THE LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF
NORTH CAROLINA
AT CHAPEL HILL
THE COLLECTION OF NORTH CAROLINIANA
PRESENTED BY
Kenneth E. Crouch
C286 S913e
UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL
00043577174
FOR USE ONLY IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION
|
'"— ,— .~» |
The Early Trails
of the Baptists: A History
of the Strawberry Baptist
Association 17761976
1976
The Early Trails
of the Baptists: A History
of the Strawberry Baptist
Association 1776-1976
Compiled and Edited by the 200th Anniversary Committee
of the Strawberry Baptist Association
1976
Strawberry Baptist Association
OFFICERS 1975-1976
Moderator Donald C. Carr
I Vice Moderator Rev. Tommy C. Floyd
Clerk Rev. Harold B. Oyer
Treasurer J. Henry Powers
Auditor H. Page Scott
Representative to the General Board of the Baptist
General Association of Virginia Elbert W. Hassellr
200th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
Kenneth E. Crouch, Chairman
Mrs. Harry P. Clause Miss Audrey Foster Mrs. L. R. Freeman
Mrs. Robert N. Krebs Mrs. Gilbert C. Luck Rev. Harold B. Oyer
Miss Reva Turner
Contents
oreword iv
hapter
I. The Society Called Baptist, 1639-1776 1
II. Baptist and the Establishment, 1777-1783 5
III. Helping Guard the Victory, 1783-1791 10
IV. Baptists Working With Their Association, 1791-1836 14
V. Involvement in State Missions, 1822-1830 19
VI. Men Move Toward Their Mission, 1776-1976 24
VII. Ladies in the Meeting House, 1860-1976 27
VIII. The Apostles on Horseback, 1823-1901 34
IX. Lifting the Bounty, 1802-1976 _ 36
X. Teaching the Word, 1830-1976 43
XI. Learning, From the Cabin to the Ivy Halls 49
t XII. Relieving Social Ills, 1826-1976 54
, XIII. Caring for Those in Bondage, 1788-1871 56
2 XIV. Relief for the Man in the Pulpit, 1836-1976 61
! XV. Training Union, 1891-1976 64
XVI. Attending the Association Meetings, 1807-1975 67
8XVII. Uttermost Parts, 1813-1976 79
,:VIII. Continuing the Dream, 1897-1976 82
pilogue 86
'.ppendix A 94
Church Histories 94
ppendix B 170
Men Serving the Denomination 170
Men Serving in the Association 172
Sunday School Superintendents 172
Directors of Training Unions 172
Leaders of Women's Work 172
Daughter Associations 174
ppendix C 176
Vital Statistics 185
I
-ppendix D 196
All the Churches of the Association 196
.ppendix E 206
Queries Presented to the Association 206
.ppendix F 212
"It Could Have Happened" 212
iii
Foreword
It would be rather presumptuous to attempt to cover two hundrc years of the history of Virginia's oldest association in a limited ti: or space.
Readers may not agree on the importance of some of the events a may feel that others should have been included, for this we are sorr The writing was done with three things in mind. What has happen* that one wants to recall in 1976; what is happening that the future wi care about and what are we doing that should be preserved for posteritj
When researching one always finds discrepancies in names, date numbers and spellings. This work has been no exception and it is sei out with all its imperfections in the hope that many people will becorr acquainted with and appreciate the contribution made by the Strawben Association to the cause of Christ throughout the world and that it m£ challenge the reader to a deeper commitment to those things that ai lasting. This is a story of what great things God has done.
Sincere appreciation goes to the twenty-five associational clerks wh have recorded the happenings of each meeting, members of the staff ; the Virginia Baptist Historical Society Library in Richmond and th Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg, Mrs. Nancy Stanley of the Jenkin Memorial Library of the Foreign Mission Board, the 200th Anniversar Committee, Kenneth E. Crouch for the church histories, photograph and statistical data, Mrs. Harry P. Clause for editing the church historie; Mrs. Robert N. Krebs for assistance in statistical data, the Rev. Harol B. Oyer for selecting the queries and Lyn Moses for duplicating valuabl historical materials. Together we send you this volume as a labor of lovt
Virtley Stephenson Freeman (Mrs. L. R.)
May, 1976
IV
Chapter I
THE SOCIETY CALLED BAPTIST 1639-1776
Always, a bicentennial means many things to many people. In the rnited States of America it has been a time of reflection on those facets W life that claim the attention of the populace be it political, economical, Educational, sociological, religious - - - -, but to all it is a celebration ft the release from the yoke of English repression. Freedom was to be TH" everyone except those religious groups not conforming to the customs ^nd laws of the Established Church. Chief among these dissenters were "(uakers, Presbyterians and Ana-baptist. The Society of Baptist was aot treated with the same indulgence, in religious matters, as other rotestant dissenters enjoyed.' It was these freedom loving Christians r/ho began the first united effort for total unsuppressed religious sover- eignty. John Lock put it in these words, "Baptists were the first and ^nly propounders of absolute liberty, just and true liberty, equal and '•■npartial liberty."
The Society of Baptists in the Colonies
f One hundred and eleven years later there were fifty-eight Baptist hurches in the colonies: sixteen in Rhode Island, ten in New Jersey,
3 ine in Massachusetts, nine in Connecticut, seven in Pennsylvania, three i South Carolina, two in New York, one in Delaware and Maryland. 'he increase was rapid; in 1768 there were 137 Baptist churches on the forth American continent. Two in Nova Scotia, seventy-seven in New Ingland, twenty-nine in the Middle Colonies, twenty-seven in the outhern Colonies and of the twenty-seven ten were in Virginia.' When or where the first Baptist claimed the forest and built his ome in North America is not known. They may have been few and cattered, because the first church for this group was not organized ntil March 1639 when twelve persons started the First Baptist Church f Providence, Rhode Island.
The Society Begins in Virginia
The first record of Baptists in Virginia is found in the journal of ^homas Story, an English Quaker. He tells of a meeting of Quakers ' n. the home of Thomas Bonger a preacher among the General Baptist i York City.
Robert Norden ( -1726) was sent by the General Assembly England in 1715. On June 14, 1715 "Robert Norden, an Ana-bap preacher, appears in Court and takes Oaths and Subscribes the Dec rations mentioned in the Acts of Parliament of the 1st William a Mary".3 Mr. Norden worked in Prince George, Isle of Wight and Suiy Counties.
Morgan Edwards (1722-1795) states that the first society of Baptus was founded at Burley in Isle of Wight County about 1727 by imn- grants from England. They had as their pastor Rev. Richard Nordi succeeded by messrs. Casper Mintz and Richard Jones.4 Burley wj the presever of Mill Swamp Church in Blackwater Association.
Growth of the Baptist Society in the State
John Asplund ( -1807) a Baptist minister of Southampton Coun' had printed, in Richmond, the first edition of The Annual Register f the Baptist Denomination in North America. In this he reported i: 1790 there were 30 Regular Baptist Associations, 795 churches, 622 o- dained ministers, 58,398 members of this record there were in Virgim 8 associations, 204 churches, 150 ordained ministers, 20,443 membei He reported the Strawberry Association had 28 churches with 1,1 members. When Baptists celebrated their one-hundred and fiftie anniversary Virginia had one-third of all Baptists in the United State: one-third of the Baptist churches and one-fourth of the Baptist minister:
Early Assembling of the Societies
Baptist have become what they are today because of their meeting The early assemblies were not made up of elected delegates, but weij mass gatherings where preachers preached, people prayed and tl ordinances were administered. The lack of formal organization aide in cultivating devotion, Christian acquaintance, love in spreading rd ligious truths and in the winning of souls. Most of the early assemblie were in New England; a few in Virginia and North Carolina. As th number of churches increased and the membership grew these gathering became too large to meet the needs of all those concerned.
Beginning of Associations
Associations were devised to solve the problem of consultation an< combination for the sake of unity in action, doctrine, discipline an progress. These associations were to be composed of delegates, selecte by the local churches, superseding the yearly meeting. They were t have no legislative or supervisory power over the churches. Th Philadelphia Baptist Association, organized July 27, 1701 with fivl churches was the first and it included all the Baptist congregations i:| the colonies except those in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The second association was in Charleston, South Carolina, organize*! October 21, 1751, with four churches. Sandy Creek in North Carolin;! and Virginia was constituted ca 1758 with six churches. These werJ followed by the Kehukee in 1765 and the Ketocton in 1766. Somewhenl
along the way these free spirited people became divided. No one knows ' the exact spot of ground upon which the division took place, but in 1767 two or three men from Northern Virginia and two or three from { Sandy Creek assembled in Orange County and a separation took place." i The northern members called themselves Regulars and the southern mem- bers called themselves Separates; those remaining were known as General. i "Those Baptists living a distance were ignorant of the reason for the i division and whenever they met, they loved each other as brothers 1 and much deplored that there should be any distinction or shyness among them. They traveled, they preached, they attended meetings, they prayed together, mingled their labors and loves. They studied the scriptures together and of course soon .became practically one in doctrine and usage."7
Two years after separation there were extensive revivals over the state. The Ketocton Association sent three delegates and a letter to the 1769 Sandy Creek Association to propose an alliance. The letter they 1 took reads:
"Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, : The bearers of this letter can acquaint you with the design of writing I it. Their errand is peace and their business is a reconciliation between us, if there is any difference subsisting, if we are all Christians, all Baptists, all New Lights, why are we divided? Must these little ap- pellatives 'Regular' and 'Separates' break the golden band of charity and set the sons of Zion at variance"?8
The formal attempt failed for a time, but it was ultimately effective in 1787.
Regular, Separate, and General Baptist
The Regular Baptist conformed to the customs of the Presbyterians
; by applying for licenses and taking the prescribed oaths. They were
Calvinistic in doctrine, holding to "Particular Atonement" for the elect
only and adhered to the London Confession of Faith of 1686. Their
churches formed the Ketocton Association in Northern Virginia.
The General Baptist descended from the English Baptist and were Armenian in theology; believing in a "General Atonement" offered to all men alike, the salvation of all infants dying in infancy, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit after baptism. These believers founded the Kehukee Association in Eastern Virginia. Because of their zeal and vigor in the early days of their history it seemed the General Baptist would become predominant.
The influence of George Whitefield caused the brethren of the Phila- delphia and Charleston Regular Baptist to fall into confusion so the Separate or "New Lighters" or revivalist were born full of aggression, religious zeal, peculiarities in dress doctrine and practice resembling the Quakers. They did not recognize the right of any civil power to regulate preaching or places of meeting. The necessity of a new spiritual birth, personal piety and New Testament doctrines were preached; all creeds or forms were refused. The "New Lighters" had nine Christian rites: baptism, Lord's Supper, love feast, laying on of
hands after baptism, washing of feet, anointing the sick, right hand o fellowship, kiss of charity, devotion to children. They elected pastors deacons, evangelists, ruling elders, elderess, deaconesses and celebratec communion weekly.9 From 1755 to the date of the Revolution this bodj spread rapidly.
Call for a Continental Association
From New Jersey in 1775 the Warren Association issued a call "foi a general meeting of the delegates from our associations in every colon} in the interest of religious liberty to meet in Virginia October 17, 1776 to form a "Continental Association".1"
Political circumstances may have deterred the gathering of delegates for this meeting, but another group of men met in Virginia in Octobei or November, 1776, and formed a district association in the Strawberry Church in Pittsylvania County which was to be known as the Upper District Association.
Chapter II
BAPTIST AND THE ESTABLISHMENT 1771 - 1783
Launching a Baptist association is sometimes a task of many years.
At the meeting of the Sandy Creek Association convening in the Grassy Treek Meeting House, North Carolina, in 1770 it was decided to divide he body. This was the only unanimous decision of the association. The division came about partly because of the convenience, but chiefly lue to a mistake relative to the authority and jurisdiction of the associ- ition the delegates felt it had. They felt that too much power had >een taken from the churches in un-fellowshipping and ordinations. 7he association, as in the local church, had to do everything unanimously. f one dissented they labored with him by argument; when that failed
| -hey resorted to prayer in which all joined. When this failed they ometimes appointed the next day for fasting and prayer and to strive o bring things to one mind.1
The three bodies were to be in three states: in South Carolina it vould be called the Congaree Association organized in 1771 with seven hurches; another retained the name and most of the churches in the iandy Creek Association of North Carolina. The third body was com- iosed of the churches in Virginia and planned to meet at Craig's leeting house in Orange County, May 11, 1771. :
At Craig's Meeting House
On the appointed day these twelve churches with a membership of ,335 sent thirty-one delegates to Orange County:
Church Membership Delegate
imelia (Nottoway) 260 Jeremiah Walker (1747-92), David El-
lington, John Williams (1747-95) Thomas Hargate, James Menesse William Lovell
Rane Chastain (1741-1803), William Johnson
John Morrow, Thomas Peyton Joseph Hotsclaw, James Weathers William Marshall (1735-1808), Ruben Pickett
/ouisa (Goldmine) 100 James Chiles, David Thompson, Andrew
Tribble
|
imherst |
26 |
|
ledford |
29 |
|
iuckingham |
52 |
|
'ulpeper (Fiery Run) |
21 |
|
'auquier (Carter's Run) |
148 |
|
'rederick (Shenandoah) |
159 |
Orange (Blue Run) 120 Elijah Craig ( -1808), George T
men, Bartlet, George Eve
Pittsylvania (Falls Ck.) 62 Samuel Harris (1724-99), Jacob Mite Spotsylvania (Lower) 253 John Waller (1741-1802), John Burn
Ruben Ford (1742-1823), William We
ber (1747-1808) Spotsylvania (Upper) 105 Lewis Craig (1741-1824), James Ble
soe, William Card, John Craig Dan River in Pittsylvania was in distress and did not report; Blac water in Bedford and Staunton in Pittsylvania remained in the Sane Creek Association. The twelve churches in the new association repr sented eleven counties and they reported 420 baptisms. The new a sociation was called "The Separate Baptist Association of Virginia "Rapidann" or the "Orange"; they elected by private vote Samuel Harr moderator, and John Waller, clerk.
The First Meeting of the District Association
The delegates spent four days in fellowship, worship and busines Many visitors joined them. John Williams recorded in his Journal th; he reached the association on Saturday in time to hear Thomas Hargat preach to 1,200 people. He was followed by John Burrus as John Walle William Marshall and Elijah Craig exhorted. In the afternoon th delegates met for business and the reading of letters from the churche
Sunday was given to preaching to a congregation estimated at betwee 4,000 and 5,000. William Webber was followed by Jeremiah Walker an Lewis Craig exhorted. Later three other ministers preached.
On Monday they fasted and proceeded to do the business in the meet, ing house. Four men preached outside to a crowd of "about 1,000' Tuesday the attendance was somewhat smaller. William Lovell, Joh; Williams, John Burrus, and Joseph Craig preached to 500, with a con eluding exhortation by Bartlet Bennet.3
These Separates multiplied, by 1772 they had twenty churches, twenty one additional meeting houses (branches), eleven ordained minister and fifty-three exhorters. The total membership of the Baptist in th state was put at 3,633. Allowing five to a family the "souls" hearin the message of Baptist was estimated at more than 40,000. Protestan Dissenters of the Baptist persuasion continued to grow at such a pac that when the General Association of Separate Baptist assembled a Thompson's meeting house in Louisa County on August 10, 1776, then were 76 churches represented. Here, again it was agreed to divide th< association; this time into four parts. Two north of the James and twe on the south side of the river. The only one to actually organize was ir the southwestern part of the state. It was composed of churches "dis missed to form a district association". Semple lists the churches in th* Strawberry District existing prior to the organization as Leatherwooc in Henry County planted by Robert Stockton (1743-1825) in 1772; Pi£ River in Franklin County planted by R. Hall in 1777. Asplund gives 1776 for North Fork of Otter in Bedford County and Bitting adds Straw berry in Pittsylvania County, Head of Smith River and Catawba Creek
1773 and Mayho, 1773. Strawberry minutes list Goose Creek, 1771, and 4 Difficult Creek, 1776. These churches met in the fall of 1776 in Straw- berry meeting house and organized the Upper District Association, the H first in Virginia. We have no record of the first officers.1
Price of Progress
This increase was not without cost, being a Baptist did not add to one's standing or safety. "Magistrates and mobs, priests and sheriffs, courts and prisons all vainly combined to divert them from their objectives. He that was for them was greater than all that were against them"."
Churches were molested, Dan River in Pittsylvania endured much persecution and Falls Creek in the same county met with great opposition.
f In Amherst the church rose into being against strong opposition from
■ mobs and magistrates.0
By 1771 the rage of the persecution had in no wise abated; they seemed sometimes to strive to treat the Baptist and their worship with as much rudeness and indecency as was possible. They often insulted the preachers in times of service and would ride into the water and make
: sport when they administered baptism. They frequently fabricated and
U spread the most groundless reports which were injurious to the Society
ft of Baptist.7
3
J
Punishment by the Law
By the law, then in force in Virginia, all were under obligation to : go to church several times a year; the failure subjected them to fines.
Little notice was taken of the omission of the members of the Established
Church, but as soon as the "New Lights" were absent they were presented
to the grand jury and fined according to law.
When the punishment of the members did not reduce interest in i Baptist other steps were taken to deter their preachers by objecting to
their preaching until they obtained license from the General Court.
Licenses to preach were obtained only twice a year at Williamsburg ? and applicants often had difficulties in obtaining them. Consequently
many Baptist preachers became "strollers" — preached without official tj license, thus making them subject to imprisonment.8
If this in addition to ridicule, defamation and abusive language could jj not stop the progress of Baptist they were pressed to imprisonment.
Before this could be done the parson of the parish was consulted and i often his judgment confirmed it. His counsel was that the "New Lights" r ought to be taken up and imprisoned as necessary for the peace and
harmony of the old church.0
From Chesterfield Jail to Bedford County
Of interest to the Strawberry Association should be the imprisonment i of Joseph Anthony (1713-1785) in December, 1770. Mr. Anthony, a native of Goochland County, had been invited to preach in Chesterfield v County. He was arrested for "misbehaviour" by itinerant preaching j and put in jail. His surity for "good behaviour" was that he would
not preach in the county for a year and a day. Since he could not ii conscience comply he continued in jail until March preaching througl the grates. Such was the power of Anthony's ministry while in jai that it was judged the best policy to dismiss him. The jailer was directec to leave the door of his cell unlocked, that it might be reported he hac escaped, but he did not leave the jail.'" He later became a leading figure in the organization of the Strawberry Association. (For more about the persecution of Virginia Baptist Ministers read Little, Lewis Peyton, Imprisoned Preachers and Religious Liberty in Virginia (Lynch- burg: Bell, 1938).
None escaped harassment. John Ireland tells of a group of negroes who had the patrolers let loose upon them at a large Sunday congregation, They were sieged and whipped.11
Strawberry Escapes Punishment
So far as known there was little molesting of members or pastors of the churches in the Strawberry, but they felt their responsibility in seeing that complete freedom was to be the delight of all and stood ready to add to the influence of Baptist who were already strong among the common people and beginning to be felt in high places, because they loved freedom and hated the church establishment — not the mem- bers or the ministers, but the principles.1"
Working for Absolute Freedom
Through John Anthony (1746-1822), Robert Stockton and William Johnson, chosen by the association, the desires for freedom were made known as the Baptist General Association sent its complaints to the governing body of the state.
Among the many petitions were the following that claimed Baptist interest:
1. 1737 Noncomformists could not practice their respective faith.
2. 1754 That church establishment be abolished and religion be left to stand upon its own merits.
3. 1775 Against the law not admitting worship except in the daytime.
4. 1776 Petition for the following religious privileges:
(1). Worship God in one's own way without interruption. (2). Be permitted to maintain own minister and none other. (3). To be married, buried and the like without paying clergy of other denominations.
5. 1779 Help Mr. Jefferson's bill for religious freedom get passed.
6. 1780 Dissolving several vestries and electing an overseer of the poor.
7. 1783 Against vestry and glebe laws; assessing taxes upon people to support the ministers of all alike.
8. Many existing civil laws oppressive to the Baptist, the marriage laws not practical and oppressive. Clergy of former Established Church supposed themselves to have the exclusive right of offici- ating in marriage.
8
9. 1784 Praying that perfect and equal religious freedom may be established; they were against the amendment that would allow persons to designate their ministers as the beneficiaries of their part of the tax. They believed in voluntary religion and in free- will offerings for its support. Baptist stood alone on this.
10. 1786 That glebes be sold and the money applied to public use. All six associations reported favorable to this.
11. Protestant dissenters of the Baptist persuasion set forth the in- conviences of compelling their licensed preachers to bear arms under the militia law and attend muster, by which they were unable to perform the duties of their function.14
It is interesting to note that the dissenters who had experienced the
'larsher treatment, being beaten and imprisoned, who cruelly taxed the
ingenuity of the establishment to devise new modes of punishment and
annoyance were to be a most cultivated group when important decisions
1 had to be made.
In communities where Baptists were not numerous when there was ^anything near a division among the other inhabitants they together gave ^a cast to the scale, by which many a worthy and useful member was lodged in the House of Assembly.15 3
The Baptist Society, a Guardian of Freedom
These united churches had helped win the religious freedom, now they needed protection from any encroachments by Civil government. They would find such a guardian and Strawberry would be there in 1783 when Robert Stockton and thirty-six other delegates including most of the active preachers in Virginia met to form a General Committee to care for the good of the whole Baptist Society.
Chapter III
HELPING GUARD THE VICTORY
1783 - 1791
■
After the dissolvement of the General Association a General Com- mittee was formed — of not more than four delegates from each associ ation in the state. This, smaller but more representative body, could act punctually. There would be no local matter to consider so it couldi focus its attention to those things of general interest and act as the guardian of the rights of Virginia Baptists against remaining discrimi- nations.
Delegates from Dover, Middle District, Ketocton and Strawberry met October 9, 1784, at Dover meeting-house. Their duty was to "consider all political grievances of the whole Baptist society in Virginia atid all! reference from the district associations, which concern Baptists at large. No petition shall be presented to the General Assembly from any associ- ation connected with the General Committee.1
This concentration of counsel and influence was used by Baptists who were largely instrumental in securing the adoption of the sixteenth article of the Virginia "Declaration of Rights" passed June 12, 1776. The year before the only "privilege" that Virginia ever accorded the Baptists had been granted."
Strawberry Association and the Committee
William Johnson, Joseph Anthony and Robert Stockton attended the meetings as delegates. Stockton did not absent himself from one session until 1799. This absence was due to the preparation for the removal from the state to Kentucky.3 At the meetings they approved the minutes and presented frequent memorials; this tells of their zeal and persistence.
In 1782 Robert Stockton was sent as a messenger from the General Committee to the Holston Association and in 1790 he and Joseph Anthony were asked to wait on the Presbyterial society in regard to the General Assembly selling the Glebes. They were repaid for their services; three shillings a day for traveling, two shillings a day while attending the sessions and a proper allowance for "hostley". This was to be paid from the district association funds.' Mr. Stockton spent eight days in journey from Leatherwood; Mr. Johnson spent six days traveling. The Stockton bill was two pounds, 14 shillings and Johnson's bill one pound and 12 shillings."1
10
Memorials to the Committee
At the first session a memorial was sent to the General Assembly
'king that it repeal the vestry law and for a change in the marriage
w. Later others were sent including one in August 1785 protesting a
11 that would tax property for the support of teachers of Christian
; ligion and for places of worship — this would destroy complete re-
pous freedom." James Madison was sent by Virginia Baptist to the
•st Congress of the United States of America, October 1779 in an effort
; keep the church and state apart.
History has not kept all the memorials. However, we did find one of
terest. "What is a Baptist Constitution ?" This was answered August
I 89. An abridgment of their reply is worth noting "- - - - neither this
mnmittee nor any association have any right to Derobe Churches of
ij| eir Independence."7
iflThe articles in which we all agree are as follows:
W "1. That there is but one Eternal God. 2. That in the Godhead are
c^xee Distinct persons. 3. That Jesus Christ is properly God. 4. That
.e Scriptures are a Divine Revelation of the will of God. 5. That all
i-dam's posterity are Universally Depioved. 6. That nothing atones for
i n, but the blood of the Lamb. 7. That the imputed Righteousness of
tjbsus Christ can justify us before God. 8. That a moral change of heart
absolutely necessary to prepare us for the Enjoyment of God in time
lid Eternity. 9. That repentance for sin should always preceed baptism.
[}). That no water baptism is valid but that of Dipping the body in water
the name of Trinity. 11. That self Denial and Gospel obedience are
jcessary in Religion. 12. That there is a General Judgment appointed
fjjr God, where all Adam's race will have their audit and hear their final
^oom. For further particulars we refer you to your Delegates".6 They
iere William Johnson, Robert Stockton and Joseph Anthony.
!
Our Association Gets a Name
In tracing the early history one can be confused because of names.
he General Committee recorded in its minutes and correspondence the same "Upper District". The General Committee of Correspondence (idled it "Henry District Association" in 1789. In the Strawberry As- |>ciation minute book dated May 30, 1791, the following is recorded, a/iz. It is agreed that this association shall go by the name of Straw- :.3rry District; so at Mount Hermon the confusion over names was fettled."" The irony of the action became evident years later when \ie church where the association held its first meeting and for which !{ was named became anti-missionary and left its namesake. Another puree of confusion for the historian is the biannual meetings with minutes
om both recorded in the same annual. The spring meeting began the list Saturday in May and the fall session the first Saturday in October. r
The First Recorded Meeting
I
From October 13, 1787 to October 7, 1815, the minutes are in manu- xipt form and rather hard to decipher. One finds little about the business
11
conducted by the delegates, but they had "full" meetings, starting Sati- day afternoon with an introductory sermon, moderator and clerk elect<i, letters handed in, delegates enrolled and corresponding brethri seated. The moderator and clerk with five other persons were appoint} to arrange for the business of the association. A committee to write ) the corrsponding associations and three or four ministers appointed fr the Sunday preaching.
Sunday's minutes usually told of the great crowds that gathered, tlj attention or lack of it given to the preaching and they ended with "tl hope that something good was accomplished".10
October 13, 1787, eleven years after the organization, when the asso<- ation met at Goose Creek the clerk gave for the first time the nam; of the delegates and the churches they represented."
Church Delegates
Strawberry Thomas Johns
Leatherwood Robert Stockton
Head of Smith River None
Otter River John Anthony, Joseph Drury, James Freeman
North Fork, Roanoke James Mathis, Elias Owen Lower Blackwater Alex Furgurson, Philip Bailey, Jeremiah Maxt
Meadow Creek John Lawrence
Goose Creek William Johnson
Beaver Creek Joseph Anthony, Jacob Faress
Catawba Samuel Goodwin, Absalon Smith, John Mahar
Cotton Town Jeremiah Hatcher, Julius Hatcher
Cascade William Stevens
Rennet Bag Creek Randolph Hall, Bailey Carter
Head of Little River William Derveese, Humphry Smith
Snow Creek None
An Association of eleven churches in North Carolina represented b
George McNeill Head of Pig River Moses Renfro, William Aurs
In 1792 they started at eight o'clock and not the usual hour. Th outstanding business was the adoption of a Constitution and Rules Decorum in the Annual Register with little change. The same Rules o Decorum have been used through the years with some alterations. The; read:
1. The association shall open and close with prayer.
2. A moderator and clerk shall be chosen by the suffrage of the mem bers present.
3. Only one person shall speak at a time, who shall rise from his seat and address the moderator, when he is about to make his speech.
4. The person thus speaking shall not be interrupted in his speech bj anyone, except the moderator, until he is done.
5. He shall strictly address to the subject and in nowise reflect on thej person who spoke before; so as to make remarks on his lips, feeling; or imperfections, but shall fairly state the case and matter as nearljj as he can, so as to convey his light or idea.
6. No person shall abruptly break off or absent himself from thel association without liberty obtained from it.
12
1 7. No person shall rise and speak more than twice on the same subject,
without obtaining liberty to do so from the association. : 8. No member of the association shall be tolerated to read any books 1 or papers, nor laugh during the setting of the same. No whispering during the time of public speech. 9. No member of the association shall address another in other terms of appellations but the title of brother.
10. The moderator shall not interrupt any member and so prohibit him from speaking until he gives his light on the subject except he break the rules of this decorum.
11. The names of the several members of the association shall be en- rolled by the clerk and called over as often as the association re- quires.
12. The moderator shall be entitled to the same privilege of speech as another and he shall have no vote unless the association be equally divided.
13. That any member who shall willingly and knowingly break any of these rules shall be reproved by the association as they shall think proper.12
Sharing With Other Associations
For the first twenty-five years the association corresponded with the Elkhorn, Roanoke, Ketocton, Yadkin, Holston and the New River. This letter from the New River is typical of those sent and received:
| i"Dear Brethers:
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we greet you - - - -
We request that we appoint a day of public prayer to be observed on
| the fourth Sunday in July next in consequence of the great decline of
[ vital religion amongst us and the threatening calamities of the nation.
I We do seriously recommend the strict observance of the Sabbath of
I which our brethren and people need and that they would address the
God of Zion with their most ardent petitions to revive his work in his
'["land and make known the Joy of the whole earth and to the nations;
' that he would preserve us from natural calamities and keep us in peace
'and tranquillity"13
Already the association was sending out churches to help form other organizations. After it gave churches to form the New River and Mayo in 1798 there were twelve left with eight ministers to carry on the work.
I Now, much of the business of the annual meetings was the discussions of problems that arose in the churches. If the messengers could not reach a suitable or satisfactory answer for the query it would be sent to the General Committee for deliberation. Other queries were sent to
cthe several district associations and from them to the several local churches for their opinion. The Strawberry Association was asked to
"consider a request about slavery and in October, 1791, answered, "We
a advise them not to interfere with it"."
I During this period of expanded activities the association made its contribution to the Great Revival of 1785, a greater understanding of
(other Baptists, of education, publication of Baptist history, of papers and hymn books and an increase in the number of district associations.
13
Chapter IV
BAPTISTS WORKING WITHIN THEIR ASSOCIATION
1791 - 1836
Since the purpose of the General Committee had been achieved, that of brinigng about complete separation of church and state in Virginia, it was dissolved in 1799. When the act for establishing Religious Free- dom drawn up by Thomas Jefferson had been endorsed in 1779 Vir- ginia became "the first government in the world to completely divorce church and state — the greatest contribution of America to the sum of Western civilization".' Baptists had lead in this and the delegates from the Strawberry did their part.
Now, the state association needed a new structure for the maintaining of an organization that could concentrate its attention, not upon the local church, its problems, plans and place in the community, but the work of the churches of the state as a whole. In 1800 a large majority of the convention at Lyle's favored a General meeting and resolved: (Edited)
1. The organization be of the several associations in the state under the title of General Meeting of Correspondence of the United Baptist Association of Virginia.
2. It be composed of four delegates from each association, they meet once a year.
3. Each association send annually by hand of mesengers a copy of their minutes, a sketch of any circumstances that could be of general utility.
4. Annually print in numbers part of the minutes from the several associations — that will promote the interest of religion and harmony of Baptists.
5. The expense of printing the proceedings of the correspondence (not to exceed thirty octovo pages) to be defrayed by the association and the sale of the work .
G. No power to do anything to infringe on the liberties of an association or church.
7. - - - not to attend to political grievances unless directed to do so.
8. The plan when put into effect would have two-thirds of the associ- ations give assent thereto and be dissolved whenever a majority shall deem it dangerous to the happiness and interest or religion.2 The delegates from seven associations rejected the plan in 1802, by 1808 the idea had been approved and the committee got to work.
14
The real objective was "to promote and preserve union and harmony nong the churches". Little is found of the Strawberry's involvement the new organization. On the issue for the revision of the Phila- »lphia Confession of Faith they took no action. They answered a query K>ut sending messengers to the annual meeting of the Committee with, Ve think not." The 1812 minutes read "be it resolved that the Straw- jrry Association is not in favor of going to the General Meeting of Direspondence". John S. Lee (cl780-cl856) attended the 1820 meeting ' Correspondence and reported it interesting so in 1822 he, William Bftwich (1768-1865) and Robert Tinsdale ( -1856) were to be essengers.
The churches of the Strawberry Association proved they had more terest in the progress of the local congregation and its responsibility • the local populace than what the General Meeting of the Corres- mdence could do under its constitution.
i.L| Dividing the Association for Effective Work
Ch One of the first acts of the association in the early 1800's was to divide
f.e churches in sections for the convenience of the people and the better
11 " :quainting them with the work, needs of the area and to lend aid in
cal problems. The eleven churches were placed in groups and ministers
r;signed to visit and give assistance when needed.
Section 1: Otter, Liberty, North Fork of Otter, Rockbridge,
John King and James Perego, ministers
Section 2: Fork, Ellison, Morgan's,
John Anthony, Jeremiah Hatcher, Isham Fuqua, ministers
Section 3: Snow Creek, Leatherwood, Pig River, Head of Smith,
Thomas Douglas, minister :By 1813 the number of churches had increased until it was necessary rearrange them according to the points of the compass.
East: Burton Creek, Otter, Timber Ridge, Little Otter, Dif- ficult Creek, Goose Creek
West: Leatherwood, Smith River, Perego Meeting House, Head I of Pig River, Blackwater
North: North Fork of Otter, Suck Spring, Beaver Dam, Mill
Creek, Rock Spring, Buffalo
South: Manton, Gill's Creek, Bethal, Snow Creek Each section had its meetings, which must have proved helpful for 1802 the churches expressed a desire for the gatherings. One year ey made a request of "wishing the association to lay aside the rule of sitation from section to section." By 1822 it was suggested that there i two section meetings a year to which ministers were appointed to tend and report back the next year. That year reports were given such meetings in Lynchburg and Suck Spring. Seven years latter e churches wanted to dispense with one of the sessions of the associ- ion and have three section meetings.' (Tradition and the brethren id, "No".)
From time to time committees were appointed to rearrange the sections, e last was in 1865. The minutes of 1866 carried the last statistical bles compiled by sections.1
15
The Record
Mr. Asplund did not receive the 1793 minutes in time to strike thei off. The clerk lost the minutes of 1795. In 1815 the question of printi; the minutes came before the messengers. One session said, "No" a the other wanted them "struck off". The clerk received $10.00 for h services and the churches were asked to contribute to the 250 copi; with a circular letter to be annexed.
Church Amount Requested
Head of Pig River $2.20
Staunton 1.50
Buffalo 1.00
Little Otter 1.50
Goose Creek 2.08
Suck Spring 1.00
Lynchburg 1.50
North Fork of Otter 1.00
Bethel N 2.00
Burton Creek 1.00
$15.78
The letters to be annexed were prepared by a minister, read at th association and voted on. If the delegates did not think it "proper the letter was not sent with the minutes. Some of the subjects reflecte upon were: 1815 "What Is a Gospel Church?", 1816, "Open Communior Impolite, Ingurious and Impractable", 1817, "Family Religion", 181J "Spirits of the World", 1820, 21, 23 the letters were read and rejectee 1825 "Habitual Godliness, Grace, Mercy and Peace", 1827, "Lntemperence' 1828, "Prayer".
Through the years other papers have been presented and recom mended to be published as a part of the proceedings. 1852, "Evils o Infant Baptism", 1854, "Evils of Dancing", 1881, "Social Dancing, Anti scriptual and Sinful", 1881, "Needs of the Association", 1882, "Th< Proper Subjects for Baptism", 1970, "George Pearcy, the Almost For gotten Missionary", 1973, "The Viewpoint of Youth — Pastor and Con gregation and Their Relationship", 1971, "Baptist Imperatives for tht 1970's".
One of the most used sections of all minutes is the statistical tables. As early as 1790 the minutes of the Strawberry Association have had such information. That year the table included names of churches, location, delegates and membership.
Presbyteries and Committees Aid All
Owing to the distance between churches and the deficiency of ministers the association appointed presbyteries and committees to help care fori the needs of many congregations. This list of "calls" reveals the deversi- 1 fied problems:
1789 — Buffalo and Blackwater needed help to settle distress — thel distress was not mentioned.
16
103 — Presbytery needed to help ordain deacons in several churches.
Jp05 — Snow Creek and Pig River want a presbytery to see about a
lt|| church meeting house at Simmons Creek.
ar((08 — Staunton River requested a committee, but did not state reason.
. ^(09 — Perego asked for a committee and on the visit a small minority
ill received them. Big problem — a brother who had the Gift and
used it to proclaim principles not adhered to by the Baptist Society to the distress of his brethren. It was suggested that he lay down his Gift. 510-1811 — These churches continued to ask for help. They later be- came anti-missionary. 114 — Perego meeting house in disorder. It was suggested that letters be granted to those who asked. Many of the churches had afflictions caused ,by a minority; the smaller seemed to have more than their share of trouble. Perego had some few mem- bers and letters to the associations stating charges against Lewis Foster. Elders John King, William Leftwich, Joseph Perego, Stephen Hubbard, John Black and Henry Tuggle were appointed to answer the charge.
514 — Committee asked to set apart deacons at Timber Ridge.
515 — Brothers Anthony, Leftwich, Harris, Ashworth and Terry were
to help organize a church in Lynchburg and to ordain John S.
Lee. J18 — Different ministers were assigned to visit churches in trouble. U8-1820 — Many reported they visited churches. }25 — Committee sent to settle dispute at Stanton River and another
to organize a church at Salem. )31 — Ask to establish church at Fincastle. 532 — Mt. Hermon request a committee to help settle problem between
J. C. Noel and members of the church. 534 — The association felt that churches should not ordain ministers;
they should be questioned and ordained at the association meet- ings. J35 — Committee asked to organize a church in Giles County. 536 — Same committee asked to go to Linking Creek in Giles County
because of discord in the church. In later years the executive committee did some of the work of the ;.d presbyteries and committees.
>*■ Many of the progressive ideas that were being tried in several churches h the state had not reached the western churches who had been kept asy trying to maintain order within themselves. Some rather interest- ig things that are for the Strawberry Association only. The spring leeting of 1804 was held in the home of James Freeman at the head of urner Creek. July 4, 1812, a day of prayer and fasting for the problems : our county. No persons responsible for the reports to the 1819 meet- ig were present. The time was spent in discussing the problems of >cal interest. The minutes of 1820-1821 may be called our miniature, ley are about 2l/2 inches by 5 inches with nine pages and reports of venty churches. Some of the items of husiness that were of interest as raising money for the relief of the Lynchburg Church, $21.50 collected.
17
Trying to do something for the Burton Creek Church and to exclude oe Thomas Bunting as pastor and from the fellowship of Baptist. Maye the association meetings were not exciting, but they were different ai interesting.
18
Chapter V
INVOLVEMENT IN STATE MISSIONS
1822 - 1830
The General Meeting of Correspondence continues its yearly meeting — the constitution gave it almost nothing to do. Only a few of the twenty district associations belonged to it and a very small number of delegates attended. In 1821 there were only three present and not one officer. No business was undertaken; Edward Baptist (1790-1863) suggested that something in the form of an organization for the definite purpose of investigating the spiritual condition of the state be started and to make plans to improve it.
At the First Baptist Church of Richmond in June 1822 this recom- mendation to be sent to the district association was made:
1. A meeting to be called the General Association of Baptists in Virginia for supplying vacant churches and spreading the gospel be held.
2. Its object — to propagate the Gospel, preach the word in vacant churches, and send preachers to destitute regions in the state.
3. To be composed of representatives from the several associations in the state, each to be entitled to four.
4. The representatives, when convened, shall not interfere with internal regulations of the churches or associations, must not pursue any object other than specified in the second article.
5. Funds to accomplish these objectives must come from voluntary contributions from each association and by any way they think best and the General Association not to infringe on the rights of individuals or churches. No sum is necessary to have representation from the re- spective association.
6. An appointed executive board will transact business between ses- sions.
7. The constitution can be revised and amended by two-thirds of the representatives at the General Association.1 (This seemed to be able to do little good or evil.)
The first meeting was held Saturday, June 7, 1823, at Second Baptist Church of Richmond. Most of the gathering, like all the others had little business — preaching was the thing, Luther Rice (1783-1836), Ed- ward Baptist (1828-1896), O. B. Brown (1779-1852), James Fife (1794- 1876) and Daniel P. Witt (1801-1871) preached. The messages were heard and rated. Rice's was the feeblest, Brown's the most profound, Fife's the most impressive, Baptist's most beautiful and Witt's most popular."
19
On Monday they appointed twenty-one members to the board managers. John S. Lee, William Leftwich and Valentine Mason ( 178. 1843) were named to the board from the Strawberry. By invitation tvJ Bedford County "boys" were present at the first Board meeting Augu 1832 at the home of Andrew Broaddus in Caroline County. Daniel Wi, had been baptized into the church at Liberty in December 1821, the, broke the ice for this rite, and Jeremiah B. Jeter (1802-1880) Wc, baptized the same month in the Mount Hermon Church.
Rev. Peter Dupuy heard from a delegate of the Virginia State Leguj lature, from the upper country, of the remarkable Baptist "plow-boyj preachers in Bedford County. He invited the young men to his horn1 and Daniel Witt "preached his way down the James to Richmond". Hi was tested out in two prayer meetings, in sermons and on Sunday i: the preaching service of the First Baptist Church of the city. Nex June 1823 Witt and his friend, J. B. Jeter, attended the first session o the Virginia Baptist General Association in Richmond. Witt vouchee for Jeter, for he had been tried and found faithful in the capital city.
Birth of State Missions
Before the Board began its evangelizing program they wanted to know about the religious condition of the state so Jeter and Witt were senu to inquire as to the fields of greatest spiritual destitution. They were,1, to make a month's tour of Western Virginia and another in the area oi the Portsmouth and Meherrin Associations. Each would receive $30.0C; a month.3
On the day of their appointment in October 1823 they left Dr. Broadus with his carefully written instructions and headed for Bedford wherej they would make the final preparations for their task. Dr. Jeter said,1 "Our minds were inmature, with little knowledge and experience, wej were very imperfectly fitted for our mission; but under the circumstances the Board could not then do better.'"
Later in the month they left their homes, under the shadow of the mighty Peaks of Otter, rudely, but after the style of the day, equipped for their tour. Mounted on plow horses they carried well stuffed saddle bags, overcoats and umbrellas strapped behind them. Their trek took them through Franklin and Patrick Counties on their way to the New River Association in Giles County."' From this point they made a hurried survey through Wythe, Monroe, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Bath, Alleghany and Botetourt counties. Robert Tinsdale ( -1856), a well educated minister from the lower part of the state had spent two or three years I among the mountains to regain his health, accompanied them to Poca- I hontas and was a great help in securing introductions and information." I They found great "destitution of religious instruction" the people were j cordial and helpful in establishing missions in most neighborhoods.7
In December they traversed Campbell, Prince Edward, Lunenburg, Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Southampton, Isle of Wight, James City, i York, Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex Counties. (They did all ! this traveling on horseback.) They found many destitute places of religion yet a continuous line of meeting houses.
20
First Report from State Missionaries
An account of their work to the Board was made January, 1824. Both Tid kept diaries and Witt being the senior missionary read his. At 'U|iiis session Jeter was engaged by the Board to return to Sussex and
ijoining areas for four months. He received $80.99 for this service. 6aniel Witt, who had received more formal schooling than Jeter, was '''l;ked to spend a few months studying with Robert Semple. After
?lving into literary works and theological study he would go to Williams- 'ifiurg on a five weeks preaching mission. Later in the year James Left- wich, a young licensed preacher from Bedford, had been chosen as a t --illeague and the two revisited parts of Western Virginia. For ten weeks Hfiork Witt was to get $50.00 and Leftwich $25.00.
II!
ixL Second Meeting of the General Association
o The second meeting of the General Association was at Lynchburg m Mr. Dillard's school room, June, 1824. Of the thirty messengers
jpointed, sixteen were present plus twenty "ministering brethren" made
p the attendance. Total gifts for the year amounted to $484.06^.
mong the missionary societies sending letters and contributions was
ie Union Missionary Society of Bedford. t At this meeting the request was made that an offering be taken at ¥1 the district association meetings for the expense of the General Board. The next year at one of the meetings of the Strawberry Association "'own Creek wanted the body to rescind the vote of the last associ- ation regarding union with the Virginia Baptist Association. The group
)ted "no". sfe Each year someone of the messengers took the collection to the tseneral meeting, 1827 they carried $25.25 and in 1829 the amount was 1 .13.13 and the balance in the Strawberry treasury of $2.84 was to be ::aid the delegates for their expenses. It was decided that each preacher ii'ould take a collection where he preached for the work of the General . .ssociation and that we no longer take public collections at our associ- etional meetings. The delegates in 1830 took $25.25 for the work of tie Board and $4.75 for their expenses.
9
j Reassuring Freedom for the Churches
Because of the jealously in the district association that somebody i'ould encroach on the liberties and prerogatives of the church and the xperiences of the three previous organizations made many of the hessengers wary of something new. The object of this General Associ- ation was to propagate the Gospel and advance the Redeemer's Kingdom iroughout the state. Its funds should be raised by voluntary contri- utions "not infringing on the rights of the individuals or churches"." ■.'ere in the bounds of the Strawberry Association Article 7 was amended J safe guard this principle.
More Plans for the Missionaries from Bedford
The Board met after the adjournment of the General Association, hey engaged Jeter to return to Suffolk; Witt and Leftwich to continue \ Alleghany, Bath, Pocahontas, Rockbridge and Augusta counties.
21
John S. Lee was appointed a missionary, but did not carry out appointment. These men were to receive $25.00 a month; the funds the Board limited all engagements to periods of not more than fcx months.9
Strawberry Takes Her Place in Leadership
Strawberry had a leading role in the formative years of the Virgiij Baptist General Association. After the second meeting in Lynchbt| the third took place in Richmond and the Strawberry was represent! ;,■• in the twenty-four appointed delegates present and had made her cont,- bution to the $972.00 ^ reported collected. The delegates accepted th(i appointed responsibilities. Daniel P. Witt preached at candle lightir he and James Leftwich were asked to visit the New River Associatii for the Board. The new Board of Managers included V. M. Masc, Daniel P. Witt, and James Leftwich all of the Strawberry Associatic.1 Witt was assigned the grave responsibility of locating places for missioj,.
aries to labor and to prepare the circular letter for the 1827 meeth' on the subject of "Christian Prudence in the Life of a Private Citizer
Changes in the General Association Structure
The next four years witnessed a steady decline in attendance of tl delegates. In 1829 the number of appointed delegates dropped to twent; two and those attending to sixteen. The collections reached a ne low of $383.91. At this meeting a committee of four were appointed recommend a change in the constitution that would increase broad< interest and support. V. M. Mason and J. B. Jeter were half of tl committee that recommended the membership by associations be di continued and that Article 3 of the constitution be changed. Brief] they suggested:
1. Any person contributing $10.00 to the funds of the General Assoc ation be a member or could appoint someone to represent him.
2. Contributions of $30.00 made one a member for life.
3. Every association, church or missionary society contributing $10. C would be entitled to one representative and another for every ac ditional $10.00. Almost all the delegates present and the affiliate district associations to which it was referred approved it as the mos equitable principle of representation
At the 1829 meeting of the Strawberry Association it was recommende that every pastor take one offering a year for the Virginia Genera Association.
The Effects of the Change
The decision resulted in attendance of the 1830 General Associatioi increasing and all who came were interested. Fifty-eight persons repre sented a number of groups and four associations. Again StrawberrJ Association was represented. The entire collection amounted to $1,003,221 Six persons had paid the $30.00 and became life members. William Harris, James C. Leftwich and William Leftwich all of Bedford Count>|
22
;t]vere among the group. Elder Harris had worked in the county as a ;(k missionary on the James River for $25.00 a month. In his 1827 report tyo the association he had ridden 1,517 miles, worked 142 days, preached
62 sermons, baptized 18 persons and collected $40.58." After 1828 it was decided that the Board should hold its meetings in
Richmond. Men serving from the Strawberry Association at that time
vere: James C. Leftwich and Jesse Witt (1797-1858) of Bedford County,
^Valentine M. Mason of Lexington, Robert Ryland (1805-1899) from
"Lynchburg and William McDermott of Botetourt County. The Board
:'elt the lack of success expected from its missionaries was due in part
11 ;o the distance they worked from their homes, the territory too extensive
'and their work in one locality too brief. It recommended that the
missionaries live on their fields of labor and they be employed from year to year.12 IS' The General Association resolved that at each annual meeting time 11 be set apart for the general interest of religious and morality especially 11 in relation to Bible and Sabbath Schools, Missions, Tract and Temperance 'societies. e It is not hard to see that the Strawberry Association had maintained
its interest in and contributions to the progress of Virginia Baptists from
the time of its first organization for religious freedom until it was as- J sured for posterity. Now, it was ready to look for new ways to serve ,','.' the people of the upper county.
23
Chapter VI
MEN MOVE TOWARD THEIR MISSION 1776 - 1976
As one reads the early records of the association he is impressed b} I the absence of the laymen's names or their participation in the delibef rations at the meetings. One knows they attended because of the crowds that they made preparation for the meeting in the local church, they opened their homes to the visitors and fed them.
The early nineteenth century saw laymen being elected as delegates1 from their churches and taking some part in the design of the work/ The fifth Sunday in November 1868 all ministers and deacons met for the purpose of organizing. Historians left us nothing of this effort.
Men and the Mission Movement
As early as 1884 there were groups interested in missions and a num- ber of churches reported organizations. These may have been the re- sponsibility of laymen. The first missionary society of the Big Island Baptist Church was recorded in 1896 with B. F. Cox as president. In 1885 the men suggested the women organize societies.
When Strawberry's second woman missionary went to China it was the ministers and laymen who decided to send "Sister E. B. Sale as a special missionary to the foreign field and support her". Brother Royall was to keep account of this special offering. To date 229 persons had given $650.00; 24 of the churches had given nothing. Miss Sale left January 1895 and at this time was studying the language.1
The Laymen's Movement
The movement came as the result of laymen calling upon God and receiving from him a divine mandate.* It spread rapidly in the United States. Southern Baptists were perhaps the denominational organization to take the first action, they begun their work in 1907.
"The purpose of the Laymen's movement was missionary. As the I movement developed and its activities enlarged its purpose was enlarged in a corresponding degree. It was one of the organizations, formed around the perimeter of the convention, that became a commission in 1952".3
24
The Movement in the Strawberry
The movement started in Virginia in 1908. J. P. Luck (1817-1891) idressed the association on the subject and a number of pastors and elegates responded to the call to help organize the work.4
W. H. Wranek served as chairman of the movement in the association •om 1913-1914. In 1915 Cornelius Gilbert and George D. Witt were a jmmittee presenting the following suggestions as things the layman Duld do for the Laymen's Movement:
1. Establish a strong associational committee.
2. See that each church has a chairman.
3. Every church have an Every-member Canvas.
4. Use the Duplex envelope.
5. That pastors and men cooperate.
j
The Outreach
For ten years laymen George Diuguid, J. M. Coleman, William Eubank, <Iunter Miller, J. A. Rucker, O. B. Barker and Warren McNiel helped >ead laymen in getting the churches to use envelopes for receiving their yffering, take an every-member canvas, weekly giving with the tithe as . minimum. In 1921 they were stressing persons to sign the tithers ard supplied by the Laymen's Movement, send the number of tithers o the chairman and for laymen to speak on stewardship. They also uggested that one-half of the gifts go to benevolence.
Their last report to the association was in 1922 and they were con- inuing to involve more men in the church program especially in finances. '_ n their last report they stressed: i 1. Loyal and liberal support of pastors.
