Early Church Records by Marty Hiatt, CGRS
This information was transcribed and provided by Pat Duncan.
Early Church Records in Loudoun County, Virginia presented by Marty Hiatt, Certified Genealogical Records Specialist at the Loudoun Genealogy Club Spring Seminar 29 April 1997 Religion and Migration Patterns in Early Loudoun
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Axelson, Edith F. A Guide to Episcopal Church Records in Virginia. Iberian Publishing Co., Athens, GA: 1888.
Cocke, Charles Francis. Parish Lines, Diocese of Virginia. Virginia State Library, Richmond: 1967.
Fristoe, William. History of Ketoctin Baptist Association, 1766-1808. Reprinted by Commercial Press, Stephens City: 1978.
Hiatt, Marty. Early Church Records of Loudoun County, Virginia, Family Line Publications, Westminster, MD: 1995.
Hopkins, Margaret Lail. Cameron Parish in Colonial Virginia. 1988.
Kincaid, Nan Lin. "First Churches in Loudoun," Bulletin of the Loudoun County Historical Society, Vol. 1 No. 1, 1958, pgs 9-20.
Slaughter, Rev. Philip. History of Truro Parish in Virginia. 1907.
Smith, George M. Collection (German Church Records), Handley Library, Winchester, VA. (991 THL) Ask to see inventory.
NAME: Aldie
DENOMINATION: Presbyterian
TOWN: Arcola
DATES: 1776
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Arnold Grove⁄Hillsboro
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Hillsboro
DATE: 1830s
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Quarterly conference records, 1848 & 1870-1900 are at church
NAME: Ashburn
DENOMINATION: Presbyterian
TOWN: Ashburn
DATES: 1876
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Session minutes & register 1912-1958 at PHS; church has partial records from 1890, complete from 1930.
NAME: Bethel
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Stumptown
DATES: 1859
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Cameron Parish
DENOMINATION: Angllican
TOWN: All of county until 1770
DATES: 1749
HISTORY: Hopkins, Margaret Lail. Cameron Parish in Colonial Virginia, 1988
RECORDS: Missing
NAME: Catoctin
DENOMINATION: Presbyterian
TOWN: Waterford
DATES: 1765 or 1774
HISTORY: Catoctin Presbyterian Church, 225th Anniversary Celebration, 1765-1990
RECORDS: Session minutes & register, 1883-1909, & Session minutes 1910-1948 at PHS
NAME: Catoctin Free Meeting House
DENOMINATION: Bapt., Eps., Meth. & Presb.
TOWN: Clark’s Gap
DATES: 1810
HISTORY: Hutchison, L. S. & J. Divine. Catoctin Free Church
RECORDS:
NAME: Christ Church
DENOMATION: Episcopal
TOWN: Lucketts
DATES: 1773 (1868)
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Records at St. James, Leesburg
NAME: Church of Our Redeemer
DENOMATION: Eposcopal
TOWN: Oatlands
DATES: 1780s (1870s)
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Until 1940, records are with Emmanuel, Middleburg
NAME: Church of Our Savior
DENOMINATION: Episcopal
TOWN: Aldie
DATES: 1850
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Records at Emmanuel, Middleburg
NAME: Ebenezer
DENOMINATION: Baptist (N S)
TOWN: Bloomfield
DATES: 1855
HISTORY:
RECORDS
NAME: Ebenezer
DENOMINATION: Baptist (O S)
TOWN: Bloomfield
DATES: c. 1755
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Ebenezer U. M.
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Neersville
DATES: 1834
HISTORY: History of Ebenezer Church, 1833-1959
RECORDS:
NAME: Emmanuel
DENOMINATION: Episcopal
TOWN: Middleburg
DTES: 1796
HISTORY: Low, Chet, Hist. of Emmanuel Episcopal Church 1842-1992
RECORDS: Originals at church, copies at Balch, Register 1840-1926
NAME: Fairfax MM
DENOMINATION: Society of Friends
TOWN: Waterford
DATES: 1744-1929
HISTORY: Janney, Asa Moore. Ye Meeting Hous Smal, A Short History of Friends in Loudoun Co. 1962
RECORDS: Originals at Swarthmore, PA; microfilm at MSA, copies of mgs. at courthouse & Balch, pre-1800 in print.
