A History of Methodism in Rockbridge County, Virginia, by Albert M. Cupp; Chapters 11 - 20 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 CHAPTER XI PULLENS~MOUNT HOREB In 1794, Elijah Vansandt made his appearance on the headwaters of Buffalo Creek and purchased land from Thomas Wilson and others. Elijah Vansandt, being a local Methodist preacher, built what was known for some years as the Log Cabin Meeting House. It was in this log cabin meeting house that Methodism was first planted on North Buffalo by Elijah Vansandt. When William Pullen bought the land some years later, the Log Cabin was used as a schoolhouse and was known thereafter as Pullens. Pullens belonged to the Lexington Circuit in 1840 on through 1845, according to the financial report. It was served by such men as S. Bryson, Wm. H. Enos, Z. Jordan, T. Morgan, B. H. Nadal, William Krebbs, and Nathaniel Buckingham. This little group of Christian workers very evidently cast its lot with the Northern Branch of the Methodist Church. In the summer of 1854 they persuaded John and William Pullen to deed them about one-half acre of ground as a site to build a house of worship for the use of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States and permit such ministers and preachers at all times forever hereafter of the said Methodist Episcopal Church or by the Annual Conference, authorized by the said General Conference, to preach and expound God's Holy Word therein. The Trustees were Capt. Jefferson C. Deacon, Stephen F'. Wilkinson, and Lewis D. Hall. This church was built in 1854 and the name was changed from Pullens to Mount Horeb. CHAPTER XII SOUTH BUFFALO-RAPP'S SCHOOL HOUSE South Buffalo was reported on the Lexington Circuit as early as 1834 as one of its regular preaching places. The Rev. John Miller was preacher in charge with James Clark, junior preacher. There was preaching every two weeks in the School House, now known as Rapp's School House. It was at this place that William Taylor began his work as a teacher on May 30, 1842. He was employed for three months by the patrons of the community and received his pay from them directly. Tuition was four cents a day per pupil. Taylor's school closed on September 8, 1842. In early August, Taylor gave his pupils a few days' vacation so that he and his friend, Tom Henderson, and other companions, might attend a camp meeting being held over in Botetourt County, some fifteen miles away. They walked the entire distance. The Rev. N. J. B. Morgan, Presiding Elder of the Rockingham District, was in charge of the meeting. He requested young Taylor to meet him in his tent and the young man complied. "He stroked my hair softly and drew me near to his loving heart and said, 'Brother William, I want to send you as Junior Preacher with Francis A. Harding on Mon- roe Circuit.' 'Why, Brother Morgan, I nev- er preached in my life. I can't preach.' He caressed me kindly and said, 'God has call- ed you to preach, and I know that you can do it and God will bless you and give you success.' I was awed and amazed, moved and melted, and hardly knew what to say. After a pause, I ventured to ask, 'What books should I take with me from which I may learn to preach?' He replied, 'Take the Bible and the Methodist Hymn Book.' 'But I can't complete my school engagement in- side of three weeks,' I said. 'All right, finish up as quickly as you can. I will have every- thing arranged for you.' So I returned to my school and, in addition to the work it in- volved, I had a series of revival services and seven powerful conversions to God." All this was a great inspiration to William Taylor -- that God had called him to preach. By the time he had all his business straight, he received the following letter from N. J. B. Morgan: "My Dear Brother William: I want you to go to Franklin Circuit instead of Monroe. Thomas H. Busey is preacher in charge. He will be a patient, kind, loving father to you. But before you go to your appointment I want you to preach one round on Lexington Circuit." This took him to his home church (Lamberts Meeting House), Lexington, among his fellow students, also to Wesley Chapel, Mt. Zion, Fairfield, Bryans Furnace, South Mountain, and Whites Gap. (69) CHAPTER XIII MOUNT MORELAND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH About 1880, Thomas B. Agnor organized a Sunday School at the old Cummings School House, which was located on the headwaters of Sugar Creek, with preaching occasionally by the Methodist preacher from Collierstown. About 1890, a Methodist Society was organized by Rev. John W. Canter. On November 3, 1892, John H. Knick and wife sold some land to W. A. Staton, T. B. Agnor, J. E. Potter, W. S. Robertson, and G. C. Cummings, Trustees of the Mount Moreland Methodist Episcopal Church South. The price of the land was $20.00, which was paid by Dr. Samuel H. Moore. The church was built in 1892 by the people of the community, supervised by Tom Agnor and son, Robert. The Rev. Henry L. Myerly, preacher in charge of the Collierstown Circuit, was the wonderful leader in the building of this church. Mount Moreland Church was dedicated October 15, 1892, by Rev. A. P. Boude, Superannuate, who lived in Lexington at that time. Quite a few people from Lexington attended the dedication of this little church. One outstanding person was James M. Senseney who sang his favorite hymn, "Palms of Victory." Mrs. Mollie Byers Agnor suggested the name, Mount Moreland, in honor of Dr. Samuel Moore who paid for the lot on which the church was built. The ground for the graveyard was purchased for $20.00 from John H. Knick and wife, to the Trustees of Mount Moreland Methodist Church on April 2, 1900. We have no way of knowing the good and value of these little country churches to the community to which they belong. God forbid that any should be closed, but rather that larger and better churches be built in these country communities. CHAPTER XIV WESLEY CHAPEL Lucy Douglas is the first name to appear on the record of