2. Weekly offering as a part of worship.
3. Better church attendance among laymen.
4. Stewardship of life and substance with the tithe as the
B . .
minimum.
5. Bequeath one tenth of your estate to the Lord's cause.
6. Organize a Union or Brotherhood in the church.
7. Arouse interest in work done by the state and district con- ventions.
Laymen took the led in the 75,000,000 Campaign and supported it in ;he association.
\
Men Begin to Serve in 1876
For one hundred years no layman had been elected moderator, but
at the 1876 meeting Col. J. A. Hamner was chosen to begin the second 'century of work. This period would see W. F. Fisher, W. A. Miller, J.
Calvin Moss, Hunter Miller, J. A. Rucker and Harvey W. Gentry give 'nearly forty years of progressive, layman leadership. Now, on the eve
of the third century another layman, Donald C. Carr, adds his contri-
gution as moderator.
25
The last one hundred years have seen laymen involved in every aspe of the association; serving on committees, leading organizations, speakir to reports, filling pulpits, sharing their business knowledge, even speakir to the W.M.U.'s and representing the association of the General Assoc ation Board. Many times the layman has been the catapult for th great movements among the Baptists in this area of the state.
:
26
Chapter VII
LADIES IN THE MEETING HOUSE 1860 - 1976
f back of every great man there is a good woman then these Blue Ige Mountains have been full of good ladies. They could have come m several different backgrounds. Mrs. Robert Stockton, wife of the ond moderator, was an excellant business woman. While her husband s a prisoner of the British for two years she not only supported the nily, but paid off all his debts.1
Some may have come from a group of formally educated women for ?re was a Female Academy in 1814 in Lynchburg where young ladies died drawing, painting, needlework, English grammar, arithmetic, jgraphy, astronomy and music. Latin and Greek were omitted from : curriculum. In 1837 Edward Williams reopened the Bedford Female ademy.2
To be sure most of the women came from the larger group of typical >neer stock; brave, honest, truthful, loyal, beautiful, steady hard work-
1 people who put God, family, neighbor and home before their comforts.
Wanted Women
3ne of the first times women were mentioned in the association and s need for their assistance was in a letter from Alexander Eubank which he challenged them to raise $500.00 for George Pearcy to use his California work. 'Ask 1,000 female members at the next monthly ?eting to organize Female Missionary Societies and raise $1.00 each : the year by sewing, knitting or raising of fowl. Send the money the next session at Hunting Creek, August 1, 1861. You may save
2 association from going anti-missionary."3 The next year they were ked to raise Mr. Pearcy's salary by giving $1.00 annually, to organize cieties and lay aside in store on the first day of the week all the gs laid on that day.4
By the 1870's women were beginning to have a more important part the work of the association. The membership was reported by male d female members and when a committee was named to solicit contri- itions for the Education Board every solicitor was a woman. Beaver un, Mrs. Laura Jeter; Bethany, Jane R. Henderson; Bethlehem, Mrs. iams; Blue Ridge, Mrs. Jane Fox; Burton Creek, Mrs. J. M. Ogden; >ve, Mrs. L. Ogden; Difficult Creek, Mrs. Elizabeth Fields; Fairmount, rs. Bettie M. Price; Flat Creek, Mrs. Buckner; New Prospect, Ann
27
Read; Palestine, Bettie Wilson; Staunton, Lucinda Pinkard; Suck Sprig) Mollie L. Noel; Wolf Hill, Emma Hatcher; Glade Creek, Sallie H. Ruckt; Halesford, Annie Dinwiddie; Hill Spring, Mrs. Rebecca Updike; Libeiyj Mrs. Ella Judd; Mt. Airy, Angeline Ramsey; Mt. Hermon, Emma Barkr ; Mt. Olivet, Mrs. Jane Patterson; Mountain View, Mrs. Nancy Thorns; Mt. Zion, Fannie M. Tate.5
Pastors were organizing missionary societies in their churches. Thi< may have been for men. Six churches reported societies and suggestion •■'- were made that women organize societies in 1885 leads one to belie e that those before that date were for men.6
Women's Societies Approved
The Executive Committee approved the Woman's Missionary Sock asking, "that it work for all objects represented by the General Boa of the General Association, to cultivate missionary spirit among q people, advance interest in God's work within our bounds and to se their money through the church treasury to the state treasure".7
Strawberry and the Central Committee
The Central Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention aski, that each state have such a committee to promote missionary orgar zations and activities. Since 1874 promotion of an organization to su port foreign missions had been in the state and because of the oppositic by the General Association the Central Committee was not affiliatt with the Southern Union until 1889. Miss Willie Bowman was chos6 from the Strawberry to be a member of the committee.'' The fir annual meeting of the Central Committee of Woman's Missionary S cieties Auxiliary to the Baptist General Association of Virginia w; held in 1896. In 1899 the W.M.U. of Virginia was organized with a vie president from each association. Mrs. C. R. Smith represented tl Strawberry Association.
Women Meet, But Men Speak
While the men gathered at the stand the women were in the M Olivet meeting house listening to J. D. Martin." Three years later the meeting of the association in Boones Mill there was a gathering c women in the church building to which A. E. Owens of Portsmout spoke. In 1894 they had an all-day meeting, at the stand in the mornin and in the house in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, August 7, 1895, at 10:30 A.M. the ladies met in th meeting house. Mrs. C. R. Smith presided, Miss A. M. Board was secre tary and Miss E. B. Sale did the devotional. Reports were heard fron Lynchburg's First, Liberty, Morgans and Mt. Olivet. C. J. Thompsoi addressed the ladies and J. Calvin Moss talked to the youth on hov they could help. He suggested by feeling they had a debt of obligation an opportunity of all to work, to gain intelligence, to enlist others anc to give systematicly. Thirteen ladies reported to be giving the Sunda} eggs for missions. Papers were read by Miss Blanche Tolley or
28
Heathen" and Mrs. S. O. Fisher on "Heathen Women".10 It was voted itily the association that the proceedings of the W.M.U. be included in the )e.iiiinutes.
it! Before the 1896 meeting Miss Edmonia Sale had left for China and
ffljrlrs. Olive May Board Eager was home from Italy to talk about her
york. At Peaks in 1897 six societies reported Sunbeam Bands (organi-
ftcation for small children). The next year the women met in the after-
tivioon and Mrs. Smith had difficulty maintaining order caused by a
feudden storm which sent everyone to shelter. Perhaps the women
ould not meet every year for they reported their seventh meeting in
901.
On one of Mrs. Eager's early furloughs thirty-two new organizations or women were begun in the state and she was responsible for twelve %f these.
01 It is possible that one of the most lasting incidents for the growth of 03 he Women's Missionary Union took place at a meeting in Roanoke. fmiss Celeste Parrish, a teacher at Randolph Macon Woman's College in ..ynchhurg, felt the work was too centralized in Richmond, and it should )e from churches over the state. She was among the twenty-six dele- fates from sixteen associations meeting on November 22, 1897, to this ;roup she presented a well worded motion that a committee of twenty - ty'our women, one from each association, not already a member of the 3:,i Central Committee, .be appointed to confer with each local Central ^^ommittee and with the Committee on Cooperation of the General Association to devise means to
't'51 1. Secure representation of the local societies in the annual meeting
worn all the churches in the state.
"P 2. To increase the function and influence of the annual meeting. W 3. To stimulate the women of the country churches to form societies fi ind work for missions.
cj3 These motions were carried unanimously. Miss Parrish was appointed
Chairman of the committee. May 4, 1898 the committee met with the
ocal board of the Central Committee and members of the Committee
m Cooperation to make plans for enlarging the scope of the women's
vork.
The resolution presented
1. President of the Central Committee be requested to call a meeting
)f Virginia Baptist women in Lynchburg October 26-27, 1898 invite
is delegates the Central Committee appointed by the General Associ- ation of Virginia, one delegate from each Woman's Missionary Society n the State and one adult delegate for each Band of Sunbeams, and one
delegate from each church having no society.
2. The annual meeting to be an annual meeting of the Women's rV[issionary Society of Virginia Auxiliary to the General Association and
vorking the Central Committee this body consist of delegates from :ach society and church, as provided above; and its officers to be selected jy the body, subject to the approval of the General Association of L /irginia.
t In the First Baptist Church of Lynchburg on October 26, 1898 there ivas a meeting of the Baptist women in which the local societies were
29
represented. Twenty-one of the twenty four associations were repr sented by 114 delegates. There were twenty-six the year before. Tvi weeks later the General Association met in the First Church of Lyric.- burg and reports of women's work were sent and presented to the body1 Miss Parrish, intrepid leader, never held or sought honor for hersel but held the committee to the matter of necessary foundation matter, - - - She was not very popular with some of the sisters who at the tin could not see the necessity for such "legislation" and wondered why si kept bringing up unpleasant business when they wanted to hear insp rational messages and think pleasant things. Fifty years later the Unid came to appreciate her. Dr. Pitt in the Religious Herald said, "Whe, you study your history, watch out for Miss Parrish! Her brain an statesmanship made you what you are."11
The Women Go It Alone
In 1904 the W.M.U. met at Bedford on July 7 and 8 while the assoc ation met at Beaver Dam August 9-11. This was the first separat meeting. The women sent a report which was given by a man, onl one half of the churches had any organization. From that time unt 1912 some man made a report on what the women were doing. Tha year Miss Yancey wrote a report which was read by T. C. Miller. Ther was also a statistical report on gifts. Twenty-four churches had organi zations; the W.M.S. of Rivermont, Forest and Mt. Madison had readec the Standard of Excellence. The Y.W.A. of Rivermont, the R.A. of Firsl Lynchburg and the Sunbeams of Forest were class A. The ladies decide< that their next meeting would be Tuesday and Wednesday before th< association met.11
1913 was a banner year. Gifts were $1,000.00 over the previous year twenty-eight churches had organizations and the association was dividec in four groups each with a leader. Bedford with Mrs. W. O. McCabe Franklin with Miss Lucy E. Young as leader, Campbell had Mrs. E. H Payne and Lynchburg Miss Mary Morris. On the motion of W. W Hamilton the association voted to print the full report of the W.M.S meeting at Flat Creek.
During the years of World War I the women went on with their work for the first time over one hundred were present to hear Mrs. Maxwell A Creasey discuss the "Problems of the Country Church". She included| in her talk unpaid pastors, unsystematic and unbusiness ways of financing and recommended weekly giving by envelope.1- The ladies did their part to conserve food, to have meatless and wheatless days.13
The First Women Delegates
Mr. Moss returned in 1919 to discuss the 75,000,000 Campaign and Miss Mary Dinwiddie of the Halesford church was the first woman dele- gate to the Strawberry Association. In a few years Mrs. S. J. St. John, Big Island; Mrs. Augustus Jamerson, Fairmount and Mrs. Board from Shady Grove had been elected to represent their churches.
30
»iii Outside the Association
Afomen were on the move, eleven went to the S.B.C. meeting in
ishington, D. C. The offerings at the yearly meeting were deleted
"fi each society was asked to send $1.00 with their reports. Two rooms
re "beautified" at the mountain mission school. This could have been
?dmont in Nelson County. The women were also asked to fill jars
,^th food for the Louisville Training School. Empty jars were sent to
| filled and returned C.O.D.11
"[Jntil 1923 some of the brothers read a report written by the superin- fhdent, but things do change and Miss Emiline Thornhill read the I port and Mrs. J. R. Smith spoke to it. The association Executive Com- 1 ttee realized the value of women and elected Miss Thornhill to ^resent the Sunday School and B.Y.P.U. and Mrs. Charles P. Marshall is selected for the W.M.U.
Reorganizing for Better Work
l'For more effective work they divided the churches in groups: Pjjdford: Bedford, Mt. Olivet, Timber Ridge, Suck Spring, Mt. Hermon I'd Flint Hill
naxton: Thaxton, New Prospect, Walnut Grove, Mt. Zion, Shady f'ove, Mountain View and Glade Creek
,Jg Island: Big Island, Hunting Creek, Royal Chapel, Sedalia, Chestnut m and Oakdale
'-rest: Forest, Pleasant View, Norwood, Terrace View, North Bedford, '•-thai, Beulah and Flat Creek
fK>dview: Morgans, Diamond Hill, Goodview, Beaver Dam and Hales- rd
uanklin: Boones Mill, Fairmount, Red Hill, Cooper's Cove, Ninevah '..d Sandy Ridge
i.aunton: Mentow, Palestine, Staunton, Mt. Ivey, Pecks, Difficult Creek, J>thlehem and Radford
/mchburg: Inglewood, Mt. Madison, First, College Hill, West Lynchburg lid Franklin Street
The Ruby Anniversary
r During the Ruby Anniversary year, 1929, the churches surpassed their j-al of 125 organizations by seven and the next year found women on j'ven of the eleven committees of the association. It was also decided at each year the annual W.M.U. meeting would be at Bedford; every oman to bring her lunch and the church would serve cold drinks paid r out of associational funds and the meetings to be changed to April.
The Depression
All Franklin Street women gave to missions in 1931, but the depression
money and interest seem to be creeping in. The women listed their
eakness: they did not meet their apportionments, more of the churches
ere without woman's work than any association in the state, too many
31
unenlisted women and the church treasurers not passing the money a Mr. Crump.,n The fun of a Y.W.A. houseparty at Miss Elsie Gilliai* Timberlake summer home was a bright spot of these days. At ev.i meeting of the thirties they seem to ruin the spirit by stressing standa and reports.
In defiance of the lack of money the women struggled through mid thirties. They worked on reducing the debt of the Foreign Miss! Board by the "Quarter a Week Offering"; gave the Home Miss1 Board the salary for a missionary and in 1937 they paid the salary! native Bible women in China and the salary of Mrs. T. B. Hawkins! Argentina and took on the salary of Mrs. Steen in St. Louis at $1,000 for a year.
Personal Service
Among some of the unique reports were those of the White Crt and Personal Service. 200 quarts of food to the Louisville Traini school, forty night shirts to Africa, twenty quilts to the New Orlea Rescue Mission, ninety-three yards of gingham for the orphanage Ogbomosho, 150 towels, thirty-two night shirts to the mission. Sevent nine quilts, fifteen sheets, four pillow cases, one pair blankets, clothi and shoes for school children at the orphanage. Then personal servi became personal and local; soul winning, prayer meetings, nurseri. visiting the sick in hospitals and the Florence Crittenden Home.
The forties started with Thaxton and Big Island being A 1. Thaxt had been A 1 for eleven years. Altavista's First, Central, Bedford, Me tow and Pleasant View were 100% in giving. The Business Womer Circle Federation was organized in 1948 with Mrs. A. E. McConnville president. The Strawberry Association lead the state in new juni organizations. $150.00 was given toward a new car for Miss Annie M Boyles and $1,243.00 set as a goal for the Historical Wing of the Boa wright Library of the University of Richmond. Contributions were ask< for to be made to "Debtless Denomination by 1945". Enthusiasm w; high! A Goodwill Center was about to be born
Goodwill Center
The center, located on White Rock Hill in Lynchburg, was opened i 1946 with Mrs. Frank Murry as director. In the first fifteen month 300 people from 125 families were reached. 200 volunteers from th churches had assisted. The center found a permanent home at 150 Main Street where it remained until the "Bypass" took over.
Miss Louise Fletcher became director and Mrs. J. P. Foster served a manager and chairman of the board. In 1945 Miss Fletcher reported revival with twenty-two professions of faith. One year she had number of those, who had been at the center, tell the association wha the center had meant to them.
On the tenth year of operations the director reported that they ha< an average of 60 per year in V.B.S., children had been sent to camp, nin evangelistic meetings had been rewarding, 142 persons had found Chris and most of them joined Franklin Street Church. There were 142 en
32
1
J, led in the Sunday School with an average attendance of 123 and an
ering of $1,979.00. It was paying its own way and sending money to
J Cooperative Program. 100 were enrolled in the missionary programs
d there had been an average of 125 for each Christmas party with
| ts for all.10
L3ecause of the change in civil conditions, roads, etc. causing lessened
;endance it was recommended that the work close on November 15, 54. Much of the equipment was brought to the Strawberry Lodge at
j.gle Eyrie.
A Decade of Change
Prom 1951 to 1961 more than the Goodwill Center came to an end. ss Broyles completed her work, Mrs. W. F. Hickey ended a long and warding period as Superintendent, Mrs. G. W. Bond finished twenty j(ars as secretary from 1942-1962 and the goal for the library was met. [tans for new activities began by dividing the association in four groups: j meta or Elsie Gilliam, Lynchburg and Thaxton or Mable Crabtree. Ruling lists were compiled in order to get letters from our two mission- lies, Edith Vaughn and Elaine Hancock, to the churches. ,When the last group of churches left to be on their own in 1964 the sociation had to be regrouped. During these days the women made a :t to the camp site on the Piankatank River and $100.00 to the Jane ratton Memorial.
Prepration for the Next Century
^The years preceeding the anniversary celebration have found the
")men doing their share, serving on committees, taking places of leader-
! ip in all the association work, yet striving to do what they were
r mmissioned to do in 1887. Believing that missions are not only for
e entire church, but for all the family, many of the activities are
anned to include all. Not to be forgotten was the annual meeting
i pril 1, 1976 when all ages were on the program; when both women
id men of the churches gathered together at Suck Spring in the same
ace and heard Miss Kathryn Bullard and Mr. Loyd F. Jackson tell
ji the work. Miss Bullard is State Director of W.M.U. and Mr. Jackson
i,e Director of the Department of Baptist Men.
j Ladies you have come a long way from meeting at the stand to standing U the pulpit!
33
Chapter VIII
THE APOSTLES ON HORSEBACK
1823-1901
Although the first two state missionaries went from the Strawbe1; Association it did not indicate all was well and no aid was needed ;i help evangelize the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the ear days the most heard of, talked about and planned for item on agenda of any association meeting was that of securing a missionary colporter.
From 1823 to 1910 twenty-nine men worked among the people Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Floyd, Patrick, Campbell, Roanoke a Botetourt counties.
Worker, Work and Wages
James Leftwich (1787-1872) was the first missionary and receiv $25.00 a month for four months in 1823. Absalom C. Dempsey (111 1872) worked in what is now a part of Roanoke Valley Association 1828. William Leftwich (1768-1865) employed in 1828, Jesse W (1797-1858) and James D. McAllister worked during 1829. Willia Harris (1771-1865) employed during 1839. James S. Lee (1780-184 worked in Bedford County from 1839 to 1845 when he went to Hen County. In 1844 A. L. Alderson worked in Bedford and Thomas Goggin (1815-1895) reported to the Central Committee that he h worked sixty-six days, rode 600 miles in the year and had sold $60.. worth of books. In 1855 he worked half time for $400.00. During 18
three men worked, M. W. Reed (18137-1903) Baker, ai
James L. Gwaltney (1799-1864). Elder Gwaltney of Isle of Wight Coun, was to locate in the association bounds and circulate among the churchc As to wages he was to have the liberty to collect his salary from tl churches with which he labors. T. N. Sanderson (1819-1900) and S. White were employed in 1854 by the Executive Committee at $25.00 pj month. Elder Sanderson was not always welcomed in every home Ij visited. On one occasion he had left such a home and on his way droppel a few tracks at the gate and when he returned on his way home \\ found the tracts nailed to a tree near the road.
Alexander Eubank (1826-1903) gave the Religious Herald a report < the work done by Sanderson and White, "In the Strawberry the mission aries over the last two years had traveled 6,000 miles; visited 2,200 horru and held 1,300 conversations about religion. They had preached 2q
34
srmons, given 150 exhortations and prayed with 1,000 families. They ad placed fifty-eight Bibles in homes where there were none, sold 90.00 worth of books, gave away $30.00 worth, placed 35,000 pages of racts, secured thirty-three subscriptions to the Religious Herald and 'oreign Journal." He also stated that in the area of the association here were 75,000 persons, 12,000 were Christians of all the denominations nd one half of the remaining 63,000 were children, leaving more than 0,000 adults to be taught the way of life.
J. W. Mason, J. W. Meadow and D. Staley were on the list in 1856 ,nd at the 1860 meeting they took an offering to help pay Mr. Staley's alary for the entire year. $145.25 was received. J. A. Davis came to he association in 1870 at the salary of not less than $350.00 a year and he next year it was to be $1,200.00; he was to give half of his time at hree preaching stations and help Diamond Hill to complete a union hurch. He had been preaching under a brush arbor. In 1872 he and V. J. Cocke were to give all their time to work in the association and I. L. Anthony some of his. J. R. Harrison got $600.00 for half of 1876. )ther men who wroked were W. Y. Quesenherry, 1884; J. M. Morris, 887; R. A. Smith and Frank C. Johnson, 1889-1890; C. W. Welsh, 1891; '. A. Jenks, (1843-1936), J. M. Street (1860-1929) and J. S. Lynn (1835- 914), 1896. Brother Lynn found the field to be very promising, both >n account of the destitution and the general prevalence of the Baptist entiment in the section. Alex Millar and S. T. Habel, Sr., 1899 and Mr. label worked until 1901.
From Horseback to Horse Power
For sixty years the members of the association went on their own.
Vith the increase in organizations, the need for someone to keep up i'vith and interpret the new methods quickly and to assist churches with f:heir internal and external problems many of pastors had a need for Someone to give their full time to this work. A committee was ap- nK)inted at Beaver Dam on October 20, 1960 to secure such a person. | U the 1961 meeting they reported and recommended that Rev. James T. Cravens, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox, be employed. Me was to come May 15, 1961 at a salary of $5,400.00. The budget for the work was to be $10,400.00 for the year of 1961. ' The Superintendent ;t>f Missions 1962 Report tells some of the many things that had claimed hiis attention: preached in many churches, took part in seventy-six Planning meetings, met with 127 church groups and committees, spoke Ibver the local radio, helped in state and southwide conferences and spoke
o high school students in the county .- 9 Mr. Cravens served until the formation of the Lynchburg Association
and became the first Superintendent of Missions for that group. We hre reaping many of the benefits of his stay in the association. Today,
ie and Mrs. Cravens are working in a pioneer ministry in Pennsylvania.
35
Chapter IX
LIFTING THE BOUNTY 1802 - 1976
:
A study of the monetary discussions and the decisions of any gro for one hundred and fifty years is interesting and that of the Strav berry Association is no exception. From the earliest records of monej being a part of the work until the two hundredth birthday one sees steady progression of stewardship. One step leads to another; from th passing of the hat to the Unified Budget there has been a systemati movement.
The first recorded offering was in 1802 when two men were appointe to lift the bounty which amounted to two pounds, seventeen shilling and ten pence. This could have been a free-will offering or amount sent by the churches with their letters.
Using the Bounty
These interesting facts pertaining to the gifts have been culled fron the association's minutes and the Religious Herald and presented ii chronological order with apologies to anyone whose literary taste migh be offended.
1820 — $21.50 given at the meeting to help Lynchburg pay for its meet- ing house.
1845 — $47.60>4 in cash and $25.00 in subscriptions for an associational missionary.
1854 — A plea was made for gifts and it was asked that the conscience
be the guide in giving. After an address the proposition was made to raise $100.00 for Foreign Missions through donations of $5.00 each. In a few minutes $110.00 in cash was paid by: F. M.' Barker, Ira Hurt, J. W. Morgan, G. W. Leftwich, M. Lunsford, J. Jeter, J. E. Compton, G. Johnson, I. J. Bush, S. B. White, M. W. Read, John Thornton, Elliot Lowery, T. C. Goggin, J. P. W.
Keyfauver, Bilbo, Holland, E. Wornock,
J. Hamner, G. T. Snead and J. L. Prichard. "Ministers asked to lay the claims of the perishing heathen to the notice of their congregations and endeavor to obtain from each individual a contribution".
1855 — A collection of $75.00 was given to George Pearcy, back from
China, and at the close of the service $36.00 was taken for the General Association.
36
After the Sunday morning service an offering of $23.00 was made for the General Association and $128.00 for Foreign missions. A pledge to the General Association in the amount of $25.00 each from Mt. Olivet, Lynchburg, Liberty, Mt. Hermon and Hale's Ford. $15.00 pledged from Beaver Dam and $10.00 from Mt. Zion and Wolf Hill.
Following an address on Foreign Mission, in the house, $30.00 was received and at the stand they gave $19.00 for State Missions. $142.00 collected in cash and subscriptions for Domestic Missions after a forcible talk.
A collection of $78.24 was received for the support of George Pearcy in his California work. (Mr. Pearcy did not go to the west ,because of the war.)
At the close of the service two offerings were taken. $27.00 for State Missions and $92.55 for Sister Elizabeth Lee, widow of J. S. Lee.
After a sermon on the Sabbath day that was heard by thousands an offering of $200.00 was raised. Alexander Eubank wrote in the October 25th Religious Herald that so much time was spent by agents asking for money and so many collections taken that it was suggested that at the next meeting four male and four female members be a collection committee from each church and that the membership be divided in fourths. They will be asked how much they will give monthly, the committee member will put it down and collect it each month and this will be assigned to agents as their needs demand.1
The association was asked to support systematically the benevo- lences adopted by the Baptist General Association of Virginia. The average of seventeen and one-half cents per member was contributed.
The churches gave to local causes a total of $2.72 per member and eleven cents per member to the General Board. Collected for Richmond College $200.00 and disable ministers $35.00.
Offering for the Education Board amounted to $28.00 in cash and $50.00 in subscriptions. Offering for the Foreign Mission Board was $25.00 and the churches asked to contribute liberally to the Sunday School and Bible Board. $300.00 given to Foreign Missions.
Collected for Minister's Relief $30.00 and for Foreign Missions $105.00 in cash and $30.00 in subscriptions.
A study of the churches' gifts from 1873 to 1878 was made by J. A. Davis, missionary in the association, and reported at the annual meeting gave some interesting facts about mission gifts. Liberty was the only church that gave every year. Lynchburg gave every year but one. Burton Creek, one of the feeblest, failed one year out of five. College Hill, the youngest, gave $36.00. Flat Creek, Hunting Creek, Mt. Hermon, Mt. Zion, and Timber Ridge gave for three years out of five. Beaver Dam, Mt. Olivet, Wolf Hill and Leesville gave for two years. Chest-
37
nut Hill, Cove, Diamond Hill, Fairmount, Goose Creek, N>v Prospect, Red Hill, Suck Spring and Walnut Grove gave for J out of five. Bethlehem, Bethany, Difficult Creek, Flint ll Glade Creek, Halesford, Hill Spring, Mt. Airy, Mountain Vi«| Palestine, Staunton, and Shady Grove gave nothing in five yets
1880 — To pay a colporter there was a roll call of churches for pled;*
which amounted to $304.00. Bitting' s history of the associat;n was to sell for .20 each. Following the apportionment methd $200.00 was to be given to Home Missions.
1881 — Lifted from the report on "Needs of Our Association". In li'fl
seven of our churches gave nothing to State Missions, ei|j nothing to Foreign Missions, twelve nothing to Home Missio twelve nothing to Ministers' Relief and twenty-five nothing > Sunday School and Bible Board. A total of $72.45 was cc tributed for the year.
1882 — The Board will place a colporter in the association if it w
raise the sum of $250.00. This was apportioned to the church on the basis of $15.00 to $1.00 per church. Because of a d pression only $120.00 was given to missions.
1883 — Request made for the following: Home Missions $250.00, $233
given; Foreign Missions $600.00, $340.00 given; and State Missioi
$500.00 and $287.00 given. 1885 — A public collection for the Sunday School Board amounted
$42.00 and the Home Mission aportionment $400.00. 1891 — J. P. Luck ask help to repair Diamond Hill meeting hous
$17.00 was given.
1893 — An offering of $5.00 taken for furniture at Jeter Institute.
1894 — $21.00 aid given to a church (no name).
1895 — $5.00 collected for Iron Gate Church.
1896 — $5.00 offering for the orphanage and $5.00 collected for Peck
Church.
1897 — The association gave for: Foreign Missions .21 per member, foj
Home Missions .11 per member and .19 per member for Stat J Missions. Miss Edmonia Sale was sent to China. W. S. Royall and J. P. Luck appointed to study and suggest to the churche; the best system of church finances.
1898 — Collected $26.00 for Norwood church.
1899 — The State Board suggested there be a certain per cent increase
over last years gifts.
1901 — The orphanage asked for $1,500.00 to be given in a few months. J. E. Poteet ask for gifts to the Sandy Ridge church building, $16.19 was taken up for this. Mentow desired to build and dedicate its building free of debt so W. E. Hatcher (1834-1912) lifted a collection of $25.22 for them. The Boards asked $300.00 for Ministerial Relief and $800.00 for Home Missions.
1903 — $32.25 was given to the Rustburg church.
1906 — $10.25 given to Royal Chapel church.
1909 — The Association pro-rated for Foreign Missions $3,000.00 and for Home Missions $2,000.00.
38
NV 9 1 2 — The denomination boards wanted to say to the association that 0, it deemed the evidence overwhelming, that the Envelope Fi-
ffl nancial System produces the best results. The suggested plan
i( for the year: University of Richmond $11,426.00 and to pay
iij $6,539 by July 1; send a special offering once a month to the
|ji orphanage give .05 per member to Minister's Relief and that
it $4,000.00 for Foreign Missions and $2,600.00 for Home Missions
i be approtioned to the churches. Every agency asked to have
an associational chairman. :!917 — Sunday School Board asked for .38 per member and increase |i of .14.
ic
Seventy-five Million Dollar Campaign
fa
918 — The $75,000,000.00 Campaign launched. After years of five an- nual request for gifts Southern Baptist, in May 1919, launched a
rt goal somewhat commensurate with their ability. It was decided
to have one big drive to be made from November 30th to Decem- ber 7, 1919 with the money to go to the Executive Committee of the convention.
Organization of the Campaign
Each state was assigned a goal. Virginia's was to be $7,000,000.00, this = vould be divided: Foreign Missions $2,357,560, Home Missions $1,007,035, ^mister's Relief $448,000, Southwide Seminaries $280,000, State Missions ■ 1,020,000, Education $1,500,000, Orphanage $439,000, Hospital $118,400. j. R. Scarbrough ( -1945) was General Chairman, George W. McDaniel 1875-1927) was appointed Commissioner for Virginia and J. Calvin Moss >rganizer for the Strawberry Association with an apportionment of ">347,100.50. The following schedule was set: July preparation, August nformation, September intercession, October enlistment, November Stewardship and December victory! The churches pledges $343,685!
!
I Planned, Pledge, Paid
1924 — At the end of the Campaign there were mixed reactions; not all pledges were paid, some members vowed never to make pledges again, and a number of churches and denominational institutions were in deep debt. Strawberry was not alone in her efforts. This chart will show how the churches came through the Campaign.
Church
Beaver Dam 3ethel 3ethlehem Bedford City Beulah Boones Mill Big Island
39
|
Requested |
Pledge |
Paid |
|
P 520.00 |
$ 570.00 |
0.00 |
|
1,172.00 |
1,188.00 |
795.00 |
|
1,172.00 |
1,300.00 |
692.00 |
|
20,592.00 |
24,500.00 |
14,215.00 |
|
1,823.00 |
2,000.00 |
0.00 |
|
1,300.00 |
1,450.00 |
321.00 |
|
3,423.00 |
4,630.00 |
2,678.00 |
|
Boones Mill |
1,300.00 |
1,450.00 |
0.) |
|
Cedar Bluff |
400.00 |
750.00 |
321.1 |
|
Chestnut Hill |
651.00 |
1,020.00 |
0.1 |
|
Cooper's Cove |
465.00 |
465.00 |
182.ii |
|
Diamond. Hill |
300.00 |
340.00 |
O.i |
|
Difficult Creek |
651.00 |
675.00 |
338.ll |
|
Fairmount |
1,000.00 |
1,001.00 |
01 |
|
Flat Creek |
558.00 |
601.00 |
369.(1 |
|
Flint Hill |
1,581.00 |
1,300.00 |
1,301.(1 |
|
Forest |
3,293.00 |
3,400.00 |
1,900.C|- |
|
Glade Creek |
3,000.00 |
4,253.00 |
o.cl |
|
Halesford |
2,883.00 |
2,340.00 |
O.J |
|
Hunting Creek |
2,549.00 |
3,743.00 |
o.cl |
|
Inglewood |
2,102.00 |
2,270.00 |
1,417.01 |
|
Lynch's |
100.00 |
184.00 |
0.0 1 |
|
Lynchburg, First |
125,000.00 |
135,000.00 |
104,421.01 |
|
College Hill |
50,000.00 |
75,625.00 |
46,057.01 |
|
Rivermont Avenue |
50,000.00 |
73,000.00 |
58,000.0 |
|
Franklin Street |
22,256.00 |
23,250.00 |
16,802.0i |
|
West Lynchburg |
4,000.00 |
4,000.00 |
3,600.08 |
|
Morgans |
2,082.00 |
1,400.00 |
1,118.0( |
|
Mountain View |
1,023.00 |
0.00 |
0.0( |
|
Mt. Hermon |
2,828.00 |
2,110.00 |
1,002.0( |
|
Madison Heights |
3,981.00 |
6,500.00 |
3.581.0C |
|
Mt. Ivey |
1,097.00 |
1,183.00 |
0.00 |
|
Mt. Olivet |
2,883.00 |
2,200.00 |
1,244.00 |
|
Mt. Zion |
700.00 |
805.00 |
488.00 |
|
Mentow |
818.00 |
637.00 |
203.00 |
|
New Prospect |
2,120.00 |
1,858.00 |
1,339.00 |
|
Ninevah |
500.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
North Bedford |
2,000.00 |
2,700.00 |
0.00 |
|
Norwood |
1,116.00 |
720.00 |
0.00 |
|
Oakdale |
819.00 |
1,023.00 |
0.00 |
|
Palestine |
1,507.00 |
1,596.00 |
0.00 |
|
Peaks |
700.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Pleasant View |
350.00 |
300.00 |
0.00 |
|
Radford |
354.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Red Hill |
200.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Royal Chapel |
800.00 |
467.00 |
438.00 |
|
Sandy Ridge |
400.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Shady Grove |
2,500.00 |
0.00 |
1,138.00 |
|
Staunton |
1,767.00 |
1,942.00 |
0.00 |
|
Suck Spring |
6,455.00 |
4,436.00 |
0.00 |
|
Sedalia |
2,121.00 |
2,150.00 |
974.00 |
|
Thaxton |
3,500.00 |
5,782.00 |
3,996.00 |
|
Timber Ridge |
5,115.00 |
5,115.00 |
0.00 |
|
Walnut Grove |
2,500.00 |
2,800.00 |
2,267.00 |
|
White Rock |
225.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
$410,561.00 amount asked for, 8,387 church members, 4,148 members pledged $343,685.00 and by 1925 they had paid $299,855.00 of the amount
40
r approximately $84,000.00 per year. The efforts of the Campaign were ot in vain for from them and an evaluation of the gains and losses ave to Southern Baptist one of the best stewardship programs of any enomination in the world.
Permanence of the Crusade
There were lasting consequences throughout the Southern Baptist Con- 1 ention as reflected in the Strawberry Association.
1 1. Increase in giving 1914-1919; $5.08 per member, 1919-1924 $9.27 per hember; 1925-1929 $10.52 per member, a 100% increase. f. 2. A more systematic method of raising and distributing finances from I le budget plan for a church.
| On the one-hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the association J. fc alvin Moss, who had lead the churches through the $75,000,000 Campaign, Sported on a meeting of the Virginia Board held June 18, 1925.
A New Plan for Stewardship
!} Following an appraisement of the financial program over the years
me Board came to some encouraging conclusions.
|( I. They found the following difficulties to a new plan:
1. Inadequate facilities for informing the people. i( 2. Reaction to the 75,000,000 Campaign. !( 3. Trying to begin a new program without completion of the first.
4. Financial freedom demanded ,by the churches, tl. There were heartening things:
1. More people enlisted in the new program of the last five years. More tithers and a better system of giving. Recognition of the necissity for cooperation. Realization of a great world mission program, business-like way to pay the heavy debts of our denomination. These were incurred on belief that the pledges would be paid. Each object of the convention to get a percent of the amount given.
Each member be asked to pledge. Every member give according to Bible principles. Each church adopt a budget and install weekly plan of giving through the duplex envelope.
Monthly remittance to state treasure from all church treasures. Special day in Sunday School and a special thank offering for State, Home and Foreign Missions. t, 7. December 6-13 the date for the Every Member Canvass. I The apportionment for all causes outside the local churches for the itrawberry Association for the year 1926 was to be $51,350. 927 — The association gave $54,751.00. $33,768.00 to the Cooperative Program and $20,983.00 to other mission causes. Twenty-one churches gave through the Program, but twelve gave nothing to missions. 929 — The Cooperative Program goal was $45,000.00; the churches gave $34,377.00 to the Program causes and $13,788.00 to other mission
41
|
2. |
|
) 3. |
|
) 4. |
|
)II. A i Tl |
|
1. ) I- |
|
) |
|
J 2. |
|
i 3. |
|
( 4. A |
|
i ( 5. |
|
( 6. |
projects. Total contributions to all causes amounted
$186,101.00. 1931 — After five years with the Program all churches except Mounts
Ninevah and Oakdale had given through the new plan. Or/
five churches gave nothing to missions. 1940 — Only three churches gave nothing through the Program, ,b
every church gave something to missions.
Growing With the Gifts
The intervening years have been spent in advancing plans for ed
eating the churches in the meaning of stewardship and the best plaj
for carrying it out at a very particular time. The duplex envelope h
given way to one with the Six-point Record System for the Sundo
Schools on it and most of the churches use the Unified Budget. TV
financial secretary is an important elected officer of the church, financi
reports are made regularly to all the church members and all agencit
of the denomination are treated as their needs demand. No longer doc
the best speaker get the largest offering for his cause.
1975 — Thirty-four churches out of the thirty-five returned their churc
letters. They reported 6,705 resident members who gav
$861,929.00. $709,162.00 given for local expenses, $87,384.00 t
the Cooperative Program and $57,437.00 to other mission cause
May the experiences of stewardship from the years gone by be bu
stepping stones to a greater realization of this important function of th
churches.
42
Chapter X
TEACHING THE WORD 1830 - 1976
it yoon after the Virginia Baptist General Association voted in 1830 to ivote time at each yearly meeting to discuss the Bible and Sabbath liiool more interest was expressed in the schools. There were three it this association: Little Otter, Glade Creek and Lynchburg. By 1835 ! s Strawberry Association was asked to approve the Virginia Bible jyaety and the church support it. At the same meeting there was a Irtery about the American Bible Society.
The value of Sunday School instruction was discussed at the 1837
eting. Many expressed the feeling that Bible instruction would check
j;ecration of the Sabbath day, that it would direct the rising generation
paths of virture and piety and that the assembled group resolve to
! [uest that churches form and sustain Sabbath School, that preachers
; ;ach one sermon a year on the value of the Sabbath School and that
j read the Bible through each year by the daily reading of a chapter.1
n 1838 there was added to the group of organizations around the
neral Association the Virginia Baptist Sunday School Association.
e next year it became the Virginia Baptist Sunday School and Tract
:iety and in 1840 it became auxiliary to the American Bible Publi-
ion and Sunday School Society and took the third name Virginia
nday School and Publication Society.
Bible Teaching in the Association
The association approved the organization and appointed a committee
aid in the work; from Rockbridge, John N. Johnston; Campbell,
>hua Thornhill; Franklin, Sterling M. Thornton; Bedford, Abner
thony (1790-1884) and J. W. Leftwich ( -1868); Botetourt, Lewis
Hows ( -1882) and Roanoke, A. Newman. James Leftwich was
airman for the association. These men were to visit all the churches
their county and encourage or organize Sabbath Schools. The chair -
ji asked the churches to report number of teachers, pupils and books
their school. By 1840 the committee reported Sabbath Schools at
11 Creek, Zion Hill, Catawba, Buchanan, Green Ridge and Fincastle.
\ news item to the Religious Herald, March 21, 1842, said there was
t more than three or four schools in the Strawberry Association. The
stors were to start schools in their own churches and in destitute areas.
the semi-annual meeting in May fifteen of the twenty-two churches
43
r
!
reported they had started schools with a combined membership of pupils and teachers.
There was no statistical table in 1855 minutes, but a report sho\ seven churches with Sabbath Schools. North Fork of Otter with six three members, Suck Spring with sixty-five, Lynchburg had 142 Mt. Olivet had fifty-two.
Meeting for Promotion
The first gathering to promote Sabbath School work in the associat was planned to be at Mt. Olivet Meeting House on the fifth Lord's E in November 1857. Alex Eubank to preach on Saturday, T. N. Sanders f to read an essay and on Sunday T. C. Goggin was to preach and W. Duncan to read an essay on Sabbath Schools. The evening of each d to be spent in making speeches.2
The meeting took place as scheduled, but none of the persons appoint to officiate and lead the worship were present. M. W. Reese was elect
president and S. R. White, secretary. Hensley and S
White preached. A committee was to draw up a constitution. They h nine resolutions to discuss and planned to meet March 1858 at Beav Dam.3
The brethren ask that the minutes of the meeting be suspended ai we hear an address on Sunday School and Colportage.4 Interest w growing, but not until 1866 did the movement really get under wa One must remember these schools were places where not only tl Bible, but the three R's were learned. There were 159 schools in tl state, ten of these in the Strawberry Association. Churches with schc- and their enrollment: Mt. Hermon, 28, Hunting Creek 80, Wolf Hill 2 Liberty 156, Mountain View 70, Lynchburg 230, Timber Ridge 98, Staunto 45, Palestine 60 and Blue Ridge 151. By 1867 not half of the churches i the state had Sunday Schools.
Real promotion by the Sunday School members was launched in district conference held February 22, 1868 at 8:00 P.M. in the Libert church. J. A. Davis had planned the big meeting and interest was its best. Members were asked to organize Sunday Schools and in alread organized schools to promote efficiency and to adopt measures for tb extension of this work.5
Seeking Help
After a brief period of growth in Sunday Schools there seemed to bt a decline and the churches asked that they get the help of a missionary and colporter." News of the success from Sunday School Conventions in several areas of the state reached the mountains and in 1873 a com- mittee of J. A. Davis, Cornelius Tyree, J. M. Mathews, Alexander Eu- bank and J. A. Hamner were to arrange with the state superintendent of the Sunday School and Bible Board for one or more conventions in the association during the coming year. There is no record of the results of this effort. The tables reported twenty-four Sunday Schools with 2,483 pupils and 2,376 volumns in their libraries. Three churches used "Kind
44
ords", four were union schools and the other churches used "Bible jssons" and the "Young Reaper".7
v A few years after the churches took Bible instruction seriously John R. Kpser made a comparison between churches with and without schools. i : the thirty-seven reporting thirteen had no Sunday School. In these i found an unusual share of religiously, petrified and antagonistic embers. He also found the churches had a great lack of other things.'4 On one occasion the ministers and deacons wanted to change their ganization to Ministers, Deacons Institute and Sunday School Con- i';ntion of the Strawberry Association and to meet for the first time p Liberty on Wednesday after the second Sabbath in October in con- ation with the Strawberry and Valley Association Sabbath School invention, to be meeting there at that date.6
p No mention was made of such a meeting, but the association requested colporter and contributed $400.00 to the salary.
Reports to the Association
The reports for the 80's were "wordy", suggesting that every church ould have a Sunday School. The one helpful thing submitted was at whenever possible there should not be union schools even if they id to meet in school building or homes. The possibilites for Sunday hools were increasing according to the 1880 census the population in e Strawberry Association had reached 37,000. There were 12,000 I toveen the ages of five and twenty-one. 3,450 were Baptist and 6,006 her Protestants. In Baptist Sunday Schools there were enrolled 2,385 I id in all other church schools 3,822.
f People were working to improve the existing schools. W. G. Hamner ' esented an outstanding report on how to help or hinder a school at e August 6-9, 1889, meeting of the association.10 'Helps:
A Superintendent filled with good common sense, devoted to his ! work, religious in his life and heart, freshness in his methods, and 1 a controlling interest in every body and everything.
Teachers who are prompt, regular, pious, persuasive, loving and a | controllable.
':■ Confidence and good feeling between Superintendent and each teacher.
Subordinate officers who will give special attention solely to their duties.
A hearty, zealous determination on the part of officers and teachers i to disseminate God's word first, foremost and continually.
Music of the very best possible order, used vigorously and abundantly. ' A good sexton with a comfortable, bright, clean and cheerful house. Short sessions with ever varying and crisp exercises. A pervasive impassion that it is God's work, engaged in by God's . people and for God's glory. I Hinders:
A Superintendent who is lazy, thoughtless, tardy, "poky", dogmatic, : meddling and who abounds in routine, sameness and "talk-you-to- j deathness."
45
2. Teachers who are slow, irregular, unprepared, dyspeptic, quarrelson- and fault finding.
3. Officers who are rarely present and as rarely missed.
4. General "discussions" which interest only those who engage in the
5. Fault finding and criticism by the teachers of the school who coi unprepared on their lessons.
6. Inferior music and too much of it.
7. That very general and false impression that your school is intende only for little ones.
8. A lack of interest on the part of parents, except on Sunday.
9. The chronic visitor, who drops in now and then, "not prepared t take part this morning", but is always willing to "make you a littl, talk", and tell you all about how it ought to be done.
— Walker G. Hamne Messengers to the association in the last decade of the nineteent century heard more about the condition of the state Sunday School than they did their own. Of the thirty-seven churches in the associatioi twenty-six had schools; two were union. There was a combined mem bership of 2,761. Four years later seven churches had twelve month of Bible teaching and twenty-six had from four to eight months. Thesi schools enrolled one third of the church members."
The twentieth century started with union schools in Mt. Zion an( Diamond Hill, eight of the churches reported no schools. All the churche. were requested to order their supplies from J. M. Pilcher (1841-1924) Superintendent of the Sunday School Board, Petersburg, and that statistical table for the Sunday School be added to the church letter.
Improving the Teaching
The first quarter of 1900 was spent in trying to carry out the motto "a Baptist Sunday School in every neighborhood". At first they wanted a colporter to do this. The state offered to pay one half of the salary if I the association would be responsible for the remainder. In 1904 one reported that "in the past years the three agencies of evangelism, I pastors and publishing were the pioneers. Today's pioneer is the col- I porter, who is both the pioneer minister and publishing agency." Often, it was hard and the failure of the churches to send sufficient money to do the work added extra burdens.
The second plan for enrichment of the Sunday School was the study, I courses leading to the King's Teacher Diploma and seals for additional books studied. Many workers were studying in the Sunday Schools, at ] the Encampment at Virginia Beach and Intermont. Over 1,000 persons from 300 churches participated in the 1911 encampment. Each Sunday School in the association was asked to send one person in 1914.
E. J. Wright, delegate from Cabell Street, reported hundreds of normal students had received normal diplomas from the Sunday School Board. I Through study many churches found the best way to improve their local work. Some discovered the organized class helpful in enlisting men. The Home Department, new graded lessons and standards were proving very fruitful. Many churches were not using Baptist literature
46
^("i a plea was made that they buy it from the Board, now located in :hmond.
Just as knowledge brought many satisfactory results the teachers ought sharing of ideas would be helpful so the Sunday School Con- htion became a significant part of the association. In its meeting at dford, December, 1915, reports and discussions were delivered. The jociation superintendent had mailed reports to all churches and only -st of Lynchburg, College Hill, Royal Chapel, Oakdale, Mt. Madison, lestine, Suck Spring and Bedford City had returned them. Bedford ty had reached the A-l Standard, Rivermont and Franklin Street f»re Standard. A resolution was made that permanent officers be ?cted and meetings be held in different sections of the association, inting Creek was host in 1916 with six schools present. Other meetings ?re at Mt. Zion and Bedford City.
So popular were these district gatherings that it was deemed best to
ve two a year. At Mount Madison, G. A. Miller was elected president
id R. E. Ingram secretary. The meeting at Forest in 1920 was good,
irjost of those present came from the community. On July 2nd the
ttpUestine church could not seat all who came. However, only a few
xjaere delegates. Interest in the conventions began to wane. They
emed to have served their purpose, but the institutes continued to be
nirpular.
'^Membership was increasing and the need for better facilities caused
'jpany churches to enlarge their buildings, among those were: Bedford,
j adison Heights, Big Island, Inglewood and Thaxton. All of the new
< lps brought the desired results. Thirty-four of the forty-five churches
iswered questionnaires about their work. They shared an increase
attendance, contributions and conversions. Special days for offerings
d decreased since the $75,000,000 Campaign was launched. The present
l^al was to have the Sunday School enrollment as large as the church
Membership and a mission day once a quarter.
''From 1926 to 1940 little was reported about the Sunday Schools. The
' 26 statistical table reveals fifty churches. Twenty-seven evergreen
'mools (twelve month school) two with no school, eight met nine
Dnths, two met seven months, one came together for teaching eight
3nths and ten met for one-half of the year. The combined enrollment
is 10,000. The next year there were 24 full time schools, twenty-five
rt time and seven churches with none. The greatest need reported
(is to have trained teachers with prepared lessons. Often J. B. Hill,
'ate Sunday School Secretary, spoke and led discussions on the
•oblems facing the schools. At the 1940 meeting of the association's
1 ecutive committee meeting it was asked to choose a Sunday School
'.perintendent.
This officer was selected and a complete organization set up, but it . is short lived. In the next few years the only associational officer -ted was the superintendent. For the support of the work an offering •is taken each day at the annual meeting and other organizations were Iked to do the same at their meetings. These and the church offerings -;re to be sent to the associational clerk. This was to be a deputation -'id. By 1940 the organization was again completed.
47
Some recalled the days of big crowds attending the conventions m suggested one for each month. This did not meet with much sue so it was decided to group the churches for better work, less meet and the elimination of duplication. In 1953 groups were selected foi Lynchburg, Bedford, Moneta and Thaxton. The same year a bus jaal of workers attended the Sunday School week at Massanetta Sprigs A scholarship of $20.00 was offered to any superintendent attending he state or southwide conference.
The sixties saw Sunday School attendance begin to decline. Tire was a reorganization of the forces, new names for the officers, irv? terms, new materials and ideas. In the fall of 1965 these were introdved to the association in one-night conferences lead by a team of s te workers from Richmond. Bedford, Big Island, Old Forest Road, ^at Lynchburg and Madison Heights hosted the meetings.
Plans for the Next Century
As we take the Bible teaching program into the third century soie thing new is in the making. You will enroll people where you find thm ■ — no longer must they attend three Sundays before becoming memhs. Studies find that the average attendance is about one half of the i- rollment and no longer do people come seeking membership so te Sunday School will go to them where they can be found, enroll ii assign the new member to the proper class. It will ,be up to the els to reach them on Sunday. We will really be going into the byways o bring them in!
