Religious History in the Little Levels

 

Religious History in the Little Levels

The sources focus primarily on the development of Methodism in the Little Levels region of West Virginia, particularly around the establishment of the White Pole Meeting House. While other denominations are mentioned, the text emphasizes the early dominance and influence of Methodism in shaping the religious landscape of the area.

Early Methodist Presence:

• John McNeel and the White Pole Meeting House: The sources credit John McNeel, an early settler in the Little Levels, with building the White Pole Meeting House, believed to be the first church established west of the Allegheny Mountains. While the exact date of its construction is debated, it is suggested to have been shortly after McNeel's return from Lord Dunmore's War in 1774 as a gesture of thanksgiving for his survival.
• Martha Davis McNeel's Influence: John McNeel's wife, Martha Davis McNeel, is noted for her devout Methodist beliefs, having been influenced by the Methodist movement in Wales before immigrating to America. She brought her Welsh Bible, considered a significant artifact, with her to the Little Levels, highlighting the importance of faith in their lives.
• Circuit Riders and Early Expansion: The text details the arrival of Methodist circuit riders, such as John Smith, who first visited the McNeels in 1787. These itinerant preachers played a crucial role in spreading Methodism throughout the region, establishing new classes and solidifying the presence of the church in the lives of early settlers. Notable figures like Bishop Francis Asbury also visited the White Pole Meeting House, further signifying its importance in the early Methodist movement.

Growth and Development of Methodist Institutions:

• Shift from Meeting House to Church: While the White Pole Meeting House marked the beginning, the Methodist community eventually transitioned to more structured church buildings. The construction of Mill Run Church in 1830, spearheaded by John Jordan, a prominent figure with Methodist leanings, and his wife Mariam, a devout Methodist and daughter of John McNeel, signifies this evolution.
• Construction of Wesley Chapel: The narrative highlights the construction of Wesley Chapel in 1853, a more substantial structure that replaced the earlier churches and reflected the growing Methodist community in the Little Levels. This church became a central point for the Methodist community, hosting not only religious services but also significant events like District Conferences and even serving as a courthouse in the aftermath of the Civil War.
• Evolution of Leadership and Practices: The sources document the evolving leadership structure within the Methodist Church, moving from circuit riders and local preachers to appointed pastors with longer tenures. The establishment of Sunday Schools, missionary societies, and youth organizations, such as the Epworth League, illustrates the church's efforts to engage with the community and cater to different demographics.

Coexistence with Other Denominations:

• Presence of Presbyterians: While Methodism features prominently, the text acknowledges the presence of other Christian denominations, primarily Presbyterians. The relationship between the two groups appears to have been generally amicable, with instances of shared spaces for worship, such as Methodists using the Old Brick Presbyterian Church after the Mill Run Church fire.
• Limited Information on Other Faiths: The sources primarily focus on Christian denominations, with little mention of other religious traditions. This limited scope reflects the historical context of the region and the sources themselves, which are centered on the development of Methodism. It is crucial to acknowledge that this perspective does not negate the potential presence of other faiths in the region, even if undocumented in these particular sources.

The sources offer a valuable, albeit incomplete, perspective on the religious history of the Little Levels. They underscore the significant role of Methodism in the lives of early settlers, showcasing the efforts of individuals like John and Martha McNeel, the dedication of circuit riders, and the evolution of religious institutions over time. Further research would be needed to gain a more complete understanding of the religious landscape, including the experiences of other denominations and the potential presence of non-Christian faiths.

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Key Individuals in the Establishment of Methodism in the Little Levels

The sources identify several key individuals who played pivotal roles in establishing and fostering Methodism in the Little Levels:

• John McNeel: Considered the patriarch of Methodism in the Little Levels, he is credited with building the White Pole Meeting House, often recognized as the first church west of the Allegheny Mountains. This act of building a dedicated space for worship solidified the presence of Methodism in the region and served as a testament to McNeel's devoutness. He was likely inspired by his wife, Martha, and their shared faith. His commitment to Methodism is further evidenced by the participation of himself, his sons, and sons-in-law as trustees for the later Mount Tabor Methodist Church.
• Martha Davis McNeel: John McNeel's wife, Martha, is recognized for her strong influence on the establishment of Methodism in the Little Levels. Originally from Wales, where she had been inspired by the burgeoning Methodist movement, she carried her Welsh Bible with her to America, signifying the importance of faith in their lives and serving as a tangible link to her religious roots. This Bible is mentioned as a source of information about the McNeel family, indicating its continued significance within the family and potentially within the community.
• John Jordan: A prominent figure in the Little Levels, John Jordan, along with his wife Mariam, played a key role in transitioning the Methodist community from meeting houses to a more structured church building. They donated land and spearheaded the construction of Mill Run Church around 1830. Although the sources do not explicitly mention John Jordan's religious affiliation, his actions and his wife's devout Methodism suggest his strong leaning towards the denomination.
• Mariam (McNeel) Jordan: As the daughter of John McNeel, Mariam inherited her father's dedication to Methodism. Her marriage to John Jordan, and their joint effort in establishing Mill Run Church, proved crucial in expanding the Methodist presence in the Little Levels. The church's location, closer to the "old turnpike" than Mount Tabor, suggests an intention to make the church more accessible to the wider community, indicating a desire to further the reach of Methodism in the region.
• Circuit Riders: While not specific individuals, the sources underscore the significant contributions of Methodist circuit riders in spreading the faith throughout the Little Levels and solidifying its presence. These itinerant preachers, including notable figures like John Smith and Bishop Francis Asbury, traveled extensively, conducting services in homes and established meeting houses like the White Pole Meeting House. Their efforts were vital in nurturing the burgeoning Methodist community during its formative years and laying the groundwork for more established churches like Wesley Chapel.

These individuals, driven by their faith and commitment to the Methodist movement, were instrumental in establishing a firm foundation for Methodism in the Little Levels. Their efforts, along with the dedication of numerous other unnamed individuals, ensured that the Methodist faith flourished in the region, eventually leading to the establishment of a lasting and influential religious community.