Wesley Chapel in 1817, and very evidently a Methodist Society was organized. But the early history of Wesley Chapel starts with John Hamilton, who was born June 9, 1789. He was born again on August 21,1832, when he united with the Methodist Church. His conversion wrought a wonderful change in him, and his life was governed by a religious conviction from that time until his death. Over a period of forty years he devoted himself to religious works and charities. He was deeply interested in the Bible Society, in which he was a life member. He married Miss Elizabeth McNutt on August 29, 1816. A few years later he purchased an estate of 600 acres, five miles southeast of Lexington, Virginia, on which he lived the life of a typical Virginia planter the remainder of his days. He had two sons and five daughters, and was an exceptionally genial and hospitable man. He was loved and respected greatly by a large circle of friends and acquaintances over whom, as well as his children, he exerted a wide influence. In 1825 he built his brick home and set out locust trees around the yard and named his home Locust Grove. John Hamilton's home was used as a preaching-place until Wesley Chapel was built. The Third Quarterly Conference of the Lexington Circuit was held at the home of John Hamilton, October 25,1834. At the Fourth Quarterly Conference held at Lexington on March 4, 1833, a committee and trustees were appointed to select a site and build a church on the land of Gilbreath Hamilton. They were as follows: John Hamilton, Edward Bryan, Gilbreath Hamilton, John Sheltman, James Dopsy, Cyrus Hyde, Benjamin Porter, and Henry Amole. A beautiful oak grove at the head of the meadow was selected where they had plenty of shade and water for the horses and a spring for human needs. This was in full view of the Blue Ridge. A log church was built on this lot in 1835. On October 3, 1835, the Third Quarterly Conference of the Lexington Circuit was held in this church. Norval Wilson was Presiding Elder, with John Lynn, preacher in charge, and John S. Martin, junior preacher. The Stewards were John Hamilton, James Dowell, Brother Long, Stuart Taylor, and Joseph Lambert. John Hamilton died in his eighty-fourth year on August 7,1872. A Tribute of Respect was paid him at the Quarterly Conference of the Lexington Circuit held at Wesley Chapel on August 10, 1872, when the following preamble and resolutions were adopted: Whereas, Divine Providence has recently removed from among us our late brother John Hamilton, ripe in years and ready for his change and whereas, in view of his long connection with this Conference as a wor- thy servant of the Church, it is but right that we should express our appreciation of his life, and sorrow at his death. Therefore, Resolved, that in the death of our vener- able friend and brother, John Hamilton, our Church loses the service and example of one whom it can only afford to spare in humble trust that the great Head of the Church will raise up others to take the place thus made vacant. Resolved, that we tender to his sorrowing family and friends our sympathy with their grief and commend them to Him who alone comforts us in our tribulation, humbly trusting that both they and ourselves may eventually gain admittance into the rest re- maining for the people of God, there to en- joy a part in the blessed reunion of Heaven. Resolved, that this minute be spread upon our journal, and that it be published in the church papers and the Lexington papers, and copies be sent to the family. J. E. Armstrong, President. A report of the Sunday School for the year of 1842 showed Samuel Smith, preacher in charge, with six teachers, thirty scholars, and an eighty-volume library. The Wesley Chapel Circuit was formed in 1849 with Thomas Hilderbrand, preacher in charge. He preached every Sunday morning at the Chapel, with Mt. Zion and Natural Bridge as evening appointments, and once-a-month preaching in the home of John Savill on Elliotts Hill. The first parsonage was purchased from John Cummins in 1870 for the sum of $1,500.00. Mr. Cummins donated a glass-door bookcase for the parsonage, which is still in good condition after eighty-six years of use. Rev. A. P. Boude was assigned to the Wesley Chapel Circuit in 1872, with instructions from the Conference to re-build the old log church at Wesley Chapel. In 1872 the bricks were made and baked on Henry Amole's brick-yard, just in the rear of the church. There were two reasons for the delay in building the church just at this time. First, there was a debt on the parsonage that must be paid. Second, their leader, John Hamilton, died in August of 1872, which left the people of Wesley Chapel as sheep without a shepherd. In May of 1873, at the close of his sermon on Sunday morning, Rev. Boude announced that he had preached his last sermon in this church, as it was not a fit place in which to worship God. He pronounced the benediction, walked out of the church, mounted his horse and rode away. He stated before he left, "I will be glad to preach to you people whenever you build a decent place to preach in." John W. Hamilton was like his cousin, John Hamilton, a good Methodist churchman. He was made chairman and decided to meet Monday morning to take down the old log church. The seats and pulpit were all moved to the south-end of the grove and put in place and used until the new church was ready to be occupied. Mr. Boude, after eating his dinner, mounted his horse and decided he would ride over and see if anything was being done. To his surprise, he found all the community there, both men and women. First saluting them for their good work, he announced. "There will be Sunday School and preaching at Wesley Chapel on Sunday at the usual hour." They did not miss a service because of bad weather all during the summer. The work of clearing away the old logs and starting the new foundation was done without interruption. The brick work was started immediately and rushed until completed. Mr. Hamilton secured