane donated to John W. Hamilton, William East, Samuel Decker, John Hamilton, Bernard Wood, John Wallace, and Harvey Risk, Trustees, a small plot of land located on the northwest bank of St. Mary's River (generally known as South River). This was recorded in Deed Book Z, page 187. The church was built on the northwest bank of said river, just below where Irish Creek empties into South River. It was built of logs and weather boarded, and was on the Lexington Circuit until 1849. Whites Gap's financial report for the Conference Year of 1848 was $20.34 for preacher's salary. In 1849 the Fairfield Circuit was formed. Whites Gap Church was made a part of that Circuit. After its forty years of successful service, the Trustees decided to replace the old log church with a more modern up-to-date frame church, which was built on the same site. This church was built, free from all indebtedness, in less than two years. The Rev. Henry S. CEO was preacher in charge. It was dedicated to God on October 1, 1887, by Bishop Marvin of Baltimore, as a Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the name was changed from Whites Gap to Marvin, in honor of Bishop Marvin. The original deed for this church site was delivered to W. T. Beard, one of the Trustees of Whites Gap Church, on October 1, 1887, forty-two years after the building of the first log church. John H. Whitmore was chairman of the Building Committee of the frame church, and his daughter, Miss Lelia Whitmore, was organist. This little band of faithful Christian workers have kept their church in good repair and made improvements as needed for sixty-eight years. Marvin has at present a church membership of 111. On roll in Sunday School, 5 teachers and 76 scholars. It also has a Society of W. S. C. S. of 12 members. This church started to rebuild in 1885, during the pastorate of C. L. Torrison; but owing to his death on April 29, the work was retarded. The Conference Year was filled out by a young man named James Rollings. He was followed in 1886 by S. M. Tucker, who finished the building. As he was a professional plasterer, he plastered the church. Tucker was followed by Henry S. CEO, who finished paying all indebtedness and had the church dedicated. Marvin is still on the Fairfield Charge and has a flourishing Sunday School and W. S. C. S. They have made many improvements as needed. CHAPTER IX COLLIERSTOWN METHODIST CHURCH The Collierstown Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about 1837 by the Rev. George W. Humphreys, preacher in charge, and John Lynn, junior preacher, of the Lexington Circuit. For many years this was known as Colliers Creek. In 1838 the first financial report on preacher's salary was $3.30. The Collierstown Methodists were so evenly divided, North and South, and each was so bitter against the other, that neither side could get a majority so as to build a church. It was said that a Company of Southern soldiers, camped on Camp Mountain, decided to take a poll of the community to see who were friend or foe. In passing a house where a woman was sweeping off the porch, they called to her, "Which side are you on, North or South?" She, pushing her bonnet back from her face, replied, "Who, me? I am a Baptist." There were two deeds made by the same man and wife at different dates, but finally, in May of 1858, Mr. Stephen G. Fenton and Mary E., his wife, deeded a small tract of land to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, namely, Floyd Wilkinson, John Potter, Jefferson C. Deacon, John Hamilton, Wesley Hardy, Thomas Alphln, and James Watts. This was located on Colliers Creek where the present brick church now stands. Prior to this time they must have used the schoolhouse for more than twenty years as a place of worship. The Collierstown Circuit was formed from the Lexington Circuit in 1854, with Elliotts Hill, South Buffalo, and Midway. The Baltimore Conference, being a border Conference, could not supply this part of the country with preachers during the War between the States. Wesley Chapel applied to the Old Virginia Conference for preachers and was so supplied all during the war and furnished Elliotts Hill and Collierstown such preachers as G. F. Doggett, J. B. Waggoner, S. S. Lambert, and John S. Clark. These men also helped to supply Lexington. On February 26,1870, James C. Hutton, Lafayette Sehorn, and William M. Hull, serving as Trustees of the Presbyterian parsonage in Collierstown, sold a plot containing 60 square poles for one dollar to Stephen F. Wilkinson, David B. Homer, Adam Unrow, Jefferson C. Deacon, John Henderson, Harvey Goodbar, and John E. Potter, Trustees, upon which there was to be erected a house to be used as the parsonage for the preacher in charge of the Collierstown Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. It was required that the Trustees, or their successor, should