Pocahontas County
Chap 6 - Sec. 1 -1-
Minutes from the session of the Oak Grove Church.
June 23, 1836
Session of the Oak Grove Church met at the home of S.D. Poage, members present: George Poage, Josiah Beard, S.D. Poage. The case of Sampson L. Mathews was considered of an affray with John Graham of Huntersville, whereupon said Sampson L. Mathews was notified to appear before the Session of Oak Grove Church, at said church on July 5, at 11 o'clock and citation of the following witnesses were also issued via: Doct. McClellan, William Duncan, and Moses H. Poage to prove the charge which occurred on the last Monday of April, last. George Poage was elected moderator of above session which adjourned to meet accordingly.
1836, July 5th.
Session met prior to adjournment, constituted with prayer. Members present, George Poage, Josiah Beard, Sam'l D. Poage. George Poage was chosen moderator. Mr. Sampson Mathews being duly cited in the case of an affray with John Graham of Huntersville, on the last Monday of April, again failed to appear and the Session being fully satisfied that he did not intend to obey the citation are unanimously of the opinion that he is guilty of contempt of the lawful authority of the Church of Christ, and ought to be dealt with as one refusing to hear the church. Whereupon, resolved that he be and he is hereby excluded from the communion of the church until he repent.
The Judiciary then assigned the management of Mr. Mathew's case to Rev. Joseph Brown, and proceeded to take the testimony which is as follows:
DOCTOR McCLELLEN being duly sworn stated: On the last Monday of April last, I was standing at the extreme end of Mr. Graham's porch, at which time I heard a considerable talking which attracted my attention. I went from where I stood to ascertain the cause, when I found that Mr. Mathew's and Mr. Graham were disputing something about the appointment of the commission of a road leading from Huntersville to some point in Nicholas County. Very shortly after this, they left the place on which they were standing and approached the corner of Mr. Graham's store house, when I heard Mr. Graham dispute Mr. Mathew's words about something. Mr. Mathews then turned and told Mr. Graham that he was a liar and shook his fist in Mr. Graham's face. Mr. Graham then drew a small knife, which Mr. Mathews saw and immediate drew a very large one of his own from his pocket, opened it, and held it firmly in his hand. Immediately after this, Mr. Graham started from where he stood on the Tavern porch, entered the porch and seated himself. Mr. Mathews followed immediately after him, the language which passed at that time, I do not recollect. However, Mr. Mathews turned and left the porch, and Mr. Graham told him if he entered the house again he would kill him. By. Mr. Brown, Did you interfere when standing at the corner of the store house? Ans.. I did, and asked them to separate seeing that they both had knives drawn, and they paid no attention to me so I left them to themselves. By same, Was it immediately after your interference that Mr. Graham walked from the porch? A. It was, there were probably some words passed between them. By same, Did Mr. Mathews follow Mr. Graham immediately to the porch, or was he drawn to the porch by some language used by Mr. Graham when there? A. He followed him immediately and I thought Mr. Graham was probably not aware of his being after him, by his countenance after he entered the porch. Q. By Mr. Beard Is not Mr. Graham quite a small man? A. He is in comparison to Mr. Mathews. Q. By same, Did Mr. Mathews use profane language? A. I do not recollect that he used profane language. Q. By same, Did Mr. Mathews draw his knife the second time after entering the porch? A. I am not certain. Q. By Mr. Brown, Was not Mr. Graham's language to Mr. Mathews of an abusive character? A. The first language I heard was, I did not hear the commencement.
Mr. John Hanes did not attend in person, but sent his testimony certified by a magistrate, together with his reasons for not attending by Mr. Brown, which were sustained.
Mr. Hanes stated: When I first observed Mr. Mathews and Mr. Graham they were conversing together near Mr. Graham's lumber house. Very soon their conversation became quite loud, and I understand that it had reference to the appointment of commissioners to lay out a new road from this place to some point in the County of Nicholas. Both appeared to have their feelings excited. Mr. Graham charged Mr. Mathews with acting unfairly in his official capacity as a Justice of the Peace in the appointment of the commissioners of this road. Mr. Mathews replied to this charge by calling Mr. Graham a liar. Mr. Graham replied to this by calling Mr. Mathews a liar. Mr. Mathews then shook his fist in Mr. Graham's face and Mr. Graham then drew his knife, telling Mr. Mathews he should impose upon him. Mr. Mathews then followed him into the porch and walked up close to him with his knife drawn, repeatedly saying to him in a tone of defiance, "Kill me, now kill me". Mr. Mathews afterwards came across the street to my shop. I then urged him to become reconciled to Mr. Graham. And he replied that if he thought he had done wrong he was willing to make acknowledgements, but he did not think himself in fault.