George Paxton to do the woodwork. To secure the best of seasoned lumber, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Paxton, and others of the Building Committee went to Lynchburg and secured the lumber. It was shipped by boat up James River to Thompson's Landing. When the lumber arrived, Mr. Hamilton had wagons enough to bring it to the church at one trip and stacked it up nicely, where it was all hand-dressed. The door, window-frame, flooring, pulpit, and seats were all handmade there under the shade of the trees. The church was completed and used for worship for the Christmas services of 1873. The mourners' bench was the only thing moved in from the old church. The debt was $1,000.00. By dedication day they had reduced the debt to $700.00. The Rev. A. P. Boude soon began talking about having the church dedicated. The question was asked, "How can we dedicate with such a debt on hand?" He replied, "We'll pay off the debt and dedicate the church this year." He got in touch with Bishop D. S. Doggett of Richmond, setting the date for September 6, 1874. The Bishop came by the most modern and up-to-date mode of travel of that time, the Canal Boat up the James River. He left Richmond on Wednesday morning, arriving at Thompson's Landing on Friday evening. He was no stranger at Wesley Chapel, as his father, Rev. G. F. Doggett, was preacher at Wesley Chapel from 1856 to 1858, while the young man was at College preparing himself for the ministry. Strange to say, Mr. Boude did not tell anyone of his rather ingenious plan of putting two young men at the door, saying that the church was reserved for strangers. Mr. Hamilton, along with many others, got very indignant when they found they were barred from the church. Mr. Boude explained, "You have worked faithfully and have given all you felt able to give. I want to fill the church with people who have money, so we can pay off the debt and dedicate the church." Mr. Hamilton replied very indignantly, "There will be as much money on the outside as there will be on the inside!" Bishop Doggett preached a wonderful sermon, after which Rev. Boude explained to the congregation how his people had worked to build their new church. They were in debt seven hundred dollars, but he believed he was looking into the faces of men and women who were ready and willing to help his brethren pay off the debt. The Rev. Boude first asked for a one hundred dollar donation; that was given by Mrs. John Middleton of Lexington, Virginia. This was promptly covered by John Hamilton. The donations were graded down to one dollar from the inside, to be covered by someone from the outside. Then they passed the hat to gather up the "chips." When counted, the offering totaled well over seven hundred dollars. They adjourned for dinner, and had a most enjoyable fellowship. When the meeting reconvened at two-thirty, the Bishop preached and dedicated the church. This was a day long to be remembered by the people of Wesley Chapel Community. In 1875, Rev. A. P. Boude was returned to Wesley Chapel for his fourth and last year. He conducted a revival meeting all by himself for four weeks, with a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. There were sixty-four conversions and on the last Sunday of the meeting he received forty-nine members into the church. They closed the meeting that night with the Lord's Supper. For many years Wesley Chapel was one of the best country churches in the Baltimore Conference. At the Quarterly Conference held at Wesley Chapel on July 4, 1885, Vincent Wheeler, preacher in charge, reported $4.48 for literature for the Sunday School that had been organized at Green Forest (Buena Vista), with Capt. Chas. F. Jordan, Superintendent, the Rev. Wheeler preaching once a month in Chalk Run School House nearby. Dr. J. F. Rogers was Presiding Elder. At the Quarterly Conference held at Wesley Chapel on July 14,1887, Rev. Rufus H. Wilson, preacher n charge, appointed a committee to select a site and build a church at Green Forest. At the First Quarterly Conference, held at Wesley Chapel in 1890, Dr. P. H. Whisner, Presiding Elder, and Rev. 0. F. Burgess, preacher in charge, appointed W. N. Seay to procure a deed from the Buena Vista Company for a lot which they had donated to the Methodist Trustees of Buena Vista for a church. Rev. Oscar F. Burgess was a very busy man, but was not gathering all of his eggs in one basket, as he was at the same time building a frame church on the roadside leading from Natural Bridge to Natural Bridge Station, fourteen miles away. This was named Beth-Horan. In March of 1891, when 0. F. Burgess went up to Green Memorial Church in Roanoke to the Baltimore Annual Conference, he reported building two new churches in one year from one small charge. St. John's Church was made a station in 1892. The very flower of the membership, both financially and spiritually, of Wesley Chapel, joined with the church in Buena Vista. In 1890, Rev. A. P. Boude had organized a church at Glasgow. In March of 1892 a new Circuit was formed, known as Wesley Chapel, Glasgow Charge, with Rev. 0. F. Burgess, preacher in charge. This included four churches, namely, Wesley Chapel, Mt. Zion, Beth-Horan, and Glasgow. This charge flourished for about sixteen years. When the town of Glasgow went broke, some members died and others moved, the church closed down at Glasgow leaving Wesley Chapel, Mt. Zion, and Beth-Horan continuing to make up the charge known for many years as Rockbridge Mission. In 1906, Wesley Chapel purchased two acres of land in the forks of the road on top of the hill for a burying-ground. The Trustees of Wesley Chapel have oversight of that burying-ground. In 1917 the present frame parsonage was built on a lot purchased from Joseph E. McCormick, for the sum of $225.00. The cost, including house, stable, etc., was $1,800.00. The Rev. G. K. Heydrick, P. C., was the last preacher to occupy the old parsonage and the first to occupy the new. In 1919 the present galvanized iron