NAME: Faith Chapel
DENOMINATION: Presbyterian
TOWN: Lucketts
DATES: 1885
HISTORY: Historical sketch at Presb. Hist. Soc.
RECORDS: Session minutes & register 1917-1947 at PHS; original records at Furnace Mtn. Ch.
NAME: Frying Pan Spring
DENOMINATION: Baptist (O S)
TOWN: Centreville
DATES: 1791
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Originals at BHS, 1791-1828, and 1828-1879; microfilm at Balch & Library of Virginia; pre-1800 in print
NAME: German Reformed (now St. James)
DENOMINATION: United Church of Christ
TOWN: Lovettsville
DTES: 1773
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Baptism only 1786-1859, early in German, originals at UCC archives, Lancaster, PA; copies at church; microfilm through LDS, translation at Handley library & Lib. VA.
NAME: Goose Creek Meeting
DENOMINATION: Society of Friends
TOWN: Lincoln
DATES: 1785
HISTORY: Janney, Asa Moore. Ye Meeting Hous Smal, A Short History of Friends in Loudoun Co. 1962
RECORDS: Originals & microfilm at MD State Archives; pre-1800 in print
NAME: Grace M. E. (Annex)
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Lincoln
DATES: 1882
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Grove (Woodburn)
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN:
DATES: early 1800-192?
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Balch has Sunday School records, 1898-1903, 1921, Conf. records 1903-1907 are with Harmony Church records
NAME: Gum Spring
DENOMINATION: Presbyterian
TOWN: Arcola
DATES: 1776
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Hamilton
DENOMINATION: Baptist
TOWN: Hamilton
DATES: 1889
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Women’s society minutes 1890-1894 at BHS
NAME: Harmony U. M.
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Hamilton
DATES: 1833
HISTORY: Sesquicentennial 1833-1983.
RECORDS: Originals at church, copies at Balch; 2 old membership books, beginning 1871, account book 1875-1889, registers 1897-1938
NAME: John Wesley
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Waterford
DATES: 1899-1914
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Ketoctin Baptist
DENOMINATION: Baptist
TOWN: bet. Round Hill & Purcellville
DATES: 1751-1936
HISTORY: James, Rev. F. H. Ketoctin Baptist Church. ; Ford, Vernon. Ketoctin Chronicle
RECORDS: Original minutes 1776-1930 at BHS, typed abstracts at Balch, pre-1800 in print.
NAME: Leesburg
DENOMINATION: Baptist
TOWN: Leesburg
DATES: 1884
HISTORY: A History of the Leesburg Baptist Church 1884-1976
RECORDS:
NAME: Leesburg
DENOMINATION: Presbyterian
TOWN: Leesburg
DATES: 1804
HISTORY: Presbyterian Church, Leesburg, VA, 1804-1975
RECORDS: Minutes & register 1804-1869, minutes 1867-1938, Register 1867-1919 at PHS; copy of register 1804-1875 at Balch; records from 1919 at church.
NAME: Leesburg U. M.
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Leesburg
DATES: 1766
HISTORY: Steadman, M. L. Leesburg’s Old Stone Church 1766.
RECORDS: Originals at church 1830-1851, 1867 to present. Book "in the works."
NAME: Lincoln MM
DENOMINATION: Society of Friends
TOWN: Lincoln
DATES: 1885-1950
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Originals Haverford College, PA, microfilm at Swarthmore College
NAME: Little River Baptist
DENOMINATION: Baptist
TOWN: Aldie
DATES: 1769
HISTORY: Hutchison, Rev. Westwood, Little River Baptist Church
RECORDS: Minutes 1871-1955 at BHS; list of early members at Balch
NAME: Lovettsville
DENOMINATION: Presbyterian
TOWN: Lovettsville
DATES: 1833-1892
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Session minutes 1869-1884 at PHS, 1869-1885 transcription at Balch
NAME: Middleburg
DENOMINATION: Baptist
TOWN: Middleburg
DATES: 1828
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Original minutes 1847-1955 & women’s minutes 1920-1930s at BHS. Copies at the church.
NAME: Middleburg U. M.
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Middleburg
DATES: 1784
HISTORY: Emerick, C. T. L., Middleburg Methodist Churches...