see that the preacher was approved by three-fourths of the male members of said Circuit and such members were afterwards designated as voters. The property could only be sold by a three-fourths vote. The present parsonage lot was purchased two different times from two different people: J. L. Hamilton to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, September 27, 1892. Amanda V. Scott to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, January 4, 1896. Total of the two lots -- 2 Acres and 61 Square Poles. This lot and parsonage was owned and kept up by the Collierstown and Elliotts Hill Churches. After Elliotts Hill was joined with the Rockbridge Charge in 1930, Collierstown bought out the Elliotts Hill interest in the parsonage. CHAPTER X ELLIOTTS HILL METHODIST CHURCH The Wesley Chapel Circuit was formed from the Lexington Circuit in 1849. Thomas Hildebran was preacher in charge from 1849 to 1853, preaching at Wesley Chapel and Mt. Zion churches, with a preaching place at Natural Bridge and in the home of John Saville, on Elliotts Hill. Mr. Hildebran organized a society at the home of John Saville. The Rev. Hildebran was followed by Rev. C. B. Riddick, from 1853 to 1856. During his pastorate, the first church was built of logs and was weather-boarded. The lumber was sawed at Henry Zollman's sawmill, near by on Buffalo Creek. This church was located on the southwest end of the hill, overlooking Buffalo Creek and valley, on the west side of the road leading from Lexington to Natural Bridge. The records show that on February 19, 1859, John Saville and Sarah, his wife, donated a plot of land to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of Elliotts Hill, namely: Henry M. Hatcher, John G. Hamilton, David Crigler, Adam Zollman, John W. Hamilton, S. C. Davidson, William G. Burks, Robert T. Marshall, and John W. Radar. The Collierstown Circuit was formed in 1854 with Elliotts Hill and whatever preaching places they may have had on Buffalo Creek, such places as Rapp's Schoolhouse and Midway on Camp Mountain. All during the War between the States, Elliotts Hill and Collierstown were supplied with preachers from Wesley Chapel to it from the old Virginia Conference. These were such men as: Riddick, Doggett, Waggner, Lambert, and John Clark. This church served as a light set upon a hill to the people of that community for over fifty years, when the changes made in the building of U. S. Highway No. 11 put the old log church off the road, making it necessary to re- locate the church. In 1927, under the leadership of the Rev. F. M. Lucas, they found a beautiful location near U. S. Highway No. 11, just one mile to the east. On July 2, 1928, John A. Johnston donated a lot to the Trustees of the Elliotts Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, namely: W. B. Zollman, H. L. Morrison, and Mrs. William Jennings. On this lot was built a modern up-to-date frame church with a basement. This church was dedicated June 25, 1939, by Dr. Hubert Sydenstricker, Supt. of the Staunton District. The Rev. F. M. Lucas, a former pastor, preached at the eleven o'clock service, after which they adjourned for lunch. In the afternoon, the Rev. W. A. Clark, preacher in charge, conducted the old note burning, With Mrs. William Jennings, Master of Ceremonies. A sermon by Rev. A. I. Orndorf, a former pastor, closed this wonderful day never to be forgotten by this little band of faithful workers of Elliotts Hill Methodist Church. In 1930 Elliotts Hill was transferred from the Collierstown Circuit back to the Rockbridge Charge with A. I. Orndorf, preacher in charge. On July 31,1955, Rev. Lewis Minter, P. C., the Elliotts Hill Methodists had a home-coming day, celebrating their one hundred years of progress since they built the old log church. L. V. Ruckman, a former pastor, brought the morning message. The lunch hour was also a fellowship season with old friends. In the afternoon, Rev. Mr. Smith, a former pastor of Collierstown, gave a short talk. Music was furnished by the choirs from Mt. Zion and Wesley Chapel. A partial history of the early church was given by A. M. Cupp. The Methodist people of Elliotts Hill have been a faithful and God- fearing, hard-working people, and have a brighter prospect for the future of a growing church and Methodism. With such leaders as they now have, we may hope to see Elliotts Hill Church made a station in a very few years. The present active membership of Elliotts Hill Church is 91, with an active Sunday School membership of 5 teachers, 65 scholars, W. S. C. S. Society with 28 active members, and 15 active members of the M. Y. F'. Society. There are many un-churched people in the community which is a challenge to the church people and workers of Elliotts Hill. Our prayer is that this church will grow in Christian fellowship and in favor with the Lord Jesus Christ.