48
n§! Chapter XI
T" LEARNING, FROM THE CABIN TO THE IVY HALLS
W'Few people know that Luther Rice's concern for the two mountain eacher boys from Bedford County set in motion a plan that has brought out Virginia Baptist interest in the education of its people, especially i ministers.
m
m The Early Training of Ministers
The experiences of the last few years and the contact with educated
en had made J. B. Jeter and Daniel P. Witt desirous of a formal edu-
.tion. Elder Rice was anxious for them to step aside from active
. rvice and seek effective training for their mission. He wanted them
T take advantage of a collegiate education and it fell with their strongest
'Ssires. Not being sure of their ability to the right decision they
ferred it to Semple and Broaddus (1785-1864). The older brethren
)iced an opposition; they were not against education, but that the call
t ministers was urgent and these young men could not immune them-
dves in a college for four years. Witt was in "poor health" and the
d men assumed he was to die in six or eight years and it was absurd
•r one on the verge of death having a notion of going to college. He
ved to be over sixty.1
Birth of a Baptist School
June 8, 1830 at 5:00 A.M. a group of men attending the General Associ- :ion meeting in the Second Baptist Church, Richmond, were trying to ?vise and propose some plan for the improvement of young men, who . the judgment of the churches, were called to the work of the ministry, [any of the leaders were seeing the results of an uneducated ministry, ecause the lack of being enlightened "had clogged the wheels of our wise and greatly impeded our spiritual advancement".2 There were JO Baptist churches in the state, 261 licensed and ordained men and
considerable portion of these were "illiterate and unqualified for the unistry."3
The men deemed it unadvisable at that time to establish a seminary f learning. However, they felt that help could be given by placing beneficiaries" in families of experienced ministering brethren, whose iucation, libraries and opportunities would give instruction that might nable them to render essential service to their younger brethren. The eneficiaries might employ their "gifts" by preaching in the adjacent
49
county "willing to contribute by subscription, products and clothijf & their support".4
After the early morning meeting these men recommended the or:u;>" zation be called Virginia Baptist Education Society with a membesl fee of $2.00 annually or $30.00 for life; churches or societies wenje titled to one representative for each $10.00 contributed. Among k managers elected from the Strawberry were J. B. Jeter, James C. mi< wich, V. M. Valentine, Daniel P. and Jesse Witt. Eli Ball was elected: .' first vice-president. He had been pastor of the Lynchburg cllnp 1823-1826.
Until 1832 students were boarded in a private home and t by a pastor, gratis. Eli Ball (1786-1853) had made such arrangeme: his home. Six men were enrolled. In 1831 there were nine men stud who in addition to their classes, had to do manual labor for three b a day, five days a week, on the 240 acre "Spring Farm" for the pr vation of his health - - - mental vigor and cheerfulness of temper
Strawberry and the College
We have no record of students from the association attending I school, but they needed someone to supervise the ten students. Rose Ryland (1805-1899), pastor of the Lynchburg Church 1827-1832, -a chosen on April 21, 1832. Two weeks later he accepted and wen to Richmond July 4, 1832. One year later there were twenty-six enrols!: sixteen "beneficiaries", who had tuition free and ten were "nval youths" who paid all their expenses. Mr. Ryland saw the scl through the war years and resigned in 1866. Today this school is m University of Richmond, whose third president F. W. Boatwright (1! 1951) served from 1894 to 1946, was the son of R. B. Boatwright (lil 1913), long-time pastor in Bedford County and connected with Jt Female Institute.
Education in the Upper Country
The idea of education was spreading into the upper country. At 1840 meeting the association requested that its members patronej literary institutions especially those conducted under the supervis d of our society. In 1855 A. Eubank asked that a male academy, wJ suitable teachers, be established in the association and it be starljl not later than October 1 of this year and that the association appotj a committee to carry out and collect the money for same.6
The next year Halesford Academy in Franklin County was recoi-l mended to the patronage of the association because there was a nel for a school to prepare for Richmond and Columbia.7 The committ I appointed in '55 reported in '57 they could not succeed in establishii.l an academy for the want of means.
Public Education
After the war of 1865 there was an interest is public education an! the association asked the churches and their membership to seek ti
50
m
stablish and maintain good common schools in our midst. " Many church leeds recorded in the county courthouse state the building be used as . place of worship and for a school.
Caring for the Ministerial Students
"6 j
C The Straw.berry did not forget Richmond College. An offering of •te;l,006.00 was taken at the 1868 meeting. In 1869 they promised twenty
c x>xes for the clerical club of the college." The next year Suck Spring, Timber Ridge, Mt. Pleasant, Difficult Creek, Wolf Hill, Beaver Dam,
^I31ue Ridge, Fairmount, Hill Spring, Hunting Creek, Glade Creek, Liberty, tf.vlt. Hermon, Mt. Olivet, Mt. Zion and Shady Grove promised boxes for ■Khe benefit of the brethren studying for the ministry. These were to eljtgo by express to Rev. H. H. Harris, c/f Wm. G. Dandridge and Co., 827 Pr 3road Street, Richmond, Virginia. r.«
Private Schools in the Strawberry
Rco
Mr. Eubank continued his plans for a male academy by establishing Sunnyside Academy near Bedford. By 1874 it was one of the best pre- partory schools in the state owned and operated ,by the founder. The
'' Superintendent of Bedford schools in his 1899-1900 report listed it with twelve boys and five girls enrolled.
Many pastors of the past generation started their formal education at Sunnyside. Among them was J. P. McCabe (1876-1956), a great sup- porter of the denomination and education. He helped Charles B. Kessee, a native of Floyd County, set up the Kessee Educational Fund located 'in Martinsville. This fund assists hundreds of students in Virginia Baptist Colleges and our Seminaries every year.
I With the land boom of the 1890's came a plan for a female institute so the association appointed seven members to a board to erect a high school for girls. W. P. Tinsley, an architect, drew plans for the $30,000.00 building. Bedford City Land Company made the liberal offer, as a gift, of seven acres west of the city and $2,700.00 in subscriptions if the cornerstone was laid six months from gift date. Bedford City subscribed
J $4,300.00 and W. H. Williams of St. Louis was asked to present the
• : matter to the Second Baptist Church where J. B. Jeter had been pastor.
' " The school, Jeter Female Institute, was to be named for Dr. Jeter.
1 ' At the 1891 meeting of the association it was reported subscriptions
' " amounting to $7,000.00 and a site of seven acres had been acquired in the last year. Today we report $13,000.00 subscribed and we will get ■$10,000.00 to $11,000.00 of this pledge, the cornerstone was laid 30th of September, 1890. Foundations have been laid, walls built to first floor and on the way to the third in process of erection with all the wall materials on the grounds. The roof will cost $3,500.00 and to complete the interior, plumbing and heating we will need $7,000.00 more. The financial depression made collections hard. The 1892 report stated that A. Poindexter Taylor was to manage the Institute; a complete corps of instructors had been secured and the school would open 14th of Septem- ber. By 1893 the board was embarassed because they had ordered
51
furnishings with plans to pay for same out of the pledges which fe people paid.
After one full year the school closed because of the financial pani It was leased to the county for a short time. From 1900-1910 W. Don E., and James N. Parker leased the building and started Bedfoij Cooperative School. More than a thousand students studied in the hij school and two years of college, art and music. With forty-five boy and seventy-five girls it was the largest private school in the count.t The Elks used the building for a home in 1912-1913.
Other Baptist Schools in the State
Every Baptist school in the state has been directly touched by t Strawberry Association.
Averett College located in the bounds cf the original association h Miss Mary Fugate as dean of women, academic dean and acting pres dent. Her sister, Elizabeth, also worked there. They were daughtei of Dr. Henley M. Fugate, long-time pastor of College Hill Church i Lynchburg.
Virginia Intermont College was started through the efforts of Josep R. Harrison (1832-1901). He was a native of Franklin County an pastored several churches in the association. H. G. Noffsinger (1873-1955] born in Botetourt County, was vice president and president 1912-1945.
Hargrave Military Academy located in the first association had Co; Aubrey H. Camden (1886-1973) as teacher and dean 1913-1918, presi dent 1918-1951 and president emeritus 1951 until his death.
Fork Union Military Academy was started by W. E. Hatcher (1834 1912) and its first president 1898-1912. He was succeeded by his soi Dr. Eldridge B. Hatcher (1865-1954) as president 1912-1914. Dr. John Jj Wicker (1866-1958), born in Lynchburg, was president 1930-1945 and hi, son, Col. James C. Wicker (1895-1973), was president 1945-1968.
Bluefield College had Charles L. Harman (1907- ) as president Mr. Harman grew up in Lynchburg where his father, Dr. P. T. Harmar (1876-1956), was pastor of West Lynchburg Church.
Oak Hill Academy, organized in 1878, located in the association area Walter A. Hash, native of Grayson County, was principal 1923-1948 Grover M. Turner, a native of Bedford County, was president 1948-1957 Another Bedford County native, William W. Fuqua (1850-1879), was the first principal in 1878.
Blue Ridge Mission School located in Patrick County had most of its principals and teachers from the churches of the association.
Piedmont Mission School in Nelson County included in its faculty Minnie Chocklett, daughter of G. A. Chocklett, who served several churches in Bedford County. Rev. J. M. Street, a former missionary of the association, also worked with the school.
Buchanan Mission School was organized by Walter A. Hash, a native I of Grayson County.
Strawberry has had a definite part in the education of ministeral j students in two of our S.B.C. seminaries. After a ten year discussion j the Virginia Baptist Education Society suggested in 1854 that something j should be done now. A. M. Poindexter and J. B. Jeter were members j
52
^ a committee to report next year. During the intervening session of
{ e S.B.C. they called a conference of persons interested in theological
Plication. This conference led to the formation of General Theological
*hool at Greenville, South Carolina. Virginia General Association
^proved the school at its 1858 meeting. J. B. Jeter was one of the first
^■istees. The first class started in 1858 and out of the ten from Virginia
>|« matriculate were three connected with Strawberry: Ruben B. Boat-
feght, Hilary E. Hatcher (1832-92) and James D. Witt (1797-1858).
New Orleans Seminary had James Edward Gwatkin (1866-1941), Bed-
ird County native, as business manager, associate professor of New
sstament interpretation 1918-1941 and librarian 1935-1941. William W.
imilton (1868-1960), pastor of First Church in Lynchburg 1909-1918,
came president in 1928 and served until 1942. Miss Helen Falls,
lUghter of O. B. Falls, has been professor of missions since 1945. Mr.
fills spent his childhood in the Mount Hermon community.
53
!*i
Chapter XII
RELIEVING SOCIAL ILLS 1826 - 1976
The American Temperance Society was organized in Boston, Febru; 1826, biiit was unknown in Virginia. The state society had its birth Ash Camp meeting house in October 1826. Elder Eli Ball (1786-18!} the pastor, preached an "appropriate sermon" to a large and excii congregation.1
To be a member of this group one had to be a sober person; whet! a member of a church or not. He had to promise to abstain fri habitual use of spirituous liquor, and use it as medicine only. If was the head of a family he must enforce the same rule upon children.
The Society could have no connection with any church, but its great promoters were Baptists. It was the first organization to record "a lai number of females."" The third Temperance Society was formed a known as Strawberry District Temperance Society; William Leftwi: president, James D. McAllester, vice-president and Jesse Witt secreta They were to meet annually the Friday before the third Lord's day July at Liberty.3
No memo of this organization has been found, but its influence 1 continued as evidenced in most annual meetings of the associatk Requests and resolutions suggest that the churches not support or all< a person to speak in the church if he encourages the improper use ardent spirits; that as a guest during an association meeting, we ri use ardent spirits during our continuousness together when and where ^ are entertained.4 In 1835 the association requested the churches promote the Temperance Society.
That same year the association went on record against liquor "sin most cases before our churches are originated in ardent spirits".6 Anoth resolution stated, "That the manufacture of and traffic in intoxicatii drinks as a beverage is anti-Christian."0 In 1881 the members we requested not to use spirits at all and the next year a request was r corded asking members to use all proper means to secure repeal of til law that authorizes this wicked traffic.
The twentieth century churches are still at work for temperance il a new way. The 1901 association meeting voted that the clerk sen! to each delegate, at the Constitutional Convention, from within til bounds of the association, its approval of the resolution before then! This proposal would require every soloon keeper to secure the signature I
54
i f a majority of the registered voters before a license to retail can be ranted.
The brethren in 1881 may have expressed the opinion of the early 900's members when they said, "If intoxicating drinks, as a beverage, >roduces great harm and if it is the source of temptation to the habits i intemperance and in the sale of legalized spirituous drinks the associ- .tion should ask its members to secure the legal abolition of the law hat licenses the sale of strong drinks."7
55
Chapter XIII
CARING FOR THOSE IN BONDAGE 1788 - 1865
When the colonies were free from the bondage of England and V ginia Baptists had achieved freedom for all religious groups there aro a concern for the black man in bondage.
The subject of making the yoke of slavery more tolerable was di cussed at the meeting of the General Committee in 1788 and every ye*. thereafter until 1792 when they dismissed the subject as belonging •« the legislative body.1 Robert Stockton of the Leatherwood churc helped with the deliberations.
The Negro and the Baptist Churches
Negroes were always admitted to the Baptist churches in Virgini and allowed to "exercise their gifts". Although the Negro populatio in the Strawberry was not large the Baptists were interested in thei spiritual welfare. In 1792 they sent a query to the General Committe, about the remarriage of a slave who had been separated by a grea distance against his will.
In 1841 J. B. Jeter had organized the first church for the colored abov the "fall line". This he thought would help take care of his Negr members, First African Baptist Church of Richmond had 940 members.
Strawberry Plans for the Spiritual Education of the Negro
A good part of the 1847 association was spent in discussion of specia education for the colored population. The committee presented th( following report the next year:
1. Masters see that each slave has suitable clothes to appear in decenl company for Sunday wear.
2. Each church appoint two or four men to meet every two weeks with! the slaves to instruct them.
3. Pastors to explain to the slave holders the purpose and plan of these! meetings.
4. Pastors to get a list of blacks from masters, places to meet and the! names of those approved to teach them.
5. Pastors and teachers to make all arrangements for teaching.
6. Teachers to have a copy of the Holy Scriptures and a Sunday School I Question Book to use in class. Each session a chapter is to be read, a
56
prayer, questions asked and discussed, answers learned and answered so all can hear them. The men sit on one side and the women on the other.
Teachers were to spend three or four hours on each chapter and to remain on the grounds until all the Negroes are gone. Negro Baptists continued to grow to the extent that their congregations itnumbered some of the white groups. On October 29, 1853 J. L. »valtney, F. M. Barker, T. C. Goggin and Brother Cocke were to visit e colored congregation worshipping in the Baptist meeting house in mchburg to see if they deemed it expedient to organize them into a .urch. They reported there were "enough numbers of colored persons ofessing godliness and baptized believers holding letters of dismission om regular Baptist churches and they have asked the Strawberry Associ- ion to give them a church organization in accordance with the State .garding the worship of colored people".1
Strawberry's First Negro Church
'At the 1854 meeting of the association on August 4, 5 and 6 the com- mittee presented the following resolution: "A church be organized and : lied the African Baptist Church of Lynchburg with these regulations: ■ The pastor be white, regularly ordained and approved by the board of the Strawberry Association. All meetings be held between sunrise and sunset.
The church be represented by white pastor or some other white Baptist at the association meetings. • All ordinances and services be conducted by the pastor. t No meeting be held without the pastor or other qualified person 3 present.
*' The pastor shall keep a fair record of attendance and doings of the " church. Elder James C. Clopton (1782-1850) was accepted as pastor and served for seventeen years".2 Clopton was an alumnus of William and "' Mary and had been a student at the Virginia Baptist Seminary and a teacher there. T. C. Goggin, J. L. Gwaltney, Jesse Jeter and George Johnson were appointed to superintend the African Baptist Church of Lynchburg for the next associational year.
White Pastors Cross the Color Line
Ministers were asked to devote the Sabbath afternoon to religious istruction of the colored people. Out of 2,170 church members 618 ere Negroes. Lynchburg had 208 of these, Timber Ridge had 36 white id 62 Negro and nearly one third of Mt. Zion were colored.3 Often .lough blacks attended the association meetings to have special services "»r them, sometimes in the meeting house while the whites were at the and.
G. W. Leftwich in a report on "Our Interest in the Colored Popu- ition" suggested: 1. We are not as interested as we should be. 2. The dnisters are not as solicitous as they should be. 3. Ministers seldom reach on Sunday afternoon to the slaves. 4. Masters should pray with
57
and give them scriptual instruction. Remember they are ours and are responsible for their souls.1
During the years prior to the Civil War the churches and membtg \- were asked to "deprecate the interest by people from other states wj try to stir bad relations between slaves and masters. Local pastors a» j .. asked not to allow outsiders to preach to slaves and all are asked nt | to patronize pamphlets or newspapers of anti-slavery societies and all times oppose schemes of abolitionest."
Helping the Needy Friends
After Appomattox members of the association manifested a deep ar. constructive interest in the freed Negro. They noted the loss in the' own membership and the problems faced by the new congregation, I The year the war ended there were 1,863 white members and 390 colore One year later the churches reportd 1,113 whit and 158 Negro member by 1875 there were 2,711 members with 39 Negroes in Beaver Dar 8 in Fairmount, 1 in Glade Creek, 7 in Old Fork, 2 in Suck Spring, J in Timber Ridge, 1 in Hunting Creek. Negroes did not leave in mas; the centennial year showed 3,000 members and thirty-five of thei black. The last records of separate listings had Old Fork with 2, Fail mount 30 and 3 in Timber Ridge.
T. N. Falls presented a query as what to do about the Negro churche;' The answer is worthy of consideration.
1. Recognize them as they are here and dependent and that our churche have an obligation.
2. Receive them in our membership and when there are enough, hel1 them to form their own district association.
3. Let them use our present houses of worship until they can erec their own.
4. Instruct them on the Sabbath day.
5. Encourage them and aid in seeking out from among them able anc suitable candidates for the ministry; train and set them apart.
6. All colored churches now in existence be formed in district organi zations according to Baptist usage.5
The first evidence of nondiscrimination was in 1893 when the associ ation voted to strike the words colored and white in the membershif table.
Negro Baptists Organize
The local Baptist church was the first institution the freed Negro] had control of besides his home. Having visited the white association j they wanted the same thing for their churches. By 1868 there were I three in Virginia, Shiloh Baptist Association of Virginia for the central j section of the state. It had 75 churches with 25,213 members. Their j third annual session was held August 5-9, 1871, in the First Baptist I Church of Lynchburg.
On July 9, 1868 fifteen members of the Norfolk Union Association! and the Shiloh met in Portsmouth and organized the Virginia Baptist 1 State Convention." The 1874 session of this body met in Liberty in I
58
f ford County and the colored ministers preached in the white Baptist,
hodist and Presbyterian churches.7 It is ironic that this convention, ^his time, met in Dr. Jeter's home county.
I'ie Virginia General Association received, in 1872, a letter from the ^;inia Baptist State Convention in which they requested correspondence 'ri the body in "the laudable work of evangelizing this our State - - -.
?ive our beloved President in love".h B. Jeter chaired a committee to study the request whose response "we shall deem it a privilege to aid them in their pious labors by
i cooperation as may seem expedient". The Association rejected the
.■gate.
p 1872 the reply from the Convention stated that they would go alone
^heir work and - - - "considering that said proffers of friendship are
"'ocritcal and that we have shown ourselves to be destitute of prejudice
15 ur white brethren."" i t. Jeter defended the action of the General Association on the
,'ands that to invite colored delegates to seats in the association would
^lve their invitation to the hospitality of homes. This would lead
["intimate social intercourse and destroy the racial purity."10
by 1882 the State Convention reported 578 churches with 128,601
nbers and they had set up an Education Board in Lynchburg. This Li operated through the Richmond Theological Seminary. In 1886
pie of Lynchburg donated a site in that city for a school to be con- 3 led by the Convention. Today this is the Virginia Seminary and
lege located in Fairview Heights just off Campbell Avenue or Route 1 south.
> The Negro in 1976
/e still maintain interest in their schools, churches and children's fie. One hundred and five years after the decision by the General ociation not only the Virginia Baptist State Convention, but all ,?r black conventions in the state joined the General Association at annual meeting November 11-12-13, 1975, in the very church Dr. ?r had served as pastor and all the presidents shared the responsi- ;ty of presiding. From time to time delegates have heard the pastors the First African Baptist Church stand in the pulpit of the First 'tist Church of Richmond and challenge the white delegates with their ssages. Members of Strawberry Association joined all Baptists from r the Dominion in a service of praise, worship and communion lead black and white persons.
World Famous
i
ot many people from the area of the Strawberry Association ever ame world famous, spoke with the heads of governments, had schools led for them or their statue placed in important sites. One black :i did, Booker T. Washington, born at Halesford in Franklin County ut 1859. He was asked to head Tuskegee Institute in Alabama where fashioned a program of practical education rather than education
59
for the sake of culture. He was to point the way for the newly fi© Negroes to advance and change the concept of life for many of them
The Negro free from the .bondage of slavery became another pioio for the cause of right in our association and county.
i
60
Chapter XIV
RELIEF FOR THE MAN IN THE PULPIT 1836-1976
From the early days there was a concern for the ministers of the jociation and the state as evidenced at a meeting of the General sociation when A. M. Poindexter (1809-1872), pastor of Hunting Creek, jested that retired preachers be provided pecuniary support for zy had labored in word and doctrine.1 In 1806 sixteen pastors in the rawberry received no support from the churches and as late as 1836 ly five of the thirteen ministers had churches who contributed to their pport.
Men Study the Problem
After a study begun in 1848 and completed in 1849 C. L. Cocke (1820- 01), Jerry Griggs and Jesse Geeter (Jeter) brought a report to the sociation on a regular system for the support of its ministers.
At the beginning of the year agree on a certain amount to be paid
the minister.
Members divide this amount among themselves as they are able.
Let the amount of subscription and the amount paid be reported to
the association.
Each pastor preach one sermon on the importance of discharging
these obligations faithfully and punctually in the sight of God. About fifteen years later two discussions were to be presented re- rding "Duties of the Church to the Pastor", by a layman and the 'astor Duties to the Church" by a pastor. J. A. Hamner ( -1884) ide the layman's report:
Recognize pastors as servants of Jesus Christ appointed by God to
the work of the ministry.
Respect his opinion, never speak light of in presence of those who
might be disaffected or alienated by such remarks.
When complaints are necessary make them in mild Christian spirit
and with caution.
Guard and respect his character. It is an invaluable part of his power.
Respectful attention to his ministry; don't make God's house a house
of merchandise by thinking of farm work, shop or store, by laying
plans and not worshipping.
Love your pastor.
Cooperation — everyone (fellow helpers in truth) attend services.
61
Sunday School is an auxiliary to the pulpit. Neglect these dut and you destroy the pastor's usefulness.
8. Contribute to his support, competent and punctual pecuniary; not| keep him from starving, but to relieve him from worldly care, maintain and educate his family, provide suitable books and hos-j tality to his brethren.
9. Pray, think of him as a man, subject to all temptations, that true <-| votion may flow in his heart, that the Holy Spirit guide him in loj pulpit.2
The committee on "Duty of Pastor to the Church" did not make report. H. W. Dodge made some remarks on the subject, saying tr| preachers should visit regularly and systematically.
Expressing Appreciation
The brethren did not forget one of these men after death. Willis*- Harris (Father Harris) (1780-1865) had been interred in a remote famrfl cemetery which had been neglected. A committee of five was to haj the remains removed to a suitable location and an appropriate memorii erected. At the next meeting of the association nothing had been doij because they had no money.3 By 1882 $85.00 had been pledged to tl] Harris Memorial which was to be placed in the Longwood Cemetery Bedford. The project was completed in 1883.
Sometimes they would show appreciation while the minister was st: in active service. A group of friends presented T. C. Goggin (1815-1891 a new horse and buggy. Today it is keys to a new car.4
The post war economic troubles did not discriminate the preache and at all the meetings of the associations in the early 1870's a plti was made for aid to the pastors, their families or widows. Only fhl of the churches paid a salary to their ministers. Often special offering were taken for a special pastor or his family. In 1874 all the church* were requested to send funds for minister's relief, it is "Our duty 1 care for the temporal necessities of our destitute preachers and thei families".
The Annual Call and the Churches
The financial condition of the pastor and church may have contribute to another problem among the ministers, the "annual call". Oftei churches would have several ordained ministers in its membership ant they were ever alert to the pastor's mistakes or suggesting that the: would serve the church for a lesser amount of money. This led th< association to go on record against the "annual election of pastors ty our churches as it was detrimental to the cause of Christ."
At one time there were nineteen ministers, thirteen pastors with twe full time churches, Lynchburg and Liberty; the other eleven men hacj from two to five churches each. The total salaries paid was $6,654.00 J One pastor received over $500.00, one over $200.00 and the others frorrj $32.00 to $190.00 per year.8
Even though some churches were still beset by ordained men in their | congregation only three had preaching every Sunday in 1890; College i
62
-;1, Lynchburg and Liberty. Hunting Creek had it twice a month and : other thirty-three had one service a month. Sixteen churches had 1 stated salary.
The Pastor and Practical Problems
.i 3atsors were becoming more involved with the practical problems of j s church and seeking solutions to them. In doing so they suggested i rtors exchanging pulpits, holding pastor's conferences at Liberty, en- 3ivoring to organize missionary societies, to support each of the six lards of the General Association according to its importance, send icons to minister's and deacon's meetings and to strive to unite and : )port pastors of contiguous churches.7 Later the Executive committee j tranced the idea of churches having a prayer and praise service when I preacher could be present and that the deacons take charge. The torches were to arrange and adopt some regular system of giving. •'Minister's Relief became the interest of Virginia Baptists. With im- f^ved conditions the calls were not as great or the amounts as large. F 1890 the largest amount given in the Strawberry was $150.00 and the Fallest $5.80. After all the funds were channeled in the state plan fs report showed Strawberry contributing $218.00 and its beneficiaries i :eiving $480.00. At this period the average salary in the association i a $250.00.
Church Fields and Needs
9^ot only was salary a problem, but often a man served a field of five iJ six churches and his home was thirty-five miles from them. J. G. ljuncill (1821-1916) lived in Buena Vista and at the age of seventy ^stored Big Island, Hunting Creek, North Bedford and Ivy Creek in Itdford County and Cornerstone in Amherst County. He lived most of I three year pastorate among the people, riding over the mountains on brseback. Over one hundred persons were baptized into the churches : ring his pastorate.
because of many situations similar to this the association endorsed the ! ion of the General Association requesting the State Mission Board
cooperate with the district associations in forming more compact fields; a;h the parsonage in a central location and better pastor support. They ere asked to appoint three persons to work with the State Board on bs.10 Not much of the plan could be done without the help from the bard which set up certain guide lines for churches needing assistance. nese guides were:
Id Applying through the Executive Committee of the local association. I Must not extend an annual call.
i Pastors to live in the association and as near the churches as possible. .Be in sympathy with the association work and lead the church to be. ;< The pastor must not engage in other business for a livelihood.11 t
63
Chapter XV
TRAINING UNION 1891 - 1976
,*
P
The Baptist Training Union started as the Baptist Young Peopj Union of America was organized in Chicago July 7, 1891. The inter! quickened and spread so rapidly that close, wise guidance was neeci to produce intelligent and loyal Christian leaders. The purpose of 1 union was "unification of all Baptist young people; their incre; spirituality, their stimulation in Christian service, their edification scriptual knowledge, their instruction in Baptist history and doctri; their enlistment in all forms of missionary activity through existi denominational organization."1
The materials used were interdenominational in nature with the ei positions written by Baptists. Freedom loving Southern Baptists n the organization should ,he strickly denominational with all materiil and topics prepared by Baptists. Those holding these beliefs met | Atlanta, November 21-22, 1895 and organized the B.Y.P.U. Auxiliary the Southern Baptist Convention with its headquarters in Birmingha Alabama. In 1919 the work was placed in a special department of t| Sunday School Board in Nashville, Tennessee.-
Starting in Virginia
Charlottesville had the first organization in Virginia. On Novemb 23, 1884 M. C. Thomas was chosen president and due to a tie cast tl deciding vote and gave us the name Baptist Young Peoples' Union. is unique that the Charlottesville Lodge at Eagle Eyrie, named in h honor, is the next door neighbor of the Strawberry Lodge.
Strawberry Leads the Way
As in all other pioneer movements among Virginia Baptists, men froi this association have shared in the leadership and responsibilities an so it was with the B.Y.P.U. The second union in Virginia started Apr 5, 1891 in Lynchburg's First Baptist Church. W. H. Wraneck was il president. He had been active in the Charlottesville union. Colleg; Hill organized on September 29, 1895, Cabell Street October, 1895, an] Mt. Madison in 1896."
It was Cabell Street that recommended a city B.Y.P.U. organization and on February 23, 1896, Percy S. Flippin was elected president of th
64
y venture. This was the first in the state and led the way for associ-
onal organizations.
'ossibly no person deserves more credit for the state B.Y.P.U. Con- dition than J. Calvin Moss of Lynchburg. After attending the Inter-
tional Convention in 1892 and 1893 he came home determined to i aWish the Virginia Convention. In response to his call fifty-three I >ple from twenty-five churches met in Roanoke during the session i the General Association and the B.Y.P.U. of Virginia was born on \i 11th of November 1893. Moss was elected vice-president. The next ; ar he was president.
Trom 1893 to 1910 the convention met in the local churches; 1896 I First Lynchburg and in 1902 at College Hill. 1919-1920 W. P. Coving- : i, Jr. of Lynchburg was state president.
|qj. Calvin Moss addressed the association in 1901 on the subject of jiY.P.U. and the next year they resolved "that the association again Indorse and would emphasize the importance of B.Y.P.U. work; appreci- I ng its great educational plans for the larger equipment in Christian
|9*vice ":1 and another resolution in 1909 "We commend the B.Y.P.U.
fi the churches of the association as a means of how young people may b developed in Christian living - - - we also commend the excellent literature for the B.Y.P.U.'"
After the first city union had served its day it was disbanded and in
20 a new organization was formed with Percy Monroe as president, i.wrence Driskell succeeded him followed by Mrs. L. O. Old. Later fce Junior-Intermediate Association was formed, Miss Mary Ellyson,
wrence Furgerson and Remi P. Crist served as leaders/'
s Struggles, Trials, Triumphs
The Strawberry B.Y.P.U. 's were hardly alive in the twenties. The st report to the association was made in 1922 when S. H. Stewart ;luded one paragraph in his Sunday School report. In 1926 Dr. Mary Dowdy gave the first detail report of fifty churches in the association,
.teen with B.Y.P.U. 's, twenty-seven had Senior Unions with 710 en- ded. There were five Intermediate Unions with 150 enrolled and 250 ?re enrolled in Junior Unions. The first full page of statistical reports
. is printed in the minutes the same year.
Study courses became popular in the late twenties. The B.Y.P.U. De- rtment would send a worker to an association for a summer. They ould conduct five night classes in the local church ending with a "itten examination. Strawberry was sent such a worker in 1927, ;rsil S. Crenshaw (1906-1970), who taught his first class at Timber dge. He later became field worker for the Training Union Department I the state serving until 1944. Leaving this post for the directorship of
"2 Intermediate Training Union Department of the Southern Baptist invention where he served until his death.
'For a number of years there seemed to be no interest in the church
'lining program. The Lynchburg Pastor's Conference through Dr. H.
Fugate ( -1960) presented a resolution of endorsement to the
sociation and recommended that they elect the suggested officers,
vide into as many groups as necessary, have one yearly meeting and
65
that each church make a quarterly report to the association dire Rev. Ira Campbell was chosen director, B. C. Davis associate director Lucille Figg secretary and treasurer.8
Results of Renewal
In 1938 B. C. Davis became director and with renewed interest in Training Union the association again took its place in the state wc There was an 86 % increase in the number of unions in the early fort This was the largest in the state. During the same period the associat was chosen for a pilot study of the value of a one night clinic foi* church. Miss Virtley Stephenson from the State Training Union ]f partment made the study which included Shady Grove and Wall Grove churches.
During the fifties "M" (Mobilization) Night was the big thing. 1 first one was in 1951 and by 1953 no church building could care for attendance so the Bedford High School was rented. This, too, was fil several years.
To Each His Own in Training
After many years of valuable service the Training Union seemed have served it first purpose and many of its distinctive features wf being used in other programs. Efforts of loyal leaders, changes in orga zation and literature did not halt the downward trent of the early sixti Now, each church does its training in whatever manner it thinks be In 1976 only eleven churches reported any type of training program.
Strawberry gave the Baptists of Virginia their first B.Y.P.U. Secreta in the person of E. J. Wright (1880-1972) from Cabell Street Bapt: Church in Lynchburg. He was one of the pioneers in the work, seei it from its inception through all the growing years and retired at apex. He served from 1919 to 1947.
66
Chapter XVI
ATTENDING THE ASSOCIATION MEETINGS 1807 - 1976
Perhaps no event in a community created more interest than did the inual meeting of the Strawberry Association when it was to be hosted / the local Baptist church. All the neighbors got ready. Early in the :ar plans were made to entertain the delegates and visitors — every ing was spruced up!
The actual meeting claimed the attention of only a few persons:
ected delegates from the churches in the association, messengers from
[rresponding associations and others invited to be "seated". All of
uese could take part in the deliberations of the body.
[ For the first seventy-five years each meeting followed the same format,
;ith the purest democracy at work. After a Sabbath day of preaching
id exhorting they would vote to convene at 8:00 A.M. on Monday
icept in 1809 when they voted to meet at 9:00 A.M. At the fortieth
-ssion it was deemed necessary to have two meetings a year, one in
<e spring and the other in the fall. This practice continued for a
timber of years when they voted to change to the last of August and
have one meeting a year.1 August was a slow month for the farmers;
e gardens and orchards were at their peak and the temperature right
r Baptist pallets and hayloft sleeping.
The first constitution and articles were changed and two committees Ided as well as twelve articles of faith. One of the committees was • examine certain brethren and if they were worthy and found ex- cellent the committee could constitute them into the church. The her committee was to help restore members to the fellowship.2 Free- mi was still new enough for the delegates to ever be on guard to protect They decided on fourteen scripture truths as the freedom principles their body. There is no listing of these scriptures.3 By 1826 there appeared a need to reprint the Rules of Decorum lopted in 1793 along with the Confession of Faith and the constitution. In the early days the churches did not send delegates to the General ssociation, but each association sent its own delegates. Jesse Witt id George Pearcy were sent most often. This was continued until 179 when each church could send messengers. From 1854 when F. M. arker went to the Southern Baptist Convention as a delegate from ie Strawberry Association until 1926 one man represented the entire sociation at the Convention. R. E. Brown was the last associational presentative.
67
When more members and visitors were becoming interested in yearly meetings there seemed a need for a new plan of presenting program. In 1854 it was adopted. They opened with a sermon, a recess after which the moderator called the meeting to order, sang a song, prayed, listened to the letters, enrolled the messeng: elected the officers, asked the delegates from corresponding associat: to report themselves and take seats and the visiting brethren inv to be seated. Ministering brethren recognized and invited to particip in the deliberations. Those responsible for reports read them committees were appointed for Education, Foreign Missions, Dome Missions, General Association, Sabbath School, Temperance, Colo population and Sabbath observance.
There was usually two places of activity. The stand outside wh those not delegates attended and the house. By 1858 a commit recommended the preachers for Sunday. In the morning two were be at the stand and two in the house and one at each place in afternoon.4
The last of the nineteenth century began with the assurance tl freedom was here to stay, the political and economic condition of 1 country were safe so the association was ready to get to the work amo its own people. There were thirty-two churches that had fifty or li members and many thought that something should be done for specl education of the colored population. They further felt that a committ could deal with the plans and problems better than a once a year meeti of delegates. On August 16, 1853 the first Executive Committee m it consisted of five ministers and six laymen. They were to have 2 copies of a circular letter printed, to get a general secretary for i. board and to employ M. W. Reed as colporter to make missionary tou and hold protracted meetings.5 Later C. L. Cocke placed an ad for ' worker in Bedford, Franklin, Floyd, part of Roanoke, Botetourt, Patric part of Campbell and Henry Counties to labor as a missionary ager evangelist, colporter and etc. Who will enter this evangelistic fielc Solicit correspondence on the subject."6
The Executive Committee or Board was to employ means and solic funds for the work in the local association. It functioned for a number ( years giving reports at the annual meetings until 1859 when they mad their last appearance. It became an auxiliary to the Sunday Schoi and Colportage Board of Virginia. This was not to lessen the obi gations of interest by prayers, contributions, patronage and benefactors
A time limit was set for program of 1879. The opening praye and introductory sermon was followed by a two and one hal hour recess. At 2:30 P.M. the first business was that of reading fiw letters by two men collecting them and two others reading. The dele gates enrolled, other delegates from sister associations asked to b( seated and report to the clerk for enrollment and the committee or religious exercise appointed. This committee was made up of the hostj pastor and deacons. They always had a second committee on the order of business. Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. Sabbath School; Wednesday 9l/2 A.M.I Religious Exercise, 10:00 A.M. State Missions, 11! i A.M. Miscellaneous! business, 12 M. Recess, V/2 P.M. Ministeral Relief, 2l/2 P.M. Education;
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ursday 9'/j A.M. Religious Education, 10:00 A.M. Foreign Missions, 00 A.M. Home Missions, 12 M. Recess, l1 ! 1> P.M. Digest of letters, 1 10 P.M. miscellaneous business.
^The question of Sunday meetings was discussed for a decade and a ffilf and in 1859 it was postponed until the 1860 meeting so that the 'furches might report their views on the subject with their letters. Wien the vote was taken fourteen wanted to leave it as it was, six Mare in favor of excluding the Sabbath Day meeting and some opposed 3 the two meetings a year. A few years later during the discussion f. the subject the Timber Ridge church was against changing from lWday through Monday to Tuesday 11:00 A.M. to Thursday P.M. because was giving way to the devil; every church could spare its pastor one r'lnday a year. Too, the vendors would have more days to sell beer, ['ke, cider and ardent spirits."
pThe large Saturday and Sunday crowds often caused discord. At one I eeting they were selling ardent spirits near the pulpit." The practice 1 selling continued until 1895 when it was declared that no selling on lie grounds where the association is held and the moderator be requested I enforce the rule. However, in 1919 the Executive Committee stated p:at only one stand was to sell ice cream and lemonade and that the plurch be responsible for order on the grounds.
'Discipline was meted to pastors and churches when it seemed necessary. !|}i one occasion the church at Big Lick (Roanoke) had violated an '■tide of the constitution by not sending to the body a letter or dele- |?te for three years in succession so it was to be excluded from the 1 sociation. After much discussion they decided that a special com- 'ittee of Jesse Jeter, William Harris and W.- W. Reece look into the 'atter and report their findings.10 At the next meeting Brother Jeter : oved that C. Bass be received as a delegate from the Big Lick church ''nich was cut off at last year's meeting and that the church be restored.
The Printed Minutes
iFrom year to year more information was being incorporated in the •inted minutes. The church letters were getting complex and lengthy e in 1855 the reading of the letters was dispensed with and only the uatistical reports were made. George Pearcy suggested a simple form or the derk to send to each clerk. There were eleven items to report iid to be printed in columns: baptisms, received by letter, dismissed M letter, excluded, deaths, white, colored, number of Sunday School [ embers, associational fund, amount paid the pastor, benevolent fund, pis was adopted and used by the clerk and printed by sections:
North: Hunting Creek, Jennings Creek, North Fork of Otter, Suck
Spring, Liberty, Mt. Zion, Wolf Hill, New Prospect East: Lynchburg, Timber Ridge, Otter, Goose Creek, Difficult Creek, Staunton, Mt. Olivet, Meadow Road, African (Lynch- burg), Bethlehem South: Mayo, Pedego, Halesford, Mt. Airy, Franklin, Union, Rock Spring, Providence, New Leatherwood, Blackberry, Jackson- ville, Fairmount, Palestine, Mt. Vernon, Old Fork
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West: Sycamore, Red Hill, Mt. Pleasant, Big Lick, Glade Cre Beaver Dam, Meadows of Dan, Blue Ridge11
Note the financial membership statistics for 1857
Church Gifts Membership
Mt. Olivet $35.75 51
Suck Spring 17.50 76
Hunting Creek 18.50 39
Big Lick 15.00 69
Mt. Zion 35.60 120
Difficult Creek 17.12 77
Liberty 28.25 76
Fairmount 22.00 71
Lynchburg 17.25 156
Timber Ridge 19.00 36
North Fork Otter 42.20 83
Providence 9.10 119
Halesford 8.50 35
New Hope 1.50 81
Staunton 1.50 77 Thirteen churches gave nothing when the association had been ask
for $1,000.00.
The methods of reporting the early meeting were unique and oft- .- more was given in the Religious Herald than the clerk included in tl printed minutes. The Herald of May 11, 1832 reported that the assoc ation had a Domestic Mission Society, auxiliary to the General Assoc ation, and its contributions were $45.40. The churches had a recoi number of baptisms for the year, over 758. In 1843 there were 3( added to sixteen churches by baptism: Beaver Dam seventy-one, Di ficult Creek forty-three and Goose Creek thirty-five.12
Strawberry was the first association in the state to share its recorc through the news media. The December 12, 1831 Religious Herald carrie this note from the editor, "Useful hints of what others can do." It we at the bottom of an item about the association. "Twenty churches wit 1,122 members in the last nine months had added 600-700 members t their rolls. The majority of the church members were members of th Bedford Temperance Society. No young men entered the ministry Little Otter, Glade Creek and Lynchburg the only church with Sabbatl Schools and they are not flourishing. No reported missionary societies some of the churches do contribute to the object. $100.00 given t< Domestic Missions and the Tract Society has dwindled away. Goost Creek, revived, Difficult Creek recorded the largest accession of any church in the association, Timber Ridge revived — "is still looking up" Head of Goose Creek had a happy revival and is flourishing. Two people took the Herald. Beaver Dam prosperous, North Fork of Otter had con siderable additions, looking up has two or three copies of the Herald, Hunting Creek had a good revival and is advancing rapidly, Glade Creek in comfortable circumstances has two copies of Herald, First of Lynch- burg has had some additions, not greatly prospering has six copies of Herald, Staunton not flourishing, Burton Creek looking up, Mill Creek
70
expectable church prospects encouraging, Fincastle lately constituted — xl promise has three copies of Herald, Blue Ridge a little declining arch, Catawba large but unhappy situation, Salem small — nothing cresting passing among them. Craig Creek a small declining church i may be disbanded in the ensuing year. Ministers in the association: hn S. Lee, Jas. McDonald, Wm. C. Ligon, all of Lynchburg; William ftwich, Otter Bridge; William Harris, James Leftwich, Z. Whorley all Liberty; Abner Anthony, Monroston in Pittsylvania County; Jesse itt, Goose Creek; Absolon Dempsey, Fincastle; Merriman Lunceford, anklin County; Joshua Burnet, Salem." The clerk stated that many the churches were tardy in sending in their letters.
Synopsis of Church Letters by the Clerk in 1868
. Airy — Interesting Sabbath School
thlehem — Doing but little to promote its Master's cause; not even a
Sabbath School or prayer meeting ae Ridge — Fine meeting, several additions to church membership,
church revived aver Dam — Interesting Sabbath School, but all members not working
for the Lord .nt Hill — Reasonable state of prosperity, but admits that they are
doing little for the Master's cause, have a Sabbath School firmount — Nothing of interest, church cold, Sabbath School of some ' interest
Ffficult Creek — Has no Sabbath School, prayer meeting or revival so f of course, as it admits it has "nothing interesting to communicate". ; Better try to give us something interesting next year, fiose Creek — Cold state, no Sabbath School; one in the neighborhood '^ade Creek — Had a revival meeting this year; several additions, church
revived, interesting Sabbath School in the morning and a large Bible U class in the evening
iimting Creek — Small Sabbath School, but laments its lukewarmness N and inactivity idesford — Exceedingly cold, small Sabbath School, no church going.
All gather around a prayer meeting once a week and I will insure I you will warm up.
ill Spring — Good meeting even if they have no Sabbath School ii'nchburg — No pastor for some time; but still keep up regular prayer M meeting. Has a flourishing Sabbath School and a children's mission- ary society. ;coerty — Prosperous Sabbath School. No prayer meeting — Oh! my. ;V. Hermon — Flourishing Sabbath School fountain View — Flourishing Sabbath School f.. Olivet — Flourishing Sabbath School
g;. Pleasant — Cold and lukewarm, no Sabbath School or prayer meet- r ing. (Try a Sabbath School and prayer meeting and you will no
longer lament your cold condition.) |d Fork — Has a pastor, but no Sabbath School or prayer meeting elestine — Gaining strength and has a flourishing Sabbath School
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IS
Red Hill — No Sabbath School, laments its condition and asks the prayr
of the brethren Suck Spring — Interesting Sabbath School Staunton — Nothing of interest, small Sabbath School Shady Grove — Has a Sabbath School, nothing else of interest Timber Ridge — Small Sabbath School Wolf Hill — Considerable revival during the association year; seve
additions to the church, small Sabbath School Mt. Zion — Nothing of interest, no stoves in the church to keep
members warm. There is no Sunday School or prayer meeting The agenda of the early meetings was quite flexible; since there always someone or something to claim attention of the meeting. Halesford Elder H. W. Wyre, the brother appointed to preach the int ductory sermon, being absent the meeting they requested Elder Han his alternate, to preach. Elder Harris requested F. M. Barker, of Bal more, to do so after which they took a fifty minute recess. At the 18 meeting there was no preacher for the noon hour so it was suggest that the time be spent in prayer, singing and exhortation. Before tl sermon there was a recess "so members might be better prepared hear same". After the sermon the association adjourned for forty-fi' minutes to partake of refreshments. This year the crowd at the stai was very orderly, attentive and solemn. On the Sabbath at 9:00 A.l the brethren met in the house and spent an hour in singing, prayer ar exorting after which they repaired to the stand where two impressh sermons were delivered by Dodge and Jeter. There was no Sund afternoon service.
John R. Steptoe reported the largest attendance ever, in 1866, whe several thousand heard Elders Gitt and Jeter at the stand and Eldei Gray and Ellison in the Mt. Zion meeting house. Could this have bee the result of the War Between the States?
:
Sad Years of '61 - '65
This long drawn out saga was noted as early as 1861 when the associ ation voted to spend one-half hour each day, of the meeting, in praye for our country. At the fall meeting an offering was taken for th colportage work among the soldiers. Only a few days before the meetinj 150 men left Liberty and some were heard to have said, "I wish I hac some good books, tracts, etc. to read". Bedford County had sent mor< than 1,000 men and 300-400 more to go in a few weeks.13
The second year of the war found the churches in a cold and declining state. Many of ministers and men were meeting in Tented fields' $377.65 had been given for army colporters and $41.00 for subscriptions to the Herald which was placed in the hospital in Liberty. Harmony, love and fellowship was sensed at the Association meeting.'1 In 1863 a plea was made "That the association recognize the chastening hand of an all wise and merciful Providence in the present affected condition of the country and that the churches observe twenty-first day of August as a day of humiliation and prayer in behalf of our country and people." Each day of the meeting, business was suspended from 9:00 A.M. to
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00 for one half hour of religious exercise with special reference to ''.» good of our country. ir'
[\vo years after Appomattox visitors to the association remarked on j w pleased and refreshed they were to see a countryside untouched 1 war; no singed shingles, no lone chimneys, no broken fences and no
ninder of a battle. That year they reported twenty-nine churches,
*ee did not report, 2,000 members, the Negroes had been dropped T;d 108 had been baptized — one half less than they baptized the year
fore. Twelve of the churches had a Sunday School and all, except i> e, had half or quarter time preaching. The egg plan was working i mirably and the people were requested to send the Sunday eggs to Vjnner and Bass in Lynchburg. Concern was expressed over people [ ing out at night, that they made no restraints in selling and getting )m.16
Ten Years After the War
.The Report on the Digest of Church Letters, 1875.
, aver Dam — Nothing of special interest.
1 thany — The disposition of this church peaceable.
[•rton Creek — This is, without ostentation, a live working church and
not only provides for its own household but supports all enterprises
of the denomination. '. thlehem — There is a division of interest. I. estnut Hill — Reports two Sunday Schools. Lve — Is informed and strengthened in our doctrine and unusual
interest is manifested in our cause, amond Hill — Has had some little embarrassment, but sinners seem
to be anxious about their salvation of their souls. It has a union
Sunday School, fficult Creek — Enjoyed a precious revival and the ministration of
Rev. J. R. Harrison was great, irmount — Has two arms, Boone's Mill and Gbgginsville. at Creek — Has no pastor and is in a feeble way. Jtnt Hill — Have elected Bro. G. Wheeler as pastor. ,>ose Creek — Enjoyed a revival after which a prayer meeting was
established in consequence of which the pastor's services are highly
appreciated. . ade Creek — Enjoys the earnest and faithful labors of Bro. G. Wheeler. , It reported a small Sunday School on the union plan, tlesford — Is not very flourishing, the congregation being small but
very attentive. ,11 Spring — No report. Anting Creek — Reports growing interest in the church meetings and
Sunday School, oerty — Nothing of interest, 'nchburg — The College Hill Church has been organized by members
from this church. .. Hermon — Is in a prosperous condition.
];. Olivet — Extends a Centennial welcome to the association. The : spiritual condition of the church is good.
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:
Mountain View — No report.
Mt. Zion — Is prosperous.
New Prospect — Nothing of interest.
Old Fork. — Has an out station at White Rock.
Palestine — Is greatly revived and is pressing forward in the great wc •■
Red Hill — Delegates, but no letter.
Staunton — Nothing of interest.
Suck Spring — Nothing of interest.
Timber Ridge — The spiritual condition of this church has been grea
improved. It has a flourishing Sunday School. Wolf Hill — Recognizes its obligation to give according to its ability. Walnut Grove — Is very prosperous.
100 Years Ago
On Friday 11th of August, 1876 the association adjourned at 10 P.M. and formed a procession and proceeded to the stand for the o servance of the 100 years of service. C. C. Bitting, D.D., of Marylai spoke on the "Outward History of the Strawberry Association, From 1 Organization to this Centennial Anniversary" and Dr. C. Tyree was address the group on the "Internal Doctrinal History of the Association During Dr. Bitting's address a storm came up and the exercises we suspended.
Dr. Bitting had been pastor in Lynchburg and before that in Alexandri While in Alexandria he was imprisoned for two months because 1 would not take the oath of allegiance to the United States Governmei and was compelled to ride all day on the fender of the locomotive th; ran from Alexandria to Orange Court House to prevent attacks on th train by Mosby's men.17
i
Travel to the Association
Often we think of how so many people traveled in the early day without the auto, but they seemed to reach their destination without to much inconvenience. In an announcement of the meeting at Huntin Creek in 1861 it was suggested that those who would go by packet, oi the canal, to Big Island could call on Col. Arthur, who lives on tht canal and he would take care of all the delegates who might call upoi him. At the same time an announcement was made of the Southerr Baptist Convention and that the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad woulc take and return ministers for $25.00 to $30.00.16 The 1879 moderator thanked the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad and the Packel Company for the courtesies extended to the delegates and visitors.
Recommendations of the 1880's
1. Stronger churches send pastors to help the weaker churches.
2. Some plan of systematic giving be adopted.
3. Give some special attention to young men. There are one half as many men as women in the churches.
4. Association to discourage the practice of huckstering at our meetings.
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The Executive committee be required to present a report on the iition and needs of the churches.'"
requently the clerks reported on the number of copies of a sermon nave printed, but they did not tell what the messages contained, /ever, W. R. L. Smith's Introductory Sermon 1881, on "Needs of the ociation" must have been outstanding. Some of it was printed. "We e peace and harmony, but need more. There are thirty-seven congre- ons — three worshipping every Sunday, five are without pastors and
fee no regular service. Twenty-nine have Sunday Schools, eight have e; twenty-one have Baptist schools and seven none. Six meet all r, twenty-three for three to eight months. Of the thirty-seven congre- ons only twenty-two worship in Baptist houses and of these, twelve unfinished, decaying and uncomfortable; ten are creditable to the >ciation, ten worship in union buildings and five have no houses. The ■nen need to be enlisted. The pastorates should be consolidated and
[] benevolence generalized and liberalized. They are not liberal enough
^ause we lack conviction and a system of work."