roofing, an extra good quality roofing, replaced the old shingle roof on the church. The cost was $200.00. The following are names of the men who helped to put on the roof; E. M. Dixon, W. B. Reese, Joseph Pulse, Greenlee Farrow, Bess Clatterbaugh, Sam Moore, John McCormick, A. M. Cupp, C. B. McCormick, Walter Mackey, some boys and Rev. G. K. Heydrick, P.C. The concrete steps up the hill were built in 1934, just one hundred years after the purchasing of the land from Gilbreath Hamilton, for the building of the Church. Rev. E. B. Cook was preacher in charge. The building of the Sunday School room in 1935 marked the one hundredth year of building the log meeting house. Rev. W. A. Clark was preacher in charge. In 1907 the Sunday School ran continuously through the year. Rev. L. L. Lowance, preacher in charge, organized the Ladies Aid Society, which accomplished much good for many years and joined with the W. S. C. S. in 1940 with Rev. L. V. Ruckman, preacher in charge. The Missionary Society, organized in 1920 by Mrs. W. A. Clark, also joined with the W. S. C. S. in 1940. Names of the Presidents of the Ladies Aid were: Mrs. James H. Harrison, Mrs. T. A. Jordan, Mrs. Thomas Cooper, and Mrs. A. M. Cupp. After joining with the W. S. C. S, the following were Presidents: Mrs. Sam Holeman, Mrs. Howard Gilmore, Mrs. H. H. Dod, Mrs. H. L. Grow, Mrs. John Cupp, Mrs. A. M. Cupp, and Mrs. Bird Dod Moore. In 1949 the churchyard was re-surfaced and the tombstones were re-set in one place. Through the generosity of Glasgow Reese, who donated the land and right-of-way, a road was built at the rear of the church at a cost of about $900.00 This marked one hundred years of progress of the Wesley Chapel Circuit, with Rev. Robert Abbott, preacher in charge. In 1955 and 1956, when Rev. Lewis Minter, D. D., was preacher in charge, the kitchen, with all equipment, was built at a cost of $1,700.00. This is also used as a classroom. The young people have been organized from time to time, under different names, and have done much good for the upbuilding of the church. The present church membership is 155 active members, with a Sunday School enrollment of 12 officers and teachers, and 118 scholars, and a membership of 14 M. Y. F. A. P. Boude enjoyed not only visiting with his people, but spending the night with them in their homes, to see how they lived. In giving his experience in the home of J. W. Hamilton, in wheat-harvest time, he writes: "About ten extra hands had gathered ready for breakfast. Mr. Hamilton said to the Reverend Boude, 'My wheat is getting dead ripe. Just read a short Psalm and have a short prayer, so the men can go to work.' The Reverend Boude replied, 'Boys, all of you join with me in singing the old familiar hymn, "How Firm a Foundation," singing all seven verses.' He then read the twelfth chapter of Luke and made the longest prayer he ever made in his life. He first prayed for Mr. Hamilton, then for Mrs. Hamilton, and for each one of the children. He prayed for the men who carried the cradle to cut the golden grain to be bound into sheaves and shocked to cure. He prayed for the men who bound the golden grain into sheaves, so it could be shocked. He prayed for the men who shocked the golden sheaves so it would cure out to be hauled to the barn to be threshed and hauled to the mill to be made into flour for human needs. He prayed for the boy who carried the water to quench the thirst of the men who carried the cradle that cut the golden grain; the men who bound the golden grain into sheaves and the men who shocked the golden grain, so it would cure out to be hauled to the barn. Amen. By this time the fire in the cookstove had gone out and had to be re-kindled, and the food all re-warmed. With breakfast about over, some of the men pushed back their plates. Mr. Boude said, 'Boys, we have spent quite a while here together. I have enjoyed it, and hope it has done you men some good. Go to the field and give Brother Hamilton a good day's work.' As no one invited him to stay longer, or to come back again, Brother Boude saddled his horse and rode away, never expecting to see Brother Hamilton at Wesley Chapel again. To his surprise, on Sunday morning Brother Hamilton came to him with outstretched hand and a smile on his face, telling him how peeved he had been with him that morning, but that the men had put more wheat in the shock that day than they had in any previous day, or any day after; how the men sang that old song over and over again and had quoted Scripture all that day from the chapter he had read. He was given a standing invitation to come back again." ) Names of the Preachers that have served Wesley Chapel Circuit: Thomas Hildebrand 1849-53 C. B. Riddick 1853-56 G. F. Doggett 1856-58 J. E. Waggener 1858-62 S. S. Lambert 1862-64 John S. Clark 1864-68 W. G. Hammond 1868-69 A. P. Boude 1872-76 W. O. Ross 1876-78 S. B. Dolly 1878-80' W. H. Seat 1880-81 Wesley Hammond 1881-82 J. Kyle Gilbert 1882-84 V. D. Wheeler 1884-87 R. H. Wilson 1887-90 O. F. Burgess 1890-93 Lewis H. Graybill 1893-96 W. O. Tolbert 1896-99 W. O. Ross l899-l900 Seymore Grady 1901-05 F. F. Neel 1905-06 L. L. Lowance 1906-08 T. A. Jordon 1908-11 Thoman Cooper 1911-15 Herbert Lindamood 1915-16 A. O. Lyons 1916-17 G. K. Heydrick 1917-21 W. A. Clark 1921-24 B. W. Waters 1924-28 A. I. Orndorff 1928-32 E B. Cook 1932-36 J. T. Brown 1936-38 W. A. Clark 1938-40 L. V. Ruckman 1940-43 W. Lawson 1943-47 Ben Johnson 1947-50 Robert Abbott 1950-53 Lewis Minter 1953- Wesley Chapel was one of the few churches to have a preacher all during the War between the States. It also had no trouble with the Negroes, either before or after the 'war. In 1931 Elliotts Hill was joined Mt. Zion, and Beth-Horan, and has been known as Rockbridge Charge. In 1953 Beth-Horan was made a station. CHAPTER XV MT. ZION CHURCH Mt. Zion Church was organized about 1833 or 1834 by the Rev. John C. Lyon, preacher in charge of the Lexington Circuit, and John S. Martin, junior preacher. On February 24, 