Briefing Doc: Churches in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

 

Briefing Doc: Churches in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

Main Themes:

• Early Church Development: The sources detail the establishment and growth of various denominations in Pocahontas County, with a particular emphasis on the Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. This development often involved overcoming challenging circumstances, including rugged terrain, limited resources, and denominational differences.
• The Role of Circuit Riders and Lay Preachers: The lack of ordained ministers led to the prominent role of circuit riders and lay preachers in spreading the gospel and establishing congregations. Individuals like James W. Riley, James T. Sutton, and Benjamin Arbogast are highlighted for their dedication and impact.
• Community and Church Life: The sources illustrate how church activities served as a central focus of social life in Pocahontas County. Events like revivals, Sunday Schools, and missionary societies fostered community bonds and provided opportunities for education and social service.
• Impact of Lumber Industry: The late 19th and early 20th century saw significant influence of the lumber industry on church development. Towns like Dunlevie and Thornwood saw the establishment of churches specifically catering to the lumber workers, reflecting the industry's impact on population shifts and community dynamics.

Important Ideas and Facts:

1. Early Religious Landscape:

• The first Presbyterian minister recorded in the area was Rev. Ben Edward Crawford, who likely visited sometime before 1762. (Source: "First Presybertian Minister.pdf")
• Early church services were held in various locations like homes, schoolhouses, and even the courthouse. (Source: "First Sunday School.pdf," "Huntersville Methodist.pdf")
• The Deer Creek Union Chapel, one of the earliest churches, was built sometime before 1800 near a large spring in Greenbank. (Source: "Deer Creek Union.pdf")

2. Methodist Influence:

• The Arbovale M. E. Church was initially a Presbyterian church (Deer Creek Union Chapel) but later transitioned to Methodist due to misunderstandings between the denominations. (Source: "Arbovale Methodist.pdf")
• Arbogast Memorial Church in Bartow was built by the M. E. branch of a lumber company but was named after Benjamin Arbogast, a distinguished M. E. preacher who never lived in Bartow. (Source: "Alexander Memorial.pdf," "Arbovale Methodist.pdf")
• Dunlevie M.E. Church was built in 1907 during the lumber boom and was furnished by a Rev. Blackhurst from Pennsylvania, highlighting the lumber industry's role in attracting preachers. (Source: "Dunlevie.pdf")

3. Presbyterian Presence:

• The Big Spring Presbyterian Church, established in 1868, was initially served by a minister from the Linco Presbyterian Church in Randolph County. (Source: "Big Springs.pdf")
• The Cass Presbyterian Church was founded in 1904, largely due to the efforts of Rev. Henry W. McLaughlin and Asa D. Watkins. (Source: "Cass Presbyterian.pdf")

4. Denominational Differences and Cooperation:

• The Bethel Church at Buckeye was initially a shared space between Methodists and Presbyterians, but the first Methodist minister was refused the privilege of preaching there, highlighting early tensions. (Source: "Bethel at Buckeye.pdf")
• The Central Union Church in Pleasant Hill was initially planned as a joint effort between the Brethren and Methodists but ultimately became a Methodist church. (Source: "Central Union.pdf")
• The Church of God at Brush Run initially involved Methodists and Brethren but ultimately became a Church of God due to doctrinal differences. (Source: "Church of God.pdf")

5. Role of Women in Church Life:

• Mrs. Jacob Warwick organized the first Sunday School in Pocahontas County at Clover Lick. (Source: "First Sunday School.pdf")
• Women played active roles in various church organizations, including missionary societies and Sunday Schools. (Source: "Baxter.pdf," "Huntersville Missionary Society.pdf," "Edray Methodist.pdf")

6. Church Buildings and Resources:

• Financial constraints were a recurring theme, with churches often built with donated labor and materials. (Source: "Bethel M. E..pdf," "Baxter.pdf")
• Church records highlight the challenges of maintaining church buildings and financing ministers' salaries. (Source: "Cass Presbyterian.pdf," "Edray Methodist.pdf")

7. Anecdotes and Personal Accounts:

• The story of Rev. A. E. Loomis preaching with his pants falling down at Beaver Creek Church highlights the humorous side of early church life. (Source: "Beaver Creek Methodist.pdf")
• Personal accounts about preachers like Rev. William T. Price, known for his strong convictions and impactful ministry, add a human touch to the historical narrative. (Source: "Churches after the civil war.pdf")

Quotes:

• "He afterwards said that was the last time he would ever look a church on any one. The disagreement had been over building the church...the President of the Lumber company was an M. E. and insisted having it built by the M. E. branch." (Source: "Alexander Memorial.pdf")
• "I talked it over with Hosea Brown concerning the church around Arbovale and Greenbank and he helped me to connect one church with the other and told me what he knew about them." (Source: "Arbovale Methodist.pdf")
• "It is named Arbogast Memorial as they never call it anything but Bartow church." (Source: "Alexander Memorial.pdf")
• "These were school house officers." (Source: "Brown's Creek Church.pdf")
• "This little incident is told here for you may know how I got along." (Source: "Beaver Creek Methodist.pdf")

Further Research:

• Examination of complete church records and historical documents for a more comprehensive understanding of church development.
• Interviews with current and former church members to gain personal perspectives on the role of churches in the community.
• Research on the history of the lumber industry in Pocahontas County and its specific impact on individual churches and denominations.