RECORDS: Records from 1800s are at church, also has some records from Upperville
NAME: Mount Hope
DENOMINATION: Baptist
TOWN: Waxpool
DATES: 1835
HISTORY: Mt. Hope Baptist Church—150th Anniversary 1835-1885
RECORDS:
NAME: Mountville
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Mountville
DATES: 1852-1950
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Mt. Calvary
DENOMATION: Baptist
TOWN: Round Hill
DATES: 1892 - ?
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Mt. Calvary
DENOMINATION: Episcopal
TOWN: Round Hill
DATES: 1898 - ?
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Mt. Olivet U. M.
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Lovettsville
DATES: 1860
HISTORY: Rinker, Gerta Origin of Mt. Olivet as I remember it.
RECORDS: Original records at Mt. Pleasant Church, Taylorstown, copies at Balch
NAME: Mt. Pleasant U. M.
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Taylorstown
DATES: 1878
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Originals at church, date from 1890s, copies at Balch
NAME: Mt. Zion
DENOMINATION: Baptist (O S)
TOWN: Aldie
DATES: 1851-1979
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: New Jerusalem (Bethel & Zion)
DENOMINATION: Lutheran
TOWN: Lovettsville
DATES: 1765
HISTORY: ___. A People of God, 1765-1965.
RECORDS: Original at Gettysburg, microfilm (1784-1836) at Lib. VA & LDS, early bapts. & mgs. in I.G.I., some copies at Balch, 1876-1927; Balch has burials 1784-1836.
NAME: New Valley
DENOMINATION: Baptist (O S)
TOWN: Lucketts
DATES: 1770
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: North Fork Primitive
DENOMINATION: Baptist
TOWN: North Fork
DATES: 1784
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Originals 1784-1970 at BHS; transcription 1784-1930 at Balch; pre-1800 in print.
NAME: North Fork Regular
DENOMINATION: Baptist (N S)
TOWN: North Fork
DATES: 1835
HISTORY: North Fork Baptist Church 150th Anniversary, 1835-1985
RECORDS: Original minutes 1839-1979 at BHS.
NAME: Pleasant Valley U. M.
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Chantilly
DATES: 1845
HISTORY: Jackson, Jane. History of Pleasant Valley Church.
RECORDS: Originals at Sterling Methodist Church, begin 1894
NAME: Rehobeth
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Lovettsville
DATES: 1814
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Later records at Mt. Pleasant Church, Taylorstown, copies at Balch
NAME: Roszell Chapel
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Philomont
DATES: 1830
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Round Hill U. M. (Woodgrove)
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Round Hill
DATES: 1887
HISTORY: Centennial Commemoration, 1889-1989
RECORDS:
NAME: Ryan (Farmwell)
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Ashburn
DATES: 1849
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Salem
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Neersville
DATES: 1833
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: Shelburne Parish
DENOMINATION: Anglican
TOWN: Above Goose Creek
DATES: 1770
HISTORY: Cocke, Charles F. Parish Lines, Diocese of Virginia, 1967
RECORDS: Originals & microfilm of vestry minutes 1771-1805 at Lob. VA, microfilm at Balch, pre-1800 in print.
NAME: St. David’s (Belmont Chapel)
DENOMINATION: Episcopal
TOWN: Ashburn
DATES: 1836
HISTORY:
RECORDS:
NAME: St. James
DENOMINATION: Episcopal
TOWN: Leesburg
DATES: 1769
HISTORY: Worsley, Lizzie, Old St. James Episcopal Church ... 1760-1897
RECORDS: Originals at church, register from 1830
NAME: St. John’s
DENOMINATION: Catholic
TOWN: Leesburg
DATES: 1878
HISTORY: Sheel, E. M. History of St. John the Apostle...1878-1978
RECORDS: Original register at church.
NAME: St. Paul’s
DENOMINATION: Episcopal
TOWN: Hamilton
DATES: 1874
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Records at St. Peter’s, Purcellville
NAME: St. Paul’s
DENOMINATION: Lutheran
TOWN: Neersville
DATES: 1835-1981
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Register, 1836-1843 at VA Synod Archives, Salem, VA
NAME: St. Peter’s
DENOMINATION: Episcopal
Town: Purcellville
DATES: 1870
HISTORY:
RECORDS: Original register from 1871 at church
NAME: Sterling U. M.