1835, Jacob Hickman and wife, Lucy Ann, for the sum of $30.00, sold land to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mt. Zion, namely, John Hamilton, Elisha Grisby, W. H. Alexander, Frederick Painter, and Alexander Holmes. A church was built in 1835 in time to hold in it the Fourth Quarterly Conference of the Lexington Circuit on December 5, 1835. The Rev. Norval Wilson was Presiding Elder with Rev. John Lyon and John S. Martin reporting. Mt. Zion was the third new church built on the Lexington Circuit in the year of 1835, as follows: Wesley Chapel, South Mountain, and Mt. Zion. Even though this church was built of logs, with dirt floor, the pulpit was built after the style of the old English Church. The following are names of appointments: Lexington reported 9.55 Fairfield no report Kerrs Creek reported 4.86 Walkers Creek reported .88 Roaring Run reported 1.50 Poore House reported 2.50 Ebenezer no report Wesley Chapel reported 10.25 Bryans Furnace no report South Motintain reported 3.50 Mt. Zion reported 6.17 Broad Creek no report _________ Total $39.2I In 1842 Mt. Zion reported for their Sunday School, 6 teachers and 40 scholars. In 1849 Wesley Chapel Circuit was formed, with Mt. Zion and Natural Bridge. Rev. Thomas Hildebran was preacher in charge. After fifty years of service, the old log church became very much in need of repair. This repair work, which included iron rods across the top of the building to hold it together, and much other work to make the church secure, was done during the pastorate of Rev. Lewis Graybill. This was followed by revival services which gave the old church new life. People walked and rode horseback for a distance of three to five miles to worship God in this old church. By 1906 the old log church became dangerous to occupy. God placed within the hearts of His people a desire to build a new church and to carry on His work. This project was carried forward under the leadership of Rev. L. L. Lowance, who cleared away the old log church, preparatory for building a new frame church. Rev. T. A. Jordan succeeded the Rev. Lowance as preacher in charge, and the present Mt. Zion Church was built and dedicated by Rev. J. R. Andrews, Presiding Elder of the Roanoke District, June 12, 1909. Just a handful of humble people built their church, paid for it, and dedicated it to the worship of God in less than three years. In 1948 the entire interior of the church was re-finished at a cost of $350.00. In 1950, the members came to the startling fact that the church would not stand on the crumbling foundation. With this fact in mind, it was decided to put a basement under the church to serve both as a foundation and for Sunday School rooms. The very faithful men of the church worked during the day at their places of occupation and night found them under the church excavating dirt, in order that the project might go forward. At last, this task was completed and the contractors began and completed the basement. A new flue was also built, a new pulpit and altar were constructed, and steps placed from the basement to the church sanctuary. Some of the members suggested brick-casing and placing new windows in the church. Plans were made for this new and expensive project and the hearts of many were thrilled as the brick-masons laid the final brick. A new entrance was placed in the front of the church, consisting of new doors, door facings, and steps. The finishing touches were placed when the painters rimmed both inside and outside of the little church. A walk-way of the old stones from the original foundation was laid from the entrance of the church to the rear basement door. Much of this work was donated. The total cost was about $4,325.00. On September 19, 1954, home-coming services were held at Mt. Zion, with Dr. John W. Myers, Staunton District Superintendent, bringing a challenging message and re-dedicating the little church. Rev. Lewis Minter, D. D., was serving as pastor. They adjourned at 12:30 for a picnic dinner and social fellowship hour. They re-convened at 2:30 with special songs and history of the church, followed with a sermon by Rev. A. I. Orndorf, a former pastor. This joyous home-coming day will long be remembered by the people of Mt. Zion. Since that date, a new furnace has been installed and tile has been placed on the basement floor, at a cost of $725.00. May Mt. Zion Church continue to grow spiritually through the years for the upbuilding of God's Kingdom. The present church membership is 89 active members. On roll in Sunday School--76 active--6 teachers. W. S. C. S.--15 active members. Young People's Meeting--25 members. There is also an active mid-week prayer meeting (95) CHAPTER XVI BUENA VISTA METHODIST CHURCH The records of Wesley Chapel show that at the Quarterly Conference held on July 4, 1885, $4.48 was reported as having been raised for Sunday School literature at Green Forest. Capt. C. F. Jordan was Superintendent and Rev. Vincent W. Wheeler, preacher in charge, who preached once a month in Chalk Run School House nearby. At the Quarterly Conference held at Wesley Chapel, July 14, 1887, Rev. Rufus H. Wilson, preacher in charge, appointed Capt. C. F. Jordan, W. N. Seay, and T. C. Stratton a Committee, to procure a lot and build a church at Green Forest (Buena Vista). This church was built on a lot donated by A. T. Barclay, President of the Buena Vista Company, and located on the southeast corner of Forest Avenue and 22nd Street. The Trustees of the church were Thomas C. Stratton, Charles F. Jordan, J. G. Cress, Chas. A. Cummins, J. H. Harrison, Geo. W. Agnor, and Levi M. Leibig. All were members of Wesley Chapel. W. N. Seay drew up the plans, was the contractor for and builder of this, the first church built in the city of Buena Vista, and named it Epworth Hall. The estimated cost of this first church was $1,800.00 and they first paid off a small debt of $150.00. This little church was dedicated Sunday, January 26, 1890, by Dr. James H. Boyd of Green Memorial