E. number of interesting things were recorded in the seventies. They nged from four days to three and sold ads for the 1870 minutes, er they limited the length of a report and suggested that no report printed. Hymn books were in some of the churches; for 1873 session
^un with the singing of hymn number 560.
One Report of the Executive Committee
Pastors have attended pastor's conference. i Church in Franklin County to be encouraged. J. Pastors visited and assisted in eighteen churches.
. One day of prayer held for missions and made plans for raising
ley.
. Worked on arranging pastorates (fields of churches).
. Suggested an offering on the Lord's Day for the special purpose of pairing the buildings and paying the sexton to keep them neat and pirn.
pliat same year George Baker was thanked for preparing a map of the iritory embraced in the bounds of the Strawberry Association. ■Between 1890-1900 the association begun to think in terms of modern pveniences. The 1896 sermon was preached in a tent and it was Digested that it be bought, but due to the cost the idea was dropped. Bey returned to the stand where rain cut short the 1898 message and used the afternoon business session to be canceled. r
The Apostolic Movement
'he anti-missionary of the mid 1800's had not been overcome by 1901,
'■ ecially in the southern section of the association. This feeling was
as disastrous as the Apostolic Movement. A resolution from the
>; tors' conference read: "That the Doctrine of instantaneous sanctifi-
ilsion and present absolute holiness and the so called Apostolic doctrine
unscriptual and their proclamation is injurious to the churches; that
churches close their doors against the teaching of such."
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Material Prosperity
Special offerings were still called for. One to help complete the m building of the Orphanage and another for Virginia Intermont College
In 1904 the clerk made note that material prosperity had blessed ( section and the churches had certain obligations. He entered th suggestions: Have more compact pastorates, see the need for m discipline in the churches, get members to move their church lette the income from the churches not equal to the leakage. The associat used to send out many preachers — now it is in a sad decline. Past should arrange their summer schedule so as to ensure their attendai upon the association meeting. The biggest decline seemed to be in country churches, because many of the members were moving to 1 cities. "The church members were making money fast, but when th get it they keep it and try hard to make more."-"
Not much of the money got to the churches. Forty-eight of the fifl two averaged $90.00 per year for their pastors or $360.00 if the past had a four church field.
Entertaining the Association
The prestige of entertaining the association had passed by 1916 aij the churches were becoming very indifferent about inviting it so recommendation was made that the churches be divided in four ge graphical sections as northeast, southeast, northwest and southwest. Tl association was to meet in the sections in order and the churches the group decide which one should entertain.
Eight years later they voted for the next two meetings to be held Bedford or Lynchburg. The delegates be entertained in homes for oi night and breakfast and they pay for the other meals which were be provided for by a church society at not more than fifty cents. 1947 they voted to meet for only two days. From 1943 to '47 they hi met for one day. For the years 1929 to 1957 every meeting but one hi been in Bedford.
This problem of entertaining in addition to several others may ha\ led to the very bold suggestion made in 1928 chat there be a consolidate of local churches. Forty-eight of the churches were rural, the remained in the city. Four had been organized previous to 1845, two before 186 five by 1880, nine by 1900, six before 1910 and only eight are on goo motor roads. Forty cannot carry on fulltime twelve months a yes program. One pastor has five churches, three three churches each, fiv have four churches and four two churches. The discussion that followe must have been interesting.
Strawberry's Standard of Excellence
When standards were becoming popular the association set up its ow: for a church.
1. Every church was to have a pastor.
2. The church must have a Sunday School at least eight months a yeai
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Two thirds of the membership must contribute to the pastor's salary Lind to missions.
)ne third of the members must attend the Sunday School meetings. There must be during the year an every member canvas for missions. The church must have a missionary society.
The church must send the association a church letter, a delegate and :ihe association fund."
i the '30's most of the business for the association's business was
ussed and decided in the pastor's conference. At the annual meeting
n'fi were few reports published, but much talk reported. There seemed
>e more interest in the social ills of the day than in other types of
church's business. In 1924 they went on record as opposing the
iing of the Bible in public by compulsion. At the '36 session much
i said about the evil of liquor, horse racing and gambling. When
)■ question of teaching Bible in the public schools came to their at-
Mon they were opposed to it. Another session voted to approve the
I rd of Censors for Movies created by the Virginia General Assembly
; iliminate objectionable scenes. In one year they had cut scenes in
| 8 films and rejected seven as totally unworthy.
The Last Twenty-five Years
'ihe annual meeting went from two days to one and one half and Fr to one afternoon and two evening sessions. The quarterly meeting pthe Executive Committee takes care of most of the business, ! >rts are printed and given to the messengers and much of the time jht in hearing recommendations from committees and speeches. One (i .he most used and enjoyable events happening in these years was ! erection of the Strawberry Lodge at Eagle Eyrie.
Hien the drawing for lots took place June 13, 1955, the representative ^our association drew lot thirteen and Mrs. Foster presented a check I $750.00 from the W.M.U. to pay for it. J. B. Thurman was elected
irman of the committee. Trustees were to be G. W. Bond, G. C. Luck, 5.3. Jackson, O. C. Carter all of the Bedford church. Building and ;iishing committee: Charlie W. Markham, Miss Elsie Gilliam, Mrs. t'M. Fugate, Robert L. Bradley and Elton C. Hite. Later Herbert R. Blton replaced Mr. Bradley.
Jced Fuqua, a native of the Huddleston community, made a bid of 1 500.00 which was accepted and the trustees empowered to accept a ^000 loan at 3%. The churches were asked to give $2.00 per member 'the payment of the debt, charge of forty cents per person a night was asked for and groups
ig the Lodge for other than over night stays were asked to make a
intary gift. Later a fee of $5.00 per night and $1.00 per person for a
k was requested.
ae first administration committee had Mrs. H. M. Fugate as chairman,
:. Clifton, Charlie W. Markham, W. C. Mattox, Arnold Coffee, F. M.
ter. Mrs. Fugate served well until 1959 when she resigned. Mrs. L. -'reeman has been the administrator since then.
77
There may be no project of the association that has been better caved than the Lodge. We continue to share it with the Lynchb Association with full cooperation. Almost every week-end and all , summer conferences find the building in use by both young people f
78
Chapter XVII
UTTERMOST PARTS
1813- 1976
The Virginia Foreign Mission Society was organized October 28, 1813
i that same year the movement was introduced to the Strawberry
iociation through a letter from Luther Rice. Mr. Rice is also known
have visited the association and was a guest in the home of Nicholas
arcy. Joseph Perego was to answer Mr. Rice's letter as he seemed
disable. Mr. Perego was an uneducated man and later became a
der in the anti-missionary movement that led to the formation of
i Pig River Association, one of the several "anti-associations". By
1 .6 the interest had grown and John S. Lee was appointed corresponding
.i retary for the mission plans in the association, but the propriety of
; .ing missions was referred.
[ jiving to foreign missions was almost unknown for several years. I e Lynchburg Church was among the first in the state to start mite l :ieties to aid the work. It was organized January 18, 1818. The i arches of the association were very cautious in making decisions, ) vays trying to "conforming to the mind of the churches". By 1817 I other Lee was to let the agents know of the decision from the churches. i 45 found them ready to appoint a committee to make a report on : -eign missions, to hear suggestions that the association support the I uthern Baptist Foreign Mission Board and to raise funds too for the i ssionaries from within their borders. George Pearcy and his wife, '. ances Miller, were the second missionary couple appointed by the uthern Baptist Board.1 It was at the call of the Virginia Society ' at those assembled in Augusta, Georgia, at the 1845 Southern Baptist invention created the Foreign Mission Board with J. B. Jeter as the st president.
The interest in missions grew and by 1866 the following resolution is adopted:
"Resolve, that we have a monthly concert of prayer for foreign issions, that the churches form missionary societies, that the pastors each one sermon on foreign missions each year and that money be llected from each member of our churches for the cause." In 1885 ey asked each member to give thirty-five cents a year for foreign .ssions.
Not only did the interest in giving money increase, but people from e association became interested in "going". Since 1846 when the ^arcys went to China there has been a substantial number of members
79
going to the ends of the earth. Included in this list are: Edmonia Sa Bedford County, in China 1895-'99; Olive M. Board Eager, Bedford Counlj in Italy 1880-'98; Jessie Pettigrew Glass, Fincastle, first trained nur; in China 1901-'43; Lettie Spainhour Hamlet, Grayson County, in Chili 1909-'53; Elsie Gilliam, Lynchburg, 1910-'12; Margie Shumate, Pearisbui 1915-ca '55; T. B. Hawkins, Bedford County, in Argentina 1921 -'6 Grace Mason Snuggs, Natural Bridge, in China 1923-'61; A. E. Wels Bedford County, in Mexico 1923, died 1924; Ola Lea, Pittsylvania Count in China 1925-ca '65; Eva Sanders, Roanoke, in Africa; Edith Vaugh Big Island, in Brazil 1952; Henry Martin, Patrick County, in Africa 195" Mary Burnett Small, Martinsville, in Africa 1954; Louis and BarbjHF O'Conner, Henry County, in Korea 1958; Elaine Hancock, Bedford Count*'" in Hong Kong 1959 and Rev. and Mrs. Norman Burnes, Lynchburg, ij-'- Greece 1951.
This year one-fourth of the Missionary Journeymen appointed froi Virginia were from this area. Cathy Lynn Allison, Lynchburg, a nun to Tanzania, Africa; Connie Turpin, Big Island, a teacher to Paraib Brazil; and Jim Smith, Henry County, youth director to Germany.2
One has no way of knowing the number of Baptists who left th section of the state and went west after the Revolution to settle i Tennessee and Kentucky.
We do know that Elder Robert Stockton left Leatherwood Church i 1799 and pioneered the Baptist work in Kentucky. The second moderato of the Strawberry Association, he was born December 12, 1743, Goochland (now Albemarle) County, a son of Presbyterian parents He was a captain in the British Army and after baptism into the Baptis church in 1771 in Henry County resigned from the army. During th Revolutionary War he was captured in the battle at Brandywine, Md. and held prisoner two years. He moved from Henry County to Barrel County, Ky., in 1800 was elected the first moderator of Green Rive: Baptist Association and served as moderator several years. He was i landowner in Barron (now Metcalfe) County, Ky., and died September 21, 1824. With his wife, Mrs. Catherine Blakey Stockton (1753-1825) they are buried in the Stockton family cemetery west of Edmonton, Ky
Gilbert Mason (1811-1872), a native of Bedford County, the first pastoi (1856-1857) of Manchester (now Bainbridge Street) Church in Richmond, was the only representative of the Braden Association at the 1837 meeting in Louisville, Ky., when the Kentucky Baptist Association was organized.
Mathew Talbot, Jr. ( -1812), native of Amelia County but living in Bedford County, was the first Baptist minister to become a regular settler in the Watauga settlement that became the state of Tennessee. He was a son of Matthew and Annie (Mary) Williston Talbot of Mary- land who settled in Bedford County. Mathew Talbot, Jr., married Mrs. Mary Hale (Haile) Day ( -1785) and was a captain in the Virginia militia participating in the battle of King's Mountain in the Revolutionary War. In 1783 he was the organizer and first pastor of Sinking Creek Baptist Church near Elizabethton in Carter County, Tenn. In 1784 or 1785 he went to Georgia and in 1786 received a land grant in Wilkes I
80
:i[)unty, Ga. In 1795 he became affiliated with the Georgia Baptist
imvention and died October 12, 1812, in Wilkes County, Ga.
Jj Jesse Witt (1797-1858) was appointed by the Domestic Mission Board
l Texas, June 1847. He died in Marshall, Texas, in 1858. Miss Zula
jiomas of Franklin County served as a missionary of the Home Mission
^ard among the Indians of Oklahoma and Miss Georgie Snead from
Irjg Island worked for a number of years with the Home Mission Board.
rjFrom some of the Bedford County Court records we know that laymen
gent to Texas. A brother of George Pearcy moved to what is now
vashington state from Bedford county in the mid 1800's. His journal
jcords taking a house cut from lumber, ready to assemble, and his
mily by way of a packet boat to Richmond and a train to the coast.
1 11 was loaded on a freighter that sailed down the coast of South
merica around Cape Horn and up the west coast. His family is active
churches of the northwest.3
yDr. Edward B. Willingham (1899-1973), pastor (1928-1932) of Rivermont
venue Church in Lynchburg, was Western treasurer of the Baptist
brld Alliance from 1953-1956. His father, Dr. R. J. Willingham, was
"r 20 years executive secretary of the Foreign Mission Board of the
mthern Baptist Convention. Dr. E. B. Willingham taught at the Uni-
?rsity of Richmond and from 1955-1964 was general secretary of the
>reign Mission Society of the American Baptist Convention.
■ Through the years many of the members from the Strawberry Associ-
1 ion have served as state missionaries; some have already been
' entioned, but in the last twenty-five years Gladys Parker from the
fyiaxton church, Annie Mae Broyles from Madison Heights Church and
Elizabeth Thomas of the Glade Hill Church have served as Goodwill
••enter directors or associational missionaries.
sDr. Josef Nordenhaug (1903-1969), pastor (1941-1948) of Rivermont 'venue Church in Lynchburg, was president of the Baptist Theological ?minary in Ruschlikon-Zurich, Switzerland, from 1950-1960. A native '' Norway, he taught at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Oslo, Nor- (ay, and held pastorates in Norway, Prestonburg, Ky., Vinton and • ynchburg. From 1948-1950 he was editor of The Commission, world )>urnal of the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board, and from 1960 Kitil his death was general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance.
81
Chapter XVIII
CONTINUING THE DREAM
1897-1976
:*
Many persons from many churches, once a part of this associatio have provided support for the work in every facet of Virginia Baptis endeavor. Some have already been cited, but others need to be becau they helped to perpetuate that which had been launched. No group h done more than the women. Wives of two native pastors served presidents of the state organization in the beginning, Mrs. J. B. Jet 1874-'87 and Mrs. W. E. Hatcher 1882-'92.
The first meeting under the name of Women's Missionary Union | Virginia met October 18-19, 1899 in Salem; Mrs. Alexander Millar Bedford Springs recorded the proceedings of the body. In 1898 Mr I. M. Mercer (Frances Pearcy, daughter of missionary George Pearcy was recording secretary and in 1901 had the responsibility of corresponc ing secretary.
When the Women's Missionary Union opened its Training School i Louisville, Kentucky, September, 1916, there were twenty-five studen! in its first class. Miss Elsie Gilliam was the lone Virginian enrolled.
An Impressive Registry
Mrs. J. A. Baker, first Mission Study Superintendent, was elected ii September, 1916, and the wife of a pastor.
Mrs. Franklin P. Robertson, president 1901 and vice-president 1902-03 was wife of a pastor.
Miss Mae Burton was elected Education Secretary in 1912, but unabk to assume her duties in Richmond.
Mrs. John F. Vines, president 1916-'20, was wife of a Roanoke pastor
Miss Elizabeth Harvey, vice-president 1912, was from Lynchburg.
Mrs. W. S. Royall, vice-president 1914, was wife of a pastor.
Mrs. George T. Winn, vice-president 1938-'40, from Axton in Henry County.
Mrs. E. L. Dupuy, recording secretary 1940-'58, from Martinsville.
Miss Alma Hunt, Executive Secretary of Southern Women's Missionary Union 1948-'74, native of Roanoke.
Mrs. Harry P. Clause, vice-president of the Southern Union 1950-'55 and a member of the Executive Committee 1956-'59, wife of a pastor.
Mrs. A. G. Carter, vice-president 1942-'47, '49-'55, wife of a pastor.
Mrs. O. C. Hancock, president 1956-'64, native of Bedford County.
82
Ais. H. P. Clause, vice-president 1960-'65, wife of a pastor, hlrs. J. R. Kirk, vice-president 1971-'73, from Martinsville. ' Ars. Frank Murry, of Lynchburg, served as state president of the [ siness Women's Federation.
, »frs. Chiles J. Cridlin, vice-president 1974-'76, presided over the historic ] '6 annual meeting when the structure of the state organization was \ lusted to better carry out its mission in the present day church pro- f im.
Vlrs. Albert E. Simms was elected recording secretary at the 1976 I eting. She is wife of a pastor and the fourth woman to be chosen I this position from the Strawberry Association.
Vtrs. A. Harrison Gregory, president 1971-'75 and Southern Union I ;sident 1975, is from Danville. She received the honorary Doctor of I .mane Letters degree from Averett College in May, 1976.
il
i Religious Herald
\s early as 1790 Virginia Baptists subscribed to a Baptist paper, the ndon "Baptist Register"; later they took the Massachusetts "Baptist I ssionary Magazine". On January 11, 1828, the Religious Herald was ^..abashed. Eli Ball became the second editor 1831-'33; J. B. Jeter edited he magazine 1865-'86 with W. E. Hatcher as junior editor 1882-'83. The l.nchburg bureau was established in 1908 with Amos Clary as director. L\ Clary and W. S. Royall joined the editorial staff the same year, Lt returned to the pastorate the next year. Today, Thomas Miller is \ i associate editor and photographer. Strawberry is still in editorial 1 >rk.
Virginia Baptist Hospital
The Virginia Baptist Hospital was the brain child of Dr. Hugh C. ! nth. It opened July 12, 1924, with private rooms costing $3.50 to $7.50 i lay and ward rooms from $2.00 to $3.50 a day. O. B. Barker of Lynch-
rg was the first president of the Board of Trustees. Miss Mary i.wling (1887-1971), a Bedford County native, became the first superin-
ldent of nursing on January 1, 1924, at the salary of $175 a month. ij,ter 30 years of service she retired in 1954. Miss Louise Habel suc-
Kied her in 1955 and for 10 years inspired both patients and staff. ySs Habel is the daughter of S. T. Habel, Sr., the last of our early
ssionaries. Many members of area churches serve on the large staff.
' Virginia Baptist Orphanage
-.ike the hospital the Virginia Baptist Orphanage is located in part of |! original association, Salem. The first cottage was ready for oc-
>ancy in 1892. W. E. Hatcher was the first president of the Board of •astees. Martin Halstead is the present business manager and the
l-in-law of Rev. R. L Camden, a Bedford County native. Through | • years Baptists from the churches in Roanoke, Roanoke County and
iford County have filled many places of responsibility in this home.
83
Baptist Student Union
William J. Fallis of Roanoke is one of our modern day pioneers. ■.. became the first full-time secretary for Virginia Baptist Student U:tt/; in 1940 and held the position until 1944 when he became Book Eel for the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board in Nashville.
Camp Meetings
f.
In the mid and late 1800's Baptists were gathering for camp meeti] J. B. Jeter had been very successful in establishing one in the North Neck of Virginia. At the General Association meeting in Danville 1907 the Pastors' Conference of Richmond offered a resolution requ ing the appointment of one person from each district association consider the matter of a summer encampment. H. M. Fugate and J McCabe were on this committee. The first summer encampment at Buckroe Beach June 24- July 1, 1908. After seeking a perman home for many years 200 acres of land on Fleming Mountain in Bedf County was purchased in 1950 for $31,000. W. M. Thompson, pastor Inglewood Church in Boonsboro, had led the way for securing this 1: on Route 501 northwest of Lynchburg. Herbert R. Carlton served the first manager and the present director is Malcolm H. Burgess native of Lynchburg. After 19 years of service this conference i assembly center has proven that every state in the Southern Bap Convention needs a year-round facility. Eagle Eyrie was the first si plant in the convention.
Our association is also the home of the Peaks of Otter Royal A bassador camp. This camp, off the Blue Ridge Parkway south of 1 Peaks of Otter, is located on a 386-acre tract given by the Robert Johnson family of Bedford in 1961. Boys do real out-of-doors campi in connection with other camp activities.
Baptist Homes
When Virginia Baptists were rethinking the obligations they owed those who had served their churches well for many years and were longer in a position to care for themselves the idea of the Virgir Baptist Homes, Inc. became a reality in 1946. There are homes Culpeper and Newport News where many from the Strawberry ha found a place to continue to live. In 1975 construction on a new hon in Richmond was begun. Albert E. Simms, pastor in Lynchburg, w selected as the manager of the Lakewood Manor project.
The chaplain service for our state correction instructions is one i the newer projects in which Virginia Baptists cooperate with other chun groups. The executive director is George F. Ricketts of Martinsville
Secretaries
When the churches became interested in a better music program wit more people involved they sought a state leader. Miss Kathrine Baile of Bassett in Henry County was selected and continued as the first full time music worker for the General Association until 1966.
84
The state wanted a Secretary of Evangelism and they turned to a >anoke pastor, H. W. Connelly; when they needed the next one R. L. indolph (1893-1956), pastor in Lynchburg, was chosen. He served >m 1945 to his death. W. B. Denson (1906-1976) was the third secre- ry. He had served in Buena Vista and Roanoke.
Two men have been selected by the Virginia Baptist Association from e area of our association to be their Executive Secretary: James R. yant, a layman from Roanoke, and Lucius Polhill, a Vinton minister. These are but a few of many who have helped to carry on the de- mination's work during the last two hundred years. More names could added and it is hoped that the reader will add his own roll of honor d when you do ask, "Am I doing anything about what I have in- rited?"
85
Epilogue
The ideals that our Baptist forefathers introduced, fought for a: sustained in the early years should be an inspiration and challenge all who have been the beneficiaries.
Look at these figures as flesh and blood and ask, "What do they st to us?" Our first record in 1789 covered the vast territory of the Strav berry Association which embraced seventeen churches with 1,116 men bers. In 1832 there were 1,153 members and the churches baptized 7E persons, a 58% increase. The centennial year, with decreased are recorded thirty-three white churches, 2,947 members and 249 baptism a gain of 9%. Last year we reported thirty-five churches in Bedfor County with 8,503 members; 242 persons were baptized, an increase < 3.3%.
What of the Mother Association constituted 200 years ago wit churches in thirty counties of Virginia and North Carolina? So far s figures can tell the story let those found in Appendix C of this boo speak concerning the growth in gifts and numbers. Yet, these do nc include all that has been recorded in the daughter, grand-daughter an great-grand-daughter associations found in two states. Reports neve tell the full story of the activities through which an association serve the Lord. Infinity alone will reveal how many people, on the earth have been influenced by the ministry of those who constitute the associ ation.
And what lies ahead? Are our churches caught between a proud pas and a precarious future? Great as has been our past, encouraging a. our present accomplishments may we together pledge to pray, work an( live so homogenously that this association, Virginia's oldest, may sa3 with Robert Browning:
Grow old along with me;
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in his hand
Who said, "A whole I planned,"
Youth shows but half; trust God; see all, nor be afraid.
86
References
CHAPTER I
The Society Called Baptist, 1639-1776
\ Journal of the House of Burgesses, February 12, 22, 24, 1772.
e Benedict, David, A General History of the Baptist Denomination
(Boston, 1813), p. 364-65. . Prince George County Order Book 1714-'20, p 20. Oath and the
declaration are given in Deed Book No. 1, p. 58. R Ryland, Garnett, The Baptists of Virginia 1699-1926 (Richmond, H 1955), p. 7. j Asplund, John, Annual Register of the Baptist Denomination in
North America (Richmond, 1791), p. 47.
Leland, John, The Virginia Chronicle (Fredericksburg, 1790), p. ' 105.
Bitting, Charles C, Notes on the History of the Strawberry Baptist r Association (Baltimore, 1879), p. 11. 0 Ibid., p. 11.
Ryland, op. cit., p. 42. * Barnes, William W., The Southern Baptist Convention 1845-1953 i (Nashville, 1954), p. 3.
* CHAPTER II
ii Baptist and the Establishment, 1771-1783
i
i Ryland, op. cit., p. 51. . Ibid., p. 52.
Williams, John, "Memo or Journal" (Ms. 1771), Simple, p. 51.
Ryland, op. cit., p. 120. Semple, p. 63, 261.
Ibid., p. 57 Semple, p. 11.
Ibid., p. 57.
Semple, p. 18.
Andrews, Matthew P., Virginia the Old Dominion (Richmond,
1949), p. 350.
Fristoe, William, History of the Ketocton Baptist Association (Staun- ton, 1808), p. 69.
Sketch of Anthony in Virginia Baptist Ministers, First Series.
Patrol mounted were those who arrested and punished negroes
found away from their homes without passes from their owners.
James, Charles F., Struggle for Religious Liberty in Virginia
(Lynchburg, 1900), p. 108.
James, op. cit., p. 41-104.
James, op. cit., p. 32.
James, op. cit., p. 58.
87
CHAPTER III
Helping Guard the Victory, 1783-1791
1. Constitution of the General Committee.
2. Bitting, op. cit, p. 20.
3. Minutes of the General Committee, 1799.
4. Minutes of the Strawberry Association, 1788, 1790, 1799.
5. Bitting, op. cit., p. 47.
6. James, op. cit, p. 138.
7. Bitting, op. cit., p. 28.
8. Ibid., p. 14.
9. Early manuscripts in Virginia Baptist Historical Library.
10. Bitting, op. cit., p. 16.
11. Ibid., p. 41.
12. Strawberry Minutes, 1793.
CHAPTER IV Baptists Working Within Their Association, 1791-1836
1. Ryland, op. cit., p. 126.
2. Ibid., p. 164.
3. Strawberry Association Minutes, 1802, 1822, 1829.
4. Ibid., 1866.
5. Ibid., 1973.
When a date preceeds an item, that item is taken from the Minu of that date.
CHAPTER V Involvement in State Missions, 1822-1830
1. Ryland, op. cit., p. 206.
2. Hatcher, William E., Life of J. B. Jeter, D.D. (Baltimore, 188' p. 108.
3. General Association Minutes, 1842, p 8.
4. Hatcher, op. cit., p. 112.
5. Not the present New River Association.
6. Jeter, J. B., The Recollections of a Long Life (Richmond, 1891), 107.
7. Hatcher, op. cit., p. 113-114.
8. Jeter, op. cit,, p. 108.
9. Ryland, op. cit., p. 211.
10. Ibid., p. 213.
11. Strawberry Minutes, 1828.
12. Ryland, op. cit., p. 214.
CHAPTER VI Men Move Toward Their Mission, 1776-1976
'■;■:■:
;:■:: to ...
1. Strawberry, op. cit., 1896.
2. Barnes, op. cit., p. 236.
3. Ibid., p. 238.
4. Strawberry, op. cit., 1911, p. 14.
88
CHAPTER VII Ladies in the Meeting House, 1860-1976
History of Kentucky Baptists, p. 380.
| Andrews, op. cit, p. 367.
I Religious Herald, op. cit., 11-18-1860, p. 177/3.
[bid., 7-10-1861. i Strawberry, 1874, p. 9. \ [bid., 1884, p. 6. ! [bid, 1887, p. 7. | Ryland, op. cit., p. 324ff. I Strawberry, 1890, p. 18. I Ibid., 1895.
i Poe, Mrs. E. D., From Strength to Strength (Richmond, 1949), p. ■ W-100.
t Strawberry, 1913, p. 8. i [bid, 1917. , [bid., 1918. [[bid., 1920. i [bid., 1932. 'jlbid., 1955. i. Fletcher, Louise, The Diary of a State Missionary (Richmond, 1967),
p. 55-59.
CHAPTER VIII The Apostles on Horseback, 1823-1901
3
Strawberry, 1961, p. 15. „
I Ibid., 1962, p. 22.
CHAPTER IX
Lifting the Bounty, 1802-1976
An agent was a person who would represent a certain board or committee of the General Association. He would promote and collect money for his particular interest. In 1831 Valentine M. Mason, of Lexington, was appointed the first full-time General Agent in Virginia at the annual salary of $500.00. He resigned in 1841 because of ill health and was succeeded by Eli Ball.
CHAPTER X Teaching the Word, 1830-1976
Strawberry, 1837. Strawberry, 1857, p. 3. Religious Herald, 1857, p. 195/2. Strawberry, 1865. Religious Herald, 4-9-1868. Strawberry, 1871. Ibid., 1877, p. 14. [bid., 1879, p. 4.
89
9. Ibid., 1879. p. 7
10. Ibid., 1889, p. 3
11. Ibid., 1890-1899.
CHAPTER XI Learning from the Cabin to the Ivy Halls
1. Hatcher, op. cit, p. 117.
2. Religious Herald, 6-18-1833.
3. Ibid., 6-14-1833.
4. Ryland, op. cit., p. 225.
5. Ibid., p. 227.
6. Strawberry, 1867.
7. Religious Herald. 1856, p. 114/6.
8. Strawberry, 1867.
9. Religious Herald, 1868, p. 127/4.
CHAPTER XII
Relieving Social Ills, 1826-1976
1. Jeter, op. cit., p. 35.
2. Ryland, op. cit., p. 217, 218.
3. Religious Herald, 1829, p. 183/3.
4. Strawberry, 1830.
5. Religious Herald, 11-23-1825, p. 165/4.
6. Strawberry. 1854.
7. Ibid., 1881.
CHAPTER XIII Caring for Those in Bondage, 1788-1871
1. Ryland, op. cit., p. 152. Strawberry, 1852.
2. Ibid., p. 285.
3. Strawberry, 1856, p. 12.
4. Ibid., 1858, p. 12.
5. Ibid., 1866, p. 10.
6. Ryland, op. cit., p. 305.
7. Ibid., p. 316.
8. Ibid., p. 315.
9. Ibid., p. 316.
10. Religious Herald, 6-8-; 9-7, 1871.
11. Andrews, op. cit., p. 563.
CHAPTER XIV Relief for the Man in the Pulpit, 1836-1976
1. Religious Herald, 1836, p. 94/4.
2. Strawberry, 1866, p. 6-7.
3. Ibid., 1873, p. 8.
90
I Ibid., 1889.
Ibid., 1873, p. 9.
Ibid., 1879.
Ibid., 1883, p. 8.
. Ibid., 1888.
Ibid., 1901, p. 21.
t Ibid., 1911, p. 17.
I Ibid., 1916.
CHAPTER XV Training Union, 1891-1976
Wright, Elbert Joseph, Virginia Baptist Training Union History
(Richmond, 1947).
Ibid., p. 14.
Strawberry, 1902, p. 10.
Ibid., 1909, p. 13.
Wright, op. cit., p. 63.
Strawberry, 1936, p. 13.
CHAPTER XVI
Attending the Association Meetings, 1807-1976
Religious Herald, 10-10-1850, p. 49.
Strawberry, 1822, p. 8.
Ibid., 1823.
Ibid., 1854, p. 9.
Religious Herald, 9-11-1853, p. 139/1.
Ibid., 9-22-1853, p. 151/3.
Strawberry, 1850, p. 9.
Religious Herald, 7-11-1866, p. 110/13.
Ibid., 9-21-1859, p. 139/1.
Strawberry, 1857, p. 5.
Ibid., 1855.
Religious Herald, 6-29-1843, p. 103/2.
Ibid., 9-21-1861, p. 125/6.
Ibid., 8-14-1862, p. 127/6.
Strawberry, 1863, p. 5.
Religious Herald, 8-22-1867, p. 134/6.
Taylor, op. cit., Fourth Series, p. 328.
Religious Herald, 6-11-1861, p. 111/6.
Ibid., 1905. Ibid., 1904.
CHAPTER XVII
Uttermost Parts, 1813-1976
Strawberry, 1970, p. 53-59. Religious Herald, 5-6-1979, p. 8. Family papers.
91
Sources
To which references have been made are in the collection of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society and Jones Memorial Library inl Lynchburg unless otherwise indicated.
Andrews, Mathew Page. Virginia, the Old Dominion. Richmond, Va., 1949.
Asplund, John. The Annual Register of the Baptist Denomination in North America to November 1, 1790. Southampton County, Va., 1794.
Barnes, William W. The Southern Baptist Convention, 1845-1953. Nash- ville, Tenn., 1954.
Bitting, Charles C. Notes on the History of the Strawberry Baptist As- sociation of Virginia. 1879.
Fletcher, J. F. A History of the Ash County, North Carolina and New River, Virginia Baptist Associations. Raleigh, N. C, 1935.
Fletcher, Louise. The Diary of a State Missionary. Richmond, Va., 1967.
Fristoe, William. History of the Ketocton Baptist Association. Staun- ton, Va., 1808.
Freeman, Mrs. L. R. From Beginnings to Beginnings. Martinsville, Va., 1958.
Hatcher, William E. Life of J. B. Jeter. Baltimore, Md., 1887.
Hening, W. W. Statutes at Large of Virginia, 1619-1792. Richmond and Philadelphia, 1809-1823.
House of Burgesses of Virginia Journals of 1619-1775. Edited by John P. Kennedy and Henry A. Mcllwaine.
James, Charles F. Struggle for Religious Liberty in Virginia. Lynch- burg, Va., 1900.
Jeter, Jeremiah Bell. The Recollections of a Long Life. Richmond, Va., 1891.
Leland, John. The Virginia Chronicle. Baltimore, Md., 1871.
Little, Lewis Peyton. Imprisoned Preachers and Religious Liberty in Virginia. Lynchburg, Va., 1938.
Minutes of the
Baptist General Committee
Baptist General Meeting of Correspondence
Baptist General Association of Virginia.
Poe, Mrs. E. D. From Strength to Strength, History of W.M.U. of Vir- ginia, 1874-1949. Richmond, Va., nd.
Religious Herald, Richmond, Va., 1829-
92
and, Garnett. The Baptists of Virginia, 1699-1926. Richmond, Va., 955.
nple, Robert B. History of the Rise and Fall of the Baptists of Vir- inia. Richmond, Va., 1810. Revised and extended by Geo. W. Beale, tichmond, Va., 1894.
awberry Association Minutes, 1787-1975.
flor, George Braxton. Virginia Baptist Ministers. Third Series, .ynchburg, Va., 1912. Fourth Series, Lynchburg, Va., 1913. Fifth >eries, Lynchburg, Va., 1915. Sixth Series, Lynchburg, Va., 1935.
•ginia Baptist Hospital, 1924-1974. Lynchburg, Va., 1974.
tlliams, John. "Memo or Journal." Ms. 1771.
ight, Elbert Joseph. Virginia Baptist Training Union History. Rich- mond, Va., 1947.
93
APPENDIX A
Church Histories
BEAVERDAM BAPTIST CHURCH
Records show that Beaverdam Baptist Church, on Route 24 i Chamblissburg, was planted in 1801 with a membership of 36.
On April 2, 1803, it was organized, as a branch of Goose Creek (nc Morgans) Baptist Church, with a membership of 40 white and thrt Negro members.
Its first place of worship was a log house on the site of the preset church, to which was attached a shed for the use of the Negro membej This old log house was used as the place of worship until after 18) when Jointee Church closed its doors and its organization united wii Beaverdam Church in building the brick church in use at this time.
In 1804 the church was received into the Strawberry Association ail in August of that year the Rev. Joshua Burnette was chosen the fui pastor of the church.
Jointee Church, the fore-runner of Beaverdam Church, can be regardl as the first Baptist church established in Bedford County. A del dated December 24, 1771, describes a church of the Society of Baptr. Church, reading ". . . . between James Davis of Bedford County of tl: one part and Matthew Talbot and Stephen White and the rest of tfl
94
ociety of the Baptist Church of the said county confirm unto
le said Baptist Society and their successors forever one acre of land
) include the said meeting house and the adjoining spring together. . . .".
This church, generally referred to as Jointee Church, later became ieaverdam Baptist Church and New Hope Methodist (now Parrish !hapel United Methodist) Church and was located south of Route 24 etween the present locations of the two churches.
In 1893 the Methodist congregation worshiping with Beaverdam Jhurch and known as New Hope decided to withdraw and build their wn church further east on Route 24. A prime mover in the movement f the Methodist denomination to have their own building was the Rev. '. W. Parrish, pastor of New Hope Methodist Church, and in his honor he new church was named Parrish Chapel.
In 1817 the first recorded instance of a fund for missions was raised.
In 1831 a revival was held which was considered to be the greatest eligious revival ever known in Bedford County.
In 1833 there rose a division in the church upon the question of aissions. The pastor, with a large majority, favored missions while ome prominent members believing it was a departure from the Baptist aith were opposed. This resulted in eight members withdrawing and initing with the Primitive Baptist Church at Lynville.
In July, 1847, the pastor was directed to take up a public collection or foreign missions. A collection of $10.00 was received and sent by he clerk to the General Association. This was the first record of any ontribution by the church for foreign missions. It was also during his period that a committee of gentlemen and ladies was appointed o raise a fund to send to the Strawberry Association to help defray he expense of two colporters who were to labor in the bounds of the issociation. This is the first recorded instance where the sisters of he church had been appointed to committees.
In 1859, 13 members were granted letters of dismission for the purpose )f constituting Shady Grove Baptist Church; in 1860, 10 members were iismissed by letter to constitute Flint Hill Baptist Church. In addition vhen Vinton Baptist Church (1892) and Barnhardt Baptist Church (1898) vere organized, many of their charter members came from Beaverdam.
In 1856 an aged member of the church, Mrs. Elizabeth Richards, was
Left with no one on whom to depend for a home. The church appointed
i committee to select a place to settle Mrs. Richards. A small lot was
Purchased and a house erected and given to Mrs. Richards where she
Resided until her death. This is the first record of a social mission
)roject being assumed by the church.
. In 1881 the Strawberry Association was entertained at Beaverdam. ^.This was in the days when crowds were so immense that "pallets" in . he living rooms for the ladies and "hay lofts" for the men were used 'is beds. Some families entertained as many as forty and fifty persons )er night.
, The first Sunday School was organized in 1886. In 1887 the first ,nissionary society was organized with a male member, R. L. Dearing, ! erving as president. It is interesting to note that it was not a "Ladies" r »lissionary Society.
95
'
In 1896 Beaverdam purchased two acres of land joining the churn lot for a cemetery. In 1899 and 1900 the church was generally renovate and repaired and new pulpit furniture given. In 1921 the church a; | pointed a committee to collect funds and have the walls of the chun completely overhauled. The work was finished in June, 1922, at a cd of $216.81. This amount was paid in full with a balance of $.25 turn* into the treasury.
In 1938, electricity was installed in the church at the expense Homer Simmons and his brother.
In 1946 a basement was dug under the sanctuary, a central heatir system installed, the main floor raised, the windows shortened, ar the slave balcony removed. New pews were secured in 1952.
A parsonage was built on a corner of the church property in 194' In 1966 it was almost completely renovated.
A two story educational building was added to the back of the sanctua in 1951. Work has been done on this building and in the basemei under the sanctuary on three occasions recently to make the education! space more useful for the present needs of the church.
In 1959 Miss Elaine Hancock became the first foreign missionary I go out from this church. She is serving as a missionary nurse in Hon Kong under appointment by the Foreign Mission Board of the Souther Baptist Convention.
In 1962 missions again became a dividing factor in the church. J group of 67 withdrew their membership to form the Chamblissbur Baptist Church due to their opposition to the support of the Souther Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Program by the church.
A new two-story educational building was added to the south side c the existing facilities in 1971-72. The building was in the planning stage for approximately four . years. The contract was let for the building i: November, 1971, and completed in August, 1972. The building was fir; used for Vacation Bible School in that month while the finishing touche were still in progress.
A Youth Choir which was organized by Miss Rheta Carr and Mis Jane Moles in 1970 has doubled its enrollment and is presently witnessini through singing in various churches in Bedford County, Roanoke, an< Fincastle under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Danny McCoy and Mr5 Judy Thomas.
The church has seen several members enter the ministry. Their firs pastor, Joshua Burnette, was licensed in 1804. The next year saw th widely-known William Harris receive his license from the church Gabriel Wheeler was ordained in 1860, James F. Board licensed in 1873 Nathan C. Burnette licensed in 1875, L. A. Thomas licensed about 1895 J. A. Barnhardt's ordination requested in 1893, W. T. Henderson ordination requested in 1899 and T. E. Goad's ordination requested ir 1921.
Three brothers were also ordained to the ministry by the church Alexander G. McManaway, born in 1852, was ordained in 1874 and educated at Richmond College and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He held pastorates in Blacksburg, North Carolina and Arkansas. He was a general agent and professor of Greek
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t Ouachita College (now Ouachita Baptist University) in Arkadelphia, Jjkrk., and also worked with The Charlotte News-Observer in Charlotte, mjO. C, The Religious Herald and the North Carolina Baptist. He died tt(Ln 1899 in a St. Louis, Mo., sanatorium. rj.L James E. McManaway, born in 1855, was ordained in 1874 and at-
ended Richmond College. He held pastorates in Southampton and Isle ;. if Wight Counties, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina and Georgia. He
vas co-editor of The Word and the Way, weekly publication of the i;.,; Missouri Baptist Convention. He died in 1922 in Richmond. . John E. McManaway, born in 1868, was ordained after 1875. He at-
ended Wake Forest College (now Wake Forest University) in Winston- ipalem, N. C, and taught school in Nash County, N. C. He went from a
>usiness position in Charlotte, N. C, to Missouri and Kansas and held rf>astorates in North Carolina and South Carolina. He was an evangelist Jjn South Carolina, served for several years on the evangelism staff of Jjhe Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and was
editor of The Fort Mill News in Fort Mill, S. C. He died in 1930 in
Jreenville, S. C. 1 In addition to those in the ministry and foreign mission field Mrs. ..[.tfannie Wright Stephens worked with prisoners in the Roanoke city
ail and Miss Ola Wright was a teacher at the Virginia Baptist Orphanage I now Virginia Baptist Children's Home) in Salem.
BEDFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
It was the custom of early Baptist churches to take the name of a : near- by stream of water, thus what is now Bedford Baptist Church was .named Little Otter when it was organized by the Rev. Nathaniel Shrews- bury in 1797 with 90 charter members. He served as the pastor until he moved to Kentucky the following year. In 1851 the name was
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changed to Liberty, in 1901 to Bedford City, the "City" being dropi in 1923.
Since no minutes before 1879 have been preserved, information cerning the early years has been gathered from other sources. We not know the names of the 90 constituent members nor where tli worshipped, probably in homes and/or in the court house. The Bapl Meeting House built in 1800 on what is now the southeast corner Bridge and Jackson Streets was the first church building in Liber* It was used frequently by other denominations and in 1833-34 asj temporary court house.
In 1853 a new building was erected on what is now East Main Stre The Bedford Sentinel of May 5, 1853, gives an account of the dedicati of "The new Baptist church, a neat, comfortable and commodious bui; ing." Seventy-one years later, May 5, 1924, another building replaci that one was dedicated. That location is now occupied by the Krog Company. In 1961 the church purchased eight and one-half acres the W. L. Martin property on Oakwood Street, and in August, 1962, t contract for the first unit of the proposed building was awarded Fred B. Fuqua, great-great-great nephew of Isham Fuqua, second past of Little Otter Church. The building was occupied in December, 19(i The sanctuary was added in 1970, the dedication being held on June
Little Otter is listed in the minutes of Strawberry Association in 17f At this meeting its messengers brought a recommendation "That tl Association recommend to its churches a day of fasting and prayer Almighty God that He would be pleased of His infinite mercy to ave the impending calamities which seem to threaten us, and be pleast to grant that true and vital religion may flourish amongst us." Tl recommendation was adopted. Much praying was done, and the Gre; Revival which was in progress in Roanoke gradually spread into Strav berry in 1802-1803 where it became more effective in Little Otter the in any other church. As a result Little Otter baptized 225 persor ordained to the ministry three young men and organized two ne churches.
During the 1800's rules for the conduct of members were very stric and matters of discipline occupied an important place in business mee ings. Members were called before the church to give an account fc such conduct as drinking, selling liquor, dancing, card playing, gamblin being absent from services or business meetings and failure to cor tribute to the church. Only male members were disciplined for nor attendance and non-support. A member being charged with breakin the rules of conduct who did not show repentance was excluded fror the fellowship. There was no respect of persons, for even deacor were disciplined, some being excluded for drinking and dancing. How ever, it appears that a good spirit was shown by both the church an the member being disciplined, for all along members who had bee: excluded apologized and were restored to full fellowship.
In the Digest of Letters in the 1844 minutes of Strawberry Associatioi we read, "Little Otter, situated in the vicinity of Liberty is of Ion standing and useful in her borders. Many revivals have been in thi part of Bedford County and members from time to time added to thi
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fO[i:rch. They have had many changes, but at present enjoy much peace . are enjoying the blessings of a Sabbath School where it is to be it Died many may be born of the Spirit. The hospitalities of this people iVtlsl the kindness of the villagers of Liberty have endeared many 1 [ arts to them. May the Lord enable them to hold on their way and lather strength as they go until they become a great people." The 1879 lei iest says, "Liberty Church prominent in every good word and work, be s^atly revived but not perfect. Membership 264."
^lission money was collected by a special committee for each Southern
jtist Convention board and state causes — Foreign, Home, and State
Mission, Education, Sunday School and Bible, and Minister's Relief —
alral 1919 when the Convention adopted the 75 million campaign which
4ituded all boards in one offering. This was followed in 1925 by the
imperative Program. In the church budget of $10,000.00 for 1927 the
it oirch allocated $4000.00 for the Cooperative Program, thus beginning
i 60-40% division between local expenses and the Cooperative Pro-
m. This division was held through one of the worst depressions in
| nation's history, and at the same time the church debt was paid.
iifc November, 1943, the division was changed to 50-50% and continued
Bthat ratio for fifteen years before being changed back to 60-40. For
ny years the church was in the top twenty-five churches in Virginia
7 contributions to the Cooperative Program. When the Forward Pro-
im plan was adopted for the 1962 budget and a building program was
;un, the percentage division was discontinued. In 1973 the church
r;.ed to give \Z% of the envelope and loose collection contributions to
fj Cooperative Program. The policy since then has been to increase
jit by 1% each year.
"Bedford Church has been in the forefront in organizations. It re- nted a Sunday School as early as 1844. The B.Y.P.U. was organized n 1916 and continued under several different names until 1972 when (was discontinued. The Brotherhood, organized in 1951, continued to action until 1971. A Woman's Mission Circle was in existence in 11. A missionary society of children was functioning in 1882, and i^oung men's missionary society was active in 1888. Y.W.A., G.A. and \. were organized at various times.
tfive churches have been formed from the Bedford Church member- p: Suck Spring (1805) with 28 members, Timber Ridge (1805) with c Washington Street (1866) with 66 colored members, Main Street 1)61) with 26 and Trinity (1962) with 62.
'As far as records are available 18 young men have been licensed or lained or both to the ministry: John Carter, William Moorman, James
1 L. Moorman, Daniel P. Witt, John R. Fizer, J. L. Lawless, W. J. eke, W. F. Fisher, Alexander Millar, W. C. Hughes, Harold Fraine,
^nford A. Dean, Eugene Rider, Edward Johnson, George Gray, Daniel
Dtt, Henry Fizer, Andrew B. Moon. Two young women have served
foreign missionaries: Mrs. Olive May Board Eager in China and
ly from 1880 to 1898 and Miss Edmonia Sale who was sent to China
1 Strawberry Association paying her expenses.
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Twenty-three pastors have served the church. Dr. Harry P. was elected pastor emeritus in March 1960. In addition to pasto church has had four other full-time ministers.
Space does not permit the naming of the host of lay leaders who served faithfully in every department of the church. However must be saluted. Mrs. C. H. Burnette (the former Miss Orelia How began working in the Sunday School in 1905 teaching junior For fifty-eight years she served as superintendent of the primary de ment where she now serves as assistant superintendent.
In the life of Bedford Church there have been periods of great re and periods of discouragement and failure, yet always, under the q ings of God, it has moved forward. The achievements of the past but stepping-stones to the future and challenge the members toda "Rise up O men of God; have done with lesser things; Give heart soul and mind and strength to serve the King of Kings."
BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
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Located on the old Rocky Mount turnpike near New London, Betj Baptist Church was organized in 1879 and the church built about lij
The 15 members who organized the church first worshipped in Hunt* Chapel, a log-hewn one-room building on the J. W. Dowdy farm on Evington Road about three miles south of the present church.
When this chapel ceased to be used as a school and only the st< chimney remained this was torn down and used as an under-pinning the building of the new church.
Samuel M. Mitchell, an elder in Academy Presbyterian Church at N London, gave one acre of land from his farm for the church.
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VI;
The Baptists were far out-numbered by other denominations in the immunity but there was a spirit of unity in the building of the new urch. The First Baptist Church in Lynchburg aided in the beginning the new church.
When Mrs. Sammie Owen Read, wife of William A. Read, came to tie community to live as a bride there was only one Baptist family in le vicinity. They were somewhat lukewarm, having sprung from an piscopal family.
Mrs. Read launched upon the matter of establishing a Baptist church nd with her small son, Lawrence Read, spent many days riding horse- ack soliciting funds and materials for the erection of the church.
The charter members of the church were Mrs. Sammie Owen Read, Irs. Henry Ann Ogden Black, Mrs. John Sweeney, Mrs. Arch Dooley, Lrs. Morton L. Gooch, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Ogden, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. 'owdy. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones, Mr. and Mrs. John Tolley and Ir. and Mrs. Blair Murrell, ten women and five men.
BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH
The present Bethlehem Baptist Church located on Route 24 south of r)tter River lists its organization date as 1824 but its history dates to he early 1800's.
The Rev. John Anthony, Jr., planted a church known as Otter Church
ind the present Bethlehem Church is on that site. Mr. Anthony was
>astor of the church in 1804 when there was a great revival and served
-is pastor until his death in 1822. In 1810 the membership of Otter
"hurch was listed as 100.
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From the 1804 revival many were baptized and from this, in 18l was constituted Burton's Creek Baptist Church on the Lynchburg tunp pike in Campbell County.
Burton's Creek Baptist Church suffered a division as to missions aj one group formed, in 1831, Flat Creek Baptist Church in Campbti County. The old Burton's Creek Baptist Church site was the locatii of the establishment, under the leadership of the Rev. James A. Dav in 1886 of Beulah Baptist Church, now in the city of Lynchburg.
Henry Adams transferred one acre of land to the members of Ott Baptist Church, the present site of Bethlehem Baptist Church, on Nove ber 12, 1831. The first church building was a log structure. This w replaced in 1875 by a frame building with William Pollard the contract
On April 26, 1901, Alexander Millar was ordained into the minist at the church. He was born August 29, 1864, in London, Ont Canada, a son of Matthew and Mary Colquohoun Millar who came Pittsylvania County in 1870 engaged in lumber business. Mr. Mill was educated in Chatham, Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburj McMaster University of Toronto, Canada, and the Southern Bapti; Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He married Miss Malenia Wa Hudson of Culpeper County and held pastorates in Rustburg, Madi Heights, Stuart, North Carolina and Georgia. He died May 12, 192 at the H. L. Kinzer home east of Bedford and is buried in Oakw Cemetery in Bedford.
On July 3, 1901, thirteen members from Bethlehem Baptist Church m in the Mentow school house near Huddleston and organized Mento Baptist Church with the Rev. Alexander Millar as their first pastor.
In 1951 the church purchased additional land to enlarge the cemeterj
On July 31, 1966, the church membership entered into contract wit! G. M. Overstreet and Son of Bedford to construct a brick building am this was air-conditioned in 1970.