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Sterling
DATES: 1875
HISTORY: U. M. Church History 1875-1993
RECORDS: Original records at church
NAME: Unison (Bethesda)
DENOMINATION: Methodist
TOWN: Unison
DATES: 1780 (1832)
HISTORY: History of the Unison Methodist Church
RECORDS:
NAME: Waterford
DENOMINATION: Baptist
TOWN: Waterford
DATES: pre 1850
HISTORY: "Church on the 50th Anniversary of the Reorganization"
RECORDS:
Submitted by Pat Duncan
p.duncan@worldnet.att.net
Posted July 20, 2001
Brunswick Md Herald newspaper, Friday June 14, 1901
Church History - Interesting Sketch of the Lovettsville Reformed Charge
by the Pastor, Rev. L. T. Lampe
The compiling of date is at all time irksome. Though many obstacles - incomplete and missing records, & etc - present themselves, yet by
perseverance and forbearance on the part of many, to our urgent inquiries, we have been able to gather much that may be of interest.
The existence of our congregation in "Upper Loudoun" at a very early date is not disputed. Being of German birth, she naturally
flourished wherever any people of that tongue and nationality settled The "German settlement," as ours is known, received its first emigrants
in 1727 from the Palatinate states of Germany, driven hence by their love of liberty. Their own beloved Fatherland, along the Rhine, being
overrun and devastated by the French, they naturally turned westward. The first organized German ingress came from Pennsylvania in 1734,
induced by favorable reports carried to them by German traders, who visited Virginia previously.
Our reformed congregation, with her sister, the Lutheran, was organized about the first year of the incoming. Though no records exist
to verify this assertion (having been lost of burned), yet we know that our pioneer missionary, Rev. Michael Schlatter, sent from the Church in
Holland, paid our congregation a visit on May 14, 1748. In his journal he speaks of being entertained by "Elder Wenner, a pious elder of the
Reformed congregation living near the Potomac river, opposite Berlin" (Brunswick Md.) Elder W. W. Wenner, aged 91, our esteemed member and
friend, gives much light on this subject by his family history. He says his present home has been in the family for the last 200 years,. His
father having settled there about 1720. His great grandfather was a schoolmaster, a position of great responsibility, often assistant to the
pastor. May this not have been the elder spoken of above by Rev. Schlatter? Bro. Wenner recalls having heard of his performing the rite
of baptism, carrying out our church policy. That church and school services - hand-maids - were held in the same building, many old deeds
testify, viz "to have and to hold the same for church and school purposes." Bro. Wenner remembers hearing his father speak of the house,
used for such purposes, standing where the ice house now stands, on the parsonage grounds. Those who dug the ice house tell me of having found
an old foundation while excavating. To state definitely the time of erection of church edificies is almost impossible, from the incomplete records in hand. No
congregational records exist earlier than 1766. Virginia Classis not being in existence at that time, the Maryland Classis had jurisdiction
over this State. From the "Fathers" we learn that Rev. Chas. Lange, pastor at Frederick, Md, visited our midst in August, 1767. He was
entertained by "a pious deacon - Geo. Shumaker - who resided near the Potomac, in Loudoun County, Virginia." Among the names of those
confirmed and communed on August 14, 1767, we find Kuntz, Dill, Schneider, Hickerman, Moll, Richie, and others, names easily recognized
by many as familiar in our day. Again does our friend and brother assist us by saying that his grandfather (Wenner) married a Shumaker. There, no doubt, exists a long
ancestral line, holding these families (Wenner and Shumaker) to the church of their fathers. Rev. Lange is spoken of as a man "of great
diligence in labor and devotion to the work of the Master." His ministry at Frederick ended in May, 1768, which terminated his labors at
Lovettsville, Va. Having administered communion to 35 persons at the home of Deacon Shumaker evidences that no church building as yet
existed; for the time of the year was not present when church attendance
was difficult.
A subscription list appears on the last page of the German records (in pounds, shillings and pence), "in view of the delapidated condition
of our church building to erect a new house of worship." Allowing ample time for the new order of things, brought about by our victory of
independence, to penetrate the rural communities, we can safely say that this second building was built in the latter part of the 18th cemetery -
179-. The building meant to be erected by this subscription could not have been the brick one just razed, for indisputable evidence exists to
prove that it was built in 1819. Bro. W. W. Wenner (Uncle Billy), now 91 years of age, has a distinct recollection of the burning of the brick when a boy of 7 or 8
years of age. Others remember seeing the figures 1819 in the church building before the time it was repaired in 1876. During the trouble
some times of 1859-65 our brick church was used as a hospital by the army. The then boys tell many amusing incidents concerning those time.
