Ritchie Co., WV: Smith's Chapel Baptist Church ********************************************************************** USGENWEB 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. ********************************************************************** Submitted by Courtesy of Ritchie County Historical Society April/May/June 1980 Newsletter THE SMITH'S CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH The Smith's Chapel Baptist Church was born July 12, 1898. Charter members were: Aaron Smith, Phoebe Smith, James Cain, Martha Cain, Indiana Prunty, Alvin Smith, Marry Smith, Lizzie Smith, Ora Smith, Martha Jones, Marry Waggoner & F. A. Waggoner. Those serving on a special council for the purpose of preparing a constitution and electing of officers were as follows: C.G. Griffin, Rev. A. J. Robinson, John Gray from Oxford, W.B. Zinn, Hezikiah Bush, and N.W. Rollins, from Pleasant Hill, E. Smith from Central, Rev. L.S. Vannor from Union, Johnson Jackson, John Denning from Indian Creek Baptist Church, G.G. Griffin served as Moderator and J.D. Linch as Church Clerk. The church organized for business by electing A.J. Robinson as Moderator & F.A. Waggoner as Church Clerk. It was resolved that it be an Independent Baptist Church of the Regular Baptist faith. (Amen) Bro. J.A. Connor & Bro. Alvin Smith were elected and ordained as the first Deacons. A.J. Robinson was elected as the first Pastor. The first meeting of the church was held under a large pine tree on the Smith Farm, then under the large maple tree that still stands in the cemetery, then they met in the Old Smith's Run School House. On Dec. 3, 1898 a building committee was appointed. Alvin Smith, F.A. Waggoner, T.T. Pritchard, Philander Prunty, A.B. Haddox, Wilson K. Prunty, J.A. Conner, & Leander Smith served. On Dec. 31, 1898, the church accepted the building site. The church was dedicated in 1899 and it was learned that Harrison Wass gave the first ten dollar at the dedication services. Jan. 6, 1900, Joseph smith, Alonzo Smith & Joseph Connor were elected as trustees for the church and grave yard property. The meeting for Feb. 4, 1900, was cancelled because of a smallpox scare. Yes, God does work in mysterious ways. In Nov. of 1901 Alonzo Smith was called from their midst and revival broke out in the hearts of the people with many being saved and joining the church. On July 16, 1939, G.G. Griffith & Shirley Zinn were ordained. Ministers who have served the church are as follows: Rev. Robinson - 30 years, Rev. Walter Resser - 1 year, Rev. Joseph Radcliff - 1 year, Rev. Frank Osbourne, Rev. Homer Jenkins, Rev. Rosco Mace, Rev. Green Griffith, Rev. Dallas (Franklin) Smith has served the church as an Interim Pastor, Mrs. Nile Davis now as Church Clerk and treasurer. Alvin Smith, L.W. Davis & Ola Zinn, are the trustees. Shirley Zinn yet serves as Deacon. Pastor Frank Osbourne has served the church and its many friends, for weddings and funerals for the past fifty years. For this we will always be grateful. The physical church building has been kept up by its members and friends. It was completely renovated in June of 1973. Electric was extended to the church and turned on June 8, at 1:30 pm. An Annual Homecoming is held at the church every fourth Sunday of July. Prepared by Rev. Franklin Smith **************************************************************************