After duly considering the testimony in the case of Mr. Mathews in an affray with John Graham of Huntersville, on the last Monday of April last, the Session are unanimously of the opinion that he was guilty of unchristian conduct and whereupon that it be resolved that he ought to be and hereby excluded from the communion of the church until he give satisfactory evidence of repentance and amendment of life.
S.D.POAGE CLK.
GEORGE POAGE, MODERATOR
Chapter 6 -
Minutes of the Session of the Oak Grove Church, Hillsboro, VA
April 23, 1837
Session convened at the home of S.D.Poage, opened with prayer by the Moderator. The session took under consideration the application of Mrs. Nancy Mathews for a certificate of dismiss ion from the church. After due consideration, it was resolved that the certificate not be granted and that for the following reasons: 1st. Because the session has evidence to believe it is not the intention of the member asking the application to remove from the bounds of the congregation or unite with any other church. 2nd. this being the case, the session do not think themselves warranted by the constitution of our church, or the word of God to grant this request. The session view themselves as acting under the authority of God and bound to act in conformity with his word (whatever you do in word and deed - do all to the glory of God). When an individual believes that such a change has been wrought in his or her heart as qualified for membership in the Church of Christ, it is the duty of such individual to state the evidence of the change to the officers of the church. When persons have thus been received, the session is not consider that they have the right voluntarily to withdraw from the church , unless they can point to some passage in God's word giving them that privilege. Nor does the session consider they, as the Judiciary of the church, have the right to sanction such disorder by giving such liberty, unless they find authority in the world of God or constitution of the church which gives them such right. Such authority, the session are convinced is not contained in the word of God or the "Confession of Faith" and therefore they feel bound to refuse the application.
JOSEPH BROWN, Mod.
June 18, 1837
Ellen Hanes appeared before the session and made satisfactory acknowledgements of regret for having engaged in a dance at Thomas Bradshaw's.
J. BROWN, Mod.
Sept. 1837
Mr. Thomas Bradshaw presented his certificate of dismission from the church and at the head of Greenbrier with that of his wife, as members in good regular standing up to the time of their removal from the bounds of that church (which was upwards of one year ago) to this church to be received as its members. Mr. Bradshaw having incurred the censure of the church, in the interim by tolerating a dance at his house and also by selling a horse in Huntersville on the Sabbath day, make satisfactory acknowledgement of regret to the session (being opened by a prayer by the moderator) was accordingly received.
J. BROWN, Mod.
Sept 8, 1839
Session met, was opened with prayer, all its members present, Mr. Thomas Bradshaw personally and voluntarily appeared before the session and made statement and acknowledgment of the fact that he permitted a civil dance at his house on the evening of the Fourth of July last. Mr. Bradshaw, though, did not strictly justify dancing as right, yet thought it the least of two evils which would certainly follow on the occasion (the marriage of his daughter). Mr. Bradshaw not being disposed to express any regret for the deed, nor to give the session any acknowledgement of hope for a different course of management in the future. Mr. Bradshaw having been previously before the session in a similar offense, the session thought it their duty to suspend Mr. Bradshaw from the communion of the church, and he was accordingly suspended.
J. BROWN, Mod.
Chapter 8 – Sec. 1.
GREENBRIER PRESBYTERY, the pioneer presbytery of the Virginia territory west of the Alleghenies, was organized at the old Stone Church at Lewisburg on the second Tuesday of April, 1838. A minute of the Synod of Virginia in session at Lexington October 10, 1837, reads “An extract from the minutes of the Lexington Presbytery was read in relation to the division of the said Presbytery and a request presented that the Synod should divide that body and designating a line of division which they desired might be established, on which the committee on Bills and Overtures made the following report: Resolved, that the request be granted and that the said Presbytery be divided by a line commencing at the intersection of the Alleghany mountains with the outer boundary of Hardy County and thence along the top of the mountain to the boundary of Giles County, and thence along the dividing line between Giles and Monroe counties to New River, and that the ministers and churches of the said line are hereby constituted a presbytery to be known by the name of the Greenbrier presbytery, and said presbytery shall hold its first meeting at Lewisburg on the second Tuesday in April next and be opened with a sermon by Rev. John McElhenny, or in case of his absence by the senior minister present.
The report was adopted and in pursuance of this action seven ministers and six ruling elders met in Lewisburg on the second Tuesday of April, 1838, for the organization of the Presbytery.