From all sources evidences lead to the conclusion that the brick church, erected in 1819 and repaired in 1875, which stood in the graveyard, was the third building erected by our people. Suffice to say,
that after careful research and correspondence, extending over a period of 4 years, we have arrived at the above conclusion. Had the records been as copious and as carefully kept then as today, evidences would not
be lacking to bear out our assertions. For a list of pastors, the "Church Fathers," synodical and classical records give us much help. Comparing them faithfully, we
garner the following: The names of many from 1766 appear in our church records. Others not named in line appear also, no doubt members of the
committees of supply or visiting brethren. Following the two named above we find the next of whom any account is given as connected with our
congregation, to be: Rev. Frederick L. Henop, who removed to Frederick, Md, in 1769 or 1770, while pastor there also preached at Lovettsville, Va, once a
month. His labors here closed with his sudden death at Frederick, Md, in 1784 or 1785. His pen recorded baptisms from 1776 to 1779.
The first pastor of whom anything is known definitely, Rev. Henry
Giesy, born in Lichtervan, Upper Saxony, Germany, April 13, 1757, came
to America in 1776, spent four years in New York, then went to Virginia.
"In 1782 he reached Frederick, Md, intending to return to his native
country. Learning of the extreme destitute state of the church from
Revs. Krug and Henop he remained and preached for the congregation at
Short Hill, Goose Creek and South Mountain, Va." He was ordained by the
Coetus in 1782 or 1783 in Virginia. Soon afterward he removed to
Virginia, regularly serving the "German settlement (ours), Short Hill
and Frederick churches."
The first authentic (German) records extant, from his pen, date
July 11, 1764. The records were begun September 17, 1789. Evidently the
baptismal records of previous dates were made from his private record.
The last record from his pen dates October 20, 1794, no doubt just
previous to his leaving, for we find the he removed to Bedford, Pa, in
the fall of 1794, after serving for a period of twelve years.
During his ministry a false prophet appeared. Purporting to be an
ordained minister of the Reformed Church, Jacob Schneider visited
Frederick, Md, where he endeavored to create dissention and, to a
degree, succeeded. Being found false there, he turned his attention to
Lovettsville, Va, where he was openly antagonized by Rev. Giesy. As is
usually the case, being fluent in speech and polite in manners, some
followed him. In 1797 he became principal of an academy at Leesburg, Va,
later at Harper's Ferry, W. Va., and is said to have preached at
Lovettsville. The going away of Rev. Giesy was to his liking. His
signature is found among the baptismal records of March 28, 1796. He
died at Leesburg in 1826 and was buried in our cemetery, a monument
erected by his friends marking his grave. No regular pastor being here,
it is lawful to suppose that he preached here frequently.
Rev. Dan Wagner accepted a call to Frederick, Md, in 1802. He
speaks of preaching, besides Frederick, "at Glade, Middletown, Jefferson
and Loudoun county, Va." He died in 1810. Being only able to supply this
congregation at stated times, Rev. Schneider naturally persisted in his
attention to the people whenever opportunity presented itself.
In 1811 Rev. John Helfenstein moved to Frederick, Md, served until
1829 and supplied Lovettsville. Along with his name appear the names of
Revs. Jacob Scholl, 1811, and Henry Snider, 1826, no doubt members of
supply committee.
1829 Rev. S. K. Dennis served Boonsboro, Md, "and for a number of
years Loudoun County, Va."
1830 Revs. J. C. Bucher, D. Bassler, M. Brunner, D. Gravis and A.
Helfenstein "supplied Loudoun."
1831 Revs. J. B. Robaugh, D. Gravis, J. C. Bucher and J. H. Smaltz
"were supplies."
1832 Rev. J. C. Bucher was "supply."
At this time Rev. E. B. Helfenstein, Presbyterian from Winchester,
Va, contrary to the wishes of the classis and many of the members,
preached to the Loudoun congregation and attempted to alienate them from
the Reformed Church. Complaint was lodged against him in his Presbytery.
He did not obey them. After repeated failures he led a small following
away from the congregation and organized a new congregation and built
the Presbyterian Church in Lovettsville, where we now worship, in 1833.
The daughter has not forgotten her mother.