Among the many evangelists who have held revivals at Bethlehen Baptist Church is the Rev. J. F. Aker. He held several revivals in sue cession in the early 1930's, also in 1960 and 1961 and the last in 197 at the age of 103.
BIG ISLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
On Sunday night, October 24, 1886, an invited presbytery consisting oJ1 S. A. Major and R. N. Hobson from Hunting Creek Baptist Church, the Rev. J. H. Harris, G. E. Sanderson and W. G. Putt from Chestnut Hill Baptist Church and the Rev. Gabriel Gray from Cornerstone Baptist! Church met with interested persons in Big Island for discussion. After due deliberations the Big Island Baptist Church was constituted.
B. M. Page was elected clerk, J. B. Cox treasurer, R. H. Cox, George T. Snead and B. F. Cox as deacons and the Rev. Gabriel Gray was called as the first pastor.
From the records of Hunting Creek Baptist Church dated December, 1886, the following were granted letters to join the Big Island Baptist
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i J sirch: G. T. Snead, B. M. Page, W. M. DeJamette, James Oliver,
fries Reynolds, Mrs. Martha Spinner Snead, Miss Gracie Snead, Mrs. rtha Arthur McDaniel, Mrs. George Going, Mrs. Peachy Hawkins, Mrs. is; jirohn, Mrs. Hudson, Mrs. James Reynolds, Mrs. B. M. Page and Mrs. nj: jrtin. Other charter members were J. B. Cox, B. F. Cox, R. H. Cox,
*
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s. J. B. Cox, Mrs. Jennie Jordan, Miss Occola V. Hawkins and Miss
orgie Snead.
At the first meeting after organization Mr. Gray made some very
propriate remarks in condemnation of the usual worldy amusements
the day. Brother Snead offered the following query to be answered
J the following meeting: "Is is right for church members to engage
dancing, if not, should we not discountenance its practice." The
nutes of the next meeting noted: "After discussion of Brother Snead's | ery propounded at the last meeting, the same was withdrawn un-
swered." It is not unusual to read in the early history of the church . ch statements as this: "Rumors contrary to the Christian character 1 some brother has caused to be appointed a committee to see him and
e him to the church if his conduct warrented it." In most cases, the -faying .brother would acknowledge his transgressions with "regreat | d sorrow" and was forgiven to be fully restored. A few, however, fre not repentant and continued their "unchristian conduct." In these
ses their names were removed form the church roll.
The year 1889 brought a new way of life to the folk along the James ,ver. The first paper mill was started and the community began to ,9w. The church now had 49 members. The men did not always
tend in sufficient numbers to have a quorum for the conducting of
isiness so the word "male" was erased from the second clause of the
ules of order" in order to give the female members the right to vote. ; g Island, Hunting Creek, Mt. Hermon, Ivy Creek, Chestnut Hill and
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Cove churches formed a field this same year. A few years later Island, Cornerstone, and Hunting Creek formally organized the Baptist Cooperative Union with a code of laws. Mt. Hermon later j this Union.
The members did not always pay their "dues" or attend church great regularity. In 1894 the minutes note: "Resolved that on more collectors be appointed to receive the monthly dues of the me: and to pay the same to the treasurer, also to report the names o: who failed to pay. That all members who fail to pay their du attend church for three consecutive months shall be cited by the ch for discipline."
The frame building erected in 1872 seemed to have met the ne the congregation until about 1914 when a building committee was pointed. However, nothing was done until 1920 when a new buil committee was appointed. On June 10, 1921 ground was broken f new building. September 11, 1921 services were held in the structure and it was dedicated October 9, 1921. The building, lot furnishings cost $17,337.65. The members became all too familiar the "church debt" until 1936.
By 1940 the Sunday school had outgrown the building, so at a cos $3,685.00 the present lower floor was added. The next building pro took place in 1956 when on October 8, ground was broken for an e cational building. This building and its furnishings cost $40,000. parsonage was purchased in 1958 at a cost of $20,500 for the first time pastor to live in. These two debts were all paid by 1961. In 1 an extensive remodeling program was started on the 40 year sanctuary unit and was finished in 1963 at a cost of $60,000. money and a better sense of stewardship has made the business paying debts easier than in the earlier days.
Not all of the interest has been at home. As early as 1896 th was an organized missionary society with B. F. Cox as president. Th is no mention of women taking part in missions until 1918. Miss Geoi Snead, one of the charter members, served with our Home Miss Board. Mr. Herman Reynolds, who belonged to the Big Island Bap Church in his youth, served as a missionary to India for over 35 ye under the mission board of the Christian Church. In 1952, Miss Ed Vaughn, daughter of the Rev. E. S. Vaughn, went to Brazil and M Zula Humphreys (now Mrs. Almos Shelly) went to India. In 1955 J church licensed Paulus E. Bryant, Jr., to the ministry.
Figures do not always give a total picture of the life of a chur Because of the close relationship of the paper mill and the members the church who worked there, the activities of the mill have been ]j fleeted in the church. Working schedules, changing personnel, and e< nomic conditions all have become a part of the community way of li
We do feel that the church has made Big Island a place where Christi love is manifested, where Christian care is ministered to the needy, a; where Christian memories are cherished when you are gone.
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DIAMOND HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
out 1855 the people of the Diamond Hill community, south of fe 24 between Moneta and Goodview, desired a place for worship ■bhose the knoll where Diamond Hill Baptist Church now stands. e men of the community cut logs and laid them on the ground, 'ng flat rails on them for seats. Then they planted forks, laid poles |Iiead and covered them with brush as a shield from sunshine but ; was no protection from rain.
e Rev. Byrd Turner, a Methodist minister, gave it the name Diamond ^because of the location on the knoll at the intersection of the roads. •. Turner did not leave the Methodist Church with the Southern ch when the church divided; when the first deed for the church was ;? it did not include the Northern (or parent) church and he con- oid as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. <>out 1860 the people decided to build a church at this location and 'and Mrs. Obediah Meador deeded one acre of land to the Southern lodist, Missionary Baptist, Primitive Baptist and Brethren churches. .e Brethren Church gave up their interest to the other three de- inations. Soon these three denominations constructed a frame p:her-board building which was roofed and floored but not ceiled was used that way for years. ie Baptist denomination date their church organization as June 22,
1923 the Methodist and Missionary Baptist bought the interest of 'Primitive Baptist and built the present building which was dedicated fifth Sunday in September, 1923.
lere was a reduction in membership when Goodview Baptist Church organized in 1922.
. recent years Sunday School rooms have been added and the church :onditioned.
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FLINT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
Flint Hill Baptist Church, located on the Dickerson Mill Road southwe of Bedford, had its beginning about the time of, or likely, before tl War Between the States.
Devout citizens of the community had worshipped in a tiny log-cabi which is said to have stood only a few yards from the present chu: site. This humble structure stood on the land of W. H. Thaxton an; when it was decided to erect a new building in which to worship. M Thaxton gave the land. This was in 1866, the year after the war close, and it was naturally a difficult time for the people to carry on. Hou ever, with the people of the community contributing practically all to material and labor, the new building came into being. Ambrose Tha> ton, long deceased, but whose descendents still live at Flint Hill, is sai to have cut the first log that went into this building. Services werj held before the church was completed and it continued in use for man years, undergoing repairs from time to time.
That same year the 99th annual meeting of the Strawberry Associ ation was held at Mount Zion Baptist Church. After presenting letter setting forth the faith and orders of the church the associatioi received the Flint Hill Baptist Church into its fellowship on August 2 1866. Messengers to that meeting of the association were W. H. Thaxtoi and T. A. Kasey. The associational records show a membership at Flin Hill Church of 40; thirty-six white and four colored.
In 1902 the congregation decided to build the frame structure whicl served the community as a place of worship for about 50 years. WiUiarr Ramsey, with the help of a brother, Pleas Ramsey, contracted to do th« building. They were assisted from time to time by such men as Henrj Carner, Anthony Wright, William Thaxton and Alex Spradlin.
Others whom the records list as being very active in the progress o1 the Lord's work at Flint Hill Church include G. G. Scott, J. P. Wingfield,
106
. Saunders, N. T. Harris, John Dooley, H. J. Thaxton, Jack Spradlin, /ard Franklin and P. M. Keister.
1 1938 extensive repairs were made inside and out of the church.
building had almost reached the point beyond repairs. The sum of
86 was spent on repairing the outside of the church. To help pay
; repair work the church organ was sold for $5.00. In September,
B, a sign in front bearing the name of the church was erected. In
ober, 1939, the church voted to have the building wired for electricity.
y 1951, the congregation decided it was time to build again at Flint
j Church. Much discussion followed for several months as to what
build — Sunday School rooms or replace the present building
gether. The old frame building was almost beyond repair. On
^ust 24, 1951, W. W. Huddleston gave the land on which to build a
■ church. Finally, in 1953, the building program was launched and
k begun on a brick-cased building with Sunday School rooms. This
Iding was completed in June, 1954.
much needed water system was added to the church in 1962. By
time the Sunday School was needing more room. A building pro-
m was again launched and in 1964 ten new classrooms were com-
ted. The members of the church donated much of the labor on this
ject and thereby kept the cost down considerably.
I 'here has been dedicated layman leadership in the history of the
C'rch. Two with lengthy dedicated records were Richard C. Spradlin,
I iday School superintendent for 53 years, and G. W. Scott, clerk for
3 years.
I 'he church membership has remained on a rather constant increase km the beginning. By 1870 the membership had reached fifty-five. A l«;e number of baptisms were reported for the years 1895 through 1897. I 1895 there were nineteen baptisms, in 1896 thirteen, in 1897 twenty- Is ) and in 1914 thirty-two. By this time the membership finally passed h one hundred mark. In more recent years the membership was t >sted by forty-one baptisms in the 1964-65 church year. * 'he organizations of the church have served well down through the &:irs, too. The Sunday School along with the Woman's Missionary lion have led the way in much of the work. H. A. Black is the first I'ntioned Sunday School Superintendent, in 1870. By 1898 the Sunday i iooI enrollment had reached 99. Richard C. Spradlin continued the c-tllenging leadership in this organization and the results of such leader- E<p are still visible today.
i.Ars. Laura Thaxton organized the first Missionary Society on Decern - y 22, 1899, and served as president until November, 1915. Then on l'(y 29, 1916, Mrs. Thaxton was re-elected as president of the Society t'l served until the year 1926. This organization, as in many other t irches, makes up much of the working nucleus of the church. Mrs. I axton also organized the first Sunbeam Band at Flint Hill Church in i iition to serving for a number of years as church organist. . n August, 1925, the church licensed Contee Franklin to the ministry, n 1971 the church purchased land from Mr. and Mrs. Abe Hurt to I Id a parsonage, the work was completed in the spring of 1972 and dedication held July 30, 1972.
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In 1972 the sanctuary was air-conditioned and the following year tl educational building was air-conditioned. In 1972 the members of tljp' Adult Choir purchased an organ for the sanctuary.
The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Alexander Eubank, outstanding educator. He was born in 1826 in King and Queen Couni and was educated at Richmond College and the University of Virginia.
He taught school for four years in Charlottesville, two years at B Island and for nearly 40 years operated Sunnyside Academy at h home "Sunnyside" on the Dickerson Mill Road just southwest of Sig Rock.
He was married to Miss Emma Dickinson of Charlottesville and wj pastor of over a dozen churches in the Strawberry Association. He die; July 18, 1903, at his home, "Sunnyside", in Bedford County.
FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH
Forest Baptist Church dates its beginning in 1893 but its building was| not erected until 1900.
Prior to the erection of the church building, services were held in anj old mill building which was later used as a cannery.
On October 2, 1899, a deed was recorded between Ned and Victoria] Scott and the trustees of the church, Robert H. May, Charles H. Callahan and Chesley McVey. The sum of $125 was paid for the lot and work was begun on the new church with the Rev. Joseph M. Street, pastor, assisting with the erection. The new building was dedicated in Decem- ber, 1900.
The first marriage ceremony in the church was on January 22, 1902, uniting Miss Mattie Lou Tinsley and Frank L. Gordon.
108
c'Jiring the pastorate of the Rev. M. W. Bloxom the church parsonage
■>< I built.
lalizing the need for Sunday School rooms, in 1947 the church d to build the rooms beneath the church and a building committee
oar .-named with T. H. Nester chairman. Houston B. Campbell made a of the brick and sand for the church.
:j:i May 29, 1949, the church observed homecoming and dedication day the dedication sermon by the Rev. Edgar P. Roberson of Huddleston.
GLADE CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
Irlade Creek Baptist Church, located in Blue Ridge on the Webster
id, is one of the oldest churches in Botetourt County being originally
(janized in 1829.
\\\i one time it was a log cabin near the present site but relocated
I a building period. During the War Between the States it was used
lta hospital as Union forces retreating west after an engagement in
, Lynchburg area.
I 'he old building, a landmark in the community, was built of sand
: ck. It served as a union church for the Baptist, Brethren, Lutheran
; 1 Methodist denominations but now is owned by the Baptist de-
nination. *?here was a reorganization of the church in 1939 after some members
t the association to become independent. It was during this period !>39-1951) that Old Glade Creek Baptist Church also held membership
the Strawberry Association.
jlade Creek Church was admitted to the Strawberry Association the -ir it was organized (1829) and withdrew in 1841 in the formation of
i Valley Association. It returned in 1843 to the Strawberry Association
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and remained until 1971 when it joined the Roanoke Valley Associat but was readmitted to the Strawberry Association in 1973.
In the 1939-1945 period five Sunday School rooms were built in basement of the original building which gave the church 12 rooms this department.
On May 16, 1971, a groundbreaking service was held for a r, sanctuary and on April 2, 1972, this addition was opened for worship.
HUNTING CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
No complete history of Hunting Creek Baptist Church, south of El Island, can be prepared as many of the church records have been lost I destroyed.
As a result of a call from Suck Spring Baptist Church in 1828 til Hunting Creek Church was organized in 1832. It was not until 181 that a deed was recorded conveying property on which a log buildii was located. The deed reads "From Poindexter W. Mosby and Nanc his wife, to Howard Major, John Turpin and Moses Snead, Trustee for use of Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopalian, and Methodist, approx mately ten acres on which building at time of purchase." The dee refers to the building as the Hunting Creek Meeting House. Negroi used the building until they formed their own church nearby. In 18" the first Sunday School was started. In 1899 the Woman's Missionar Society began. Sometime before 1921-25 a frame building replaced tl log building. In 1921-25, during the pastorate of the Rev. R. E. Browi Sunday School rooms were added to the frame building.
The centennial celebration of the church was held in September, 193;
110
n April, 1946, a decision was made to construct a new building. The tiding still being used as the sanctuary was accepted by the church on cember 2, 1951, and dedicated May 18, 1952.
The Rev. Woodrow W. Neal .became the first full-time pastor in May, >8. Previously the church was in a field with Big Island Baptist urch.
.n the summer of 1958 a pastorium, across Route 501 from the church, .s erected and dedicated August 3 of that year. In January, 1961, >und was broken for an educational building and this was dedicated
{ Member 2, 1962. .n July, 1963, the Rev. James T. Campbell accepted a call to become
j stor of the church. Within five years a $23,000 debt had been retired, |» sanctuary renovated, carpet installed, additional land purchased, jrch lawn landscaped, parking area paved, new organ and piano rchased and other improvements made to the church property, [n 1972 the church sanctuary was renovated by the addition of stained iss windows, air conditioning and repainting.
One member of the church was called to the ministry, Robert L. Cam- n. Although retired for several years, he was recently honored by the jrch for over 50 years service in the ministry.
MENTOW BAPTIST CHURCH
3 The history of Mentow Baptist Church near Huddleston dates to June , 1900, when land was deeded to the church by Victor W. Nichols, his r fe, Callie R. Nichols, and Miss Alcora L. Nichols.
Ill
The deed was for one acre and the original trustees were Robert ( Mitchell, William I. Fuqua and W. J. Johnson.
While the meeting house was being built, services were held in t new public school, across the road from the church site, and in f grove where the church was built.
The church received its name from the Mentow post office located what is called Woodford's Corner and was named in the summer of 190
On July 3, 1901, 13 interested individuals, all members of Bethlehe Baptist Church, met in the Mentow school house for the purpose organizing a church. The church building was completed at the ti the church was organized, with the exception of benches hence organization being in the school house.
The 13 charter members were three men and ten women, William Fuqua, Victor W. Nichols, J. P. Walton, Mrs. Virgie Fuqua, Miss Alco Nichols, Miss Bessie Nichols, Mrs. Callie Nichols, Miss Mabel Nichol Mrs. Lelia Overstreet, Mrs. M. M. Shipp, Miss Hattie Tolley, Miss Jenni Walton and Mrs. Lula Walton.
At the organization meeting William I. Fuqua and J. P. Walton wer elected deacons and Victor W. Nichols elected clerk.
A Sunday School was organized March 23, 1902, and a Ladies Missio ary Society organized in March, 1910.
Three ordination services have been held at the church. Henry L Thomas was ordained April 24, 1917, T. Edison Goad in June, 1921, anc' Herman C. Inge in February, 1939.
The latter part of 1952 plans became final for building a new churcl and in January, 1953, a groundbreaking service was held for the nev church. Participating were three charter members, Mrs. William Lacy Mrs. B. B. Fuqua and Mrs. Victor W. Nichols. Speaker for the service was C. Shields Jackson of Bedford.
In June, 1953, there was a cornerstone laying service with the Rev Herbert R. Carlton of Lynchburg speaker. The box used in the corner stone was part of the cornerstone box for the Bedford court house which had been saved by Gilbert E. Woodford, contractor for the churcl building.
The new building was dedicated May 30, 1954, with the Rev. Rolen C Bailey and Dr. Wade H. Bryant of Roanoke speakers. The first servicd in the new building was December 6, 1953, with the wedding of Miss Betty Josephine Howell and Herbert Hoover Thomas taking place on December 19.
In 1966 the church began construction on a pastorium on land given by Burks Nichols and Harold Howell. The parsonage was completed in January, 1967, and dedicated May 17, 1970.
In September, 1974, the church voted to proceed with the first of a two-phase building program, the first phase consisting of the addition of a vestibule and tower, air conditioning of the sanctuary and complete renovation of the sanctuary. Work began on this in February, 1975, with the first service in the new sanctuary August 17, 1975. Dedication serv- ices were held September 7, 1975.
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MORGANS BAPTIST CHURCH
The oldest Baptist church in continuous existence in Bedford County- Morgans Baptist Church north of Moneta and was organized in 1771. In May, 1771, the Rev. Nathaniel Shrewsbury and his brother, Samuel irewsbury, constituted the church and for 27 years Nathaniel Shrews- iry served as its pastor. He was born in 1739 in Hanover County and jne to Bedford County in 1766. In 1798 he moved to Adair County, y., and died in 1825.
For several years there was an interchange of names between Goose reek and Morgans until the church settled on the name Goose Creek nd it remained as such until April, 1881, when the church adopted the )ime Morgans.
The first building site, known as Turner's Meeting House according
Hi best data available, was located one mile above Davis Mills on the
^rth side of Goose Creek. Then there is record of the church meeting
i<T the first time in Morgans Meeting House which must have been built
«i the fall of 1789 as the first meeting in it was held in January, 1790.
ne third building was located about one mile west of Stone Mountain.
this building burned and another of hewn logs was erected on the
iime site. A new house of worship, the fifth building, was built prior
i November, 1882, for records of this date state ". . . we met for the
rst time in our new house . . . .". This building burned the night of
tecember 16, 1923. After considerable discussion and dissension a new
1 .aiding was erected on this site and the first service in the building
yas January 3, 1925. In renovated form this building is the present
■ inctuary of the church. However, the following additions have been
iade: Sunday School rooms on each side and on April 1, 1939, the
.aiding committee reported the indebtedness paid; the rear Sunday
:hool rooms with basement and baptistry were added in 1940: on
ugust 24, 1958, a groundbreaking was held for construction of the
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vestibule, this was dedicated July 8, 1959; on Februray 21, 1965, t church adopted a dual program looking forward to its bicentennial pj gram, first the erection of the second unit of the Sunday School buildi and second the renovation of the church sanctuary. On December 1967, this last addition was dedicated and on February 7, 1971, a nc burning service was held.
During the more than two centuries of its history Morgans Bapt Church has been blessed by many devoted, dedicated and consecra pastors. It is remarkable that in the 200-plus years of existence the "- have been but 32 pastorates including two who served interim pastorat; % Furthermore five pastors have ministered in a second pastorate another in a third pastorate.
In the November, 1831 church meeting it was agreed to observe t last day of the year as a day of Thanksgiving to God. December 1831 "The last day of this notable year was set apart a day of fasti: and prayer to Almighty God, for the great blessing He had bestow and was still bestowing on them." By the end of the year 88 w received by baptism, four by letter, and eight were dismissed. To membership now stood at 200.
During the life of this church there have been times of triumph a victory as well as times of adversity and defeat. In its two centuri] of existence the church has experienced nearly everything that c; happen in the life of a church. We need not go into detail with m of these experiences, but there is one that we can call "THE GRE PROBLEM," which came to a head in 1841. This was a problem, r§ only of this church, but also throughout many of the Baptist church of Virginia and other states. It centered on the question of wheth the church should have a paid ministry and whether the church shou engage in missionary activity.
Under date of May 1, 1841, the church minutes reveal that "we co to the conclusion that there is a minority in the church that can ij longer bear with the majority in pastoral support, in giving to the caua of the spread of the Bible in our land, of sending salaried preachers n destitute parts to preach the Gospel, or in any way the giving of mone
to benevolent institutions of the day This feeling was so intens
as to destroy all communion for seven years." Then in October, 184: the following motion was agreed to — "that all who wished to witl draw should make it known by rising to their feet." Four did so a that time and at a later meeting three others joined the minority.
In August, 1869, the colored members presented a request for thei church letters. The next month the following resolution was adopted "Whereas the colored members of our church have for some tim absented themselves from our meetings, and manifested a desire t< be organized and worship by themselves, and have made known $ this effect through one of their number, therefore, be it resolved: Tha; we do this day give them full privilege to withdraw from us, and d< therefore no longer consider them as being our watch care, as member; of this church, and no longer hold ourselves responsible for their pro ceedings — or the preaching of Monroe Burroughs, who was chargec
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i being drunk. But are willing to give them advice and help them way we can, should they desire to apply for it." 11 Jihe church plant is one of the finest and complete of the rural churches °* (Strawberry Baptist Association. Across the expanse to the north 'famous Peaks of Otter stand in prominent sight. A modern parson- is situated on the church grounds to the east of the church. A jl-kept church cemetery lies to the west of the church which provides I ioetual care for the members of the church and community who are lied therein. The church is exceedingly fortunate to have such an squate church plant in beautiful and well-kept grounds.
MOUNT HERMON BAPTIST CHURCH
Ho source has revealed the month or the day on which Mount Hermon ootist Church near Cifax was established but records show that it was anized in 1787.
t is regarded as having been planted by the Rev. Jeremiah Hatcher o was pastor of the church in 1831. Mr. Hatcher was the grand- tier of Jeremiah B. Jeter and William E. Hatcher, two who entered
It ministry from Mount Hermon Church.
inhere is no record of the number of members until 1821 when there re 104. The organization had no building in its early days but met und in the homes of the members on the last Saturday of each month.
pn 1804 strict rules of decorum were passed and in May, 1805, the
p irch voted to erect a building which was known for many years as
Etcher's Meeting House. The next year it was moved and repaired
li the body was recognized by the association.
nn 1809 two men had been licensed to preach and were ordained, och W. Terry and Edmund Jennings. Since then the following have
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been ordained entering the ministry from Mt. Hermon Church, Di P. Witt, Jeremiah B. Jeter, William L. Hatcher, Francis M. Baj Chastain C. Meador, Harvey Hatcher, Hilary Hatcher, William E. Hat G. D. Falls and O. B. Falls.
As far as records of the church show the first regular pastor, Ge Rucker, was elected in January, 1809, and served two years. 1 was no regular treasurer until Julius Hatcher was elected in 18
By far the most interesting history of the church was in regar, discipline, which was administered very freely and very strictly members irrespective of their position in the church or community.
From March, 1833, to May, 1834, the church split into two divis because one group did not approve of the disciplinary measures, new church was known as North Fork of Otter Baptist Church bee, it met in a schoolhouse of that name. During the 14 months of split the association was called to discuss the differences; each side forced to acknowledge its wrong and the split was healed. From time, 1834, they took the name of Mount Hermon after a meeting h< of that name but the first business done under the official nam Mount Hermon was not recorded until 1836. After the split William I wich was called as pastor for 12 months at a salary of $40 per ye£
On October 29, 1849, William E. Hatcher was received for bap and five years later a letter of recommendation to an institutior learning was given to him and his brother, Harvey Hatcher, to s for the ministry. In 1857 a presbytery consisting of George W. wich, A. Staley and Alexander Eubank met and ordained Willia: Hatcher.
At the same time that William E. Hatcher was ordained ChastairB Meador asked the church to grant him the privilege of exercising 1 gift in prayer and exhortation and it was granted. In 1853 a commil was appointed to collect money for his education. The next yearB was lettered out to go to study at George Washington University* Washington, D. C. While a student there he founded what is now Fl Baptist Church and was its pastor for 47 years.
The first Sunday School was started in 1854, the first revival meel recorded at the church was in 1854.
In 1860 William E. Hatcher was called as pastor at the salary of m per year but declined.
In 1862 Walker B. Freeman was received into the church and left 1 military service in the War Between the States. In 1869 he was eleel church clerk. Sometime later he raised money for an organ but I church members would not permit him to install it. He beeamil businessman in Lynchburg and was the father of Dr. Douglas SoutlJ1 Freeman, newspaperman and historian.
At times the Negro membership was almost equal to that of whites and in 1864 a resolution was passed to allow the Negro memt to form an independent church, having the right to elect their ol pastor and other officers but amenable to Mount Hermon Church. Ai; several months this action was rescinded but in 1866 the Negro me bers were given permission to withdraw in a body and from this wi drawal Otterville Baptist Church was formed.
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H Reuben B. Boatwright, father of Dr. Frederic W. Boatwright, long a deader of the Univerity of Richmond, was elected pastor in 1889 and Served until 1894.
The church took an important step in 1895 when it voted to help GUiend Miss Edmonia Sale as a missionary to China. The records show -hat money was collected quite often for this cause.
'' " The only Bedford County native to serve as president of the Woman's 'J Missionary Union of Virginia was Mrs. Ada Hatcher Hancock, a great- 't p-anddaughter of the Rev. Jeremiah Jeter. She was born January 26, 1900, on Jeter Hill in Bedford, daughter of Armistead C. and Ida Bur- roughs Hatcher. Her grandfather, Jeremiah Gibson Hatcher, was a c'irst cousin of William E. Hatcher and Jeremiah B. Jeter. She was a graduate of Bedford High School and attended Radford College and the Jniversity of Virginia. She taught school in Bedford. On September 2, •1933, she married Ollie C. Hancock of Bedford County and has resided in Roanoke since then. She was state Woman's Missionary Union presi- dent from 1956-1964.
M
MOUNT OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH
Mount Olivet Baptist Church, located just west of Route 122 at Bunker Hill, dates its organization in 1831 when Difficult Creek (now Quaker) i Baptist Church was to constitute a church at that location.
The 1832 minutes reported a church was constituted, known at first 'as Bunker Hill Baptist Church, with 28 members.
' On May 22, 1832, William B. Leftwich, Jr., and his wife, Sarah, deeded
' a tract of land on the north side of the road from Bunker Hill to Goggin's
Mill on Goose Creek, adjoining the land of Thomas Mead and William
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B. Leftwich, Jr., containing one acre to William L. Walker and otl trustees to be used in establishing a church.
In the deed it was stipulated that the meeting house to be built wouh be accessible to four denominations, Baptist, Episcopalian, Method!' and Presbyterian. A board of trustees was appointed, charged wi equal distribution of time to the four denominations and no denominatio was to use it more than seven days in succession.
Little is known of the early history of any of the four denomination however, the Episcopalian and Presbyterian denominations have n been active for many years. The Baptist and Methodist denominatioi continued to share the original building until 1951.
At the 1846 session of the Strawberry Association the church w: first reported as Mount Olivet Baptist Church.
In 1876, the centennial year for the Strawberry Association, Mour Olivet Church was host to that session. At this session the Rev. C. Bitting, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Lynchburg, delivered a address on the first hundred years of the association, this later beini published in book form.
The moderator of the centennial session was the Rev. William H Montgomery, pastor of First Baptist Church in Lynchburg. He wa active in the state- wide unification in 1874 of Baptists in Tennessee with the formation of the Tennessee Baptist Convention of which he wa president in 1881. In 1881 he led the unification of Carson College an*j Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., and became first presiden; of Carson-Newman College.
An old roll book with minutes shows a Mission Society at the churcl as early as 1891. There were 25 members, both men and women, listen in 1891. Money collected was given to mission endeavors, meeting^ were on Saturday proceeding the third Sunday each month and offering'.'? ranged from 65 cents to $4.86.
The first known Woman's Missionary Society was organized in 191(1 with Mrs. M. L. Overstreet as president. On July 12, 1933, a group o 1 ladies of the Mob Creek community met at the home of Mrs. Walte Turner and organized a circle with Mrs. S. W. Gray and Mrs. Fran! Huddleston assisting in the organization.
There has never been a time since the 1920's that the church did no have active mission organizations and in 1948 the Young Women';, Auxiliary received national recognition because of their accomplishments
The ravages of time had made major repairs to the building necessary for safety and comfort. By 1947 it became evident that it was becoming more difficult for the Baptist and Methodist denominations to function progressively in the same building. The deacons of the Baptist dev nomination on December 4, 1947, drew up resolutions that it would not be wise to repair the old church and to further recommend that the Baptists build a new structure.
At a business session December 12, 1947, the church in a called business meeting adopted the recommendations of the deacons and on March 29, 1948, at a regular business meeting voted to build a new church naming the building committee of Mrs. Fred Turner, C. Aubrey Saunders, Frank Wright, Grady L Nichols and Robert Johnson. On July 1, 1948, the
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Ml Mount Olivet school lot was purchased for $750 as a site for Mount
vet Baptist Church. (t. ijtn the early spring of 1950 various committees were appointed and ^istruction begun on the modern cinderblock brick-cased structure with
ucational facilities. Due to a great amount of labor donated, the
ilding valued at $50,000 was erected for a cash cost of $25,000 showing
; great efforts put forth by members, old and young, men and women, ];,( bring the church to reality.
^The new church was dedicated October 7, 1951, with 1,000 people in < .endance. As the church was without a pastor at this date C. Aubrey
unders, chairman of the deacons, presided over the dedicatory services.
ijie dedicatory sermon was delivered by the Rev. Robert L. Randolph Lynchburg. I Soon after moving into the new church it became evident that a
storium was needed. A lot was purchased from Fuqua Nance, directly - ross from the church, for $600 which Mr. Nance later donated to the
urch. An all-day service was held June 26, 1955, for the dedication ; the pastorium. The Rev. and Mrs. Grady C. Dickens were the first I mily to occupy the pastorium.
During the illness of the Rev. Norman A. Hicks and the Rev. Robert E.
lompson the church was served by Dr. and Mrs. Harry P. Clause and Le Rev. George E. Reynolds.
•The cemetery land was a gift to the church by Mrs. Norma Fuqua.
During 1973 a lighting system was installed in the church and both
e church and pastorium were air-conditioned.
yThe evening of October 30, 1973, the Rev. Robert E. Thompson, pastor, 3is on the program of the Strawberry Association meeting at Timber
dge Church when he suffered a heart attack and died later in the ' ening in the Bedford hospital.
Five have entered the ministry from Mount Olivet Church, William , iley Fuqua, John L. Lawless, Samuel H. Dooley, John B. Thurman jid Rucker T. Burnette.
The Rev. William W. Fuqua was to become the first principal of Oak
ill Academy at Mouth of Wilson in Grayson County.
He was born August 15, 1850, in Bedford County, a son of Martin L.
id Martha Early Fuqua. From 1872-1874 he attended Richmond College 3iOw the University of Richmond) and in 1878 went to Grayson County become principal of the Baptist school that had opened that year.
He was married January 8, 1879, in Fluvanna County to Miss Cornelia "itherine Leftwich. His wife was born in 1850 in Bedford County, a hughter of the Rev. James C. and Ann Bilbro Leftwich. She died in (?dford County and is buried in the Leftwich family cemetery near -inker Hill.
iMr. Fuqua died unexpectedly September 9, 1879, in Grayson County 'id is buried in the Leftwich (Gills) family cemetery near Bunker Hill.
After the death of Mr. Fuqua, his widow, on September 19, 1885, in ;xlford County, married Dr. John T. Kincanon.
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MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH
The earliest records for Mount Zion Baptist Church, on the knoll ab Goose Creek on Route 460 east of Montvale, dates to 1824.
As Head of Goose Creek Baptist Church it was admitted to the Str berry Baptist Association in 1824 so there was an organization at 1<| that year.
It is thought to be on or near the location of Upper Goose Cijii Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers) which existed in that all in the period that Bedford County was formed in 1754. It has ba established that Lower Goose Creek Meeting of the Society of Friend* the present site of Quaker (formerly Difficult Creek) Baptist ChurclJi
The deed to the site for the church was not made until 1858 and* this deed is reference to a building on the land. The land was boul for $40 from Thompson Layne and his wife. Named as trustees of m church were Pascal Buford, Nicholas Pearcy, Alexander Price M Robert Campbell. In the beginning the site was deeded to the Baput, Episcopal, Methodist and Presbyterian denominations to be used alir- nately for public worship.
There have been three additions to the church, Sunday School rocis to the rear, a vestibule with a Sunday School room on each side ami fellowship hall with bathroom facilities to the rear.
the beginning, worship was held once a month and Sunday School ie summer. The church has been associated with other area churches lelds and is now fulltime.
iiree have been ordained to the ministry at the church and one of ie became the second missionary sent out by the Foreign Mission j rd of the Southern Baptist Convention.
j;Borge Pearcy was born June 23, 1813, to Nicholas and Rebecca Hardy
■jjrcy at their home on Goose Creek near Montvale. Nicholas Pearcy
been the first clerk of Beaverdam Baptist Church when it was
inized in 1803, and in 1824 when Head of Goose Creek (Mount Zion)
tist Church was organized he was one of the first trustees. Nicholas
rcy was born in 1780 and died November 3, 1854.
eorge Pearcy had his education in the "old field" school near his ie and in 1836 entered Columbian College (now George Washington versity) in Washington, D. C, where he received his Bachelor of Arts ree in 1842. Shortly after graduation he returned to Southwest jinia and accepted the position of first tutor in the male department Botetourt Male and Female Academy (now HoDins College) in stourt (now Roanoke) County and continued there a number of years. ear the academy Baptists from Big Lick (now Roanoke) and Tinker ek worshipped in Tinker Creek Church and this was the church that aested George Pearcy's ordination. The service took place October 1845, at Mount Zion Church.
n November 3, 1845, he was appointed the second missionary of the rly organized Foreign Mission Board, four months after the meeting \ugusta, Ga. He was appointed to China while a student at Virginia >tist Seminary (later Richmond College) and took classes at Richmond iical College (now the Medical College of Virginia).
|>n May 30, 1846, he married Miss Frances Patrick Miller, daughter of nuel and Frances Elizabeth Patrick Miller. Mr. Miller had taught at v London Academy in Bedford County, was principal of Woodburn ulssical School and they made their home at "Cedar Forest" in north- ! t Pittsylvania County near Long Island.
an October, 1846, the Pearcy's arrived in Canton, China. They arrived jsl:k in Virginia in May, 1855, after nine years in Canton and Shanghai.
ifter a visit with relatives they accepted an invitation to visit Botetourt I ings (now Hollins College) for a period of recuperation. t n May, 1860, they were appointed to work with the Chinese in Cali- rnia but events leading up to the War Between the States thwarted fir plans. For some years they resided in Powhatan County and he fveled throughout the state as a special agent for the Foreign Mission rard. As the war approached he took his family to "Cedar Forest" in ftsylvania County where he died July 24. 1871, and is buried on the | ntation there. Mrs. Pearcy died December 12, 1903. Their son, John, f :ame a Baptist minister and their daughter, Frances, married Rev. ril Mercer, a Baptist minister.
George P. Luck was born December 29, 1817, a son of John P. Luck
I Botetourt County who married Mrs. McGee Calhoun of
'inklin County. He was educated at New London Academy and
aght a farm in Goose Creek Valley. He was ordained in 1859 or 1860
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at Mount Zion Church and pastored pastorless churches. He organ Big Spring Baptist Church at Shawsville, built the meeting house Mountain View Baptist Church near Montvale, served at Back Ci and Jennings Creek in Botetourt County and was a trustee of Hoi Institute (now Hollins College). He married Miss Nannie Luck of M< vale. One of their sons entered the ministry from Mount Zion Chu and another from Walnut Grove Baptist Church. He died October 7, 1 Julian M. Luck was born in 1847 and was ordained June 12, 1875 Mount Zion Church. He was educated at Richmond College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1873-1875 when it located at Greenville, S. C. He taught a Sunday School at the sll penitentiary in Richmond and was a state missionary in Pulaski id Montgomery Counties. His pastorates were in Botetourt, Halifax Albemarle Counties and he died December 18, 1929.
MOUNTAIN VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH
Mountain View Baptist Church is located atop Porter's Mountai southwest of Montvale.
As to the organization of the church the minutes record "A compar of baptized believers in Jesus Christ called for a meeting at Mountai View Mission Station to convene December 10, 1891, at 11 A.M. to inquiu into the feasability of organizing a Missionary Baptist Church at th;j place, at the above mentioned time and place, By invitation Rev J. A. Davis, G. Wheeler and J. P. Luck met in council. Thirty-thre persons with letters from neighboring Missionary Baptist Church* made known their intentions to organize a church of like faith and orde
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jut, that place. The same producing letters of dismission, showing that u^ey were in full fellowship and good standing in the churches from C^iich they came.
Hc|;After examination by the council, respecting the word of God, its i;,uth and doctrine therein taught, and this being satisfactory and in :h ery way in harmony with the faith and practice of the Missionary i iptist they were deemed fit, by the council, to be organized into a jugular Missionary Baptist Church to be known as the Mountain View ;tj issionary Baptist Church. The discipline by which this church shall > . .. governed is that which is found in the New Testament respecting ;:e government of Christian Churches."
i In 1892 one half acre of land was donated by M. M. Giles and the j I urch was built. The next year this building was dedicated to the e of four denominations, Baptist, Brethren, Methodist and Presbyterian. 3 far as is known the Baptists have been the only organized denomi- ition but the other three denominations have held services at the church. The Articles of Faith, rules of order and church covenant furnished r the Rev. Robert R. Lunsford were approved by the church on April , 1893.
In the 1920's one of the pastors was a nationally-known leader in e prohibition movement, the Rev. Thomas E. Boorde. He was born August 16, 1876, in Uniontown, Penn., and educated at imenville Soldiers Orphan School in Jumenville, Fayette County, ;nna., Western Pennsylvania Classical and Scientific Institute in Mt. easant, Penn. (later merged with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, ;nn.), and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He taught school for three years in the Pennsylvania coal regions and
ias ordained in 1902. He served pastorates, was a colporter and evange- st in Pennsylvania. In 1916 he came to Virginia to serve as a Y.M.C.A. jorker in the Hampton Roads area and in 1919 was an evangelist for l<e Virginia Baptist Board of Missions and Education, r After his pastorate in the Strawberry Association he went to Virginia : Teach where he held two pastorates, leaving for Washington, D. C, in |g>27. In the nation's capital he served Temple Church and did evangelistic STork developing East Riverdale and Wilson Avenue Baptist Churches. like was pastor of Anacostia Baptist Church in Washington, D. C. (now j$.rst Baptist Church of Friendly in Oxon Hill, Md.) from 1937 until his iij^tirement in 1949.
!| In 1946 he was a candidate for the U. S. Senate from Virginia on the Irohibition Party ticket. A strong prohibitionist, he served as national
easurer of the Prohibition Party and as a member of its national
wnmittee.
While serving the Bedford County pastorates Mr. Boorde was cited Iff contempt of court because he spoke his mind about a judge who
resided over liquor cases in which his sons represented the defendants, 'he decision in this case was appealed and his conviction was affirmed . j the Virginia State Supreme Court in 1922.
He formerly lived in Arlington but in 1954 he and his wife moved to
»e Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Washington, D. C, where he
ied May 19, 1956. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington,
• C
£
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In 1947, 33 members of the church, at their own request, were grant! letters of dismission to organize Montvale Baptist Church. '
The first homecoming of the church was held September 26, 1948, a, when Mountain View School was closed the church purchased the schc lot. In 1949-1950 the building was remodeled and four Sunday Scho rooms built. .
The first Vacation Bible School was held in 1949. In 1959 D. Williamson purchased a plot adjoining the cemetery and presented it the church.
In 1966 the church voted to become a half-time church with one worsh service each Sunday.
NINEVAH BAPTIST CHURCH
Ninevah Baptist Church, in Franklin County on the south side of th Roanoke (Staunton) River near Hardy, dates its organization in 1898.
The land for the church was deeded June 26, 1897, by Henry H. Kesle and his wife, A. E. Kesler. The church was organized the next yea with the Rev. James E. Poteet as the first pastor.
In 1951 an addition was made for Sunday School rooms. In 1973 ther was another addition, six Sunday School rooms with a social hall an( kitchen, with the dedication held September 9.
NORTH BEDFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
The history of North Bedford Baptist Church north of Forest date: its origin to November 11, 1880, as Ivy Chapel.
The records read "Pursuant to appointment Brother W. R. L. Smitl baptized the following persons: Mrs. Waller J. Rucker, Mrs. Sally Web
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I Waller J. Rucker, James E. Webber, Henry S. Crank, William P. | ber, Thomas Crank, John W. Howard. After the baptism Brother Ljj organized the above named persons into a Baptist church. Brother , .er and Brother John A. Howard were ordained deacons and Brother Ljt A. Howard was elected clerk. Then on Saturday before the third lay in November Brothers Jesse N. Millner and E. B. Millner were
ived into the church by letter from Cove Baptist Church. The xh then called Brother John Fizer as pastor for the ensuing year. church agreed to pay him a salary of $30."
y Chapel was received into the Strawberry Association in 1881 and he statistics each year it is listed as Ivy Creek thus it must have rially been Ivy Creek Baptist Church.
le Rev. John R. Fizer, who entered the ministry from Bedford Baptist rch, was ordained November 19, 1881, into the ministry. le church for sometime was part of a field composed of Big Island, iting Creek and Mount Hermon churches.
ae second pastor of the church was the Rev. Reuben B. Boatwright. Boatwright was born January 23, 1831, in Buckingham County, a of Reuben B. and Mary Bryant Boatwright. He was educated at imond College and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in snville, S. C. He served as pastor of several Bedford County churches veil as in Marion and Bristol. He was married September 5, 1865, Axss Maria Elizabeth Woodruff of Cumberland. He died April 19, ;, and is buried in Buckingham County.
e was the father of Dr. Frederic W. Boatwright, president (1894- i) and chancellor (1946-1951) of Richmond College and president ■8-1939) of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
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On October 15, 1892, the church met for the purpose of making arrar ments for building a new house of worship. J. H. Austin and wk Rucker were named a committee to purchase a lot and shortly thereat purchased one acre of land from Robert McDaniel for $15.00. The buildjji committee was composed of J. H. Austin, W. J. Rucker, J. N. Millu; A. C. Webber and S. A. Elliott. On May 20, 1893, it was reported ns of the building was completed and it would be called North Bedfy instead of Ivy Creek. Dedication services were held Sunday, Octobeil 1893. |
For a period then the church was part of a field of Inglewood i\ Royal Chapel churches; later it was in a field with Bethel, Oakdale ; Terrace View churches.
In 1951 Raymond Gallaher was the contractor for the addition of thi Sunday School rooms at the back of the church. In 1965-1966 there v remodeling of exterior and interior parts of the church. Other impro ments were made to the church in 1968 and 1971. In 1970 the chu began a bus ministry with a station wagon.
NORWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH
About 1898 a group met in the Norwood community of Bedford Couiv to cut trees and clear land for the beginning of a new church. The k9 were to be used as sills for the new building but since the people wei not able to build immediately they were used for seats and Sundrt School and worship services were held out in the open for about i> year. A school house nearby was used for seivices during bad weath:
This church, then called Bethany, consisted of both Baptists ali Methodists. When the Methodists left to organize and build their churri they carried the name Bethany with them.
On July 9, 1899, the Baptists met in their new building to organized Baptist Church. A deed dated August 22, 1894, records the sale of til
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je by Kit Irvin to H. B. Massie, H. C. Coffee and W. W. May, trustees | the church.
°Dr. F. C. McConnell of Lynchburg delivered the sermon at the organi- ftion meeting and was assisted in the organization by the Rev. C. J. "lompson and the Rev. Joseph M. Street.
^Deacons of the church participating were R. A. Dearing, R. A. Free- man, R. H. May, M. L. Hatcher and George Fuqua. '3Dr. McConnell acted as moderator and letters requesting membership
ere presented from G. M. Abbott, L. A. Pearman, Mrs. Mary Coffee, • iss Mary Coffee, Adolphus Coffee and Mrs. Belle Massie. Those 1 liting with the church upon Christian experience were Mrs. M. S. Miller,
rs. B. C. Hunter, Mrs. H. C. Coffee, T. S. Padgett, J. T. Leonard and
r. and Mrs. J. T. Brizentine.
f The articles of faith and church covenant of the First Baptist Church P Lynchburg were read and adopted and the name Norwood was chosen H<r the church.
On July 30, 1899, the membership met to call a pastor and the names of
ie Rev. Joseph M. Street and the Rev. James P. Luck were presented.
r. Street received six votes, Mr. Luck five votes, so the church did
3t make a final decision at this time. At a later meeting Mr. Street
as called as the pastor.
In the early 1950's the membership considered a building program.
n January 14, 1956, the church received a report from the deacons
commending a new building rather than an addition to the present
lurch.
Land for the church, on Route 221, was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Frank ige. In April, 1956, groundbreaking services were held. Cornerstone irvices were held in July being conducted by the Rev. William T. Vest rid Dr. H. Hansel Stembridge, Jr. In January, 1957, the first services rere held in the new building.
NEW PROSPECT BAPTIST CHURCH
The history of New Prospect Baptist Church, north of Reba in the Hue Ridge Mountains, dates its beginning in 1854.
At a meeting of the Strawberry Association on July 30, 1858, at Glade reek Baptist Church it was admitted to the association.
When it was admitted to the association it had a membership of 64, he Rev. William Harris was pastor and James V. Cobbs was Sunday -chool superintendent and church clerk. Delegates from the church o the association in 1858 were the Rev. William Harris, J. H. Goff and 'leasant Carter.
A deed dated September 26, 1876, is perhaps the first record of the ite of the church.
On this date John C. Hatcher and his wife, Rebecca, sold for five lollars one acre on Ewing's Creek to Samuel M. Overstreet, James V. ^obbs and Patric Hatcher as trustees of the Baptist church worshipping it New Prospect Church.
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In recent years there has been no worship service by a regular pasto of the church due to the decline in membership.
Among its list of dedicated pastors was the Rev. James R. Harrison; a leader in Baptist educational efforts. He served as the third pasto of the church.
Mr. Harrison was born in 1832 in Franklin County and educated a Halesford Academy in Franklin County. His parents were Irish Catholi and he was converted in a Presbyterian meeting. He was ordained ii 1857 and held pastorates in Franklin County, Buchanan, Radford, St Joseph, Mo., Fulton and Immanuel Baptist Churches in Richmond, Blui Ridge and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Churches in Roanoke County, Enoi Baptist Church at Hollins, Amelia County, Stuart and a Bedford County field.
He held meetings in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri and over 30,000 made confessions in these meetings. At a meeting he held at Clay Street Baptist Church in Richmond there were over 250 confessions.
He was married March 26, 1861, to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Lunsford: (1831-August 19, 1890) and after her death married Miss Anna Captaine of Richmond.
In the early 1890's he was sent to Glade Spring, in Washington County, by the State Mission Board at the request of two Baptist churches (Friend- ship and Greenfield) in that community to become their pastor.
As he took up the new field he was as equally interested in founding a school for the higher education of young women. He launched movement for an election to vote on drinking in the town, which had-j six saloons; the prohibition ticket won and then his group ventured upon the educational project.
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He persuaded 12 citizens to join him in underwriting the campaign, lese guarantors became the first trustees of the school when it opened, fine of the guarantors-trustees was the Rev. Reuben B. Boatwright, later [J': minister in Bedford County.
The school, at the intersection of the Tri-state Highway and the old '.altville road in Glade Spring, opened in 1884 under the name of South- vest Virginia Female Institute. The institution later bore the name .outhwest Virginia Institute, then for a short time (1889-1910) Virginia nstitute.
1 In 1891 the school was moved to Bristol, Va., and in 1910, at the uggestion of S. W. Edmondson of the school faculty, the name was hanged to Virginia Intermont College. Mr. Edmondson chose the name ntermont from a community of the same name he came upon between Jig Stone Gap and Appalachia; it was suggested and officially adopted.
The third president of the institution was Samuel D. Jones, son-in-law >f the Rev. Joseph R. Harrison, who served from 1889 until 1898 when Le resigned and moved to Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Harrison was a special agent or the institution during Mr. Jones administration. The Harrison-Jones Memorial Hall, the college's chapel-auditorium, was named in honor of he founder and his son-in-law president.
Mr. Harrison died June 24, 1901, in Stuart and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.
PALESTINE BAPTIST CHURCH
Palestine Baptist Church, southwest of Huddleston, began its existence as Meadow Ridge School House, not as an organized church but as an arm of Moody Meeting House (now Staunton Baptist Church) near Anthony's Ford.
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According to minutes of Moody Meeting House for September 21, 18! ". . . . consented to extend an arm of this church to Meadow Rid School house . , . .". The first meeting at Meadow Ridge School Hou located just east of the present church, was held October 2, 1850. T minutes of that meeting are "Meadow Ridge October 2, 1850. The chur, convened for the reception of members when Nancy Turner was i ceived by letter — also Lucy Page came forward and stated that she hj lost her letter but gave satisfaction and was received — adjourned."
The church remained an arm of Staunton Baptist Church until 18 when it became self-supporting. In the minutes of Staunton Chur the last reference of a meeting at Meadow Ridge was July 23, 18J On that date a list of members belonging to Meadow Ridge taken fro Moody Church (Staunton) was given, the list contained names of members.
It was not until May 21, 1853, that the membership was constitute as a church. That date Richard Dowdy and Alexander L. Thurman we; ordained as deacons. The Rev. Abner Anthony, who had been pastor Staunton Church, was called as the first pastor.
Mr. Anthony was born September 16, 1790, in Campbell County, son of the Rev. John Anthony, Jr., (1749-1825) a Revolutionary soldit from Hanover County, and Susanna Austin Anthony (1752/55 - befo] 1825). The Rev. Abner Anthony married in 1822 Miss Elizabeth Ear] and in 1836 Miss Almyra Arthur of Big Island. A son, the Rev. Charl< L. Anthony (1837-1922), served as pastor of the church and a grandso A. Donald Anthony (1903- ) served as interim pastor of the churc
In 1853 the church was admitted into the Strawberry Association.