Dr. John McElhenny preached the opening sermon. His text was from the fifth verse of the Twentieth Psalm: “In the name of our God we will set up our banners.”. In the introduction of his sermon, Dr. McElhenny said about the words of his text: “No words could be better suited to our particular situation,” and it is interesting to recall some things that he said in that sermon, which has been preserved: “The region over which we are called to exercise a Presbyterian influence is not less than one hundred and fifty miles square, containing a population of more than one hundred thousand souls. – We love our church. We prefer it to any other, but we do not believe that the visible church is confined within the limits of our own denomination. It is entirely a mistake to suppose that truth and religion can be promoted by accommodating them to the world. We must preach the gospel – in the plain, unsophisticated manner in which it is presented in this book. The more completely we are stripped of every shadow of self-dependence and trust alone in the arm of Heaven the more certain we will be to succeed. Every member of this Presbytery must measurably assume the character of a missionary.”.
The territory embraced in the original Greenbrier Presbytery as indicated by the minutes of the Synod of Virginia was quite large, including a small area within the boundary of the present Commonwealth of Virginia and much of the central and south-central part of what is now the state of West Virginia, extending the Alleghenies the Ohio River, much of which was yet undeveloped country.
The original churches of the Presbytery were : Lewisburg, Union, Spring Creek, Oak Grove, Head of Greenbrier (now Liberty), (both of the last named churches are in Pocahontas County), Tygart’s Valley, Anthony’s Creek, Parkersburg, Point Pleasant, Hughes Rivers, Carmel, Huttonsville, Charleston, and Muddy Creek.
One interesting item in the work of the first meeting of the Presbytery was the adoption for report to the General Assembly of a “Narrative of the State of Religion” in the following words: “The Presbytery of Greenbrier, in presenting the fist Narrative of the State of Religion within our bounds to the General Assembly are impressed with feelings of both gratitude and humiliation. The organization of the new Presbytery in the western mountains of out state where thirty years ago there was only one minister of our denomination is evidence that the cause we profess to love is advancing among us. The means of grace are better attended, the attention more pleasing, and to some of the churches there have been a few additions. Sabbath schools and other means of instructing our youth are encouraged.
“We are constrained to admit the laws of piety among us, both in churches and individuals, and the common neglect of the domestic religious duties, family prayer, parental instruction and discipline. The sin of Sabbath breaking much abounds.”
Dr. William T. Price says: “The adherents of Presbyterianism in the limits of Greenbrier Presbytery are the descendents to a large extent of those Scotch and Scotch-Irish people who occupied this region at an early day. Many of these persons had settled in Pennsylvania. Thence emigrating west and south, settlements were formed and churches established in the valley of Virginia about the year 1740 and at intervals thereafter. In the years that followed, the more inviting portions of Monroe, Greenbrier, Kanawaha, and Pocahontas Counties were occupied by a goodly number of families”. Dr. Price then quotes from an article written by Rev. Hames H. Heps: “They were a sturdy race, inured to hardships and accustomed to privations. Their ancestors had received their idea of religion and their mental and spiritual training amidst the fierce struggles and persecutions of the Reformation. The doctrines upon which the great battle of th Reformation was fought – were the doctrines which formed thee warp and woof of their religious instruction and molded their spiritual life.”
In order to appreciate fully the situation of those who formed those early settlements west of the Alleghenies and the difficulties they faced, it must be recalled that this region was very remote from the seat of the colonial government, and they were poorly provided with means of defense, while being exposed constantly to the dangers of Indian raids. Their satiation was all the more difficult and perilous because of the troubles arising from the long and bitter struggle between the French and the English for the supremacy in the Mississippi Valley; a struggle in which the Indians were the pawns and in which one of the principal stakes was the possession of the region “west of the mountains” where the pioneers of this ministry had chosen to establish their settlements.
At the organization of the Greenbrier Presbytery there were seven ministers and six ruling elders present. Those persons were: Rev. John McElhenny, Rev. Francis Thornton, Rev. James K. Brown, Rev. William G. Campbell, Rev. David. R. Preston, Rev. Joseph Brown, and Rev. John Blain; and Ruling Elders George Rapp, Moses W. Fuque, Samuel Brown, William Shanklin, Thomas Beard, and T. O’Hara. The number of ministers was increased immediately by the reception of Rev. Festus Hanks, Rev. A.S. Morrison, and Rev .Francis Dutton were not present.