Church, Roanoke, Virginia. He used as his text Zechariah 6:12, 13. This church was on the Wesley Chapel Charge with Rev. Rufus H. Wilson, P. C. At the Quarterly Conference held in July 1890, at Wesley Chapel, with Oscar F. Burgess, preacher in charge, W. N. Seay was appointed to procure a deed from the Buena Vista Company for a lot that was donated to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Buena Vista. The lot was located where St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. An incomplete list of the charter members of the Epworth Hall Church is as follows: Capt. C. F. and Mrs. Jordan, Miss Jordan, Hamilton Jordan, W. N. Seay and wife, Miss Lucy Stratton, Tim Stratton and wife, C. A. Lacy and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Nimrod Patterson, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Widdifield, Capt. and Mrs. W. R. Woodson, Walter P. Lee, C. E. Kregloe and wife, Miss Lula Kregloe, J. F. Stratton, and A. W. Stratton. At this time, Buena Vista was the only green spot between Roanoke and Shenandoah. People flocked in from all sides. Many of this influx were young married people from off the farm, as the future of a city life was much brighter than the drudgery of the farm. With the rapid influx of new families to the fast-growing community, the newly built Epworth Hall was entirely inadequate for the needs of the ever- growing congregation. Under pressure of these conditions, the Methodist group determined to build a church adequate to the needs of the ever-growing community. In 1890 work was started on the laying of the foundation and building. Wingfield and Ware were the contractors and builders. Rev. O. F. Burgess was preacher in charge. On November 11, 1890, the cornerstone of St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church South, of Buena Vista, was laid, with ceremonies conducted by officers of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Virginia and Dr. John Howard Wayt of Staunton, Virginia, Deputy Grand Marshall, presiding. Preceding the ceremony the procession was escorted from the Lodge Room by the Buena Vista Brass Band. The ceremony was carried out in a very dignified and impressive manner. The following list of articles was placed in the cornerstone by the pastor, Rev. O. F. Burgess: Names of Bishops of the M. E. Church South, copy of the church hymnal, copy of the church discipline, a copy of the Richmond Advocate, names of Trustees, names of Building Committee, names of Contractors, catalogue of the Buena Vista Female Seminary by C. E. Kregloe, copy of the Charter and By-laws of the Buena Vista Company, A. T. Barclay, Pres., historical copy of the Buena Vista Advocate (predecessor to the present Buena Vista News), also stamps, coins, business cards, and a sealed envelope by Miss Eva Jordan. At the close of the ceremonies, Rev. O. F. Burgess, pastor, delivered a short address of thanks and praise for the wonderful work being done by the people of Buena Vista. Just a few days after this eventful occasion, the contractors, Wingfield and Ware, went bankrupt. This cast a dark shadow over this little band of faithful Methodist workers. During the building and interruption, this was known as the Buena Vista, Wesley Chapel Charge. After eighteen months of idleness, a contract was let to J. P. Pettyjohn and Company who, after some changes in the plans, etc., built the church ready for services of worship of God, at a cost of about $18,600.00. In March of 1892, St. John's Church was made a Station with Dr. J. D. Martin as pastor, naming Trustees from its own membership. These were: E. L. Embree, Charles F. Jordan, J. L. Harrell, J. Frank Stratton, Jas. M. Henkle, 0. D. Batcheler, and W. N. Seay. For fifteen long years St. John's Methodist Church of Buena Vista traveled over a mighty rough, rocky road, financially. This hardship increased their faith in God and bound their love and fellowship one with the other, never to be forgotten. The debt was finally all paid and the mortgage burned with great rejoicing. St. John's Church of Buena Vista was dedicated to God on March 17, 1907, by Bishop Embree Hoss of Baltimore, Maryland, having been planned to be at the eleven o'clock service. Bishop Hoss missed his train connection and did not arrive in Buena Vista until that afternoon. The dedication was deferred until the evening. A large congregation assembled for the morning services, as the audience had been expecting to hear Bishop Hoss. A very able and eloquent sermon was delivered by Rev. J. O. Knott of Lexington, Virginia. Rev. John B. Henry, the pastor, decided that the best way to atone for the disappointment of Bishop Hoss's delay was to take up a collection, the result being encouraging. The balance due on the pastor's salary and other obligations, amounting to $300.00, was raised and the church went to Conference with a clear docket for the first time in many years. At the evening service, the church and gallery were filled to overflowing. The ladies of the Southern Seminary furnished the choir and rendered charming and appropriate music. The message of Bishop Hoss was a clear and strong presentation of Gospel truth, touching man's relation and duty to his Creator. He held the attention of the congregation and painted his picture with a master's hand. The dedication service at the close of the sermon was short, simple, and impressive. In 1891 the first parsonage for St. John's Methodist Church was built by Bragg and McIntosh, architects and builders, at a cost of $1,860.00. S. H. Jordan and W. N. Seay were the building committee. The present brick parsonage, located on Maple Avenue, was built in 1928 during the pastorate of Rev. James H. Haley, at a cost of $10,500.00. The contractor and builder was C. B. Slough and Son of Buena Vista, Virginia. The Glass Memorial Sunday School Building was erected in 1931 under the leadership of Rev. Wade Johnson, at a cost of over $30,000.00, with Johnson and Brannon, architect and builder, Jones Brothers and