Services continued to be held at Meadow Ridge School House fc several years. In 1855 the church decided to purchase a plot of groun and erect its own building. A deed dated December 20, 1855, recorc the sale of a plot ,by John H. and Lucy C. Turner to W. W. Rees Charles W. Wood, J. R. Metts, Samuel G. Tinsley, Richard Dowdy, Joh H. Turner, E. C. Cundiff, Washington Hackworth, John Hall, Josia Turner and Alexander L. Thurman as trustees.
In 1856 work was begun on the new church with Abe Krantz as fort man. No date is given for the completion of this building but it wa thought to be in the summer of 1857. On July 4, 1857, the name of th church was changed from Meadow Ridge to Palestine.
Slight changes were made to the building in 1910 and in 1935 a com mittee composed of Perry D. Turner, J. O. Hackworth, W. H. Saunden Boyd Nichols, Frank J. Overstreet and Miss Reva Turner was appointe to investigate the advisability of building a new church. The churc] accepted their report and plans for a new church and on April 3, 193E the first service was held in this church. Dedication services were hel< May 29, 1938, with the Rev. Grover M. Turner of Danville as speaker.
The basement was completed in 1947, the parsonage built in 1952. Thi educational building was constructed in 1963 with dedication service Sept 29, 1963, with the Rev. Robert C. Wells of Galax as speaker.
The field of Mentow and Palestine churches was dissolved in 196 with each church going full-time and the Rev. Joseph S. Stirman, Jr was the first full-time pastor.
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dieorge G. Turner was ordained to the ministry in 1920 and later lived as pastor of the church. Jesse V. Ashwell was a member of the lurch 1911-1923 when he united with a Roanoke church and was Plained, later serving as interim pastor of the church. ^eo Kendrick united with the church in 1928, later joined another lomination and was ordained into the ministry.
tin 1974 the church licensed Melvin J. Harris to the ministry and he is
'sently (1976) pastor of Halesford Baptist Church in Franklin County.
ther L. Lemon, Jr., a deacon in the church, is presently (1976) interim
;i;tor of Norwood Baptist Church in Bedford County.
Jrover M. Turner was baptized into membership of the church in
:)8 and was later ordained into the ministry. He was born January 29,
)1, in Bedford County, a son of Thomas H. and Jennie Snow Turner.
was educated at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, the Uni-
: "sity of Richmond and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in
'uisville, Ky.
He was a teacher and coach at Hargrave Military Academy from 19-1923 and his wife, Mrs. Daisy Moses Turner, was on the faculty at ,]» academy 1920-1923. He was a pastor in Philippi, West, Va., from 124-1936 when he became pastor of Lee Street Baptist Church in Dan- )ie. He was active in the organization of six churches in the Pittsyl- ijaia Baptist Association.
•He left Danville in 1948 to become president of Oak Hill Academy at Wth of Wilson and was instrumental in many improvements to that ptist school which he served until his retirement in 1957. Turner
i mnasium at the school is named in his honor. He was moderator of the New River Baptist Association in 1955-1956.
fJK>n his retirement he returned to Danville and died December 15, 1958,
r his home in that city. Burial was in Danville.
The Rev. Robert C. Wells, who served as pastor of the church, was a aduate of Oak Hill Academy and taught there in 1940-1941. He was rn May 11, 1906, in Knoxville, Tenn., and after graduating from Oak
: 11 Academy received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson-Newman
■ liege in Jefferson City, Tenn., and also attended the New Orleans
.'.'ptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, La. He served Baptist churches in Virginia and Tennessee for 25 years
! d was a teacher in the Virginia public school system for 22 years. He is clerk of the New River Baptist Association in 1944.
. He married Miss Ruth Hash, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Walter A.
Jish. Mr. Hash had been associated with the Buchanan Mission School
: Council, Buchanan County, and was president of Oak Hill Academy
"»m 1923-1948.
PECKS BAPTIST CHURCH
i The earliest record of Pecks Baptist Church, southeast of Bedford, is [ieed dated July 30, 1895, for two and one-third acres of land set aside the purpose of erecting a house of worship.
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This deed was from William Turner, Thomas S. McGhee and C Rucker as trustees to W. H. Wright, P. A. Wade, R. D. Johnson, Gardner and A. C. Parker as trustees for the new church.
Mr. Gardner and Mr. Parker, realizing the need for a place of woi were instrumental in organizing the church with 30 members as I charter membership.
The church was named for Thomas M. Peck of Grand Rapids, MJ whom Mr. Gardner had met in 1888 in Gettysburg, Penn. From f friendship came support from Mr. Peck in the building of the new chi]
Mr. Peck was a druggist and capitalist well-known for his deed charity. He was born Februray 16, 1834, in Newburgh, N. Y., an( 1875 with a brother settled in Grand Rapids, Mich. In 1876 he op« a drug business in that city and was engaged in banking, industy I real estate. He was a liberal contributor to many charities but ml tained secrecy in his gifts. He was a member and trustee of Westmini Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Mich. He traveled abroad I his art collection was one of the most extensive in the Middle 'Wl He died December 16, 1913, as a result of complications from a I several days earlier. The funeral services were conducted from residence with burial in Newburgh, N. Y.
A Sunday School addition to the church was dedicated August 1954, with the Rev. M. A. Cumby of Roanoke as speaker.
In 1959 the church built additional Sunday School rooms and v<i to become full-time having been in a field with Quaker Baptist Chul
In 1964 the church voted to build a parsonage.
On July 6, 1975, the church dedicated its new building with the I Tearle P. Brown of Martinsburg, West, Va., as speaker.
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PLEASANT VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH
The history of Pleasant View Baptist Church on Route 221 near the Lynchburg city limits dates to a chapel built in 1875.
Towards the end of the War Between the States a party of Confederate cavalry was doing scout duty in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lynch- burg. A young Maryland soldier of Scotch descent, who like many another had survived hairbreadth escapades in the course of the four years, became separated from his companions. His horse stumbled and fell, the soldier's leg was broken, and he spent the night lost, alone, and helpless. The next morning a neighboring farmer, looking for , straying livestock, found the young man and carried him home, where , he was nursed by the farmer's women-folk, including his slender daughter,
iLucy-
n The young man found not only strength, but love and faith came to
him during those idyllic days. VTien he recovered, Robert Chambers * and Lucy Vest were married, and young Chambers was baptized ini
the fellowship of Prospect Baptist Church of which the bride was j member.
j Soon the two went to Baltimore, Md., the groom's home; but the Confederate veteran did not fit into a household where his older brother had fought on the victorious Northern side. After a month's visit, he bade good-by to his prosperous and substantial kin, the Courtlands and Chambers, and returned with Lucy to the farm at the foot of the Peaks of Otter. There amid the austere abundance of the mountain
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farm, he bent his back and soul to the task of building in those R construction days.
In 1869, or early 1870, Mr. Chambers and his family moved to Be< ford County near the line toward Lynchburg, to a hundred acre far which he had bought. The white frame house, green-shuttered ar amply verandaed, stood in a locust grove (which gave the place name) on a pleasant hill-top. It faced another hill which soon the ne owner dedicated to the service of God, building there, with his your kinsmen's aid, a Baptist chapel, "Pleasant View." The year was 187 According to the minutes of Strawberry Baptist Association which wi meeting in its 99th annual session, R. M. Chambers was a leader Baptists.
According to the records, there were approximately 34 persons in tl congregation. Worship was held only once a month but the congregatic conducted Sunday School weekly for 12 months per year instead 1 the usual nine months. The church had eight Sunday School instructed with 50 students and "100 volumes in the library."
The church was admitted to the Strawberry Association at its annui meeting in 1878.
Until 1958 Pleasant View Church was on a field with Oakdale, Terracj View and Forest churches. In that year it decided to call a full-tim1 pastor and has continued to do so.
In the beginning the church met in a one-room building. The buildin was remodeled in 1922, in 1952 two classrooms were added and fou more classrooms were added in 1956.
In 1958 a parsonage was purchased and soon after this the congregatio began to think of purchasing land for a new church building. In 196 the tract of land on which the present building stands became availabl and the price of the approximately six acres was $3,500. In Decembei 1961, the church voted to erect a new building on the property. Plan were accepted June 18, 1962, and the contract was awarded to T. M Sweeney Co. The congregation moved into the new building on th third Sunday in May, 1963. The church had a note burning servic March 2, 1969.
The following improvements to the church building and grounds hav been made, 1968: driveways and parking lot paved with asphalt, 1969 first floor including main sanctuary and basement air-conditioned 1970: wall-to-wall carpeting of the first floor including main sanctuary pastor's study and both stairways, folding doors installed to enclost the balcony as needed for class space and to divide the assembly roon downstairs for additional classes, 1974: new shrubbery placed arounc the building and 1975: congregation painted downstairs areas and out- side painted by contractor.
The year 1975 was declared Centennial Year for the church. A drama "Upon This Rock" written by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Moody and Dr. J. G. Henry was enacted.
On May 7, 1975, the church voted to construct an educational building which would be three stories.
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QUAKER BAPTIST CHURCH
,The history of Quaker Baptist Church, south of Route 24 near Body
imp, is associated with two denominations, each beginning in homes
i, the community, and the change of names of both groups.
The present church derives its name from the first denomination to
;?et at the site of its present location, the Society of Friends (Quakers).
iM. petition dated October 9, 1756, to the South River Monthly Meeting
|jow Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church) at Lynch's Ferry (now
j'nchburg) reads "A petition of John Eccles and others setting forth
ieir desire to have a Monthly Meeting at Goose Creek in Bedford
,i>unty, Virginia, was received and referred to the next meeting." The
larterly meeting to which they applied did not question their standing
U Friends or as a Meeting so it would seem that an organization existed
(ior to that time.
^The monthly meeting set up held its first session September 15, 1757, KB first session being held in Goose Creek Meeting House and Richard >irner was chosen the first clerk.
i(On November 11, 1788, a meeting was officially established among riends at lower Goose Creek and it was given the name Bedford feting. Dissatisfaction was expressed in regards to the name Bedford eeting and in process of time and common useage the meeting on rfficult Creek (a branch of Goose Creek) became known as Lower ;x>se Creek Meeting and the other as Upper Goose Creek Meeting ear the present Mount Zion Baptist Church).
t Proof of the location of the Lower Goose Creek Meeting and the esent church is a deed dated July 27, 1789, between Elijah Turner id his wife, Sarah, and Jehu Lewis and his wife, Alice, of the first irt, and Moses Cadwalader, John Coffee and Joel Lewis of the second irt. The meeting house, a corner rock still stands in the church ceme-
135
tery, was built that year. Cadwalader, Coffee and Joel Lewis \ named in July, 1789, as trustees of Lower Goose Creek Meeting.
In the meantime a Baptist fellowship in the community begat form and, like the Society of Friends, their early meetings must r been in the homes but later at the Lower Goose Creek Meeting Ho With the decline of Quaker membership, due to westward migra and Indian troubles, the Lower Goose Creek Meeting House was ta over as a place of worship by the Baptists.
The Baptist denomination organized their church in 1775 and v constituted the next year. In 1805 the church, known as Difficult Ci Baptist Church, was admitted to the Strawberry Association. At 1806 session of the association the delegates representing the chi were Henry C. Latham and John Garrett.
In 1831 the church was responsible for the constitution in 1832 Bunker Hill (now Mount Olivet) Baptist Church with 28 members.
At a business session of the church in January, 1899, a commi was appointed to construct a new building and Lee Creasey hired contractor. The committee was composed of Dr. John T. Kincar M. R. Hubbard, J. G. Leftwich, P. G. Dowdy, R. E. Wildman and A Hubbard. The building was dedicated August 26-27, 1899, with Rev. W. S. Royall speaker.
At a business session of the church January 7, 1939, the name officially changed from Difficult Creek Baptist Church to Quaker Bap Church. In 1949 the Virginia State Conservation and Developm Commission erected a highway marker on Route 24 north of the chu in recognition of its history.
In 1951 the church purchased a pastorium at the intersection Routes 24 and 43. The home, built in 1949, was purchased from and Mrs. Tyree L. Campbell. The residence was dedicated October 1953, with Dr. Wesley N. Laing of Richmond speaker.
An incident at the residence the night of January 1, 1956, was ass< ated with the General Assembly of Virginia approving a "Peeping To bill on March 2. The Rev. Tearle P. Brown, pastor, was returning ho1 when he noticed a Negro male "peeping" into the residence; the subj was later apprehended and charged with trespassing and peeping. 1 Bedford County Trial Justice Court on January 9 found him guilty disorderly conduct. The case was appealed to the Bedford Coui Circuit Court which nolle prossed the case. In the meantime the B ford Town Council and Bedford County Board of Supervisors adop peeping and spying laws, to be fohowed by the action of the legislatu
At a business session July 9, 1955, the church named committees follow through with plans by the church to erect a new building. 1 building committee was composed of Raymond J. Dowdy, Fred Overstreet, Onie E. Williamson, Owen C. Creasy and Cecil C. Overstre Roy Burnette was hired as contractor. The building was dedical June 30, 1957, with the Rev. Tearle P. Brown of Danville speaker.
In 1966 the church purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Lewis A. Mayh their residence on Route 24 as a parsonage and the former pastorii was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Mack H. Crowder, Jr.
Two members of the church entered the ministry and later served pastor of the church, Zachariah Whorley and Merriman E. Lunsfo
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:••
'aul Franklin was licensed to the ministry by the church, being ined later at Yellow Branch Baptist Church in Campbell County of :h he was pastor.
>ur that made their profession of faith at the church later entered ministry. Samuel Harris (1806-1891) joined Difficult Creek Baptist rch and in 1838 was ordained in Richmond. He lived in Louisa ,nty and was moderator of the Goshen Association in 1845, 1847, 1857 1860. William Logwood Hatcher (1806-1882), grandson of the Rev. miah Hatcher, was converted in a meeting at the church in 1831, licensed by Morgans Baptist Church and in 1843 ordained in Blacks- He held pastorates in Montgomery and Roanoke Counties. >hn P. Franklin, Jr., was ordained at Lakewood Baptist Church in :k Mountain, N. C, and Nolan R. Crowder entered the ministry of -United Methodist denomination.
ae Rev. Gilbert M. Profitt, pastor from 1968 until his retirement in i and interim pastor in 1975-1976, was named pastor emeritus of the •ch April 10, 1976.
uried in unmarked graves in the old Quaker section of the church jetery are Stephen Goggin, Jr., and his wife, Rachel Moorman Goggin. y were the great-grandparents of the writer Samuel L. Clemens irk Twain) and his brother, Orion Clemens, acting governor of the ritory of Nevada.
hree pastors of the church had active roles in the educational field •Will.
ire Rev. James C. Leftwich was born near Bunker Hill on January 31, }, a son of the Rev. William Leftwich, Jr., and Frances Otey Left- h. About 1817 he went to Franklin County to be engaged in mercan- | business for a brother. He accompanied the Rev. Daniel P. Witt L western Virginia on mission work. He was married January 15, >), to Miss Ann Bilbro (February 2, 1810 - November 15, 1881) of ^etourt County. They were the parents of 10 children, including ^nelia Catherine who married first the Rev. William W. Fuqua and ifmd Dr. John T. Kincanon.
Orom 1849-1853 Mr. Leftwich was president of the Valley Union f ication Society of Virginia, chartered in 1843 to operate a school ,3otetourt Springs (now Hollins College). From 1846-1849 he served general agent for the Board of Trustees of the society. [This school, incorporated in 1844 as Valley Union Seminary, was jamed Hollins Institute in 1855 and then Hollins College in 1911. fi was the successor to the boarding school for girls opened, about 0, on West Main Street in Liberty (now Bedford). From this grew 1 iord Female Seminary that was acquired in 1839 by Edward William 'nston (1799-1867) who removed the school the same year to Botetourt ^ings renaming it Roanoke Female Seminary.
t was located on hotel property acquired by E. W. Johnston from . uncle, Charles Johnston (1768-1833) of "Sandusky" near New London. 1842 it was again offered for sale and purchased by the Rev. Joshua dley of New York. It was then the Valley Union Education Society Virginia was formed to pay for the seminary to be used by all ■ lominations.
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Mr. Leftwich died July 2, 1852, and is buried in the Leftwich fan cemetery near Bunker Hill.
The Rev. William W. Fuqua left as pastor of Quaker Church in 1 to become the next year the first principal of Oak Hill Academy Mouth of Wilson.
The Rev. John T. Kincanon was born December 26, 1837, near Mar in Smyth County, a son of Francis and Martha Kincanon. He baptized in 1858 in the south fork of the Holston River and in 1 licensed to the ministry in Marion.
He was educated at Emory and Henry College in Marion, Alleghj College in Blue Sulphur Springs, West. Va., (organized, then in Virgii by William E. Duncan (1825-1912) who later founded Halesford Acade in Franklin County) and Richmond College, where he was later a trusl
He was married April 23, 1862, to Miss Martha Emma Cole (Septem 28, 1840 - November 17, 1882), was an officer in the Confederate Sta Army and a prisoner of war. In 1865 he was ordained at Saint Cla Bottom Church and held pastorates in Virginia and Tennessee. Fr 1872-1874 he was moderator of the Lebanon Association.
On September 16, 1885, he married Mrs. Cornelia Catherine Leftw Fuqua, widow of the Rev. William W. Fuqua. He died October 24, 1 at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville and with first wife is buried in East Hill Cemetery in Bristol, Va.
He helped promote, establish and was part-owner of Bristol Fern College in Bristol, Tenn. The school, first known as The Female Ins tution, was chartered in 1872 but dated its founding as 1866. Dr. K canon was general agent for the school, known later as Bristol Femj Seminary and finally as Bristol Female College, from 1874-1877, sen on its Board of Regents and was professor of moral philosophy. 1871 the First Baptist Church in Goodson (now Bristol) purchased school from Dr. Kincanon and its last records were in 1882.
RADFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
i
The history of Radford Baptist Church near Moneta dates its orgar zation in 1898 as a union church for Baptist and Methodist denominatior
The land for the church was given by Miss Sis Martin and Miss Eli Martin but not not recorded until 1903.
In 1900 a group gathered and decided to build a church. Only a sma amount of lumber was available so only a hull of a building, withoi a ceiling, was constructed. It was used for three years as a summ< meeting place due to its construction.
In 1901 a Sunday School was organized with D. W. Saunders i superintendent.
In 1902 more lumber was obtained and the ceiling was complete for year-round services. The building was finally completed in 19C and dedicated.
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I
i!|i[n 1914 the church experienced a great revival with 30 heing baptized
Bowyer's Creek.
[n 1935 the Baptist denomination purchased the property of the
ithodist denomination, the Methodist members transferring to Bethle-
m Methodist Church in Moneta, I tn 1936 the first remodeling of the church was made, with new windows
d wings added for Sunday School rooms.
In 1955 the Rev. and Mrs. Edgar P. Roberson donated two large pulpit airs to the church. In 1957 the church purchased new pews and ilpit and added Sunday School rooms with the dedication and corner- >ne laying on June 16.
In 1964 the church built a parsonage across the road from the church; is was completed the next year and a full-time pastor was called, sin 1973 a steeple was added to the church with Mrs. Margaret Martin mating a bell from her home-place. Mrs. Martin, 94 years old, rang e bell for the first time at homecoming services. The children of r. and Mrs. Earl Tuck on their 50th wedding anniversary presented e church a new organ in honor of their parents.
RAINBOW FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH
The Rainbow Forest Baptist Mission, located west of Route 460 between ue Ridge and Coyner's Springs in Botetourt County, was formed in
f65.
cThe Rainbow Forest sub-division set aside land for a church and with e help of Dr. Harry Y. Gamble and the Rev. C. Lawrence Dodson of
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Roanoke the site was purchased by the Roanoke Baptist Missionary an< Social Union Inc., the missionary arm of the Roanoke Valley Baptis Association.
The Rev. T. Robert Brown of Vinton and the Rev. W. J. Yeaman o Roanoke were leaders in the organization of the mission which me in the Rainbow Forest Recreation Center.
The mission was organized into Rainbow Forest Baptist Church on April 11, 1967. Construction for the new building was begun in 1968 and the first services held in the new church Januray 8, 1969.
The Rev. Phillip C. Day became the first pastor, assisted by the Rev. Garney E. Day.
SEDALIA BAPTIST CHURCH
Sedalia Baptist Church on the Big Island road had its beginning as early as 1910 and the Rev. James P. Luck can be regarded as its founder.
About this time Baptist people living around Sedalia begin to talk of building a church and Mr. Luck became interested and started to work with the people.
A Sunday School was started and met in the school building at Sedalia during the summer months and Mr. Luck preached there once a month. He did not live to see the church built.
After much discussion for and against, it was decided definitely to build.
The land on which the church stands was purchased from C. R. Arring- ton on July 17, 1911. It contained two acres and cost two hundred dollars.
Reed Forbes and sons drew the plans and built the church.
Interested men of the community gave the trees from their farms, cut and hauled them on wagons to the saw mill to be sawed into lumber
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1 then hauled the lumber to the newly purchased lot and work on 'building began.
ie ladies .being anxious to help, formed "The Ladies' Aid and ionary Society" and went to work to help raise money, ley planned entertainments such as plays, oyster suppers and ice m suppers. Large numbers of people attended and good sums were ,zed. Other money making projects were making and selling quilts giving all eggs laid on Sunday to be sold and money added to the ;ury. They gave half of all money made to the building fund and to missions, ie church building was completed early in 1914.
'he church was organized on July 29, 1914. The Rev. A. J. Coon, tor of Suck Spring Baptist Church, acting as moderator, called a ncil composed of the following: J. A. Wildman, T. M. Turpin, H. A. 'ks, William Foster, Sam Witt, R. H. Major and William Odgen who ed themselves to be a church named Sedalia Baptist Church, 'his council accepted the following additional names for membership: ;. Gertie Long, Mrs. Lizzie Parks, Mrs. Mary Watson, Mrs. Berta :*pin, Miss Nina Burks, Miss Martha Watson, Miss Lucy Parks, Miss tie Wildman, Mrs. Viola Hatcher, Charlie Sanderson, Will Turpin, i. Hallie Tomlinson, Mrs. Fon Arrington, Mrs. Sam Witt and Mrs. J. A. .dm an.
'he church covenant was read and adopted, 'hey proceeded immediately to elect church officers, lunday School was organized with 63 members and was in session only three months the first year, .''he church was received into the association in 1914.
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The first revival services were held in the late summer of 1914. Ei men and seven women made professions and were baptized in R< Creek which flows near the church.
Two other men joined the church at this same time by letters 5 one by statement.
One half of the church property was laid off in cemetery lots wh were sold for five and ten dollars according to size of the lot. T money was to be kept in a separate fund called "a sinking fund" to used only for the up-keep of the cemetery.
The Woman's Missionary Union was organized in 1916 replacing Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society.
The church was dedicated October 15, 1916, with Dr. Hugh C. Sm of Bedford speaker.
In May, 1919, the first wedding was performed in the church wl Harry Parks and Katie Wildman were married.
By the late 1930's changes were taking place. Electricity was instal in the church, the envelope system for offerings was begun and every-member canvas made. The pastor's retirement plan was adopt a sexton employed and the first finance committee appointed.
In 1944 the church agreed to go in with two other Baptist churcl and call a pastor at a salary of $1200.00 a year. Each of the thi churches were to have one morning and one evening service a mor and give the pastor the privilege of preaching at another church Sunday a month.
Later in the 1940's the church called a pastor on half-time basis, th adopted the uniform budget plan and six point record system, a graded the Sunday School according to ages.
Curtains that could be easily put in place and taken down w designed to divide the sanctuary into Sunday School rooms and Vacation Bible School departments. These curtains were used un the educational building was built.
In 1950 a furnace was installed.
A two-story educational building was added to the back of tl sanctuary in 1954 and a baptistery was installed at the same time.
Since the church did not have a water system an arrangement w made for rain water from the roof to run into the baptistry. This buil ing was dedicated July 11, 1954.
Next a parsonage was built on a corner of the church property ai dedicated on May 21, 1961.
A well was drilled at the same time.
In 1963 the church decided to go full-time and Rev. Johnny C. McBric was the first full-time pastor.
Later in the 1960's the pulpit was remodeled and the choir rearrange a new carpet laid on pulpit floor and down middle aisle of the sanctuarj
The old organ that was bought when the church was built w;j electrified and a new piano purchased.
The church constitution was written in 1966 and adopted on January 1967.
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6ln the early 1960's the church bought one acre of land that joined the fiurch property and added it to the cemetery.
Easter Sunday, 1973, the church observed its first Easter sunrise
rvice conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Jack Miller.
Carpet was installed on the outside aisles of the sanctuary in 1973, 1 gift from Robert Arrington.
SHADY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH
Shady Grove Baptist Church between Thaxton and Stewartsville was rganized in 1859 and its first building was a hewed log structure erected
m one-half acre of land given by Irvin Bowles. This building was used as a house of worship by Baptist and Methodist mgregations. In 1880 the old log building was torn down and a new
3ame building was erected on the same site. This structure was dedi- ited in October, 1880, and was used by both Baptists and Methodists >r a number of years. However, when the Methodists ceased to use
nis building for worship purposes it was left entirely for the use of the aptists.
I Later the church obtained one acre of land, adjoining the church
L operty, from Dr. Fuqua. In 1916 additional land was purchased from
L B. Bramlett for a church cemetery. In 1930 a legacy of several hundred hilars was received from the estate of B. A. Bramlett which was used
, ir making repairs and painting the .building. At various times the lurch purchased several more acres of land from Fields Bramlett for iditions to the cemetery and facilitating other improvements.
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In October, 1949, the church voted to build a parsonage so th? the pastors of the church could live in the community. G. H. Burkholde gave about one-third of an acre of land a quarter of a mile east of thl church for this purpose. S. C. B. St.Clair and H. B. Sublett took the lea in the work of building and, along with the help of others in the churc and community, the parsonage was completed. A home-coming cele bration was held October 17, 1954, at which time there was a note-burr! ing ceremony for the loan on the parsonage.
A great step forward was taken May 6, 1959, when the church vote to adopt plans furnished by the Architectural Department of the Sunda; School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for a new sanctuar and education building. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of th! church, a homecoming celebration and ground-breaking ceremony for th new educational building, was held June 21, 1959. Dr. Frank Voigh of the Sunday School Department of Virginia was the speaker. Thi day was also significant in that $4,963 was raised for the work of build ing. The pastor and people urged that 100 persons give $100.00 thi! day. A fine spirit of unity and cooperation was evident.
The work of construction began immediately with W. W. Emersoi as the contractor. Members of the church and friends donated mud of the labor. A great fellowship was enjoyed by all who participate* in the work. Harry StClair, Oscar Brown and J. Henry Powers wen the building committee. At a homecoming celebration, July 25, 1965 a note-burning ceremony was conducted on the loan for the educationa building. At the same time a special offering was received to go towarc the construction of the new sanctuary. The sum of $2,502.55 was raised
The church voted at its regular business meeting May 4, 1966, to star construction on the sanctuary on or before July 15, 1966, and that « homecoming celebration and fund raising drive be conducted July 24 1966. A Bedford contractor, Paul E. Overstreet, was selected to do thi: construction and the same building committee was also asked to super- vise this work.
Having engaged in this extensive building program the church con- tinued to grow and further expansion became necessary, therefore at its regular business session in August, 1972, the church voted that th same building committee, namely J. Henry Powers, Harry St.Clair and Oscar Brown, supervise the construction of six additional Sunday School rooms and two rest rooms on the east side of the sanctuary. The plans for this addition were accepted in November, 1972, and Nelson Boothe a member of the congregation, was elected as the contractor. The dedi- cation service for this addition was conducted July 30, 1973, with Rev Marvon Patterson delivering the dedicatory message. He was pastor of the church at the time this entire building program began in 1959.
In March, 1971, the church purchased three and one-half acres of land from the G. H. Burkholder estate, adjoining the church property, for further expansion purposes. In November, 1973, the church received a gift of six-tenths acre of land, next to the first parsonage, to make that area equal to a full acre. This was given by O. B. Crawford of Roanoke who had purchased part of the Burkholder estate. The Strawberry Association held its annual meeting at Shady Grove Church in October, 1969, with 215 registered guests.
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In the 115 years of the history of Shady Grove Church there have feen only five who have served as clerk. This is a remarkable record rid the church is to be congratulated. James M. Moore, first church
erk, served 17 years. He was followed by William H. Powers who jjrved for 21 years. The third clerk, A. S. St.Clair, served for over a | alf century, 52 years. Harry St.Clair, fourth clerk, occupied that ffice for eight years. J. Henry Powers, was elected in 1958 and is still irving in that capacity.
Shady Grove Church, in the shadow of Porter's Mountain, in a fertile .alley of Bedford County, has one of the finest rural church plants in pe Strawberry Association. This is one of the finest examples of a lurch that realizing its need to build, engaged in an extensive con- xuction program, until they achieved their objective. The united effort f a willing people, dedicated in the service of God, has accomplished in outstanding work. Shady Grove Church is making a profound impact ,ji the total spiritual life of her community and in the life and work of trawberry Association. b
STAUNTON BAPTIST CHURCH
s One of the oldest churches in Bedford County is Staunton Baptist Church, southwest of Huddleston, and one of few churches to derive its i' ame from a woman.
P The church is located near what was once Anthony's Ford on the toanoke (Staunton) River now the waters of Smith Mountain Lake. The church was organized in 1790 with the first meeting house saulh
k
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of the present church on the sotrtfa side of Route 626. This meeting ho was known as Moody Meeting House of Stanton Church.
The church minutes of April 11, 1790, read "We the Baptist Church Christ on Stanton, at the mouth of Black Water, .being constituted, number being 32. By the Reverend Brethren to wit — William Johns John Anthony, Thomas Douglass and we have chosen Brother John for our pastor and have given him charge of us."
The church was on the river which officially bears a dual name fr the Franklin-Roanoke-Bedford County line to the Virginia -North Cai lina line at Buggs Island and is spelled both Stanton and Staunton was on the north side of the river (now lake) where Blackwater ~Rv enters the stream at the Bedford-Franklin County line.
The name Staunton from which the church derives its name, by vi of the river name, comes from Lady Rebecca Staunton Gooch, wife Governor Sir William Gooch of Virginia.
Governor Gooch named a group of commissioners to run the Nor Carolina- Virginia boundary and one of these commissioners was 0 William Byrd II. He applied the name Staunton to the river in 1' when the commissioners came upon it, designating it to honor the w of the governor.
Lady Rebecca Staunton Gooch, daughter of William Staunton Hampton, Middlesex, England (now part of the London borough Richmond upon Thames), was bom in 1690 and died between 1773 a 1775 at her home in Bath, England. Sir William Gooch (1681-1751) buried in the east wall of the north chancel aisle of St. Nicholas Pari Church in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. He served as lieutenar governor of Virginia 1727-1740 and 1741-1749.
The first meeting house of Staunton Church was built of logs, t size about 30 feet by 18 feet. Two mighty white oaks stand guard ov the stone foundation and part of one log that was this first meetii house.
No deed appears on record for a meeting house until 1844 when Dav Saunders conveyed one acre and 35 rods to the treasurer of the Bapti Society at the Moody Meeting House.
In the spring of 1877 the members thought it advisable to move th€ place of worship to the Pleasant Grove School House across the ro£ from the present church. There they worshipped until 1884 when tl present building was completed.
In business session April 23, 1883, a building committee was name to serve as trustees, P. Anthony, D. R Hensley, J. S. Saunders, M. 1 English and T. P. Plymale with James Allen later added to the committe In 1883 the church obtained from Jordan Martin the land upon whic the present church stands.
A cemetery was added to the church grounds with land obtained fror William and Z. Coleman. Additional land was purchased with th cmpletion of the Smith Mountain hydroelectric plant in the gap of th mountain since it was necessary for Appalachian Power Co. to mov cemeteries from the reservoir to nearby churches.
For the longest years of service at Staunton Church, mention shoul be given to the Rev. Abner Anthony, pastor for 39 years; A. V. Anthony
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k for 57 years, and W. D. Franklin, Sunday School superintendent I 32 years.
c|fi the late 1950's and early 1960's the church was renovated inside. Ine time later carpeting was furnished for the main auditorium by
nlftis English and William English of Altavista in memory of relatives
irl/ied at the church. The pulpit furniture was furnished by the James N. | mders family.
)ue to increased Sunday School attendance it was seen advisable for
tre rooms to be added to the church and on July 11, 1971, three new
iday School rooms were completed and moved into. A vestibule has
^•n added, the gift of the children of W. S. and Nellie J. Martin in ir memory.
,)n April 9, 1950, the church observed its 100th anniversary. Speaker the morning service was the Rev. Penn A. Anthony and for the arnoon service Miss Annie Mae Broyles of Roanoke. Seven have entered the ministry from the church, John Black in 1802, jke Bird in 1809, Joseph Burroughs in 1819, Abner Anthony in 1826, :k Hail in 1832, Charles L. Anthony in 1879 and Penn A. Anthony in 18.
n 1805 Moody Meeting House was the church that extended an arm Meadow Ridge School House in its organization, the church later ;oming Palestine Baptist Church.
3rhe Rev. William Johnson, first pastor of Staunton Church, was the >t moderator of the Strawberry Association.
-jdCe was born about 1735, a son of Ashley Johnson who married October ( 1734, Miss Martha Woodey. Ashley Johnson was a son of John nnston who married Miss Lucretia Massey of New Kent County in 98.
l May, 1771, the Rev. William Johnson was a delegate from Bucking- m County to the organization in Orange County of the General Associ- on of Separate Baptists in Virginia. He was the first pastor of Rocks
-,ptist Church in Prince Edward County when it was organized in 1772 ,d was pastor of Wreck Island (now Red Oak) Baptist Church in ipomattox County and Gills Creek Baptist Church in Franklin County. .While living in Albemarle County he was a signer of the declaration
,»m that county to the Virginia convention asking for independence
.>m England and, while living in Bedford County, furnished provisions • soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
In 1794 he moved to Knox County, Tenn. In 1802 he was elected e first moderator of the Tennessee Baptist Association (now the Knox junty Association of Baptists) and was reelected in 1803. He was a 'amber of Boyd's Creek Baptist Church in Sevier County, Tenn., and ed February 26, 1814, after an illness of more than a year. Among the ministers present at the 1790 organization of Moody Meet- g House was the Rev. John Anthony, Jr. From this family has come
■ars of leadership in Staunton Church and Baptists in Virginia and ■nnessee.
"His son, the Rev. Abner Anthony, served as pastor of Stanton Church id was the first pastor of Meadow Ridge School House meeting that
i -came Palestine Baptist Church. He died March 3, 1884, at his home
1 Bedford County.
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Two of his sons entered the ministry, the Rev. Charles L. Anth and the Rev. Perm A. Anthony.
The Rev. Charles L. Anthony was born April 21, 1837, at "Cedar ij on the Roanoke (Staunton) River at Anthony's Ford. He made profession of faith at Meadow Ridge (now Palestine) Baptist Chi and was ordained at Staunton Baptist Church. He held pastorates Amherst, Campbell, Bedford and Franklin Counties and taught in Bedford County school system. He served in the Confederate St Army, was never married and died February 1, 1922, at his home Bedford County.
SUCK SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH
The history of Suck Spring Baptist Church near Peaksville can back to 1802-1803 when the great revival which began in the Roan( Association and spread into the Strawberry Association and beca more intense in Little Otter (now Bedford) Baptist Church than any other church.
A result of the revival was the planting of two churches, Suck Spr with 28 members in 1805 and Timber Ridge with 40 members. The R Isham Fuqua, pastor of Little Otter Church, also served as pastor of new churches.
The earliest records of the church must not have been kept, or m destroyed by fire, as they are preserved only from the year 1839, thoi it was organized in 1805.
The church has had three houses of worship, the first of unhewn 1< located lower down Yellow Stone Creek and which later burned. T second, 40 x 30 feet of hewn logs and standing between the first a the present church. The present building was begun about 1860. CI
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as dug on the lot and the brick was made there. Our forefathers .'11 us that the foundation was dug down to solid rock, and around all j>ur walls it was as deep as a man's shoulder in some parts. The walls
arted upon solid rock. After the close of the Civil War the formal Indication of the church took place, approximately 1868.
In the past, black and white members worshipped together. In the ear 1840 white membership was 233, black membership 97. The church ;ill has the balcony which was reserved for the slaves in pre-war times. he church had side doors for the slaves to enter.
I In 1870 the church was heavily indebted and plans were made to put le property up for public auction. Members rallied and raised $800.00. he debt was paid off and the auction was not held.
In 1877, the members agreed to raise money "for the spread of the ospel" in an amount that would equal one cent per week for each rhite member.
There has been a missionary society since the 1800's. It is recorded i the church minutes that in 1887 they had $3.05 on hand from the old lissionary society and it was forwarded to the Home Mission Board. In 893 a new missionary society was organized and the officers were men. 'ery little information is in the records concerning leaders or members.
In October, 1888, a revival was held by the Rev. James P. Luck, as- Lsted by W. L. Lemon, and 13 were baptized.
i In the early years of the church, matters of discipline were important l the business meetings. Members were called before the church to ive an account of unchristian conduct, such as drinking, profanity, bsenteeism from services or business meetings and failure to contribute o the support of the church. In most cases, they would acknowledge the in and were forgiven and fully restored. If the members were not epentant and continued in unchristian conduct, their names were re- aoved from the church roll.
In October, 1902, a revival was held with 24 baptized. The following omment was made "the church experienced one of the most glorious evivals ever known to many of its members."
In November, 1915, Thomas B. Hawkins was licensed to preach and rater served as a foreign missionary in South America. 1 In December, 1915, a committee was appointed to see how much money 'ould be raised to build Sunday School rooms, estimated cost — $1,200.20; ■lay, 1917 voted to drop plans for building Sunday School rooms. In i 949, additional Sunday School rooms were built.
I In September, 1921, two members were ordained to the ministry, kobert P. and A. E. Welch.
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|] In August, 1925, 39 persons were baptized into fellowship of the church
bllowing revival services, the Rev. G. S. Ellyson guest speaker.
In May, 1954, the church went on full-time service.
A new parsonage was completed in 1955, a six-room brick structure, osting approximately $16,000.00.
In 1956 due to a conflict in beliefs there was a division in the church vith approximately 75 members leaving to form Temple Baptist Church jiear Kelso (now Longwood Avenue Baptist Church in Bedford).
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In December, 1957, the church voted to build the present vestibu and nursery rooms at the front of the church. On October 7, 1973, groui ■:■' was broken for an educational building.
Figures do not always give the true picture of the life of a churc; We feel the church has made the community a better place to live aq Christian love is ministered to the needy.
Looking backward for inspiration and ever forward in faith, olj ';:: church can be an ever present witness to the world about us, that Jesq ;;: Christ is the hope of the ages.
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TERRACE VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH
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Terrace View Baptist Church, located northwest of New London at the intersection of Routes 704 and 705, first was a place of worship for three denominations: Baptist, Brethren and Methodist.
Prior to the erection of a church, Sunday School was held at Edgewood School. Services were sometimes held in an arbor below where the church now stands, these being conducted by Booker Padgett, the Rev. B. H. Funk and the Rev. Walter G. Hughes.
In 1919 realizing the need for a church the people of the community met to formulate plans for building a church. William W. Parker, Donald Parker and O. C. Rucker donated two acres of land to build the church upon, and the name of Terrace View was derived from the Rucker farm known as Terrace View Farm.
Trees for lumber were contributed by A. T. Newman and V. T. Bur- ford and it is reported Mr. Burford rode horseback all one day soliciting funds, reporting $1,200 at the end of the day.
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die church was dedicated, debt free, in the summer of 1920 with takers being the Rev. Luther C. Coffman of the Brethren, the Rev. lliam S. Royall of the Baptist and the Rev. W. L. Mays of the Methodist. l"ne first members of the Brethren denomination were those transferred i:m Antioch Church of the Brethren and the Rev. Luther C. Coffman s elected the first Brethren pastor serving from 1920-1927. -["wo members of the church were ordained into the Brethren ministry, ;.bert N. Whitten and his son, Hubert N. Whitten, Jr. Vith increase in membership, five Sunday School rooms and a vestibule ve been added, and in the summer of 1971 the building was brick-cased. The Rev. Luther C. Coffman, who served as Brethren pastor, had the tinction of serving as the Baptist pastor of the church from 1932-1942. An outstanding educator, minister and farmer, he was born August 25, 10, in Botetourt County. He was married on December 24, 1903, to ss Clara Ernestine Dooley.
ie received the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1912 in the first graduating ss at Botetourt Normal College (later Daleville College) at Daleville I in 1917 received the Bachelor of Science degree from Roanoke Col- e in Salem.
n 1913 he joined the faculty of Botetourt Normal College as dean of ; normal department and as professor. He also served as assistant asurer of the Board of Trustees of the college. In 1925-1926 he was member of the Board of Trustees of Bridgewater College. He taught tool at Jefferson High School in Roanoke and in 1953 retired after years teaching in the Botetourt County school system. He was presi- lat of the Daleville College Alumni Association.
ie died July 6, 1965, in a Roanoke hospital and is buried in Evergreen metery in Roanoke.
THAXTON BAPTIST CHURCH
(Fhaxton Baptist Church in its early days was known as the Wolf Hill urch. The minutes of the annual meeting of the Strawberry Associ- on meeting in the Providence Church of Franklin County on August 6, 3"')5, record
A letter was read from the brethren and sisters worshipping at Wolf j 11 requesting a presbytery be sent to constitute a church at that place. i lerupon Elders George W. Leftwich, A. Eubank, William Harris, and i.e. Goggin were appointed by the moderator to attend to the matter."
r'n Sarly in the year of 1856 the church was constituted and was known
L the Wolf Hill Baptist Church. The minutes of the Strawberry Associ-
|on meeting at Staunton Church on August 1, 1856, recorded in the
eport on Finances" a total contribution to the association of $278.49 0' the year and Wolf Hill was among the number contributing. The
nutes of the same year recorded
'The church worshipping at Wolf Hill, having applied by letter for .mission into our body, was received, and the right hand of fellowship
s extended to the delegates by the moderator."
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Thus Wolf Hill became a pail of the Strawberry Association August 2, 1856, it is reported that the Wolf Hill Church be attached the north section of the association.
The first structure to house the W°^ Hill Church was a small wo building located on or near the present location of the Fenler McMill home, about a quarter of a mile from Route 460. This became a uni church in the early days.
The Wolf Hill Church had a struggle during the next few years. Sh< pastorates and small membership caused many problems for the n( church. In the minutes of the Strawberry Association of 1875, it reported to the association that the church enjoyed a "tolerable degr of peace and prosperity during that year." In the Association of 18 a report from the church in the Digest of Letters indicated that "Wt Hill has a pious people, but is pastorless and low spirited." And aga in 1878 it was reported that "Wolf Hill is in a poor condition, witho a pastor; but hopes to do better." This seemed to be the general coi dition of the church until about the turn of the century. Howevc better days were in store for the church.
In 1900, under the leadership of the Rev. J. P. Luck, who was past at that time, the church built a new building on a lot donated by tl late Thomas Newman, located behind what is now the Wilkins Saunde home on Route 460. This building was a white frame building wii three rows of seats and two front doors. There was an organ purchase for this building. This new building was dedicated in 1903 and at th time the name of the church was changed from Wolf Hill to Thaxton
The minutes of 1905 show that there were mission organizations the Thaxton Baptist Church that year which were not composed er tirely of women and for that reason a report was not sent to th Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia.
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1912 the church joined with the Suck Spring, Walnut Grove, and
pect churches to form the Thaxton field.
i March, 1913, the members voted to move the church to the present
at Thaxton, on a lot given by Dr. W. O. McCabe. In October of , year the building committee reported that the contract had been 'rded to Overstreet and Wingfield, at a cost of $4,124.55 for the entire ding except for the foundation which was built by the members with- charge. The first services were held in the new building on May 2,
1933 Dr. W. O. McCabe was honored for 30 years of service as
day School superintendent of the Thaxton Church. In 1936 Dr.
abe died and when his will was probated it was learned that he
left the lot and residence adjoining the church lot to the church to
ised as a parsonage.
i Sunday morning, October 10, 1948, the church suffered quite a edy. The building was entirely destroyed by fire. The story as frted by the Bedford Bulletin was as follows:
L spectacular fire, which destroyed the Thaxton Baptist Church lay morning added a sad note to the church history contained on page. The fire broke out a few hours before services and caused ages to the two-story frame building estimated by insurance agents letween $12,000 and $14,000."
Inder the leadership of Dr. Cline L. Vice, pastor at that time, the !ch rebounded from tragedy to success. The church voted to build Jj building that it presently uses which was designed and built by irge M. Overstreet, a deacon of the church and a contractor by trade, ik was begun on December 3 and the building was completed on 26, 1949. It was dedicated on August 27, 1949. In five years and [ie months after the fire, the new building was all paid for. i'"om a slow beginning with short pastorates the church has become jader in its community and is known by its long pastorates. The jrch continues to grow and in the minutes of 1973 reported for the I time a membership of over 400. It is active in the associational M and in community affairs, of which the youth and community bier of Thaxton is partially sponsored by the church. The church's jrrests he in the unsaved in the community and the sharing of mission pis so that the "Great Commission" might be carried out and that Hist might be shared around the world.
l Februray 10, 1974, the church voted to construct an educational ,iing on to the end of the existing building at a cost of $177,480. The Tact was given to George M. Overstreet Construction Co. This ^cture will house most of the Sunday School and eliminate much of ^congestion.
,ie church praises God for His hand in its life from meager beginnings j I now and dedicates itself to performing His work in this community.
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TIMBER RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH
Timber Ridge Baptist Church near Lowry was one of two churches be organized in Bedford County as a direct result of the revival know as the Great Awakening. Timber Ridge Church along with Suck Sprii Baptist Church was constituted from the Bedford Baptist Church in 180
Timber Ridge Church was planted by the Rev. Isham Fuqua in tl Lowry community with 40 members on June 14, 1805.
Isham Fuqua was born in Goochland County, a son of Ralph ar Priscilla Owen Fuqua who later settled in Bedford County. He wi married about 1777 to Mary Hammons and they had nine children, si of the seven sons became ministers. Between 1805-1810 he moved | Davidson County, Tenn., and died before 1820.
The first building for the Lowry Meeting House, as the church wj called, was a one-room log cabin on one and one-fourth acres of Ian which was purchased from William Lowry for five shillings.
The property was deeded to Joseph Fuqua and John Hewitt, the fin deacons of the church. The church did not have trustees at the time ( purchase.
Joseph Fuqua, a brother of the Rev. Isham Fuqua, was born May 1756, in Bedford County and died May 4, 1829, in Bedford County. Revolutionary soldier, he married November 13, 1782, in Bedford Count Miss Celia Bondurant (December 25, 1762 - March 3, 1847). Josep Fuqua gave the land at the corner of South and East Main Streets fo the first courthouse in Liberty (now Bedford).
Sometime in the early 1820's the one room log cabin of Lowry Meetin House was taken down and a second building erected on the site. Th first pastor in the new building was the Rev. William Leftwich wh married Mary, daughter of Joseph and Celia Bondurant Fuqua.
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["his building was later used as a meeting house of the Church of rist (Episcopal) at Lowry and still later as a school building. The name of the church was changed from the Lowry Meeting House Timber Ridge, being named after the home place of William B. Lowry. ground 1848 subscriptions were taken and plans were made for the istruction of a new building. This work began under the ministry the Rev. Francis M. Barker and was completed during the years
BJ3-1854. The Rev. William Harris was the pastor of the new church. e church building, the present structure, was built on additional land iated by William B. Lowry, Jr.
\ chart of the Strawberry Association, listing the churches and their stors, is recorded in Semple's "History of the Rise and Progress of the ptists in Virginia," dated 1810. In this chart the Rev. Isham Fuqua is still listed as pastor of Timber Ridge Church. Bedford Baptist urch history shows the Rev. James H. L. Moorman to follow Mr. qua as pastor. It appears that the mother church shared the pastor th Timber Ridge Church until the Rev. William Leftwich was called Hind 1823. If so, then the Rev. James H. L. Moorman and the Rev. lliam Harris would have served this church, during this period of time, treral ministers have come out of Timber Ridge Baptist Church or have en members of the body, are as follows: George W. Leftwich, Merri- in Lunsford, W. D. Barr, John Mills, S. T. Hahle, Nathan Wingfield i Jesse Witt, brother of the famous Daniel P. Witt and close companion Jeremiah Bell Jeter. Jesse Witt was the first appointed domestic Dme) missionary to the West by the General Assembly. One of the many interesting items in the study and preparation of Tiber Ridge history was the number of black members on the church 1 in the early 1800's. There were 80 black members and 40 white ?mbers at one time listed on the church roll. The Rev. George W. iftwich, a member of Timber Ridge Church, was very active in aiding d helping the black people in the Strawberry Association. He was itrumental in establishing the African Baptist Church in Lynchburg, [n March, 1945, a few members looked out on the field and saw it is white unto harvest. The need of more space was realized to care the increasing number of pupils in the Sunday School. The church
=Titinued praying and working toward this goal and in October, 1945, i Sunday School began a building fund. Work began on July 19, 1948, raise the present building and build classrooms in the basement and i job was completed on September 25, 1948.
in 1953, the church voted to build a six-room brick case parsonage th the job going to J. D. Arthur, contractor. Work began in June and August 31, 1953, the dedication service was held. The Rev. D. C. Craig is the first pastor to occupy the new parsonage.
In 1954 Timber Ridge Church voted to go into a full-time program d called the Rev. Alton W. Jessee on December 12, 1954 as the first
| 1-time pastor. The church purchased new pews and furniture for the sanctuary in
^)5. The pews and furniture were given as memorials to relatives,
fends and former pastors, n 1959 the church voted to brick case the church building at a cost $5,232.
155
The church once again was feeling growing pains and a need for mor ;: Sunday School space was realized. May 28, 1966, the church voted t $ construct an educational plant and install a baptistry in the presen jju sanctuary. The plans were prepared ,by the Bedford Lumber Co. an* t the contract was awarded to them. The building was brick cased an^ &\ electric heat installed, and the cost of the construction was arouni '% $23,000. The Rev. William H. Pearson was pastor at the time of thi ft construction. There was approximately $8,000 pledged by several familie H before construction began. On June 16, 1968, a dedication and mortgag burning service was held with the Rev. Carl Sizemore leading in th services. I
In 1970 an air-conditioned unit was installed in the main auditorium at a cost of $1,400, and on July 17, 1971, a central air-conditioning uni was installed in the parsonage.
The church began a bus ministry in 1971 with the purchase of tw< buses. A pastors study was also built in the basement of the parsonage
In 1973-74 a new sanctuary with a seating capacity of 500 was con structed, including a fellowship hall, classrooms, library and a pastor, study.
Timber Ridge Church has experienced a phenomenal growth \\ membership and a record number of baptisms in the past four years. ,
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH
."•
A history of Trinity Baptist Church, located at the corner of Lyle and Pinecrest Streets in Bedford, musf go back to 1959 when the Bedford Baptist Chapel was started as a mission of Bedford Baptist Church.