The aggregate membership of the churches which constitute the new Presbytery was 1,423, a membership which was scattered over a territory comparable to the area now embraced within the limits of the Synod of West Virginia of the Southern Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Price pays special tribute to some of the ministers in the first half-century of the Presbytery’s history. Of Henry Huffner he says, “He had a national reputation”. Of Stuart Robinson, “He was one of the most prominent pulpit orators in the American Presbytery Church”; and of the labors of John McElhenny, James M. Brown, Samuel R. Houston, Joseph Brown, and M. D. Dunlap, “They accomplished more for the best interests of society then any other equal number of names to be looked at for in any other sphere of professional work”. Of those who labored and have gone before us there are besides those motioned by Dr. Price whose names would come immediately to our minds: J. C. Barr. Matthew Lyle Lacy, the Syndenstrickers, James H. Leps, and others. But these were Dr. Price’s contemporaries and he did not mention them. And certainly any list of ours would now include Dr. Price himself.
NOTE: The Presbytery Churches in Pocahontas County are in the Greenbrier Presbytery.
Reference: The Church of the Western Waters – Courtney.
Pocahontas County
Chapter 6 – Section 1
A Record of the Oak Grove Church from the reorganization in 1830 to about 1905.
This is a record of the Oak Grove Church – The first Presbyterian organization in the County. It was located about one mile south of Hillsboro on the old pioneer road leading into Greenbrier County at Renick.
The Rev. Professor Samuel L. Graham was the first to minister regularly here. He was called “Professor” presumably because he was connected in some way with Hampden-Sidney College. He appeared on the scene in the year of 1819, devoting to this church one third of his time – giving the remainder to the Spring Creek and Anthony’s Creek. He reorganized this church Aug. 28, 1830. The charter members were as follows:
Josiah Beard
John Jordan
William Bradshaw
George Poage
Samuel D. Poage
Mrs. E. Poage
Mrs. Mc. Poage
Mrs. Nancy Cackley
Mrs. Jane Bradshaw
Mrs. Betsy Poage
The following persons were elected Ruling Elders:
Josiah Beard
George Poage
John Jordan
Samuel D. Poage
The last three were ordained by Rev. S. L. Graham.
S. D. Poage was elected Clerk.
In 1826, the Rev James Kerr gave a part of his time to this people and through his agency the old brick church was built in the oak grove, from which it is derived its name. A cemetery was laid out on the simple grounds west of the church and is (…) adheres to it, being the property of the church no matter where the house of worship stands and because of its sacredness was designed to be held in perpetual remembrance.
The Rev. William G. Campbell, in the year 1831, preached one fourth of his time for one year. Mr. Campbell preached frequently in Monroe, Fayette, Pocahontas, and Nicholas Counties. His was a fruitful ministry. All the pecuniary aid received for time spent in this service did not exceed one hundred dollars. He sustained himself by private resources and teaching, in which vocation he accomplished a great good. The church year in those days began in September and no doubt the service of one year by these ministers was due to the hardships and privations through which they were called to pass in covering the destitution of a large field.
The church as left vacant after Dr. Campbell’s ministry until the year ending 1833, when Dr. John S. Blain commenced his ministerial duties one third of his time for one year. At this time quite a number of persons joined this church by certificate. In the year 1835, Rev. David Cummingham began his labors as stated supply for one year for one third of his time.
Another vacancy occurred in the year 1836, but in September 1837 Rev. William Brown moderated a call to Rev. Joseph Brown to become our Pastor for one half of his time at $200.00 per annum, which call was unanimous by a vote of the people. He was installed by the Rev. David Cunningham and was Pastor here until September 1844, a period of seven years. We pause here to sound our praises of this fine man. He sprang from distinguished ancestry, being one of the give ministerial sons of Mary Moore of Abbs’ Valley. He greatly endeared himself to everyone through a consecrated service of teaching, preaching, and charming social qualities. His labors were abundant in the churches of Anthony’s Creek, Spring Creek, Oak Grove, and Liberty. Through his efforts the “Little Levels Academy” was founded at Hillsboro, West Virginia.
In the year 1838 the Synod of Virginia met at Lexington, Virginia. The Synod of Virginia requested, and the Presbytery of Hillsboro, West Virginia resolved that a division be made in the Presbytery. The following record was taken from the minutes dated October 10, 1837:
The Presbytery be divided by a line commencing at the intersection of the Alleghany mountains with the outer boundary of Hardy County and thence along the top of the mountain to the boundary of Giles County, and thence along the dividing line between Giles and Monroe counties to New River, and that the ministers and churches of the said line are hereby constituted a presbytery to be known by the name of the Greenbrier presbytery, and said presbytery shall hold its first meeting at Lewisburg on the second Tuesday in April next and be opened with a sermon by Rev. John McElhenny, or in case of his absence by the senior minister present.