1833 Rev. Stephen Staley, licensed in 1832, soon afterward took
charge of Lovettsville, Va. Dr. Martin says: "Took charge in 1833 or
1834. In feeble health, consequently labors frequently interrupted. Good
man, full of the Holy Spirit."
This is about the time the Virginia Classis was organized. The first
minutes give Rev. Staley as serving Lovettsville and Smithfield. After
1840 nothing is known of him. During his pastorate Rev. Robert Douglas,
who served Shepherdstown, Martinsburg and Smithfield, frequently visited
our congregation. He was an excellent orator and a man of refinement. "A
typical Irish gentleman, with Southern culture," says one.
1840 Rev. George W. Willard, D. D., licensed October, 1840, by
Eastern Synod at Greencastle, Pa, and ordained shortly afterward in
Jefferson, Md, which charge then comprised Jefferson, the Manor and
Lovettsville. He served for over four years.
1844 Rev. Mortimer L. Shuford, licensed, ordained and installed in
1844 as pastor at Lovettsville, Va, where he continued until 1849, a
period of 5 years. In that year he removed to Frederick county, Md.
1849 Rev. Geo. Henry Martin, D. D., entered upon his duties in
1849, serving for 16 years, when he resigned and accepted a call to
Woodstock, Va.
1865 Rev. Henry Wissler, A. M. He came about 1865. The first record
from his pen appears in 1865, the last March 31, 1872.
1874 Rev. Henry St. John Rinker began his labors on February 1,
1874, installed June 11, 1874, labors ended Oct. 15, 1890, serving for a
period of 16 years or more.
1891 Rev. T. K. Cromer was duly installed pastor and began his work
as such on July 15 and preached his last sermon on the first Sunday in
November (the 3rd), 1895.
1896 Rev. Lewis T. Lampe, A. M., began his ministry on May 17,
installed on Sunday, July 12, 1896, by Rev. J. A. Hoffheins, D. D., of
Martinsburg, W Va, and Rev. G. T. Everhart, of Shepherdstown, W Va, as
committee of the Virginia classis.
During the ministry of Rev. Rinker a project was started for a new
church, and the Ladies Mite Society organized to raise funds for
furnishing of the same. The project fell through, yet the society
remained and has become a great factor in our church life, too much
praise cannot be said in their honor.
The church question was again agitated during the term of Rev.
Cromer's ministry, subscription started, plans secured, but nothing
further was done.
I endeavored to take up the work where my predecessors left off.
After placing the congregation in a good financial condition, paying
debts of many years standing, establishing a firmer basis. With renewed
hope and confidence pastor and congregation labored hand in hand and now
can see the new church building under way. The congregation being
thoroughly united and harmonious, there is a new atmosphere around then,
being free, they work with renewed vigor and greater zeal than ever to
do still more for Him who so abundantly blessed and prospered us during
the past.
On Sunday, October 14, 1900, the congregation decided to build a
new church. At once a building committee was appointed consisting of
Rev. Lewis T. Lampe, chairman, with the following: S. W. George, J. W.
Yakey, George F. Eamich, Wm. B. Lindsay, C. C. Wenner, T. S. Yakey, John
George, John E. George and Robt. Washington.
Plans were adopted and subscriptions raised. Enough money being secured
to justify the going ahead, the contract was let March 1, 1901, and
ground broken and foundation begun March 18, 1901.
The building in course of erection will be the fourth the
congregation has built.
Congregational directory, pastor, Rev. Lewis T. Lampe; elders, J.
W. Yakey, J. Walter Weaning; secretary, J. Walter Weaning; treasurer, G.
F. Eamich; trustees, S. W. George, J. W. Yakey, G. F. Eamich; organist,
Miss Mollie Potterfield. Officers of the Sunday school, superintendent,
Rev. Lewis T. Lampe; first assistant, T. J. Cost; treasurer, Miss Jane
Wenner; secretary, Miss Laura Potterfield. Officers of the Mite Society,
president, Mrs. W. B. Lindsay; vice president, Mrs. L. T. Lampe,
secretary, Miss Mollie Potterfield; assistant secretary, Miss Rose
Leitch; treasurer, Mrs. G. F. Eamich; solicitor, Miss Maggie Elgin.
Heidelderg League, president, Elder T. J. Cost; treasurer, Winnie
Potterfield.