Basket Meetings in Pocahontas County (circa 1880s)

 

Basket Meetings in Pocahontas County

The sources frequently mention "basket meetings" as significant events in the religious and social landscape of Pocahontas County in the late 19th century. While they don't explicitly define the term, they provide context and details that allow for a comprehensive understanding of these gatherings.

Definition and Characteristics:

• Outdoor Religious Services: Based on the information provided, basket meetings appear to be large, open-air religious gatherings, often held in rural settings. For instance, one article describes a basket meeting at Top Allegheny that was "very largely attended".
• Community Focus: The sources suggest that these meetings drew attendees from a wide geographical area, fostering a sense of community and shared religious experience among residents from various parts of the county.
• Picnic Element: The name "basket meeting" itself implies a key characteristic: the sharing of food. Attendees likely brought baskets filled with food to share with others, creating a communal meal as part of the day's events. This aspect is evident in the description of the annual "Buckeye Presidential Meeting", where people spread "the contents of their baskets under the trees" after the morning service.

Significance and Purpose:

• Religious Revival and Fellowship: Similar to the protracted meetings and revivals mentioned in the sources, basket meetings likely served as opportunities for spiritual renewal and religious instruction. The presence of prominent preachers, such as the "President of the M. P. Conference," at these events suggests their importance within the religious calendar.
• Social Connection and Celebration: Beyond their religious function, basket meetings clearly facilitated social interaction and celebration. The descriptions emphasize the large crowds, shared meals, and overall sense of enjoyment, highlighting the social dimension of these gatherings.

Example - The "Buckeye Presidential Meeting":

• Annual Event: The Pocahontas Times describes the annual "Buckeye Presidential Meeting" as a prime example of a basket meeting. Held at Bethel Church in Buckeye, this event drew attendees who had not missed it "in ten years," indicating its significance within the community.
• Location and Attendance: The article notes that the church building, while "commodious," could hardly contain the large crowd, with people standing "about the windows and doors" and "hundreds" unable to get close enough to hear the sermon. This detail underscores the popularity and widespread appeal of these gatherings.
• Sermons and Lunch: The account highlights the religious aspect, mentioning "very impressive" sermons delivered by Rev. J.E. Wilson. It also describes the tradition of attendees sharing a "delightful luncheon" under the trees, further emphasizing the social and communal element inherent in basket meetings.

Additional Insights:

• Adaptation to Circumstances: The article mentions that the service at the Buckeye meeting was held inside the church due to rain. This suggests a degree of flexibility and adaptation, with organizers adjusting the location based on weather conditions while preserving the core elements of the event.
• Rural Tradition: Basket meetings appear to be a distinctive feature of rural religious life in late 19th-century Pocahontas County. Their outdoor setting, communal meals, and focus on shared religious experience reflect a way of life deeply connected to nature and community.

Limitations of the Sources:

It's important to note that the sources provide limited information on the specific religious practices or organizational aspects of basket meetings. Further research into diaries, church records, or personal accounts from that era would be necessary to gain a more nuanced understanding of these gatherings.