The ministers present were: Rev. John McElhenny, Rev. Francis Thornton, Rev. James K. Brown, Rev. William G. Campbell, Rev. David. R. Preston, Rev. Joseph Brown, and Rev. John Blain. The following elders were present: George Rapp, Moses W. Fuque, Samuel Brown, William Shanklin, Thomas Beard, T. C Harrah.
Dr. John McElhenny preached the opening sermon. His text was from the fifth verse of the Twentieth Psalm: “In the name of our God we will set up our banners.”. The churches to compose the new Presbytery were as follows:
Lewisburg
Union
Head of Greenbrier
Tygarts Valley
Parkersburg
Hughes’ River
Huntersville
Oak Grove
Muddy Creek
New Liberty
Anthony’s Creek
Point Pleasant
Carmel
Charleston
Spring Creek
The first action of the new Presbytery was the reception of Rev. Fastus Hanks who left New Brunswick Presbytery to unite with us, and was cordially received. He preached a missionary sermon at Oak Grove September 28, 1838, at which a collection of $21.20 was received for the cause of the missions. Dr. McElhenny began his memorable missionary career in 1808. Being a leader in this section in the missionary enterprise his counsel was sought by the other ministers.
The celebrated Dr. Stuart Robinson said of him, “Dr. McElhenny is the greatest man I ever knew in the ministry because of his active, faithful, service. Even in these remote days Greenbrier Presbytery occupied a vast field as it embraced two hundred miles square. There was no Presbyterian minister in the east nearer than Lexington, Virginia and none on the west this side of the Ohio River, and none north and south for at least one hundred miles. He had no assistance except an occasional visit from distant brethren or those visiting Sulpher Springs or those visiting White Sulpher Springs or other resorts. Dr. McElhenny came to the Old Stone Church in Lewisburg in 1808. He preached alternatively at Lewisburg and Union giving one Sabbath at the Little Levels, then the Oak Grove Church was vacant, Dr. McElhenny would come up to preach and hold communion. One of his texts remembered by some of the old people was Jeremiah 22:29, “O earth, earth, and earth, hear the world of the Lord”! He exerted a great influence for good over the Oak Grove Chruch which has always been served by great and noble men. There are Elders in the church today, who are direct descendents of William Poage, the founder of the Oak Grove Church.
On December 1, 1844, the Rev. Mitchell D. Dunlap commenced his ministerial duties for one year. He supplied this church and Huntersville until 1868 and also was Principal of the Little Levels Academy. The name of the town and post office was changed from the name of Hillsboro to that of Academy in deference to the school which extended its beneficial influence far and wide through this and surrounding counties. But since change and time have obliterated all traces of the old brick academy, the name of the town was reverted to the old original name of Hillsboro. Mr. Dunlap was devoted pastor and teacher and he laid the foundation for the development of many fine characters of both men and women in this county. After his retirement from the ministry, he and his wife lived on their farm situated on the road leading west from Hillsboro. There they died and their remains were taken to Monroe County for burial. Mrs. Dunlap loved and studied the Bible diligently and it was owing to her influence and efforts that Mrs. Carrie Stulting Sydenstricker was led to go as a missionary to China where she labored for forty years, giving her life to the cause and her body was laid beneath Chinese soil. Mrs. Dunlap was a relative of Rev. James Heines whose memory is still green among some of the older residents of the Little Levels. There was a lapse in the worship of the church from 1868 to 1871, and then through the efforts of Rev. James H. Leps, Rev. George L. Brown agreed to give one-forth of his time until September 1, 1872.
On June 1, 1872, the Session employed the /Rev. David Spotts Sydenstricker to preach for them one-half of his time for one year. At the end of the year they accepted a call to two churches in Arkansas. A correspondence was then opened with Rev. Henry Gilmore of Lexington, Virginia to come and preach for us, which he promised to do, but when Shermeriah heard of it they implored him to remain with them. He would not agree to do it unless satisfactory with the Oak Grove Church. They sent delegates to confer with us to whom we relinquished our claim, relieving Mr. Gilmore of all embarrassment. An urgent call was then sent to Mr. Sydenstricker to return to us. He came back, took up our work and performed it faithfully and efficiently for thirty years. The old brick church was considered unsafe from a crack in the wall. In the emergency of having no place to worship, the Methodist people very kindly offered us the basement of their church that stood on the hill near the parsonage. The question of the erection of a new church soon sprang into being. It was decided to tear down the old church and use the good material in a new one. The present church lot was purchased and very comfortable, pleasant, frame structure was erected thereon with a fine large basement beneath and the walls and flues built of brick from the old church. The new church was baptized with the old name of Oak Grove because of the “God’s Acre” we left on the old site. On motion of Col. R. G. Miller the lot on which the old church stood was to be held forever as a burying ground under the control of “The Oak Grove” church wherever its buildings might be erected.