Company of Wilson, North Carolina. These two buildings were made possible by the bequest of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Glass. However, at the completion of the Glass Building there was an indebtedness of $10,000.00, which was paid off under the pastorate of Rev. John H. Davidson in 1938. During the Easter season of 1950, a long-time dream became a reality when beautiful Carillon Chimes were installed and on Easter Sunday morning of 1950 these bells pealed forth the wonderful Gospel message in tones that floated upon the air as soft as song, as pure as prayer. The Chimes were given in memory and honor of Lawrence Embree, Wm. L. Knight, Betty Landrum Knight, Clarence E. Page, A. Wagner Stratton, Edith Stratton Dixon, and Mary Craton Durham. Another great forward step in the history of St. John's Church was taken in 1951 when the sanctuary was completely renovated and re-finished, from the foundation to the roof, including new seats, costing the sum of $26,000.00. The contractor and builder was Charles W. Barger and Son of Lexington, Virginia. The building committee consisted of W. T. Robey, Jr., C. Lewis Graybill, and John F. Shewey. A most beautiful altar and lactern (sic) have been installed by the family of the late Robert L. Durham, as a memorial to his memory. The history of St. John's Methodist Church would be incomplete without the mention of the fact that this organization and church has been built up through the years by men and women who had great faith in the Eternal God. The most outstanding name is that of Robert L. Durham who went to his reward in 1949. He was an able and devoted layman who had such a love and interest in his church as to mark him as an outstanding layman, not only at St. John's Church, but throughout Methodism. He was District Lay Leader. He was twice a delegate to the General Conference, also a delegate to the historic Unification Conference that met at Kansas City, Missouri, on May 10, 1939. At the close, they clasped hands and recited the Apostolic Benediction in unison. The audience sang "Blest Be the Tie that Binds." The three branches of the Methodist Church in the Unification are: The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church South, and The Methodist Protestant Church. This Unification into one denomination was to be called "The Methodist Church." The Co-chairman of the joint commission on Interdenominational Relation and Church Union at the time of the ratification of the plan of union were: Dr. James H. Straughn, Bishop Edwin Holt Hughes, and Bishop John M. Moore. The young men to enter Conference from St. John's Church are: George W. Waters, Charles Albert McCormick, Carl Wrenn Haley, and Joseph Edward McGahey. Superannuated preachers who spent their declining days in Buena Vista were: E. I. Kregloe, John W. Parrish, Dr. E. L. Rowe, Joseph J. Engle, and B. W. Waters, missionary to Japan for thirty years. Thus St. John's Church has served the religious life of the community for sixty-five years in its present sanctuary, and five years in other houses of worship. As in the past so in the future, this church may be expected to work, serve, and bring forth fruit for the cause of righteousness. Among those laymen who figured prominently in the early activities of St. John's Church, but who have since gone to their reward, we find such names as the following: Capt. C. F. Jordan, J. M. Wandall, W. N. Seay, Wm. H. Bailie, J. F. Stratton, Jake Harrell, O. D. Bachelor, D. B. Duggar, A. W. Stratton, Robert S. McClure, C. E. Page, J. M. Henkle, E. H. Gilbert, John W. Childs, John W. Wright, E. L. Embree, L. H. Keller, J. V. Worthington, W. H. Ridings, T. J. Poston, J. M. Updike, and R. L. Durham. At the present, there is a church membership of 460 members, 245 on the Sunday School roll, 6 circles of W. S. C. S. with 150 members, and a very active Methodist Youth Fellowship with 50 members. In March of 1892, St. John's Methodist Church was made a Station. Following are the names of Presiding Elders and Preachers in Charge: Presiding Elders Preachers in Charge P. H. Whisner 1891-93 G. D. Martin 1890-94 B. F. Ball 1893-97 P. H. Whisner 1894 David Bush 1897-1902 W. H. H. Joyce 1894-98 J. E. Armstrong 1902-06 Henry P. Hamill 1898-99 J. R. Andrews 1906-10 G. T. D. Collins 1899-1902 J. A. Anderson 1910-11 C. H. Buchanan 1902-05 W. H. Woolf 1911-12 J. B. Henry 1905-09 G. D. White 1912-16 W. H. D. Harper 1909 H. A. Brown 1916-20 David Bush 1910-14 H. M. Canter 1920-24 Wm. Stevens 1914-15 E. L. Woolf 1924-28 G. R. Fringer 1915-18 W. F. Locke 1928-32 H. R. Deal 1918-20 J. C. Copenhaver 1932-36 David Bush 1920-21 H. Sydenstriker 1936-39 H. Sydenstriker 1921-25 Formation of the Virginia J. H. Haley 1925-29 Conference Wade Johnson 1929-31 G. G. Martin 1940-42 C. B. Bobbitt 1931-34 E. L. Woolf 1942 J. H. Davidson 1934-38 T. M. Swann 1942-49 W. J. Grah 1938-42 J. H. Davidson 1949-51 Louis C. Shearer 1942-45 J. W. Myers 1951-55 Earl I. Lewis 1945-49 W. W. McIntyre 1955- Harvey K. Swann 1949-53 J. W. Arthur 1953-56 R. E. Garrison 1956 CHAPTER XVII BETH-HORAN METHODIST CHURCH The first mention we have of the Methodists preaching at Natural Bridge is taken from the records dated 1845 of the old Lexington Circuit, which reported $15.89 paid in on the preacher's salary. N. J. B. Morgan was Presiding Elder, with B. N. Brown, preacher in charge, and William H. Willson, junior preacher. They used the schoolhouse for a church for forty-five years. The Wesley Chapel Circuit was formed in 1849 with Mount Zion and Natural Bridge, also meetings in the home of John Saville on Elliotts Hill. On November 2, 1888, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Stoner and husband donated a lot to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of Natural Bridge, namely, J. M. Miller, S. J. Stoner, S. M. McDaniel, Z. Furguson, and J. H. Stoner. This lot was located on the roadside leading from Natural Bridge to Natural Bridge Station on which in 1890 the Rev. 0. F. Burgess, preacher