156
le chapel met in the former Clark Building at Jackson and Grove
ets and the pastor was the Rev. R Wendell Sodergren. June, 1962, with 62 members the chapel became a self-supporting
ich, unanimously chose the name Trinity Baptist Church and con- i ed to worship in the Clark Building.
i iter the removal of Bedford Baptist Church from East Main Street i lakwood Street there was organized in August, 1961, the Main Street | ;ist Church with a membership of 40. This membership purchased i Orange property on East Main Street to provide space and facilities > the congregation. In 1962 this church was received into the Straw- l y Association.
) istors of Main Street Baptist Church were the Rev. Samuel Harvey & -1962, the Rev. Henry Irvin 1962-1963 and the Rev. Charles F. Wilson j -1965.
' l October 28, 1964, Trinity Baptist Church merged with Main Street ^tist Church under the name of Trinity Baptist Church. The newly i nized church met in the Clark Building with the Rev. Charles F. f ion as pastor.
August, 1967, the properties committee of the church investigated a I ere parcel of land, the Cheatham property, on Lyle and Pinecrest t ets. In August, 1968, the church voted to sell the pastorium on East t i Street and purchase the Cheatham property to build a church. i 'ound was broken March 29, 1970 for the new church building. The I jegation had purchased in September, 1969, the Evans residence E ining the Cheatham property as a pastorium. In November, 1970,
:»ngregation sold the Clark Building. The new church was completed
•ecember, 1970, and dedication held March 28, 1971. July, 1969, the Rev. L. Gale Lyon, pastor, and Robert F. Johnson,
:ord businessman, traveled to Uganda in East Africa for an evangelis-
nission in which over 125 decisions were made for Christ. July, 1972, the church started its bus ministry.
WALNUT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH
Walnut Grove Baptist Church, located in the Goose Creek valley five
!s north of Montvale, dates its beginning as 1874 but there was a
e of worship in the area prior to that date.
le first known place of worship was a Methodist Church just above
Dscar Broughman residence, about six miles north of Montvale. The
i it was built is not established but it was prior to the War Between
States and the site was donated by James Bunch.
x>se Creek runs at the foot of the elevated point of which Smyrna
"ch stood. It was a plain one-room building, heated by an open-
>lace. The only furniture was a small table and homemade benches.
Ininent among its early members were the families of John Cofer,
[iam Arrington, Forgie, Noell, James Bunch, etc.
r those days, they either walked through fields, crossed creeks on
i:>sed rocks or just plain jumped across, climbed fences or rode horse- Each family called for his neighbor, who proudly appeared
157
dolled in their Sunday ,best with spirits high and with a pride in reveren for their meeting house. Some of our older members recall that some our elderly sisters wore sun-bonnets and veils over their faces. It also noted that our ladies all rode side saddles and wore long, full flowii riding skirts over their regular costumes, this being done to prote their dress, hose and shoes from dust or perspiration from horses, an of course, this brings to our minds the horse-blocks, where the dam and damsels mounted and dismounted their prancing steeds.
During the War Between the States this building was used as a scho One morning, to the sorrow of all interested, the building went down flames. As soon as these pious saints of old recovered from the shcx of this loss they set diligently to work and erected a building simil; to Smyrna, just below the Albert Dickens residence, in a grove abo^ the old road that led to Montvale thus moving their building down tl valley about two miles.
The Baptist had an organized church, Mount Zion Baptist Church ea of Montvale, but that being quite a distance away they united with tl Methodist and it was then that they changed the name from Smyrna j Walnut Grove. This building also served as a school for a number | years with Major Thompson and Mr. Dickens teaching there for sever years. The Rev. L. M. Saunders was pastor of the Methodist Churc and the Rev. George P. Luck of the Baptist church. The two denom nations held meetings and established a friendship that has lasted t the present day.
In 1868 the people decided to build a new church. The Sunday Scho< had a picnic and all the people gathered at Walnut Grove. The visitin ministers made addresses. A sumptuous and delectable dinner wa served on the grounds, and the older people got together to make plan
158
building a new church. The Rev. George P. Luck had charge of the eting, he gave the land and $100 in money. The rest worked and jre what they could. It wasn't an easy task as they hadn't gotten |»r the effects of the war. This was a nice frame building and located hort distance from the other church on a high elevation. A Mr. Blount Botetourt was selected as contractor and Mr. Kistling and Mr. Hall, m Penicks, helped to build it. This church was dedicated on the rd Sunday in June, 1870, by the Rev. W. R. Gitt. The trustees were an A. DeWitt, Methodist; Capt. N. C. Luck, Episcopalian; Mitchell :ing, Presbyterian; and Capt. Tankersley, Baptist.
\t first the church only had candles for light. One of the members tde holders and tacked them to the wall. Some time after that Mrs. Read rode horseback through the valley and collected money for the nps for the church. The denominations worked in perfect harmony i the church continued to grow. In 1906 the people went to work to ild a new church. It was erected by J. M. Ferrell, Alonza Noell and lliam Smith with the help of others.
In 1907, at Thanksgiving, it was dedicated by the Rev. Ben Becham
listed by the Rev. John W. Carroll, Methodist pastor, and the Rev.
I J. Dogan, Baptist. The following April the new church burned down.
Undaunted by the loss, the members began to study how to build
tather. E. W. Luck knew there were nice poplars on the Luck estate.
,-s. Schenk, Mrs. Barnette, Doctor Luck, and the Rev. James P. Luck
.ve enough of these for weather-boarding. Some of the men went with
j\ Luck to the woods and cut the logs. Hugh Garrett and Rosser Ferrell
uled the logs, had them sawed and put on the church grounds. Mr.
(mire and sons of Penicks came and dressed the lumber, Andrew Miller
, d his force of men from Buchanan came and put up the new church.
,ie Rev. R. L. Cawley was pastor of the Baptist church and the Rev.
* W. Royall the Methodist church. This church was dedicated July 4,
09, by the Rev. R. J. Dogan and the Rev. Shackford.
(This church is continuously being improved. In 1938 electric lights
i?re installed. In 1942 Sunday School rooms and an auditorium were
ided in the basement through the vision and leadership of the Rev.
M. Roberson, Baptist minister. In 1949 the grounds were graded,
fned and fertilized and sown in grass. This improved the grounds
satly.
There have been a number of preachers from this community, some ft whom the three Welch brothers, John Wood, J. M. Luck, J. P. Luck, lbert Cofer, R. H. Luck and E. W. Luck served as superintendents of e Sunday School for quite a number of years.
!A committee composed of Mrs. Pearl McDaniel, Mrs. Margaret Ar- Kigton and Miss Helen Luck discussed putting carpet in the church and is project was carried.
Later an organ was purchased with Mrs. Annie Virginia Garrett being e promoter of this project.
■In 1960 the latest improvement of notoriety was the installation of e memorial windows, the vision of Mrs. R. H. Luck. ■tA brass set of candle-holders and cross was presented by Miss Ella
159
&
Lee Cofer in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hobson Cofei A brass baptismal bowl was presented by Mrs. Ruby Forgie.
In 1965 a kitchen was installed and equipped with an electric stov and refrigerator given by Joy Cook and the floor tile by Mrs. Wellingto: Luck. At this time a well was drilled.
In 1966 the interior of the church was given a face lift by installin beams overhead, painting, and a new lighting system (memorial chande liers.) Walker Burdette deserves honorable mention for this improve ment.
In 1973 a new piano was purchased for the church and the interior o the church remodeled and painted.
The Rev. James Pascal Luck was ordained at the church September 16 1887. He was a son of the Rev. George P. and Nannie Buford Luck anc ft born April 4, 1856, in Goose Creek valley. His father and a brother . the Rev. Julian M. Luck, were ordained at Mount Zion Baptist Church
He was educated at Sunnyside Academy in Bedford County and ir 1889-1890 at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served a; pastor of at least 17 churches in the Strawberry Association. He diec . November 13, 1913, at his home in Bedford and is buried in Oakwooc Cemetery in Bedford.
PASTORS OF ASSOCIATION CHURCHES
Beaverdam
i
Joshua Burnette 1804-1824, James C. Leftwich 1830, Thomas C. Goggini 1847-1855, Thomas N. Sanderson 1855-1870, Joseph R. Harrison 1870, James A. Davis 1875-1884, James P. Luck 1887-1889, James A. Davis 1889-1890, James P. Luck 1891-1893, Josephus A. Barnhardt 1893-1899, W. T. Henderson 1899-1901, Horace L. Wilkinson 1902-1910, George H, Broyles 1910-1912, Cyrus L. Eubank 1912-1913 (supply), Walter G; Hughes 1913-1915, D. A. Thomas 1915-1918, S. B. Moses 1919-1920, T. Edison Goad 1921-1922, J. M. Nester 1925-1927, Frank A. Brumfield 1928- 1936, Leonard Prillaman 1937-1938, George C. Lynch 1939-1941, J. E. Sassaman 1942-1943, Frank A. Brumfield 1944-1945, J. M. Nester 1946- 1947, Frank A. Brumfield 1948-1953, W. H. Kissinger 1954, William F. Schroeder 1955-1957, Thomas E. Weringo 1958-1961, Carl H. Lee 1962-1964, Carroll B. Welch 1966-1974, Dr. Gordon L. Keller 1974-1976 (supply), Dennis E. Moore 1976-
Bedford
Nathaniel Shrewsbury 1797-1798, Isham Fuqua 1798, James H. L. Moorman 1810, William Harris 1814-1847, Francis M. Barker 1847-1854, Alexander Eubank 1855-1859, Andrew Broaddus, Jr., 1862, James A. Davis 1864-1872, Dr. Cornelius Tyree 1872-1882, Dr. John T. Kincanon 1884-1886, George C. Abbitt 1887-1889, W. F. Kone 1890-1891, R. L. Motley 1891-1894, William S. Royall 1895-1904, Charles W. Collier 1905-1913, Charles T Kincanon 1913-1915, Dr. Hugh C. Smith 1915-1923, J. Lester
160
ine 1923-1929, Dr. Harry P. Clause 1930-1944, A. G. Carter 1944-1954, ?ne F. Moffatt 1955-1959, Dr. Harry P. Clause 1959 (supply), J. Marshall alker 1960-1973, Dr. Woodrow W. Clark 1973-1975 (supply), Dearl L. ince 1975-
Bethel
W. T. Coats 1879-1880, William D. Barr 1881-1886, John H. Pearcy
,87-1889, James A. Davis 1890-1892, Dr. William F. Fisher 1893-1894,
I R. Brown 1894-1895, Joseph M. Street 1896-1903, M. W. Bloxom 1904-
ii06, James M. Coleman 1907-1911, E. B. Morris 1912-1913, Richard F.
sicks 1914-1919, Simpson G. Callison 1919-1922, Andrew W. Connelly
3)23-1924, B. L. Peters 1924-1934, Ira A. Campbell 1935-1938, L. Preston
^rown 1938-1939, John B. Thurman 1939-1944, A. M. Fox 1945-1948,
lul R. Morton 1949, H. L. Hanshew 1950-1953, Samuel B. Tucker 1954-
| >56, J. C. Reynolds, Jr., 1957-1960, Bernard W. Camden 1961-1963, John
Campbell 1965, John B. Thurman 1966-1967, Samuel C. Crawford 1961-
>)75, S. W. Elliott 1976-
Bethlehem
John Anthony, Jr., 1804-1822, Thomas C. Goggin 1855, J. J. Little
358-1859, George W. Leftwich 1859, Alexander Eubank 1861-1863, Charles
. Anthony 1870, Alexander Eubank 1876-1880, John T. Rhodes 1881,
William D. Barr 1881-1883, Charles L. Anthony 1884-1890, Alexander
:ubank 1891-1895, Charles L. Anthony 1896-1899, Alexander Millar 1900-
,'903, Dr. John T. Kincanon 1905-1909, Horace L. Wilkinson 1910-1915,
homas B. Hawkins 1916, Henry L Thomas 1917-1921, Mathias B. Major
022-1927, Thomas B. Hawkins 1928, James E. Poteet 1929-1931, Henry L.
Ihomas 1932-1933, Hubert L. Cooper 1934-1940, M. O. Harvell 1941-1945,
Hubert L. Cooper 1945-1955, Ernest G. Cary 1956-1959, Frank S. Cooper
:959-1963, C. A. Echols 1963-1964, Hubert L. Cooper 1965-1971, Randall P.
layne 1972-
i Big Island
] Gabriel Gray 1886-1888, Reuben B. Boatwright 1889-1891, James G.
/'buncill 1892-1895, J. Paul Essex 1895-1897, W. B. James 1897-1901, Dr. ames P. McCabe 1902-1904, William S. Royall 1905-1906, John W. Guy nd Willie E. Guy 1907-1908, James P. Luck 1909-1910, William L. Hayes 910-1913, C. Kelly Hobbs 1914-1918, R. E. Brown 1920-1925, J. Mack ranklin 1926-1937, Everett S. Vaughn 1938-1952, T. Graham Lester, Jr.
J952-1957, Lucien R. Freeman 1958-1975, Eugene C. Campbell 1975-
Diamond Hill
h
James A. Davis 1873-1874, John L Lawless 1875, Gabriel Wheeler, Jr., 876-1878, William J. Cocke 1879-1880, Samuel H. Dooley 1880-1881, harles L Anthony 1883-1884, Alexander Eubank 1885, James P. Luck
161
■;,- 'i
1888-1889, James A. Davis 1890-1891, Reuben B. Boatwright 1892, CharL L. Anthony 1893-1894, Josephus A. Barnhardt 1895-1896, James E. Pote 1897-1899, W. H. Parker 1900-1902, Josephus A. Barnhardt 1903-190 James E. Poteet 1907-1910, Cyrus L. Eubank 1911-1913, Walter G. Hughi 1914-1917, S. B. Moses 1918-1921, T. Edison Goad 1922-1923, George ( Turner 1924-1925, Omar G. Burnett 1927-1929, G A. Chocklett 1930-193 Luther C. Coffman 1933-1937, A. C. Lawson 1938, Jesse V. Ashwe 1939-1950, Hubert L. Cooper 1950-1956, Lewis C. Hall 1958-1960, Joh T Dennis 1961, Frank S. Cooper 1962-1964, Hubert L. Cooper 1965-
US
Flint Hill f
lie
Alexander Eubank 1870, N. M. Leslie 1873-1874, James A Davis 187! Gabriel Wheeler, Jr., 1876-1878, William D. Barr 1880-1882, Charles 1 g| Anthony 1883-1884, James P. Luck 1889, James A. Davis 1890-189: Reuben B. Boatwright 1892-1894, Joshua T. Thornhill 1895, Josephus / Barnhardt 1896-1898, W. T. Henderson 1899-1904, Dr. John T. Kincano 1906-1907, A. M. Rittenour 1908-1909, R. L. Cauley 1911, Walter G. Hughe 1913-1916, Horace L Wilkinson 1920-1936, Andrew W. Connelly 1937-193' Fred Harcum 1940-1942, Frank A. Brumfield 1943-1948, R. T. Smith 1949 [ 1951, D. C. Craig 1954, Grady C. Dickens 1955-1958, Ralph K. Ham 1959-1961, Everette H. Chapman 1963-1965, Mervin J. Garrison 1966-196 Paulus E. Bryant, Jr. 1969 (supply), William F. Carson 1970 (supply)' Dr. Harry P. Clause 1971 (supply), Norman A. Gooding 1971
Forest
Dr. William F. Fisher 1893-1894, Joseph M. Street 1896-1903, M. "W Bloxom 1904-1906, James M. Coleman 1907-1911, Richard F. Hicks 1914 1919, Simpson G. Callison 1920-1922, B. L Peters 1923-1935, Ira A. Camp, bell 1936-1938, L. Preston Brown 1939-1940, John B. Thurman 1941-1945, A. M. Fox 1946-1947, Paul R. Morton 1948-1949, H. L. Hanshew 1950-1953 Guy H. Newman 1955-1957, A. H. Morgan 1958-1960, Dr. Dancy S Dempsey 1961-1962 (supply), George E. Reynolds 1963-1966, John B Thurman 1968-1974, Sanford A. Dean 1974-1975 (supply), Howard W, Welling 1975-
Glade Creek
Merriman E. Lunsford 1829-1832, John N. Johnson 1832-1833, William! McDermed 1834-1835, Merriman E. Lunsford 1855-1857, T. P. Fellers 1858-1861, Robert R. Lunsford 1862, Merriman E. Lunsford 1863, Gabriel Wheeler, Jr., 1876, Robert R. Lunsford 1878-1903, E. C. Root 1904-1906, Dr. John T. Kincanon 1906-1912, George H. Broyles 1912-1920, Thomas E. Boorde 1920-1923, W. L. Naff 1925-1927, George H. Broyles 1928-1938,! F. L Holland 1938, Jesse V. Ashwell 1939-1945, Hubert L. Cooper 1945- 1952, O. R. Humphreys, Jr., 1953-1955, J. M. Nester 1956-1957, Kenneth E. Noe 1958-1960, Charles E. Davis 1961-1962, Philip D. Moran 1963-1967,.: Earl B. Denoff 1967-1972, Cyril W. Holland 1973-
162
.
Hunting Creek
^enjamin Milam 1831-1835, William Harris 1851-1858, Alexander
lank 1859-1867, T. B. Gatewood 1868, William Fisher 1869-1875, John
Uwless 1876-1880, F. M. Satterwhite 1881, A. Judson Reamy 1882-1893,
liam Fisher 1884-1887, John R. Fizer 1888, Reuben B. Boatwright
9-1891, James G. Councill 1892-1894, J. Paul Essex 1896-1897, W. B.
*ies 1897-1901, Dr. James P. McCabe 1902-1904, William S. Royall
5-1906, Willie E. Guy and John W. Guy 1907-1908, James P. Luck
9-1910, William L. Hayes 1910-1913, C. Kelly Hobbs 1914-1918, Penn
'Anthony 1919, R. E. Brown 1920-1925, J. Mack Franklin 1926-1937,
llsrett S. Vaughn 1938-1952, T. Graham Lester, Jr. 1952-1957, Woodrow
I Neal 1958-1961, James T. Campbell 1963-1968, Sanford A. Dean 1970-
fcl (supply), Howard A. Stokes 1971-1976, Sanford A. Dean 1976-
I ppiy)
Mentow
dexander Millar 1901-1904, Horace L. Wilkinson 1904-1919, Henry L.
Dmas 1919-1922, Mathias B. Major 1922-1924, James E. Poteet 1925-
.2, Hubert L. Cooper 1933-1937, A. C. Lawson 1937-1939, R. E. Dunkum
9-1940, Edgar P. Roberson 1941-1951, Rolen C. Bailey 1952-1955,
pert C. Wells 1955-1961, Robert L Camden 1962 (supply), Joseph S.
fcinnan, Jr., 1962-1965, Robert L. Camden 1965-1966 (supply), Howard
[•Smith, Jr. 1966-1969, A. Donald Anthony 1970 (supply), C. Merrill
\ -odson 1971-1975, James R. Elrod 1975-
Morgans
Nathaniel Shrewsbury 1771-1798, Joel Preston 1798-1805, Joshua Bur-
;te 1805-1806, William Leftwich 1806-1838, James C. Leftwich 1838-
U, Thomas C. Goggin 1841-1848, James C. Leftwich 1850-1852, William
rris 1852-1853, Thomas C. Goggin 1853-1855, William Harris 1856-1859,
omas N. Sanderson 1860-1863, Thomas C. Goggin 1864-1873, Gabriel
1 leeler, Jr., 1874-1886, James P. Luck 1888-1889, James A. Davis 1889-
!)2, Reuben B. Boatwright 1892-1894, Joseph us A. Barnhardt 1894-1896,
I. John T. Kincanon 1896-1899, James P. Luck 1900-1903, Horace L.
1 lkinson 1903-1920, Mathias B. Major 1921, S. B. Moses 1922-1924,
I race L. Wilkinson 1924-1933, Andrew W. Connelly 1934-1939, Fred
[ rcum 1939-1942, Dr. Benjamin F. Bray 1950-1951 (supply), Andrew L.
bumate 1952-1953, Harold B. Oyer 1954-1967, Luther R. Vann 1968-1969
ppply), G. Palmer Belcher 1969-1971, David E. Brooks 1972-
Mount Hermon
[George Rucker 1809-1810, Enoch W. Terry 1818-1826, Jesse Witt 1827, '•remiah Hatcher 1831, William Leftwich 1834, Alexander Eubank 1857, }L. Gwaltney 1858-1859, William Harris 1863, James A. Davis 1870-1874, !hn L. Lawless 1876-1880, F. M. Satterwhite 1881, A. Judson Reamy 32-1883, James A. Davis 1885-1887, Reuben B. Boatwright 1889-1893,
163
James P. Luck 1894, J. Paul Essex 1895, Dr. John T. Kincanon 1897, W, James 1898-1901, W. T. Henderson 1902-1904, James P. Luck 1906-1$ A. M. Rittenour 1908-1909, James P. Luck 1910-1913, C. Kelly Hobbs 19' ft 1918, Penn A. Anthony 1919, Horace L. Wilkinson 1920-1925, Mathiaa Major 1926-1927, Lewis D. Craddock 1929-1933, Frank A. Brumfi 1935-1948, John B. Thurman 1950-1951, Thomas E. Weringo 1952-1S Eugene C. Campbell 1954-1959, Bobby C. Buchanan 1960-1962, S Elliott 1963, Floyd D. Crenshaw 1964, E. C. Brewer 1965-1967, CarL Davis 1968-1969, N. C. Napier 1970-
I »■
Mount Olivet
■;;
■:;■
William Leftwich, Jr., 1832-1835, George W. Leftwich 1835, Thomas wt Goggin 1855-1859, Joseph R. Harrison 1861-1863, Alexander Euba 1870-1874, James A. Davis 1875-1888, J. D. Berry 1889, James P. Lu 1890-1892, James B. Cook 1893-1894, James P. Luck 1895-1899, W. , Henderson 1899-1904, James P. Luck 1905-1913, Walter G. Hughes 19]' 1916, Horace L. Wilkinson 1918-1933, Andrew W. Connelly 1934-19: Fred Harcum 1940-1942, Andrew W. Connelly 1942-1946, J. M. Fogg 19 D. Carwile 1946 (supply), Neal W. Ellis 1947-1948 (supply), R. T. Smi 1948-1951, Charlie M. Shelton 1952-1954, Grady C. Dickens 1954-19! Norman A. Hicks 1959-1969, Dr. Harry P. Clause 1966-1967 (supplj George E. Reynolds 1967 (supply), Robert E. Thompson 1970-1973, I Harry P. Clause 1970-1971 (supply), A. Donald Anthony 1973-19 (supply), John S. Virkler 1974-
Mount Zion
I
Alexander Eubank 1855, J. P. Carron 1857-1863, Woodward R. G 1870, James A. Davis 1873-1889, J. K. Gait 1889-1891, James B. Ox 1892-1894, Horace L. Wilkinson 1895-1903, Dr. John T. Kincanon 19C R. L. Cauley 1906-1907, A. M. Rittenour 1909, James P. Luck 1911, Waltj G. Hughes 1914-1916, R. E. Ingram 1918-1919, J. Mack Franklin 1920-192; Francis H. Harrison 1926-1929, L H. Urquhart 1931, Charlie M. Robersci 1932-1944, Elbert M. Yeatts 1945-1947, Charlie M. Shelton 1949-1951 Harold B. Oyer 1952-1953, Woodrow W. Glass 1954-1955, Charles / Echols 1956, William C. Mattox, Jr., 1956-1957, Bernard W. Camdq 1959-1960, Thomas E. Weringo 1963, Phillip E. Day 1965-1967, Harold Oyer 1968-1974, Vernon V. Jennings 1974-1976, Daniel W. Smith 197t;
:
Mountain View
James P. Luck 1892, Robert R. Lunsford 1892-1896, J. Paul Essex 189 W. H. Parker 1897-1906, R. L. Cauley 1907-1909, Walter G. Hughes 1911 1917, George H. Broyles 1917-1920, Thomas E. Boorde 1921-1923, W. I Naff 1925-1928, L. H. Urquhart 1929-1938, Jesse V. Ashwell 1938-1941 L. W. Gammon 1941-1943, Elbert M. Yeatts 1944-1947, Charlie M. Shelto: 1948-1950, Harold B. Oyer 1951-1952, J. M. Nester 1952-1956, Charles 4
164
i;hols 1956-1957, C. L. Hepler 1962, Thomas E. Weringo 1963-1964, lillip E. Day 1965-1969, Vernon V. Jennings 1969-1970, Phillip E. Day 1(70-1971, Robert P. Steinmetz, Jr., 1971-1972, Milford F. Garrett 1973- I I
New Prospect
William Harris 1858-1859, Thomas N. Sanderson 1861, Joseph R. Harri-
in 1863, Woodward R. Gitt 1873, Gabriel Gray 1874-1878, John L. Law- ss 1880, C. F. James 1881-1882, James A. Davis 1883-1889, J. K. Gait 190-1891, James B. Cook 1892-1894, James P. Luck 1895-1897, William S. pyall 1900, Horace L. Wilkinson 1901-1906, R. L. Cauley 1908-1911, ndrew J. Coons 1912-1914, James M. Coleman 1915-1917, R E. Ingram ►18-1919, J. Mack Franklin 1920-1925, Francis H. Harrison 1926-1929,
'orace L. Wilkinson 1930-1931, Charlie M. Roberson 1932-1945, J. M.
ogg 1946, William Duncan 1954, Willard Courtney 1954-1958, James T.
rail 1959-1961, A. T Powell 1963-1966, Basil Ferrell 1968-1970 (supply),
Jr. Harry P. Clause 1972 (supply)
I Ninevah
II James E. Poteet 1899-1913 and 1915-1917, Thomas B. Hawkins 1917- 18, C. B. Peters 1922-1923, W. A. Hawley 1923-1924, J. M. Nester 1924- 27, Frank A. Brumfield 1927-1937, George C. Lynch 1938, Jesse V.
-Ishwell 1939-1942, G. D. Caldwell 1943-1947, Logan S. Cronk 1948-1951, 'rank S. Cooper 1952-1954, O. T. Jacobs 1954, T. R. Brown 1955, A. N. ooley 1956-1958, Gerald E. Conn 1959, R. T. Rieley 1965-1966 and 1969- )70, Roy D. Smith, Jr. 1970-1972, Arthur J. Chisom 1973-1975, Scott R. abrielson 1976- (supply)
North Bedford
'John R. Fizer 1881-1885 and 1888, Reuben B. Boatwright 1889-1891, ^imes G. Councill 1892-1895, J. Paul Essex 1896-1897, W. B. James 1897- feoi, Dr. James P. McCabe 1902-1904, William S. Royall 1904-1907, Willie E. Guy and John W. Guy 1907-1908, H. T. Allison 1909-1910, 3/illiam L. Hayes 1910-1913, C. Kelly Hobbs 1913-1917, Henry B. Jennings,
-., 1917-1918, William S. Royall 1918-1922, B. L. Peters 1925-1928, J. H. Pranklin 1928-1935, Ira A. Campbell 1935-1939, L. Preston Brown 1939- |l941, John B. Thurman 1941-1947, A. M. Fox 1947-1948, Paul R. Morton SM8, H. L. Hanshew 1949-1953, Garth Long 1954, J. C. Reynolds, Jr.,
)55-1961, Randall P. Layne 1961-1967, Earl Clarkson, Jr., 1968-1970,
harles K. Stinson 1970-
Norwood
Joseph M. Street 1900, Horace L. Wilkinson 1901-1903, M. W. Bloxom
^04-1906, James M. Coleman 1907-1911, Walter G. Hughes 1913, Robert
|J, Hicks 1914-1919, Simpson G Callison 1919, Horace L. Wilkinson 1921-
J23, B. L. Peters 1924-1934, Ira A. Campbell 1937, L. Preston Brown
165
1938-1940, John B. Thurman 1941-1945, A. M. Fox 1946-1947, Paul Morton 1948-1949, H. L. Hanshew 1949-1953, Daney D. Dunn 19541 William T. Vest 1955-1959, Bernard W. Camden 1959-1963, E. C. Brewei i 1965-1966, Nelson K. Barese 1967-1975, Luther L. Lemon, Jr. 1976 : (supply)
i t I il
10
Palestine
Ahner Anthony 1850-1870, Charles Wood 1862-1870 (assistant), Thomas* s C. Goggin 1871-1877, Charles L. Anthony 1878-1881, William D. Bar; 1882-1884, Thomas C. Goggin 1885-1887, Charles L. Anthony 1888-1896 f G. Robert Haley 1897-1907, James S. Lynn 1908-1910, Franklin P. Robert son 1911-1920, George G. Turner 1921-1925, Franklin P. Robertson 19261 Omar G. Burnett 1927-1929, G. A. Chocklett 1930-1931, Hubert L. Cooped 1932-1936, A. C. Lawson 1937-1939, R. E. Dunkum 1939-1940, Edgar P i Roberson 1941-1951, Rolen C. Bailey 1952-1955, Robert C. Wells 1903 ¥ 1961, Joseph S. Stirman, Jr., 1962-1967, Jesse V. Ashwell 1967-196* (supply), John H. McDaniel 1968-1969, A. Donald Anthony 1970 (supply) Henry B. Land, Jr. 1971-
Pecks
Dr. John T. Kincanon 1896-1912, Horace L. Wilkinson 1912-1916, i Thomas B. Hawkins 1916-1917, Henry L. Thomas 1917-1921, Mathias B. Major 1922-1927, Thomas B. Hawkins 1928, James E. Poteet 1929-1936,ib Luther C. Coffman 1937-1949, John B. Thurman 1949-1951, Charlie M. Shelton 1952-1954, Tearle P. Brown 1954-1957, John F. Layton, Jr., 1957 1959, Dr. Lewis E. Martin 1960-1962, Dr. Harry P. Clause 1962-1963 (supply), Bobby C. Buchanan 1963-1967, John L. Hawkins 1967-1972, Robert E. Sherrill 1973-1975, Dr. Harry P. Clause 1976 (supply), Arthur J. Chisom 1976-
Pleasant View
Alexander Eubank 1879-1880, J. H. Pearcy 1891, Dr. William F. Fisher 1893-1895, Joseph M. Street 1896-1899, Horace L. Wilkinson 1900-1902, Joseph M. Street 1903, M. W. Bloxom 1904-1906, James M. Coleman 1907-1909, W. W. Townsend 1912, Richard F. Hicks 1914-1919, Simpson G. CalUson 1919-1922, Andrew W. Connelly 1923-1929, N. L. Loflin 1930-1937, Herman C. Inge 1938-1939, Frank A. Brumfield 1940-1942, John B. Thurman 1943-1944, T. Edison Goad 1946-1948, John B. Thurman 1950-1951, Morris E. Campbell 1952-1954, Guy H. Newman 1955-1957, J. R. Duffie 1959-1973, Robert L. Thompson 1973-1974 (supply), Dr. J. G. Henry 1974-
:
Quaker
Alderson Weeks 1810, Zachariah Whorley 1828, Zachariah Whorley and Merriman E. Lunsford 1829-1830, Merriman E. Lunsford 1831, Zachariah Whorley 1833-1835, James C. Leftwich 1849, Abner Anthony 1853-1854,
166
n mas N. Sanderson 1855-1856, William Harris 1857, George W. Leftwich lt-1864, C. W. Wood 1865-1869, Charles L. Anthony 1870, Gabriel K .-jeler, Jr., 1872-1876, William W. Fuqua 1877, William J. Cocke 1877- !"[, Alexander Eubank 1878-1879 (supply), Charles L. Anthony 1879- I ), William D. Barr 1880-1885, Gabriel Wheeler, Jr., 1886-1887, Alex- u er Eubank 1887-1894, Dr. John T. Kincanon 1895-1905, James S. Ji n 1906-1909, Horace L. Wilkinson 1910-1919, Henry L. Thomas 1920- ! ., Mathias B. Major 1922-1927, Thomas B. Hawkins 1928 (supply), fines E. Poteet 1929-1935, Andrew W. Connelly 1936-1939, Fred Harcum ti 1-1942, Luther C. Coffman 1942-1950, Dr. Wesley N. Laing 1950 i'.oply), Charlie M. Shelton 1950-1954, Tearle P. Brown 1954-1957, John loayton, Jr., 1957-1959, Wilbur C. Kirchner 1960-1962, Dr. James L. ) d 1963 (supply), Lester F. Gayton 1963-1965, George C. Lynch 1965 fcpply), Olin V. Glidden 1966-1967, William F. Carson 1967-1968 i )ply), Gilbert M. Profitt 1968-1975, A. Donald Anthony 1975 (supply), fc'>ert M. Profitt 1975-1976 (supply), Arthur H. Bishop 1976-
Radford
amuel T. Habel 1902, James S. Lynn 1903, Charles L. Anthony 1906- 5, James E. Poteet 1917-1919, Omar G. Burnett 1927-1929, G. A. I cklett 1930-1932, Hubert L. Cooper 1933-1937, A. C. Lawson 1938, R. E. ) lkum 1939-1941, Edgar P. Roberson 1942-1951, Hubert L. Cooper 1M957, Grady C. Dickens 1958, Ralph K. Harris 1959-1961, Bobby E. Knett 1963-1964, Haywood Calvert 1965-1966, Hubert R. Hart 1967- fi, A. Donald Anthony 1968-1969 (supply), Tommy C. Floyd 1969-
Rainbow Forest
hillip C. Day 1969-1971, Garney J. Day 1969-1971 (assistant), Guy R. I twright 1971-1974, Wessley C. Patterson 1974-1975 (supply), Richard t Moran 1975 (supply), Phillip C. Day 1975- (supply)
Sedaha
(
indrew J. Coons 1914, H. L. Nicholas 1915, Walter G. Hughes 1916, In A. Anthony 1918-1920, Edwin J. Hopkins 1922, W. P. Brooke 1924, bert E. L. Chadwick 1926-1928, Lewis D. Craddock 1929-1937, Frank ij3rumiield 1938-1946, Jesse V. Ashwell 1947-1956, Eugene C. Campbell ■ 7-1959, Bobby C. Buchanan 1960-1962, Johnny C. McBride 1962-1963, I Harry P. Clause 1963 (supply), James H. Keaton 1965-1967, George Reynolds 1968-1971, Jack R. Miller 1972-
Shady Grove
Dseph R. Harrison 1861-1863, Gabriel Wheeler, Jr., 1869-1870, James Oavis 1874-1878, Gabriel Wheeler, Jr., 1879-1889, James A. Davis 1890- IL, Reuben B. Boatwright 1891-1893, Gabriel Wheeler, Jr. 1894, r;phus A. Barnhardt 1895-1896, James E. Poteet 1898, Horace L. Wilk-
167
inson 1899, W. T. Henderson 1899-1903, James P. Luck 1905-1908, A. Rittenour 1908-1909, George H. Broyles 1910-1920, Thomas E. Booi 1921-1922, W. L. Naff 1925-1927, George H. Broyles 1928-1942, Earl Dodson 1942-1944, Elhert M. Yeatts 1944-1948, Charlie M. Shelton 19' 1950, Harold B. Oyer 1952-1953, Woodrow W. Glass 1954-1955, WilliJ C. Mattox, Jr., 1956-1958, Marvon C. Patterson 1958-1962, Garney J. E 1963-1966, Andrew B. Moon 1967-1968 (supply), Elmer W. Sellers 1969-
Staunton
f
William Johnson 1790-1792, Teass 1793, William Johns
1794, John Black 1802, Joshua Burnette 1803, Luke Bird 1809 (suppl; Joseph Burroughs 1818-1822, Abner Anthony 1827-1866, Thomas C. Gogi 1867, Charles L. Anthony 1878-1882, Thomas C. Goggin 1883-1884, Chari L. Anthony 1885, Thomas C. Goggin 1886, William D. Barr 1887, Pe. A. Anthony 1888-1890, Charles L. Anthony 1891-1894, G. Robert Hal 1895-1900, James P. Luck 1900-1901, James S. Lynn 1901-1908, Char] L. Anthony 1909-1914, James E. Poteet 1915-1919, George G. Turner 195 1925, Omar G. Burnett 1927-1929, G. A. Chocklett 1930-1932, Hubert Cooper 1932-1934, J. E. Poteet 1936, Hubert L. Cooper 1937, A. C. Laws' 1938-1939, R. E. Dunkum 1940-1941, Edgar P. Roberson 1942-1951, Hubt L. Cooper 1952-1957, A. A. Blanks 1958-
Suck Spring
Isham Fuqua 1805-1810, William Harris 1814-1865, Thomas C. Gogg 1865-1870, James A. Davis 1871-1873, Gabriel Gray 1873-1882, A. Juds< Reamy 1882-1885, William D. Barr 1885-1888, James P. Luck 1888-18* J. K. Gait 1890-1891, James B. Cook 1892, James P. Luck, 1893-191 Andrew J. Coons 1912-1915, H L Nicholas 1915, Walter G. Hugh 1915-1917, Perm A. Anthony 1917-1921, Edwin J. Hopkins 1921-1922, W. Brooke 1923-1925, Robert E. L Chadwick 1926-1929, Robert L Camd( 1929 (supply), Lewis D. Craddock 1929-1937, Frank A. Brumfield 193 1947, G. D. Caldwell 1947-1950, Thomas E. Weringo 1950-1953, James . McKittrick 1953-1956, Dewey V. Page 1956-1959, Thomas M. Mishoe 196 1970, C. V. Cochran 1970 (supply), Wilton O. Gleaton 1971-
Terrace View
George G. Turner 1921-1925, Robert E. L. Chadwick 1926-1928, Willia) S. Royall 1929-1932, Luther C. Coffman 1933-1942, John B. Thurma 1942-1944, A. M. Fox 1944-1945, Thomas E. Weringo 1946-1948, John 1 Thurman 1949-1951, Morris E. Campbell 1952-1954, Dr. Henley M. Fugal 1955 (supply), J. C. Reynolds, Jr., 1956-1960, Dr. Joseph E. Johnso 1960-1963 (supply), Dr. Dancy S. Dempsey 1963-1964 (supply), D Joseph R. Johnson 1964-1965 (supply), Dr. Dancy S. Dempsey 1965-196 (supply), Samuel C. Crawford 1968-
168
Thaxton
lomas N. Sanderson 1857, Nathan Lesly 1858, J. L. Gwaltney 1859,
-lam Harris 1861-1863, Alexander Eubank 1870-1876, James P. Luck
1879, Alexander Eubank 1880, James A. Davis 1881-1884, Alexander
jank 1885-1889, James P. Luck 1890-1908, James M. Coleman 1909-
, Andrew J. Coons 1913-1914, James M. Coleman 1915-1917, R. E.
am 1918-1919, J. Mack Franklin 1920-1925, Francis H. Harrison 1927-
ll, Andrew W. Connelly 1930-1931, Charlie M. Roberson 1932-1946,
\> Cline L. Vice 1947-1951, N. C. Napier 1952-1968, C. V. Cochran 1969
S )ply), W. Johnson Gupton, Jr., 1970-
Timber Ridge
i'ham Fuqua 1805-1810, James H. L Moorman 1811-1814, William
ris 1814, Merriman E. Lunsford 1823, William Leftwich 1823-1828,
W> Fuqua 1828-1831, William Leftwich 1831-1848, Francis M. Barker
;i-1853, William Harris 1854-1855, Alexander Eubank 1855-1856,
'mas C. Goggin 1856-1861, James A. Davis 1862-1871, William Fisher
! -1872, James A. Davis 1872-1873, Dr. Cornelius Tyree 1873-1883, Dr.
i T. Kincanon 1884-1886, George C. Abbitt 1886-1887, J. D. Berry
^'-1888, James P. Luck 1889-1894, Dr. John T. Kincanon 1894-1899,
liam S. Royall 1900-1905, Charles W. Collier 1905-1911, Robert D.
ite 1911-1914, Henry B. Jennings, Jr. 1914-1917, Penn A. Anthony
f'-1920, Jasper N. Newsom 1920-1921, Edwin J. Hopkins 1922, W. P.
jbke 1923-1926, Robert E. L. Chadwick 1926-1928, Lewis D. Craddock
J-1933, Luther C. Coffman 1933-1950, Charlie M. Shelton 1950-1952,
2. Craig 1953-1954, Alton W. Jessee 1954-1956, John R Boon 1957-
k, Dr. Harry P. Clause 1961 (supply), G. Milton Bettini 1961-1964,
\l W. Ellis 1964 (supply), William H. Pearson 1964-1967, Neal W. Ellis
(supply), Carl E. Sizemore 1967-1969, A. Donald Anthony 1969-
l) (supply), William H. Pearson 1970-
'■;
Trinity
Wendell Sodergen 1962-1963, Charles F. Wilson 1964-1965, Donald ^oleman 1965-1967, L Gale Lyon 1967-1974, A Donald Anthony 1974- '» (supply), Herbert D. Holton 1975-
Walnut Grove
abriel Gray 1875-1881, C. F. James 1882, John R. Fizer 1883-1885, ihaniel C. Burnett 1886, William D. Barr 1887, James A. Davis 1888- :), J. K. Gait 1890-1891, James B. Cook 1892-1894, William S. Royall
)-1900, R. J. Dogan 1901-1902, W. T. Henderson 1904, Nathaniel C. snett 1906, R. L Cauley 1908-1911, Andrew J. Coons 1913-1914, James -Coleman 1915-1917, R. E. Ingram 1918-1919, J. Mack Franklin 1920- 13, Francis H. Harrison 1927-1928, Charlie M. Roberson 1933-1945, "M. Fogg 1946, Thomas E. Weringo 1951-1952, Edgar P. Roberson
I (supply), Eugene C. Campbell 1955, Charles A. Echols 1957-
169
APPENDIX B
MEN SERVING THE DENOMINATION
Presidents of the General Association from the Strawberry Association
Jeremiah B. Jeter 1854-'57*
Daniel P. Witt 1861-'62*
Robert Ryland 1862-'63
William E. Hatcher 1888-'90*
R. A. MacFarland 1926
T. Claggett Skinner 1929-'31
B. F. Moomaw 1934-'35**
Walter P. Binns 1944
R F. Hough 1946, 1954**
Aubrey H. Camden 1948* **
Wade H. Bryant 1951
Charles L. Harman 1956*
W. Curtis English 1957**
Albert E. Simms 1960
R. P. Downey 1962
W. Barker Hardison 1972
Charles G. Fuller 1974
Secretaries
Eli Ball 1831-'32
Hugh C. Smith 1891-1930
Roanoke Roanoke Salem
Roanoke
Salem
Roanoke
Statistical Secretaries
Charles C. Bitting E. J. Wright
Preachers of Annual Sermon at Virginia General Associatior
Eli Ball 1837
Robert Ryland 1839
J. B. Jeter 1843, 1877*
A. M. Poindexter 1845, 1858
170
C. Bitting I860, 1865
aniei P. Witt 1863*
>rnelius Tyree 1870, 1891
. E. Hatcher 1872*
C. McConnell 1900
Claggett Skinner 1912
J. Wicker 1914*
unes E. Shelburne 1923 Danville
. M. Thompson : 1935
>sef Nordenhaug 1946
erbert R. Carlton 1948
, D. Johnson 1951 Danville
F. Campbell 1953
'. W. Shrader 1954
any Y. Gamble 1955 Roanoke
ouglas M. White 1963 Bassett
r. Barker Hardison 1964 Roanoke
hevis F. Home 1966 Martinsville
harles G. Fuller 1969 Roanoke
Jnless stated preacher has been a pastor in the bounds of the association ; of the last 100 years.)
Members of the General Board of the General Association, Organized in 1921
. A. MacFarland 1921-'25
Calvin Moss 1926-'29**
. Claggett Skinner 1929-'33
. A. Diuguid 1934**
L. Langley 1935-'38
. C. Shotwell 1939-'43**
. L. Randolph 1944-'45
. G. Carter 1946-1850
eorge Rumney 1950-'51
Alliam M. Thompson 1952-'56
IL W. Gentry 1956-'59** [. H. Stembridge 1960-'61
I ussell Cherry 1962-'63
. MarshaU Walker 1964-'67
f. C. Napier 1968
.. R. Freeman 1969-'75
lbert W. Hassell 1976-**
*Native i*Layman
171
MEN SERVING IN THE ASSOCIATION Superintendents of the Associational Sunday Schools
1938 W. H. Bullard*
1939 V. W. Nichols* 1941-'44 Luther C. Coffman 1945-'50 E. P. Roberson 1951 George T. Herring 1952-'56 T. G. Lester, Jr. 1957-'58 W. C. Mattox, Jr. 1959-'61 Dewey V. Page 1962 H. Lawson Smith*
1963-'64 James T. Campbell
1965 L. R. Freeman
1966 James T. Campbell
1967 Mervin J. Garrison 1968-'69 L. Gale Lyon 1970 Earl B. Denoff 1971-'72 Norman A. Gooding 1973-'76 B. G. Finnell, Jr.*
I }■
I'-
ll
■■
Directors of Associational Training Unions
|
1935 |
Ira Campbell |
1964 |
J. R. Duffie |
|
|
1936-'44 |
B. C. Davis* |
1965 |
Everett W. Chapman |
|
|
1945 |
Kenneth E. Crouch* |
1966 |
Mrs. W. S. Arthur* |
|
|
1946-'50 |
Cline L. Vice |
1967- |
'69 |
Carroll B. Welsh |
|
1951-'56 |
Vergil L Robertson* |
1970 |
Fred Sawyer* |
|
|
1958 |
William T. Vest |
1971- |
'72 |
Nelson A. Barese |
|
1959 |
M. C. Patterson |
1973- |
'74 |
W. A. Hale* |
|
1960 |
Robert C. Wells |
1975- |
'76 |
W. H. Burnette, Jr.* |
|
1961-'63 |
John R. Boon |
|||
|
* Layman |
1 1
rl ?■ :■
(■ ; I
i
!■ I
i : c
li LEADERS OF WOMEN'S WORK
Date Place Superintendent (*)
1890 Miss Willie Bowman .
1891 Miss Willie Bowman
1892 Miss Willie Bowman
1893 Miss Willie Bowman
1894 Mrs. Charles R. Smith
Aug. 7, 1895 — Morgans Mrs. Charles R. Smith
Aug. 5, 1896— Lynch's Mrs. Charles R. Smith
Aug. 5, 1897— Pecks Mrs. Charles R. Smith
1898 — Diamond Hill Mrs. Charles R. Smith
Aug. 9, 1899— Timber Ridge Mrs. Charles R Smith
1900 Mrs. Charles R. Smith
Aug 7, 1901 — First Presbyterian, Lynchburg Mrs. Charles R. Smith
Aug. 6, 1902— Suck Spring Mrs. Charles R. Smith
Aug. 6, 1903— Difficult Creek Mrs. Charles R. Smith
July 28, 1904— Bedford Mrs. Charles R. Smith
Aug. 9, 1905 Mrs. Alexander Millar
1906 Mrs. Alexander Millar
Aug. 6, 1907 — Bedford Presbyterian Mrs. Alexander Millar
1908 Mrs. J. Mack Franklin
172
■:
.•
) Mrs. Charles R. Smith
;. 10, 1910— Palestine Mrs. Charles R. Smith
\r 26-27, 1911— Big Island Mrs. Charles R. Smith
/ 2-3, 1912 — Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg .... Mrs. Charles R. Smith
f 7-8, 1913— Forest Mrs. Charles R. Smith
/ 22-23, 1914— Flat Creek Mrs. Charles R. Smith
t.22-23, 1915— Thaxton Mrs. Charles R. Smith
> 18-19, 1916— Bedford Mrs. W. A. Woodruff
/ 17-18, 1917— FranKlm Street, Lynchburg Mrs. W. A. Woodruff
/ 22-23, 1918 — Timber Ridge Mrs. W. A. Woodruff
;. 16, 1919— Suck Spring Mrs. W. A. Woodruff
t 20-21, 1920— Forest Mrs. W. A. Woodruff
f 19, 1921— New Prospect Mrs. W. A. Woodruff
y 17-18, 1922— Boones Mill Miss Emaline Thornhill
Y 18, 1923— Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg Mrs. Charles Marshall
y 22, 1924 — Thaxton Mrs. Charles Marshall
/ 21, 1925 — Franklin Street, Lynchburg Mrs. J. Mack Franklin
y 20, 1926— Bedford Mrs. J. Mack Franklin
Y 19, 1927 — College Hill, Lynchburg Miss Elsie Gilliam
3 Miss Elsie Gilliam
Y 23, 1929 — First Baptist, Lynchburg Miss Elsie Gilliam
f 2, 1930— Franklin Street, Lynchburg Miss Elsie Gilliam
il 24, 1931— Bedford Miss Elsie Gilliam
I Mrs. W. S. Royall
•ch 2, 1933— Bedford Mrs. W. S. Royall
•ch 1, 1934 — First Baptist, Lynchburg Mrs. W. S. Royall
•il 12, 1935— Bedford Mrs. W. S. Royall
il 7, 1936— Bedford Mrs. W. S. Royall
•il 13, 1937— Bedford Mrs. W. S. Royall
Y 21-22, 1938— Bedford Mrs. W. S. Royall
/ 6, 1939— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
•il 11, 1940— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
(til 10, 1941— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
HI 9, 1942— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
HI 8, 1943— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
til 13, 1944— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
111 12, 1945— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
t- il 11, 1946— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
[••'•il 10, 1947— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
HI 8, 1948— First Baptist, Lynchburg Mrs. W. F. Hickey
HI 14, 1949— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
f--ch 23, 1950— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
Irch 22, 1951— Bedford Mrs. W. F. Hickey
HI 3, 1952— West Lynchburg Mrs. W. F. Hickey
pch 26, 1953— Bedford Mrs. H. M. Fugate
111 6, 1954— Bedford Mrs. H. M. Fugate
j-uary 6, 1955— Bedford Mrs. H. M. Fugate
fuary 6, 1956— Bedford Mrs. H. M. Fugate
j*uary 10, 1957— Bedford Mrs. H. M. Fugate
luary 7, 1958— Bedford Mrs. H. M. Fugate
173
March 31, 1959— Bedford Mrs. H. M. Fugj
April 10, 1960— Bedford Mrs. Harry P. Clai;
Mrs. J, L. McGhs
January, 1961— Thaxton Mrs. J. L. McGl
October 18-19, 1962— Franklin Street, Lynchburg Mrs. J. L. McGh;
April 4, 1963— Forest Mrs. J. L. McGhj
April 2, 1964— Bedford Mrs. J. L. McGh!
April 8, 1965— Hunting Creek Mrs. J. L. McGh
April 7, 1966— Thaxton Mrs. J. L. McGh
April 13, 1967— Bedford Mrs. Robert N. Kre
April 4, 1968— Thaxton Mrs. Robert N. Kre
April 10, 1969 — Morgans Mrs. Robert N. Kre
April 9, 1970— Bedford Mrs. Robert N. Kre
April 8, 1971— Trinity Mrs. Hobart F. Markha
April 6, 1972— Quaker Mrs. Hobart F. Markha
April 5, 1973— Shady Grove Mrs. Hobart F. Markha
April 4, 1974— Thaxton Mrs. David E. Broo!