Dr. Sydenstricker resigned June 18, 1905 and retired to a home he built in Hillsboro where he and his noble wife lived until his death in 1913. He was much beloved and deeply mourned. Mrs. Harrie Sydenstricker, the missionary, already referred to, was a product of this church in 1880. Rev. Jacob Summers Kennison went from this church into the gospel ministry. Dr. Sydenstricker was well educated, being able to read the Bible in Hebrew. Noted evangelists conducted revival services during his ministry, such as Rev. Wm. J. Wilhelm, C. M. Howard, M. L. Lacy, James H. Leps, and others.
The Rev. J. L. Massey was an assistant to Dr. Sydenstricker in the vacation of 1902. He was a very popular among all classes. He helped form what was then called “The Women’s Foreign Missionary Society” which gradually led up to the “Circle” and Auxiliary plan of worship.
Taken from the Oak Grove Session Books
By Miss Minnie Wallace
Miss Maggie Ruckman
Mr. M. J. McNeel
Section B ---
OAK GROVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – Hillsboro, W. Va. Organized 1793. This church building which took the place of the old Grove Church building which was located about three-fourth miles from Hillsboro, is in the town of Hillsboro and was build in …. Oldest Presbyterian organization in Pocahontas County.
Chapter 6 – Section 2 – Oak Grove Church from 1900.
The Rev. Jacob Coats Johnson was installed pastor of the Oak Grove Church September 18, 1905, and served faithfully until his resignation November 20, 1927. It was during Mr. Johnson’s pastorate that the present house of worship was built in the town of Hillsboro, West Virginia. Also the Union Church of Seebert was dedicated June 28, 1903. Fine evangelists preached for Mr. Johnson while here – such as Revs. Drs. Robinson, Miley, Lacy and Hall. The Rev. John C. Riddle who was a fine young man, assisted Mr. Johnson during the vacation of 1933. He enjoyed very much the work in all the churches and took great interest in the mission work on Caesar’s Mountain. The Presbyteries met here in 1920 and formed the Auxiliary.
Mr. Johnson was greatly beloved by all classes of people. A great sorrow came into his life while here in the loss of his charming wife, Anna Webster Johnson. At the church in Hillsboro a memorial window was built to commemorate her virtues. His second marriage was to Miss Mary Edgar Beard and they have four interesting children to bless their union. After Mr. Johnson accepted a call to Covesville, Virginia, we had various ministers to preach for us while the pulpit was vacant, as Revs. Shiflet, Graw and Bowen.
We then invited different men to preach for us in view of a call and finally accepted the services of Rev. Leade Randolph Atkinson, who came to us with his wife, Mrs. Grace Charlton Atkinson and baby Martha Boling Atkinson on May 18, 1929. They were students fresh from the training school at Richmond, Virginia. This was his first pastorate. We all, without one single exception, thought them a fine couple. They were with us until 1932.
Then came Rev. Marlin B Curry from 1932 until 1936. After Rev. Curry came Rev. J. E. Knight who was here until 1939.
At the present time there is no regular preacher at this church. Dr. Samuel Moore has been supplying the pulpit for a few months and will be here until late fall, but because of his health, he is compelled to spend the winters in Florida. The church is now being re-roofed and repaired and the congregation will call a pastor very soon.
The membership of the church at this time is about two hundred persons. The Sunday school enrollment is about two hundred and eleven. On the fifth Sunday of the month on which they occur, union services are held here with the Methodists.
The elders now serving are:
Henry Harper Beard
John Hamrick
C. W. Kennison
William Cockley
Duncan Moore
The deacons are:
Kyle Beard
John Lay
Carl Beard
Cameron Beard
Joe McNeel
Eric Clutter
Preston McLaughlin
Moffett McNeel
Walter D. Clark
Women’s Work
In 1902 the ladies of the Oak Grove Church were organized into the two societies, the “Ladies’ Aid Society” and the “Woman’s Missionary Society”. Mrs. H. W. McNeel was the first chairman of the Ladies Aid Society and Mrs. Edwin L. Beard of the Woman’s Missionary Society.