in charge, was the energetic leader in building a modern frame church. This was named Beth-Horan. This church prospered and was a light to the people of that community for thirty years. On a Sunday night in October of 1920, the Rev. H. A. Brown, P. E. Of the Roanoke District, and W. A. Clark, preacher in charge, along with a few of the faithful ones, held a Quarterly Conference. Sometime during that night the church burned. The Odd-Fellows Hall was used as a preaching place by the Methodists for four years, under the leadership of the energetic and zealous W. B. McNair, until their new church was ready for use in 1924. They moved to a new location on a hill, giving a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, overlooking the James River and beautiful Arnolds Valley. The Trustees, W. B. McNair, W. A. Cash, W. R. Hatcher, J. H. Stoner, and 0. L. Smith, purchased this from W. L. Burks on December 9, 1921, at a cost of $225.00, for the Methodist Episcopal Church at Beth-Horan. On this beautiful lot was built a modern up-to-date hollow tile and brick church, with basement, at a cost of approximately $5,000.00. Rev. B. W. Waters was preacher in charge all during the building of this church, and was the first to occupy it. Dr. H. M. Canter conducted the services of the opening of the church and W. B. McNair and Ollie L. Smith took the oath as custodians. There was a debt of $1,200.00 on the church, which has been all paid for several years. Beth-Horan Church was made a Station in 1953, with James Holloman, preacher in charge. In 1950 the church was re-decorated inside and out and Sunday School rooms placed in the basement, at a cost of $2,300.00. The parsonage, built in 1955, with furnishings complete, cost $15,000.00. They have a Church Membership of 93, on roll in Sunday School 124. The W. S. C. S. has an active membership of 40. The present value of Beth-Horan Church is about $20,000.00. Randolph W. Lunsford was given local preacher's license to preach in 1955. The names of the preachers who served Beth-Horan (Natural Bridge) are: James Holloman 1953-56 W. S. Hopkins, Jr. 1956 CHAPTER XVIII HOUSE MOUNTAIN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Nathanial Gaylor, seeing the need of a church in his community and wishing to make a contribution to the religious life of his community, donated and deeded land to Charles Campbell, Adam Kisley, William H. Letcher, John Ruff, John Middleton, William Rhodes, and John T. Figgat, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on October 2, 1843. This was located near House Mountain, on the south fork of Whistle Creek. A Methodist Church must have been formed in 1837 by the Rev. G. W. Humphreys and John H. Linn, preachers in charge of the Lexington Circuit, and was connected with the Lexington Circuit until after the War between the States, adhering to the southern branch. Then for many years it was connected with the Collierstown Circuit and at times had a flourishing Sunday School. It was under the leadership of William H. Agnor at one time. About 1900 the Presbyterians took charge of the House Mountain Church as a Home Mission work, and did a wonderful work for quite a while. (111) CHAPTER XIX ROARING RUN The Roaring Run Methodist Society was organized and the church was built in 1829. A deed was made November 28, 1829, by Thomas Cross and Elizabeth Cross, his wife, to Henry Hardy, William Dobson, Enoch Salswar, Jacob Carper, William Bishop, Adam Lanivs, and William McAnder, Trustees, for one-half acre of land adjoining the schoolhouse and a spring, lying partly in Botetourt and partly in Rockbridge Counties, at a cost of $10.00. Roaring Run Church was on the Lexington Circuit from 1832 until 1849, when it was transferred to the Buchanan Charge. In November 7, 1871, Francis O. Flaherty sold to the Trustees of Roaring Run Church, for a graveyard, one acre of land adjoining the lot on which they had recently built a church, for the sum of $15.00, on condition that the Trustees and their successor forever hold the same for the use and enjoyment of the congregation of the white race of the Methodist Church South, worshiping at said Roaring Run Church. This church has been connected with the Botetourt Charge for a number of years and has made many needed improvements from time to time. It has a good Sunday School, Young People's Society, and also a flourishing W. S. C. S. CHAPTER XX THE EVANGELICAL METHODIST CHURCH OF BUENA VISTA The Lutherans built a brick church, prior to the chartering of the City of Buena Vista, located on the west side of South Chestnut Avenue. The Trustees of the First Brethren Church purchased this building from the Lutherans on July 12, 1923. On February 29, 1929, the American Legion purchased this church from the Trustees of the First Brethren Church. The interior of this building was damaged by fire in 1928. On the 14th of April, 1950, W. W. Coffey purchased the building. After repairing the building, the Trustees of the Evangelical Methodist Church purchased it for $14,000.00. In May of 1950 the Rev. John T. Banks erected a tent on 2nd Street and held revival meetings, with much success. In September of 1950 he organized a church with 35 charter members. Trustees: Reuben Coffey, Rader Ogden, and Major Moore. On November 27, 1950, the congregation of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Buena Vista moved into their newly-repaired church on South Chestnut Avenue, with great rejoicing. Stewards: Rader Ogden, Reuben Coffey, Major Moore, James Fitzgerald, Brownie Ogden, and Roy Huffman. Sunday School Supt., W. W. Johnson, with 109 scholars. Lay Leaders: Glenn Claytor, Brownie Ogden, and Radar Ogden. Women's Missionary Society, 16 active members. Young People's Society, 15 active members. Present church membership, 60 Preachers: Rev. John T. Banks -- 1950-53. Rev. D. D. Manoia -- 1954-55. Rev. E. C. Larson -- 1956- This church has a bright future, a wonderful opportunity to work in the Lord's vineyard. (114)