April 17, 1975— Flint Hill Mrs. David E. Broo
April 1, 1976— Suck Spring Mrs. David E. Broo:
(*) Presiding officer of organization known as Vice President 1890-19C
DAUGHTER ASSOCIATIONS
Strawberry Baptist Association, Organized 1776
Churches from this association as members of other associations in tv states:
In North.Carolina
M7'
Yadkin, 1786
Mountain, 1799 became anti-missionary
Brier Creek, 1821
Jefferson, 1849
New River, 1871 partly in Virginia
In Virginia
Staunton River, 1788 became anti-missionary
Albemarle, 1790
New River (old), 1793
Pig River, 1825 became anti-missionary
Pittsylvania, 1841
Valley, 1841
Blue Ridge, 1859
Staunton River, 1951
Lynchburg, 1965
174
kiYom the old New River fl Greenbrier, 1801
>rom the Greenbrier
K
P Teay's VaUey, 1812
r
from Albemarle
I
i Piedmont, 1903
1
^rom Valley
j Highlands, 1958 Natural Bridge, 1955
i
r.^rom Blue Ridge
| Franklin County, 1956 [ Henry County, 1957
175
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sejiuipuedxg |BOCT| |
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•UOI88JW euJOH |
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in oo CO CO to o |
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pezi^deg jeqtunN |
en <- CM CO |
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co co m co r>- |
»- CO CN CN CO CM «- CM CM CM |
f"- CO CO O) CO CM CM CM «- *- |
CM *t CO CM O) |
cm oo in «- o |
|
|
Membership and Financial Data |
"5 > |
October 31, 1787 May 31, 1788 October 4, 1 788 May 30, 1 789 October 3, 1 789 |
May 29, 1790 October 2, 1 790 May 28, 1791 October 1, 1791 May 23, 1792 |
October 6, 1 792 May 25, 1793 October 5, 1793 May 31, 1794 October 1, 1796 |
May 27, 1797 October 7, 1 797 May 26, 1798 October 6, 1 798 May 25, 1799 |
October 5, 1799 May 31, 1800 October 4, 1 800 May 30, 1801 October 4, 1801 |
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lueiujiojug 100405 Aspuns |
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sojniipuedx^ UOjSSjft |
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sejruipuedxg IBOon |
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SUOiSSIft ouioh |
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diquequieyy |
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CO CO CO CO CO CM CM CM CM CM |
CO «- 0 «- 10 CM CM CM CM «- |
O) r*» r» 0 a •-»-«- CM r |
|
|
Membership and Financial Data |
1 > |
May 29, 1802 October 2, 1 802 May 28, 1 803 October 1, 1803 May 16, 1 804 |
October 6, 1804 May 25, 1805 October 5, 1 805 May 31, 1806 May 30, 1807 |
October 3, 1807 May 28, 1808 October 1, 1808 May 27, 1 809 October 7, 1809 |
May 26, 1810 October 6, 1810 May 25, 1811 October 5, 1811 May 30, 1812 |
CM CO <| 5 m 00 * a """, 00 *". 5 | CO *~ CM *" «- 0 >. 0 >. c 0 m jj « | 05o5C |
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luouj||Oi'jg uoiun Buiufftij. |
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)U0ui)|OJU3 looips Aspuns |
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tejruipuodxg UOISSjft |
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suojtsiyv uBisjoj |
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00 CO |
o» «- in -<* *- co r» p* ■<* O) r» r** r» o> o |
co oo o r- O CM CO CM .- CO <* CO |
1,699 1,014 1,048 |
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pezjideg joquirifg |
r^ ID Oi o> CN mi- *- r*» |
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CM CM CM CM CM |
o o o o o CM CM CM CM CM |
«- CM CN CO <» CM CM CM CM CM |
CO 00 CD CO CO CN «- «- «- t- |
|
|
Membership and Financial Data |
o > |
May 27, 1815 October 7, 1815 May 25, 1816 October 23, 1816 May 24, 1817 |
October 4, 1817 May 30, 1818 October 3, 1818 May 29, 1819 October 2, 1819 |
May 27, 1820 September 30, 1820 May 26, 1821 October 6, 1821 May 25, 1822 |
October 5, 1822 May 24, 1823 October 4, 1 823 May 29, 1824 October 2, 1824 |
May 28, 1825 October 1, 1825 May 27, 1826 September 30, 1 826 May 26, 1827 |
137
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uBiajOj |
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diqsisquievM qojnqQ |
1,142 1,215 |
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2,015 2,204 |
1,915 1,933 1,955 |
m o to r>. co cc O) G)C |
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<t in *- CO |
co cm in r» co in |
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co ** m co co CM CM CM CM CM |
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CO co 00 CO 00 CM CM CM CM CM |
|
|
Membership and Financial Data |
■ a > |
October 6, 1827 May 24, 1828 October 4, 1 828 May 30, 1829 October 3, 1829 |
May 29, 1830 October 2, 1 830 May 28, 1831 October 1, 1831 May 26, 1832 |
October 6, 1 832 May 27, 1833 October 5, 1833 May 24, 1834 October 4, 1 834 |
May 5, 1835 October 3, 1835 May 28, 1836 October 1, 1836 May 27, 1837 |
September 30, 1837 May 26, 1838 October 6, 1838 May 25, 1839 August 31. 1839 |
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luouj||OJU3 jooips aiqig uoijboba |
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l»JOUJ||OJUg looips Aupung |
1,875 1,849 2,201 |
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co «- en cm *- O i-. co ^- tj- Tt in t- CM CM CM CM CM |
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2,256 1,186 |
1,702 1,761 1,926 |
2,391 2,344 |
2,356 2,334 1,577 |
^ CM O CO 01 r» «- O) co <t co co r* 0> cm CM* CM" — — CM |
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|
|
Membership and Financial Data |
a 9 > |
September 5, 1840 May 1, 1841 September 4, 1841 May 7, 1842 September 3, 1842 |
May 18, 1843 September 2, 1843 May 11, 1844 August 31, 1844 May 10, 1845 |
September 6, 1845 May 9, 1846 September 5, 1846 May 8, 1847 September 11, 1847 |
May 13, 1848 September 2, 1848 May 1 2, 1 849 September 1, 1849 May 11, 1850 |
August 2, 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 |
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ju»uj||Oiuy looips Aepung |
u> r» *t y- co m T- to <o to r^ r»_ cm" cm cm cm cm cm" |
co oo in oo co «- t- r~ ** to co to *~» r»K p* «- co r» CM CM CM CO CM" CM* |
co r- w- m in «- oo oo in cm in «- O oq to CO co >* co" cm" co" co" co" ^-" |
4,023 4,148 4,250 4,100 2,300 4,067 |
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On August 28-30, 1790, at Eaton's Meeting House, a branch of Flat x:k Church, on Dutchman's Creek the first Yadkin Baptist Association as organized by delegates from 14 churches. For four years prior to '90 the Yadkin Association had operated as an arm or branch of the rawherry Association. The 14 churches in the Yadkin Association >rganized in 1786 as an arm or branch of the Strawberry Association) ere
Name County
eaver Creek Wilkes County, N. C.
ew River Watauga County, N. C.
orth Fork Wilkes County, N. C.
riar Creek Wilkes County, N. C.
juth Fork of Roaring River Wilkes County, N. C.
itchell River Wilkes County, N. C.
ead of Yadkin Caldwell County, N. C.
oaring River Wilkes County, N. C.
imber Ridge Rowan County, N. C.
*rsey Davidson County, N. C.
rassy Knob Iredell County, N. C.
atawba River Burke County, N. C.
unting Creek Yadkin County, N. C.
ye Valley Wythe County, Va.
205
APPENDIX E
QUERIES PRESENTED TO THE ASSOCIATION
Queries and Their Answers
A "QUERY" is a question, especially an inquiry to be answered o: solved. It may involve a question in the mind, or a doubt, as I have query about his sincerity. As a verb it means to examine by questions or to question the truth or corrections of something.
In the Articles adopted for the Strawberry Baptist Association ir Catawba Meeting House, October 5, 1822 — When a Church wants the assistance of the Association, she must make her wishes known in hei letter, to the Association meeting, either by query or request, and i: reasonable the Association will pay respectful attention to it.
We consider some of the queries which arose within the Strawberry Baptist Association. They cover a wide range of subjects, and give u a distinct idea of the thinking and needs in the functioning of th churches. We cannot begin to cover all the queries that arose, but here are a sampling of some of the more significant queries and the answers
1789 — Query from Strawberry Baptist Association to the Genera Committee of Baptist Associations in City of Richmond. "WHAT IS i BAPTIST CONSTITUTION?" The answer came in a letter to the Straw berry Association meeting August 8-10, 1789. "We answer THE BIBLE There is none other like it. . . . A Bible Baptist is the best appellatioi for us. . . . Neither the Committee nor any association have any righ to disrobe churches of their independence.
May 25-27, 1822. Timber Ridge Meeting House. Query proposed b; the Committee on Arrangements: What particular points of faith shouli be indispensably attended to by Presbyteries, in the ordination of minister of the Gospel? (In Baptist usage a Presbytery, evidently mean a council of ministers and perhaps some laymen.) The answer wa presented, by a special committee, October 5, 1822 in Catawba Meetin House in Botetourt County. It was a detailed summary of Scriptur truth agreed upon by the Ministers and Messengers of Strawberry Dis trict Baptist Association as fundamental principles of their belief.
Queries on Ordination of Ministers
May 1791 — Where is the power of ordination of ministers and wh have the right of administration of the ordination of Gospel Ministers Answer — The power is in the Church and the administration in th Presbytery.
206
: October 1791 — What mode shall we fall upon to be uniform in the
:amination and ordination of ministers?
nswer — We recommend to the churches, when they have a minister I ordain, that they call for a Presbytery of ministers to examine him
id if found qualified, to ordain him by fasting and prayer and imposition hands. Moreover, we advise that such Presbytery be composed of the ■ jlest ministers that can be conveniently obtained, to prevent further - iread of the ordination of unqualified ministers.
; October 7, 1793 — Is any Presbytery authorized by the Word of God ( ordain any to preach the Gospel and administer the ordinances who
•e not called to take a pastoral charge of a church?
nswer — We think there is no ordination of a minister, but to the \ ork of the ministry.
I Again — Is it desirable for young ministers to preach out of the bounds f: the Church to which they belong without the approbation of said .hurch?
! nswer — NO!
i October 1804 — The first request, from a Church, for the appointment Hi an ordination Presbytery by the Association. Goose Creek Church ;,. "quested the appointment of a Presbytery to enquire into the qualifi- i itions of Brother William Leftwich for the ministry, as also of Brethren ; ichaxd and Jesse Turner for the office of Deacons, and, if qualified, to j--dain the same.
j May 1807 — From Goose Creek Church. Are the powers of a Church ibmpetent to the restoration by her minister or pastor, who has been i ^communicated for transgression, to his former standing? If so, whether Iny and, if any, what regulations ought to be made relative to credentials f. such ministers?
I nswer — We think the Church has power, but we advise such a Church /• call for the best helps, that she conveniently can, to assist her in that Liportant business and to make such regulations relative to the credential \i' such minister as they may deem necessary. Vi October 1807 — Is it right for a preacher, who has been ordained in
le Baptist order and, after that, excommunicated, to hold his cre- dentials? If not what measures shall be taken in such cases? jmswer — It is not right that he should retain them but, if retained
ter they are demanded by the Church, the Church should advertise it in |'e public papers.
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t Duties of Ministers
October 1788 — Whether a minister has a right to baptize any person
:cept their experience be first received by some church of the same
ith and order?
nswer — A majority vote said they have.
,May 1789 — Whether a minister has a right to baptize any person in ,e bounds of a church except their experience be first received by some , urch of the same faith and order?
lswer — They have not.
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May 1790 — Whether one minister is sufficient to ordain officers aw constitute churches? Answer — NO!
Again — Whether an ordained minister, moving into another churcl and there called to his office, has need of being reordained? Answer — NO!
October 1790 — Whether the apostolic practice of laying on of hand on newly baptized persons is not obligatory upon us? Answer — After a good deal of debating, by a majority, that it is.
May 1799 — Has a Church a right to act when a minister or othe, Church officers do not attend Church meeting? Answer — In the affirmative.
May 1800 — Is it agreeable to the Word of God for ministers to marr on the Sabbath and receive their pay? Answer — We think it no crime, provided the minister does not neglec his religious duties.
October 4, 1802 — Is it advisable for Baptists to encourage and go ti hear any man preach who is not in good standing? Answer — NO!
October 3, 1803 — What is a Church to do with a preacher who fre quently drinks himself drunk, makes his acknowledgments and repeat his sin?
Answer — In the first place, deal with him according to Matthew 18, am if the fruits of repentance be discovered to the satisfaction of the Church let him be restored.
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Baptism and the Lord's Supper
May 1803 — Is it advisable for a Baptist Church to receive a Tunkan into their fellowship unless he submits to this baptism? Answer — NO!
May 1806 — Is it scriptural to rebaptize a person who has been baptize in faith by immersion? Answer — Negative, provided the same be done agreeable to the Baptis faith and order.
October 1810 — Is it scriptural to rebaptize a person who has bee/ baptized agreeable to the Baptist order but in unbelief? Answer — We do not consider baptism valid, being administered to ) subject in unbelief.
May 29, 1790 — Whether, according to our Constitution — (They ha* nothing but the Bible until 1822) — we can commune with other societie, or denominations? Answer — NO!
May 25, 1793 — Is it legal for Baptists to commune with any society? Answer — We think not.
Heresy Among Members
In October, 1797, the Association declared Universalists "out of fellow ship".
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October 1801 — What ought to be done with a member who holds the I >ctrine of universal redemption from hell?
I nswer — Such a member ought to be dealt with in Gospel order, and I' he cannot be reclaimed, excommunicated.
; May 1805 — Is it extortion to sell corn amongst brethren at three i )llars per .barrel, at this time? f nswer — We think not.
i May 1809 — Is it scriptural when a member who has been guilty of • crime and comes before the Church and makes a satisfactory ac- \ lowledgment, for him to get up, on the Lord's day, and make the same : .'knowledgment to the congregation?
nswer — We think a brother is not bound in that case, i October 1809 — What shall be done with a preacher who holds and i reaches Arminianism, to the distress of his brethren?
•nswer — We have no fellowship with the principle, nor with any ! rother who propagates it.
i May 1813 — What shall be done with a Church which holds in fellow- lip a preacher who holds and propagates doctrines repugnant to the
;neral belief of Baptists? Answer — Such church should be labored with tenderly and faithfully, b> reclaim her from such error. If not reclaimed, withdraw from her.
I May 1814 — What shall be done with members who, for months to- gether, fail to fill their seats at Church meetings and who, by order of he Church, have been visited at different times and to no good effect?
jiswer — Deal with such members as transgressors. October 1817 — Is a member, who is head of a family, and does not
eep up worship in his family, eligible to any office in Church? iijiswer — We believe no member to be eligible to any office in the
!hurch, who is the head of a family and neglects to worship God in
ieir presence. Moreover, we believe no member of the Church of Christ Ijan frame an excuse to justify the omission of that important duty.
May 13, 1844 — Ought any Baptist minister who holds and teaches me doctrine that sinners ought not to pray, be invited to preach in our
ulpit or take part in the deliberations of this Association? ,.inswer — NO!
Vhether the doctrine of teaching sinners not to pray ought to be deemed
eretical?
inswer — We think it is heresy.
;Vhat course ought to be pursued with a member who holds it? Answer — Churches ought to pursue every kind measure to convince a
nember that he is wrong and, if he will not renounce the heresy and
lecomes or continues troublesome to the Church, then he or she ought Jo be excluded.
Feet Washing
August 2, 1858 — Should feet-washing, as enjoined in John 13:14, 15, >e observed in the Churches of Christ as a religious ordinance? Answer — "We are of the opinion that the washing of feet was enjoined
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in the passage referred to, not as a Christian institution, to be adminis I & tered in the Churches, as are baptism and the Lord's supper, but as ai I '•• act of kindness and condescension proper among those of the househol( p of faith. The washing of feet is never referred to in the Acts of th :-! Apostolic Epistles as a Church ordinance; but, is, by the Apostle Pau : • I Tim. 5:10, distinctly classed, not with baptism and the Lord's suppeii :c ■ but with the lodging of strangers, relieving of the afflicted, and othe erie good works. We are of opinion, therefore, that the obligation of fee t washing passed away with the social customs which rendered it an ac %> of hospitality; and that the duty is fulfilled, in its true intent, by acts o $ kindness and condescension among brethren." J. B. Jeter. Several wen jo opposed to its adoption. i «il(
tti Dismissing and Receiving Members pin
October 1804 — Is it right for an arm of a Church to excommunicatt f a member without an ordained minister or the concurrence of th*1 Church? Answer — In the negative.
May 1807 — What steps are necessary to be taken concerning member: who have removed to a remote place without applying for letters o dismission when they had it in their power to apply to the Church? Answer — It is the duty of the Church to write a friendly letter to sucl' member or members and enclose it in another letter to the Baptist Churcl most convenient to where they live.
October 1817 — Would it not be advisable in a Church having a giftec member, he not being her pastor, to give him up to a sister Church, i.i &) called for, he consenting thereto?
Answer — In the affirmative.
May 1821 — It is the opinion of this Association that a Church canno - receive a member excluded from another Church, without the conseni of the Church from which he has been excluded. i
October 1821 — What shall be done with persons who received letters! at the dissolving of a Church, of which they had been members, yet hold the same, and neglect to join themselves to a sister Church? Answer — This Association advise that any Church, being most con venient to the residence of such person or persons, cite them to the Church meetings, to show cause why they hold their letters, and that th€ Church or Churches make report at the next Association.
October 1826 — Does a Church act correctly in granting letters ol dismission to members when the circumstances evidence that the ap- plication for dismission grows out of a lack of fidelity to the Church or to any part of its members? Answer — It is the opinion of this Association that they do not.
October 1837 — What qualifications are required in a member who applies for a letter of dismission with a view of joining another Church of the same faith and order. Should it be answered that full fellowship with the Church includes every necessary qualification, then Query: What is indispensable to Church fellowship? On motion, the following is adopted as our answer:
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re consider it indispensable in granting letters of admission to members tat such members should be in full fellowship with the Church, and
; tat in this is included every necessary qualification. By full fellowship e do not mean that there shall not exist, to any extent whatever, con- icting or discordant views and opinions among members, as to matters id measures not of vital importance, for then should we require a erfect equality in capacity of mind, gifts and graces, but we do mean lat full fellowship, so far as the mental doctrines of the Scriptures, the
Ordinances and the government of a Church are involved, require a erfect unity among all those professing one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, xemplified by such a moral and godly department in all, that charity xild extend her hand to all, recognizing them with all their imper- ictions and weaknesses, as the dear children of God. It is, we are of pinion, the privilege of such (a right which they have not surrendered) lould they desire it, to remove their membership from one Church to nother of the same faith and order; and if so, the Church cannot in astice withhold her letter of dismission, no cause of complaint against tie applicant being known to exist, and that it is sufficient for the Church i granting such letters that such members fellowship the Church, as uch; but to interrogate them as to their motives, views and reasons particularly, we think uncalled for, wholly out of place, and but little hort of an invasion of private and individual right.
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Covenants
i May 1799 — Is it Scriptural for a Church to have a written covenant? \jiswer — We cannot find any positive Scripture to require a written :ovenant but advise every Church to act, in this respect, agreeably to heir light on Scripture, but to be very careful not to occasion rents or livisions in Churches.
May 1801 — It is decided that it is not necessary for a Church to have vritten rules of government, forasmuch as we have taken the Word of
<jod for the ground of our faith and the rule of our practice in all re- igious matters.
Miscellaneous
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October 1800 — What shall be done with a Church which neglects to
x>rrespond with us?
Answer — We think they ought to be admonished. If they remain
obstinate, they exclude themselves. October 1803 — Is it right for a man to use the office of a deacon and
his wife an unbeliever?
Answer — We think a man may use the office of a deacon although his
wife does not profess saving faith, provided she be of good report. . There are, on the records, many items of curious interest of which j time and space do not allow notice here. Those quoted have seemed , likely to be of some practical service or to set forth the frankness and
sturdy adhesion to convictions and principles by our predecessors.
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APPENDIX F
"IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED"
Time: 1857, a few weeks before the annual meeting of the Strawberry Association at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church.
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Scene I
Place: Lone Pine Post Office.
Characters: Jerry Noel, postmaster and store keeper; Tom Spinner owner of a big farm; Bill Sledd, a young farmer; and two boys Dick Karr and Hy Major. As scene opens Mr. Noel is completing the housekeeping in the store, picks up mail and sorts. Reads care and lays it down. Dick Karr and Hy Major are sitting on stort porch. Tom Spinner comes up and speaks to the boys.
Spinner — Howdy chaps, the rain gave you a day off? (He goes in the store.)
Hy — Here I am ready to marry Isabele at Christmas and Mr. Spinnei still calls me chap, don't he know I am a man.
Dick — Dickety do, you and Isabele going to jump the brookstick. Glad to know it.
Hy — Dick, if you tell I will nail your hide to the side of the barn.
Spinner — (Placing a sack of side meat on counter, picks up paper \ and reads as Noel completes his work.)
Noel — Howdy Tom, wasn't that a great rain we had last night? It, was good for the pastures and crops. I was beginning to think we were in for a long dry spell.
Spinner — Yes, but the grass will grow faster than me and my crew can chop. This morning the ground is so soft that one can hardly keep the critters out of the field.
Noel — (Looking into the sack.) Say, when are you going to bring, me a few of your good hams? The Relay House in Lynchburg is worrying me for a half dozen of them.
Spinner — I can't get shed of many this year. You and them will have to settle for some good sides and shoulders. We will need the hams for the association. You saw that I fetched a couple of sides today. Jane needs extra sugar since she is making more pickles and stuff than common. She also wants twenty yards of yellow cotton; seems that we need new sheets and things for the house and she don't have time to weave it.
Noel — July is almost here and we can't let the delegates down.
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iters Bill Sledd, they exchange greetings and he sets the egg basket down, strolls over to the counter and gets a sample of cheese from the cheese box. ledd — That sure was a rain last night. The road, below the church,
is washed out and the foot-log across North Otter is gone. oel — That will mean more work for the men. They had about gotten their crops in shape and they have to make arrangements for the stand in the grove, iedd — Just why is everyone getting the neighborhood so spruced up? I can't remember when every farmer had his hedgerows cut and all the bushes removed from the road. It seems that every fruit tree has been whitewashed. Even Lazy Charlie has put the post in his porch and hung a gate at the road, pinner — They are getting ready for the association meeting. All of us have made more garden, raised an extra beef and hog. Jane has hatched enough biddies to feed an army. ledd — So that is why Patience watches our flock closer than the hawks do and she wants an extra row of every vegetable. That little woman thinks I know about everything. I do recall they talked about the meeting of the association and building the seats at the stand at the last Saturday church conference.
'pinner — I can't go along with that meeting in the grove. The meeting house will hold all the brethren; the young people come to see and be seen and the women folk have their hands full feeding the people and caring for the young ones. What will the stand be for? Really, I don't have time to help build it. 'oel — Can't say that I agree with you, Tom. The women have been hankering for a place to meet and I understand old man Nick Pearcy's son, George, will be speaking there. Too, the slaves need a place to gather, ledd — Who is George Pearcy?
foel — He is a missionary from China; was raised in the Lisbon Com- munity and attended Mt. Zion Church.
/ledd — (Talking to himself.) Wonder if they will object to some men listening?
hitside the store
;>ick — Say, let's go down to the baptising hole and see if old Willie wants to play with a fish hook. I would love to catch that old cat fish. (Boys leave.)
'Joel — Bill, I forgot you all got a card from Patience's Uncle Joe Martin and Aunt Sue. Said they would be coming over for a visit in July. He wants to attend the association and Aunt Sue will help care for the little ones so Patience can do her share in entertaining the delegates.
'ipinner — I expect Mr. Martin will miss the Strawberry Association when the new Blue Ridge is formed. He has always represented the Leatherwood Church.
•ledd — (Looking at the card.) That's real nice of them. Hope we will have some time for family visiting. Say, why is this called the Strawberry Association?
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Noel — It was named for the church in which they held their firs meeting in 1776. The church was named for Strawberry Creel ._, that flows at the foot of the hill on which it is located in Pittsyl- . vania County. The name was not adopted until 1791 when th( association met at Hatcher's Meeting House, now Mt. Hermon They have had a meeting every year since they adopted the name . (Shaking his head.) Things certainly have changed. When I wa: }. a boy only the men attended and they had real preaching. Fom or five men would exhort for an hour and a half each. Last yeai ■,. they had two to preach and they just talked for about an houj each. This new fangle idea about programs don't sound too gooc to me.
Spinner — I went to see old man Hatcher Sunday and he was upse about it too. He recalls going with his father to the early meeting' and they did not have much of an agenda. They seemed to talk about things as they came up.
Sledd — What did a group do without something planned?
Spinner — From what Mr. Hatcher told me they had plenty to talK about and some of it seemed most enlightening. After I got home f I tried to make a list of some of the queries that were sent in foi discussion. I think I have it somewhere. (Searches in severa pockets and pulls out paper.) Here it is.
1. It is scriptural for a church to have a written covenant?
2. Does the church have a right to act when the ministers or of- ficers do not attend?
3. Is it agreeable to the scriptures for a minister to marry couple: on the Sabbath?
4. What should a church do who frequents the Mason's Lodge?
5. What should be done with a sister, after the death of her hus- band, who marries his brother and by him has children?
6. What should be done with a slave sister who is separated agains her will from her husband, and takes another one?
7. Was the apostolic practice of the laying on of hands on the newly baptised members to be an obligation to us?
8. What should a church do with a member who frequently drinki himself drunk, then repents after acknowledging his sin?
9. Can a slave be in full membership if his master does not allow him to be baptised?
10. Should women be allowed to speak in church? Sledd — They must have had some discussions. If I don't get home
I know one woman who will use her right to speak in her own
home. Good day, gentlemen. (He leaves.) Spinner — Jerry, weigh out my meat and get Jane's things ready.
I'll pick them up on the way back from Logwood's Mill. (He
leaves.) Noel goes about his duties.
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Scene II
;ene: On lawn of the Spinner home. Hhoir assembles, props removed and new one placed.) ,ick and Hy sit whittling. Dick gives a whistle and some girls appear, ick — I knew they would come.
"y — What of it? I don't have to whistle to get them. Jick — Shut your mouth! Want me to tell on you? Grirls sit on bench or spread a quilt. Some have handiwork while others just talk.) I atty — Susie, how is the edging going? usie — Not too well. I wish I had not started it for I do not think
I will get it finished by July, '•race — Mama just told me we would have five ministers on Saturday before the association begins. They will talk about the things to be discussed at the meeting and select the preachers who will lead the divine service on the Sabbath. fatty — Will it take them two days to do that?
rallie — I don't think so. Grandma says they will have the visiting
J ministers to speak at the church on Sunday morning and they will
do no other work. Grace, I expect everyone in the neighborhood
will be stopping by your house on Sunday afternoon to see and
talk with the preachers.
'Usie — I hope all five don't preach on Sunday morning; those seats
are too hard, ennie — Maybe some of them will preach on Sunday night. I love night preaching when the moon is full. The walk to the church through the oak grove is just wonderful. )ick — Sure, if the crowd is sorta scattered out. I know Hy will be all for the Sunday night service. Jennie, can I bring Willie — he likes you. ly — Alright, RICHARD, mind what you say. [ ennie — Don't worry about bringing Willie. Are you going? : )ick — If I get back from Liberty in time. Ptrirls — Liberty!! )ick — Yes, Pa is letting me drive over and pick up some of the things he has ordered for the farm. He wants everything ready before the association. 'Susie — I will be so glad when the association is over, all one hears is association, association. Papa says we will have fourteen to twenty delegates to spend the nights. That means boys to the hayloft and children to the palletts. ,iy — Good old Baptist palletts. I hope all our delegates are men. ?atty — I hope we get all men and young ones at that. Who knows
that my future may be one of them. ;3allie — Now, you would not like to leave the Lone Pine Community.
We would never see you again. Jrrace — I am not thinking about all the men and boys, but all that work. Killing and plucking twenty-five chickens, picking and cook- ing bushels of vegetables and all that baking. It should be ready to eat by noon each day.
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John — And cutting all that firewood.
Jim — Don't forget fetching gallons of water from the spring.
(Two small girls have entered and sit apart from the older girls.)
Helen — Grace, can I help pick chickens?
Charlotte — My mama says I am too small. I might get scalded t<
death.
David — What are those chaps doing? They sound like cackling hens Helen — We are saying the books of the Bible. Charlotte — What are the first five books of the Old Testament? Helen — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Nov
say the first five of the New Testament. Charlotte — Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts. Charles — What are the last five books of the Bible? Girls together — 1st, 2nd, 3rd John, Jude and Revelation. David — Why this sudden interest in learning all the books of th<
Bible? Helen — Elder Goggin is staying at our house and I know he will as!
me to say them. Charlotte — Aunt Sue and Uncle Joe Martin are staying with us anc
Aunt Sue thinks I should have known them last year. Susie — Show offs. (Man's voice from back of stage.) It is 1:30 and you boys should ge1
to the fields. (Boys exit and girls chat.) Grace — I think I will go and check the spring-house. The rain maj
have caused surface water to come in and we don't need water ir
the milk crocks. (Exit) Jennie — The boys must be thirsty. A drink of cold water would make
the chopping go faster. (Jennie goes out.) Susie — She is so forward. Dick does not care about her or any girl
But he will do a lot of looking at the association. Patty — It is too bad the guests coming Saturday are all men and nol
girls. Sallie — (Playing with her long hair.) Do you girls think we are toe
young to put our hair up. The visitors may think we are jusl
little girls like it is. (Woman's voice from back.) Sallie and Susie, it is time for you to
go home. Please come again, soon. Patty can come over one after
noon next week. Will you see that Charlotte gets home safely?
Patty, have Helen drive the cows to the milking lot. I have put
the milking pail on the post. (All exit.)
Scene III
As the choir sings "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", the stage is pre- pared for the last scene. Steps are placed in the center with rugged cross on top. An unlighted lantern is hung at the junction of the cross. Cover it with a blue drape, drape the steps with white and drop a red banner at the base. On either side have a boy with a U. S. flag and one with the Christian flag — stand about four feet from the steps. Group the youth in equal numbers to back of cross. Near the edge of stage on each side have two
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youths with unlighted lanterns. On one 1700's and the other 1800's. They wiD be lit later. The narrator stands near the cross, arrator — 198 years ago our country was seeking its freedom, an earthquake rocked Bedford County and our association was born. Now, nearly two hundred years later we should begin a period of reflection, recalling, re-evaluating, rediscovering and rededication.
It has been said if one does not reverence the past he will not be interested in contributing to the future.
These next two years will be a great time to reflect on and recall that which has taken place. The calm, deep dedication of those first leaders must somehow be recaptured by every member of every church as they seek to recall the past. Do we actually have more today than those who lived in 1776? Have we kept pace with our enlightment? Who will receive the most "well dones"? Go back and read your church's history, talk with the older mem- bers about the church of yesterday to see what contribution it made to the community and then make an honest appraisal.
Will we dare to stop and try to rediscover why early Baptists spent hours trying to solve their problems, meet their needs and fulfill their mission in their world? This was done without all the commotion of 1974, without the advice of boards, without policies handed from someone else or a multitude of committees and meet- ings. They did not seek answers from the Virginia General As- sociation, the Southern Baptist Convention or the Executive Com- mittee of the Strawberry Association. They just took time at the yearly meeting to discuss, debate, and discover the things that seemed to be of paramount importance at that time. Who knows more about your church and community and its need than you do? Somehow the early Strawberry Baptists seemed anxious to solve their own problems through Bible searching, prayer and dialogue. Have we lost the power they had in seeking solutions from those who knew little about what we are trying to do ox the needs of our local congregations? We need to rediscover the independent spirit of the late 17Q0's.
As we begin the celebration of 200 years of Baptist work in the Strawberry Association, let us try to catch the spirit of those whose dust hallows our county and the counties that made up the first association. Many sleep in unknown and unmarked graves. They rest in peace, having done what they could with what they had. They left the future in our hands. We are their tomorrows. Will God and those long gone be pleased with us? They laid strong foundations. Have we made the base wider or is what we do just a structure for today, leaving nothing for our tomorrows to build upon?
In the 1700's the lantern was one of the most useful items man owned. He used it for delivering messages, issuing a warning or guiding his steps. All of us recall Paul Revere's classic words, "One if by land and two if by sea." Where was the lantern hung? In a church steeple. Baptists in mid Virginia and North Carolina lit a lantern to deliver the message of freedom in the 1700's. An- other was lit in the 1800's to warn against much that would affect
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the church and its members and now in the 19O0's we are called upon to light the third lantern as a guide, not only for our owii members, but for all mankind. Will you help your church refuej the first two and light the third? This will enable all who by to be blessed and to become a blessing. The lanterns are hunj the wicks are trimmed — waiting for the match. Only your churcl can light the lantern that hangs from its tower, it has the match but may need the fuel replenished. When will you help to brightei the way? The darkness creeps toward each group of Baptists anc only light can drive it away. Are you willing to let the ligh shine from your church through you?
(The narrator removes the blue drape and drops it at the foa of the cross so as to make a red, white and blue base. The lanterr on the cross is lit and removed; the other two lanterns are als( lit. The narrator with 1900 lanterns leads the procession dowr the aisle and out of the church. The flag bearers follow the narrator and lantern bearers. The choir sings one stanza of "Lead on O King Eternal" before the group leaves the stage, and the remainder of the procession moves out of the building. The choir joins them and the last stanza is sung outside.)
This dramatic presentation was presented at the 1974 sessior of the Strawberry Association to open a two-year observance oi its bicentennial. The choir and a group of young people from Big Island Baptist Church gave this at the Mt. Olivet Church. It was written and directed by Mrs. L. R. Freeman.
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Leaders in the Association
Dr. C. A. Board Rev. Thomas E. Boorde Col. Aubrey H. Camden
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Miss Mary Cowling Rev. Alexander Eubank Mrs. A. H. Gregory
Dr. James E. Gwatkin Mrs. O. C. Hancock Rev. William Harris
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Leaders in the Association
Rev. Jos. R. Harrison Dr. William E. Hatcher Miss Alma Hunt
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Dr. Jeremiah B. Jeter Dr. John T. Kincanon Rev. Jas. C. Leftwich
Dr. Wm. A. Montgomery J. Calvin Moss Dr. Josef Nordenhaug
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Leaders in the Association
Miss Celeste Parrish Dr. Hugh C. Smith Rev. Grover M. Turner
Rev. Daniel P. Witt
Rev. Elbert J. Wright
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Jeter Female Institute
Located on Blue Ridge Avenue in Liberty (now Bedford) an' named in honor of Dr. Jeremiah B. Jeter.
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Ministers at 1914 Session
The earliest known picture of ministers in the Strawberry Association ■j one taken when the association met July 28-30, 1914, at Mentow aptist Church near Huddleston.
There was no identification made of that picture in the 1914 annual, owever, all but one minister in the group have been identified. In the above picture the ministers are as follows: front row, left to ght: unknown, Charles L. Anthony, Franklin P. Robertson, Walter . Hughes, George H. Broyles, James E. Poteet, Dr. William W. Hamil- >n (president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 1927- 942, and president of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1941-1942). ack row, left to right: Wiley P. Page, C. Kelly Hobbs, Horace L. /ilkinson, Dr. Oscar E. Sams (president of Carson-Newman College, )20-1927, president of Bluefield College, 1927-1930, and vice president E Mars Hill College, 1930-1952), Dr. William A. Ayers, Charles T. incanon, H. Hudnall Fairies.
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Oldest Church Building
The oldest Baptist church building in Bedford County that once membership in the Strawberry Association is old Stone Road Chur< which was Stone Road Baptist Church when in the association.
The building is located on Route 630 southwest of Huddleston, the eastern slope of the smaller of Smith Mountain near the upp portion of Leesville lake.
From 1829-1839 it was in the Roanoke (now Pittsylvania) Associati and again in 1923-1927. In 1853-1866 it was in Staunton River Prin tive Baptist Association and from 1891-1901 in the Strawberry A sociation.
The date it was built is not known nor are there any deeds record for the church, but it is regarded as being in existence in the Rev lutionary period and that Patrick Henry once spoke there. In rece years it has been used by various denominations for services.
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224
in 1950 the Virginia Baptist Board of Missions and Education pur- 'ased for $31,500 the 200-acre estate northwest of Lynchburg as a e for development of a state Baptist assembly center. The Board purchased the "Eagle Eyrie" estate from Carleton J. ephenson and his wife, Mrs. Florine Follit Stephenson, and has in- eased its size to 363 acres.
The estate, atop Locke Mountain near Boonsboro in Bedford County, its a long history dating to the formation of Bedford County in 1754. Nicholas Davies (? - 1793/1800) came from Wales to Virginia, he- me a merchant in Henrico County, was a justice in Goochland and omberland Counties, and owned thousands of acres in Amherst and xlford Counties.
In 1733, he married Mrs. Judith Fleming Randolph, widow of Thomas andolph and the great-grandmother of Chief Justice John Marshall, fter 1754 they moved to Bedford County and built his "Pebbleton" tate. He named the mountain Fleming and creek Judith after his ife. He built a log cabin on the summit for a hunting lodge, and is he called "Eagle Eyrie". This later burned and was replaced by tavern which was operated by two generations of the Ogden family id thus the post office derived its name Ogden's Gap.
225
Nicholas Davies married a second time, to Catherine Whiting, an* they had one son, Henry L. Davies, who built the ordinary and in: atop the mountain.
In 1909 the property was sold to Seymour E. Locke, who was th owner of the property when the highway (Route 501) was bui through the section and the name Locke Mountain was applied.
In 1915 Mr. Locke sold the property to Jonkheer (Baron) Ott Quarles van Ufford (? - 1923) and his wife, Wilhelmina (Willy Quarles van Ufford, of The Netherlands. It was Jonkheer Quarles va Ufford that built the "White Oak" or "White Mansion House" that i used as the administration building of the assembly site. In the fa of 1919 he sold the estate, returned to The Netherlands where he die in 1923.
The Stephenson's purchased the site in 1936 upon his retiremer from Canadian banking interests.
226
Churches Once Served by the Association
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227 •-- -J
Churches Once Served by the Association
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228
INDEX
Adams, Mrs 27
Alderson, A. L 34
Allison, Cathy 80
I Anthony, Abner 43, 71
: Anthony, Charles Lewis .... 35, 37
< Anthony, John 8, 10, 12, 15
( Anthony, Joseph 7, 12
| Arthur, Col 74
j Asplund, John 2, 6, 16
I Aurs, William 12
I Bailey, Kathrine 84
i Bailey, Phillip 12
\ Baker, George 75
i Baker, Mrs. J. A 82
[ Ball, Eli 50, 54, 83
) Baptist, Edward 17
\ Barker, Emma 28
\ Barker, F. M 36, 57, 67, 72
f Barker, O. B 25, 83
I Bennett, Bartlet 6
Bilow, 36
Bitting, Charles C 74
( Black, John 17
Bledsoe, James 6
; Board, Annie Mae 28
' Board, Mrs 30
} Boatwright, F. W 50
• Boatwright, R. B 50, 53
i 3ond, G. W 77
i Bond, Mrs. G. W 33
i Bowman, Miss Willie 28
r Bradley, R. L 77
r 3roaddus, Andrew 20
| Brown, O. B 17
r 3rown, R. E 67
| Broyles, Annie Mae 32, 33, 81
I 3uckner, Mrs 27
I Bullard, Kathryn 33
! Burgess, Malcolm H 84
i Burnes, Rev. and VIrs. Norman 80
Burnett, Joshua 71
Burrus, John 6
Burton, Mae 82
Bush, I. J 36
Bryant, James R 85
Camden, Aubrey H 52
Camden, R. L 83
Campbell, Ira 66
Card, William 6
Carlton, Herbert R 77, 84
Carr, Donald C 25
Carter, Mrs. A. G 82
Carter, Bailey 12
Carter, O. C 77
Chastain, Rane 5
Chiles, James 5
Chocklett, G. A 52
Chocklett, Minnie 52
Churches
Histories 94 to 170
Member of the
Association 196
Civil War 72, 73
Clary, Amos 83
Clause, Mrs. Harry P 83
Clifton, N. C 77
Clopton, James C 57
Cocke, C. L 61, 68
Cocke, W. J 35
Coffee, Arnold W 77
Coleman, J. W 25
Compton, J. E 36
Connelly, H. W 85
Council, Jas. G 63
Cox, B. F 24
Craig, Elijah 6
Craig, John 6
Craig, Joseph 6
Craig, Lewis 6
Cravens, James T 35
Crenshaw, Versil 65
229
Crist, Remi P 65
Cridlin, Mrs. Chiles J 83
Cowling, Mary 83
Crump, Frank T 32
Davis, B. C 66
Davis, James Allison .... 35, 37, 44
Dempsey, Absalom 34, 71
Denson, W. B 85
Derveese, William 12
Deury, Joseph 12
Diuguid, George 25
Dinwittie, Annie 27
Dinwiddie, Mary 28, 30
Dodge, H. W 62, 72
Douglas, Thomas 15
Dowdy, Mary E 65
Driskill, Lawrence 65
Duncan, W. E 44
DuPuy, Peter 20
DuPuy, Mrs. E. L 82
Eager, Olive Mae Board .... 29, 80
Edwards, Morgan 2
Ellington, David 5
Ellyson, Mary 65
Eubank, Alexander 27, 34, 44,
50, 51
Eubank, William 25
Eves, George : 6
Fallis, William 84
Falls, Helen 53
Falls, O. B 53
Falls, T. N 58
Fariss, Jacob 12
Fellows, Lewis 43
Fields, Mrs. Elizabeth 27
Fife, James 19
Figg, Lucille 66
Fisher, Mrs. S. 0 29
Fisher, W. F 25
Fletcher, Louise 32
Flippin, Percy S 64
Ford, Ruben 6
Foster, Lewis 17
Foster, Mrs. J. P 32
Fox, Mrs. Jane 27
Freeman, James 12, 17
Freeman, Mrs. L. R 77, 218
Fugate, Elizabeth 52
Fugate, H. M 52, 65, 84
Fugate, Mrs. H. M 77
Fugate, Mary 52
Fuqua, Fred 77
Fuqua, Isham 15
Fuqua, William W 52
Furgerson, Alex 12
Furgerson, Lawrence 65
General Association of Virginia 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 49, 59, 61, 63, 67, 70
General Committee 10, 11
General Committee
of Correspondence 14, 15, 19
Gentry, Harvey B 25
Gilbert, Cornelius „... 24
Gilliam, Elsie 31, 77, 80, 82
Glass, Jessie Pettigrew 80
Goggin, T. C 34, 36, 44, 57, 62
Goodwill Center 32, 33
Goodwin, Samuel 12
Gregory, Mrs. A. Harrison .... 83
Griggs, Jerry 61
Gwaltney, J. L 34, 57
Gwatkin, J. Edward 53
Habel, Louise 82
Habel, S. T., Sr 35, 82
Halesford Academy 50
Hall, Randolph 6, 12
Halstead, Martin 83
Hamilton, W. W 30, 53
Hamlet, Lettie Spainhour 80
Hamner, J. A 25, 44, 46
Hamner, W. G 45, 61
Hancock, Elaine 80
Hancock, Mrs. O. C 82
Hargate, Thomas 5, 6
Harman, Charles L 52
Harman, P. T 52
Harris, Samuel 6, 23
Harris, William 22, 34, 62,
67, 71, 72
Harrison, J. R 35, 52
Harvey, Elizabeth 82
Hash, Walter A 52
Hatcher, Eldridge B 52
Hatcher, Emma 28
Hatcher, Hilary E 53
Hatcher, Jeremiah 12, 15
Hatcher, Julius 12
Hatcher, William E 38, 52, 83
Hatcher, Mrs. William E 82
230
■■ Hatsclow, Joseph 5
" Hawkins, T. B 80
?- Hawkins, Mrs 32
> Henderson, Jane R 27
Hensley, 44
• Hester, F. M 77
Hickey, Mrs. W. F 77
I Hill, J. B 47
Hite, Elton C 77
Holland, 36
Hubbard, Stephen 17
Hunt, Alma 82
Hurt, Ira 36
Ingram, R. E 47
i Ireland, John 8
> Jackson, C. S 77
$ Jackson, Loyd F 33
' Jamerson, Mrs. Augustus 30
•■ Jefferson, Thomas 14
Jeter, J. B 20, 21, 22, 49,
50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 72, 79, 83, 84
« Jeter, Mrs. J. B 82
' Jeter Jesse 36, 57, 61, 69
Jeter, Mrs. Laura 27
Jeter Female Institute 51, 52, 222
. Jenks, J. A 53
, Johns, Thomas 12
J Johnson, Frank 35
\: Johnson, George 57
: Johnson, Robert 84
j Johnson, William 5, 8, 10, 12
, Johnston, John N 43
r Jones, Richard 2
, Judd, Mrs. Ella
28
<J Kessee, Charles B.,
(: Education Fund 51
\", Keyfauver, J. B. W 36
"King, John 15
Li Kirk, Mrs. J. R 83
u Lawrence, John 12
I '.'Layman's Movement 24, 25
^Lea, Ola 80
LlLee, John S 15, 17, 20, 22,
34, 37, 70, 79
: Lee, Elizabeth 37
'■- Leftwich, G. W 36, 57
: Leftwich, James C 22, 23, 34,
f 50, 71 i Leftwich, J. W 43
Leftwich, William 20, 22,
34, 43, 54, 71
Ligon, W. C 71
Lovell, William 5, 6, 7
Lowery, Elliot 36
Luck, G. C 77
Luck, J. P 25, 37, 38
Lunceford, Merriman 71
Lunsford, William 36
Lynn, James S 35
McAllister, Jas. D 34, 54
McCabe, J. P 51, 77
McCabe, Mrs. W. 0 30, 84
McConnville, Mrs. E. A 32
McDaniel, George M 39
McDermott, William 23
McDonald, James 70
McNeill, George 12
McNiel, Warren 25
Mahan, John 12
Madison, James 11
Markham, Charles W 77
Marshall, Mrs. Charles P 31
Marshall, William 5
Martin, Henry 80
Martin, J. D 28
Mason, J. W 35
Mason, Valentine M 20, 22, 23
Mathews, J. M 44
Mathis, James 12
Mattox, W. C 77
Maxey, Jeremiah 12
Meadow, J. W 34
Menesse, James 5
Mentz, Casper 2
Mercer, Mrs. I. M 82
Millar, Alexander 35
Millar, Mrs. Alexander 82
Miller, G. A 47
Miller, Hunter 25
Miller, T. C 30
Miller, W. A 25
Mssionaries
Associational 33, 34, 35
Home 81
Foreign 29, 33, 38, 79, 80
Journeyman 80
State 20, 21, 81
Mitciff, Jacob 6
Morgan, J. W 36
231
Morris, J. M 35
Morris, Mary 30
Morrow, John 5
Moss, J. Calvin 25, 28, 30, 39,
41, 65
Murry, Mrs. Frank 32, 83
Negroes
First Church 57
Organizations 59
Religious Instruction 56, 57
Assisting 58
Newman, A 43
Noel, J. C 17
Noel, Mollie 28
Noffsinger, H. G 52
Norden, Robert 2
Nordenhaug, Josef 81
O'Conner, Rev. and
Mrs. Lewis 80
Ogden, Mrs. J. M 27
Ogden, Mrs. L 27
Old, Mrs. L. 0 65
Owen, A. E 28
Owen, Elias 12
Parker, Gladys 81
Parker, W. A 52
Pastors 160
Parrish, Celeste 29, 30
Patterson, Mrs. Jane 28
Payne, Mrs. E. H 30
Pearcy, George 27, 36, 67
Pearcy, Nicholas 79
Perego, James 15
Perego, Joseph (Pedigo) .... 17, 79
Peyton, Thomas 5
Pickett, Ruben 5
Pictures
Leaders in the
Association 219, 220, 221
Jeter Female Institute 222
1914 Ministers 223
Stone Road Church 224
Eagle Eyrie Assembly .. 225, 226
Pilcher, J. M 46
Pinkard, Lucinda 28
Poindexter, A. M 52, 61
Polhill, Lucius 85
Semple, Robert 21
Seventy-five Million
Campaign 41, 42, 47
Shumate, Margie 80
Simms, Albert E 84
Simms, Mrs. Albert E 83
Small, Mary Burnett 80
Smith, Absalom 12
Smith, Mrs. C. R 28
Smitn, Humphry 12
Smith, H. C 83
Smith, R. A 35
Smith, Mrs. J. R 31
Smith, Jim 80
Smith, W. R. L 75
Snead, Georgie 81
Snead, G. T 36
Snuggs, Grace Mason 80
Steen, Mrs 32
St. John, Mrs. S. J 30
Staley, D 35
Stephenson, Virtley 66
Steptoe, John R 72
Stevens, Williams 12
Stewart, S. H 65
Stockton, Robert .... 6, 8, 10, 56, 80
Stockton, Mrs. Robert 27
Strawberry Lodge 77, 78
Street, J. M 35, 52
Sunday School 43 to 48
Superintendents 172
Sunnyside Academy 51
Talbot, Mathew 80
Tate, Fannie M 28
Taylor, A. Poindexter 51
Temperance Society 70
Thomas, Elizabeth 81
Thomas, M. C 64
Thomas, Mrs. Nancy 28
Thomas, Zula 81
Thornhill, Emiline 31
Thornhill, Joshua 43
Thompson, David 5
Thompson, W. M 84
Thornton, John 36
Thornton, Sterling M 43
Thurman, J. B 77
Tinsley, W. P 51
Tinsdale, Robert 20
Tolley, Blanche 28
Tompson, C. J 28
Training Union 64
Directors 172
232
Poteet, J. E 38
Price, Mrs. Bettie 27
Prichard, J. L 36
Quesenberry, W. Y 35
Ramsey, Angeline 28
Randolph, R. L 85
Read, Ann 28
Read, Marshall W 36, 68
Reese, M. W 44
Reese, W. W 69
Renfro, Moses 12
Rice, Luther 19, 49, 79
Ricketts, George F 84
Robertson, Mrs. F. P 82
Royall, W. S 38, 83
Royall, Mrs. W. S 82
Rucker, J. A 25
Rucker, Sallie H 28
Rules of Decorum 12
Ryland, Robert 23, 50
Sale, E. B. (Edmonia) 24, 28,
38, 80
Sanders, Eva 80
Sanderson, T. N 34, 44
Scarbrough, L. R 39
Tribble, Andrew 5
Tuggle, Henry 17
Turner, Grover M 52
Turpin, Connie 80
Tyree, Cornelius 44, 74
Twymen, George 6
Updike, Mrs. Rebecca 28
Vaughn, Edith
Vines, Mrs. J. F. .. Waller, Jeremiah Waller, John
80
82
5
6
Washington, Booker T 59
Weathers, James 5
Webber, William 6
Welch, A. E 80
Welsh, C. W 35
Wheeler, G 73
White, S. R 34, 36, 44
Whitefield, George 3
Whorley, Z 71
Wicker, J. C 52
Wicker, J. J 52
Williams, Edward 27
Williams, John 5, 6
Williams, W. H 51
Wilson, Bettie 28
Winn, Mrs. George T 82
Witt, Daniel P 19, 21, 22, 49, 50
Witt, George D 25
Witt, Jesse 23, 34, 50, 52, 54,
67, 71, 81 Womans' Missionary
Society 27 to 30
Officers 172
Wranek, W. H 24, 64
Wright, E. J 46, 66
Wyre, H. W 72
Young, Lucy E 30
233