In 1921, the women’s work was reorganized according to the Auxiliary plan of worship. Mrs. Lee P. McLaughlin was the first chairman of the Auxiliary. The Women’s Auxiliary takes the place of the Aid and Missionary Societies. There are two adult circles and one young ladies circle. Mrs. H. W. McNeel is the present chairman.
Information:
Mrs. Rella Yeager
Mrs. H. W. McNeel
Miss Minnie Wallace
Chapter 6 – Section 1
During the time that the Rev. John S. Blair gave one third of his time to the Oak Grove Church in 1834, an unusually large number of members were received into the church upon certification. The names follow:
William Poage
Eliza Poage
Mary V. Beale
Margaret Poage
John White
Jane White
Patrick Hare
Mrs. – Hare
Valentine Cackley
William C. Price
Eleanor Hare
John Hare
Mary Ann Price
Thomas Bradshaw
Mrs. Ophelia Beale
Henry M. and Mary Moffet
Rachel C. Beard
John Hogsheod and wife
Miss Elizabeth Poage
Mrs. Elizabeth Miller
Mrs. R. G. Poage
Mrs. A. E. Brown
George Washington Poage
Mr. and Mrs. Corby
Miss Caroline Miller
James Miller
Mrs. Smith
Mary Johnson
Jane Miller
Cyrus Poage
Andrew D. Johnson
Mrs. E. Johnson
J. W. Miller
Harriet P. Miller
Anne Lewis
Elizabeth Smith
Nancy Hogshead
Margaret Hogshead
Rhoda Corby
John Samuel (person of color)
John Parrott
Sophia Smith
Rachel Hogshead
C. I. Allen
Chapter 6 – Section 1
Minutes of the Session of the Oak Grove Church
April 16, 1869
Session of the Oak Grove Church met on this day, and opened with prayer by the Moderator M. D. Dunlap. Present S. H. Clark, R. G. Miller, Geo. B. Moffet, Matt Wallace. Heard the report of R. G. Miller, one of the committee appointed to visit J. H. M. Beard, and Wallace Beard to know why they had absented themselves from church and been neglecting the ordianances of the same. He reports that he saw Mr. J. H. M. Beard and said the reason that he had been absent from church was that it was a long ways to come and that he roads were bad, his wife had a young child (Ed. Note, this was Richard McNeel Beard) and he did not like to leave her alone, but he was sorry and would like Mr. Dunlap to preach either at his house or at his father’s house (Ed. Note - this was Josiah Jonas Beard) at suitable times so that could attend preaching. Mr. Miller further states that Wallace Beard said that he did not enjoy Mr. Dunlap’s preaching as well since the war as he did before, but did not think he had less enjoyment in the religious life he had enjoyed formerly, but that he would come to preaching when convenient. This report was received and adopted by the session.
Matt Wallace, Clk.
April 19, 1870
Session of the Oak Grove Church met this day, opened with prayer, members present M. D. Dunlap (Moderator), S. H. Clark, Geo. S. Moffett, and Matt Wallace. Deacons report due and unpaid our stated supply M. D. Dunlap to the first day of April 1870, $330.564 collection for sustenance $15.85, publications $11.15.
Spiritual condition of the church is far from being such as we could desire, but still hope we are not retrograding, but upon the whole we are advancing slowly spiritually. Our prayer meeting tolerably well attended.
Oct. 18, 1870
In reporting to the congregation on the spiritual condition of the chuch that whilst a few exhibited a good and Christian zeal and take a deep interest in the cause of religion, yet it is a sad reflection that many are cold to lukewarm.
Jan 21, 1871
Session of the Oak Grove Church met this day. Members present : M. D. Dunlap, Moderator S. H Clark, G? B? Moffet and Mathew Wallace.
1st. Deacon’s report. Due and unpaid stated supply, M. D.. Dunlap from 1st of January 18767 to Dec. 31, 1970, $176.75. Deacon also report that there was raised for education $10.25. Due the sexton services rendered fro year, 1870, $5.50.
The committee for sustenance for Greenbrier Presbytery recommends a plan for the purpose of raising money for aiding our feeble churches and more fully occupying our destitute territories. The session of the church recommended the following plan to the members of this church and those who are willing to aid us. That the head of each family make out an account for what the head of each family and each member thereof a willing to give for the object of sustenance and give said account to the deacons with the money or with the understanding that the money is to be paid before this, the 1st day of March next. The session reports that so far as the spiritual condition of the church is concerned, that it is about as it has been, but by no means as healthy as it ought to be.
S. H. Clark.
Session of the Oak Grove Church met Sept 2, 1871, members present, Josiah Beard, R. G. Miller, Geo. B. Moffett, M. D. Dunlap, Matthew Wallace. Josiah Beard was chosen Moderator. Session was opened with a prayer.
The session at the previous meeting appointed this meeting for the purpose of giving the Rev. M. D. Dunlap an opportunity for making explanation (at his request) as to certain objections made against him as a minister of the gospel.
1st. That on the 5th day of August 1869, the Rev. M. D. Dunlap did preach a sermon that was objected to by Col. Paul McNeel and Wm. L. Beard, on the grounds that the sermon was what to become of those who rebelled against the Civil government of man, and that it was too political.
2nd That the Rev. M. D. Dunlap is charged by public rumor with having taken the iron clad test oath since the war, for the purpose of obtaining pay for property taken by the Federal government during the war, and that he introduced his colored man as a witness contrary to the laws of Virginia.
3rd That a conversation with Col. P. McNeel and Wm. L. Beard, each separately, they inquired of Rev. M. D. Dunlap if he would not have to take this test oath in order to get pay for his property. His answer was that he did not intend to take the oath, that Judge Harrison was to attend to it for him and that he had some underground mode by which he could do it.
At this state of the proceedings Dr. M. Wallace was called away and Dr. G. B. Moffett was made Clerk in his place.
4th Paper marked “A” and handed in by W. W. Beard, reads and ordered to be copied as follows:
That Rev. M. D. Dunlap is applying for pay for his property, had led me to suspect in order to get pay, he must either take the test oath, or imply a third person to misrepresent him to the government, which would not only inflict a great wrong on the government, but also on this church.
Paper marked “B” and accepted an ordered to be copied.
Sept 1, 1871
Sometimes ago Col. Miller called upon me and asked by reasons for not attending church. I gave him a part of them and at the request of M. D. Dunlap, I will give him all my reasons for not supporting him as a minister of the gospel in our church. About the time he had made application to the U. S. Government for pay for his horses and cattle, he made some remarks, after a sermon he had preached, about the loss of our negroes that led me to believe that he thought the south had been wrong and the north right in the war, this led me to the suspicion that he was seeking favor with the U. S. Government, in order to get pay for his lost property; for up to that time he had certainly been a strong southern man, or at least pretended to be, and how could be obtain compensation from that government without relinquishing his former principles, unless he could get a third person to act in his place and misrepresent his true position during the war, which would be inflicting a great wrong, not only on the U. S. Government, but also on the church which he represents.
Yours &c,
J. H. M. Beard
Paper “C” ordered to be recorded.
Levels, August 29, 1871
I being invited to attend a meeting to be held at Oak Grove Church on the 2nd day of next month, I am not able to attend said meeting. I have no charges to make against the Rev. M. D. Dunlap, but I think for the interest of the church it would be better for Mr. Dunlap to cease being its pastor.
Nannie Beard
Objection 1 & Answer
The session after hearing the objections against Rev. M. D. Dunlap sermon preached August 8th, 1869 and after hearing it read, fully concurred in the opinion that there was nothing written in that sermon referring to earthly government or political no further action.
Paper “D”.
State of West Virginia
County of Pocahontas
I, Mitchell D. Dunlap, solemnly swear that I believe my age to be fifty-seven years, that I have been a citizen of the county and state aforesaid and state of Virginia for many years, that I was at the date of my claim herein set forth, originated and ever since have been a loyal citizen of the United States. Furthermore, I , the said M. D. Dunlap, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect, and defend the government of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith, allegiance, and loyal to the said constitution and government, that I will faithfully support and abide by all acts of Congress past and all proclamations of the President made during the rebellion relative to slaves, so long and so far as not modified for held void by Congress, or by decision of the Supreme Court of the United States; that I will faithfully perform all duties required of me by law, and further that I do this with full purpose, pledge and promise, with any mental reservations or evasion whatever, So help me God.
M. D. Dunlap (SEAL)
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledge before me this 4th day of April, 1886.
MORGAN ANDERSON. J.P.
As to the later part to for objection 2nd, Rev. M. D. Dunlap proved before the session that he did not use a colored man’s testimony in any court in Virginia, but only took his affidavit in Virginia to be used in his suite in Washington City where he had been informed by legal gentlemen that colored testimony was lawful.
The foregoing proceedings as recorded in this book are to be shown to the Presbytery the spiritual condition of the church. Session closed with prayer.
Geo. B. Moffett, CLK. Pro. Tem
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