Churches in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

 

Brethren Churches in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

The provided source focuses on the history of Brethren churches in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The information is based on a letter written by Juanita S. Dilley on February 10, 1941, which draws on various sources, including personal letters, land records, and a West Virginia Review article by Foster E. Carpenter.

The Brethren denomination in Pocahontas County has historical ties to the churches in the Valley of Virginia, relying on them for leadership and preachers. The earliest record of Brethren presence dates back to July 31, 1858, marked by a land grant for a church from Jacob and Sarah Seeger, and John and Margaret Yeager to a group of trustees. This church, located at a site that later housed Camp Baldwin during the Civil War, served as both a hospital and barracks.

Around 1880, when the first Brethren church statistics were compiled, Pocahontas County had established preaching locations at Top Allegheny, Clover Creek, and possibly others. Notable Brethren ministers of that era included J. Spencer, John Warner, B. Wilfong, and Levi Deverege.

Top Allegheny Church

Considered the highest church in West Virginia, Allegheny Chapel stands at an elevation of 3,000 feet on Top Allegheny Mountain. The church's location is historically significant, as it was the site of a Civil War battle where Union soldiers were repelled by Confederate forces. Remnants of the conflict, such as a rifle pit and stone heaps from chimney stacks of former Confederate log cabins, are still visible near the church.

The construction of Allegheny Chapel was a collaborative effort between the Brethren and the Methodist denominations. They shared the building, with the Brethren holding services on one Sunday, followed by the Methodists on the next.

Hevener Church

Another significant Brethren church is Hevener Church, situated two miles from Dunmore, West Virginia. Built in 1904 on land donated by Esau Hevener, this church was exclusively for the Brethren, unlike Allegheny Chapel. The land was entrusted to James K. Hoover, Robert J. Hevener, and John J. Hevener, who served as trustees.

The dedication of Hevener Church was a noteworthy event with sermons delivered by prominent Brethren preachers, including Abram Bowman from Bridgewater, Virginia. The church thrived for a period, boasting a membership of around 60 individuals. Following the construction, Mason M. Hevener assumed the role of preacher but later relocated to Pennsylvania. In the years that followed, various preachers, including Isaac J. Garber, contributed to the church's operations. Hevener Church also hosted preachers from the Valley of Virginia for revivals.

Other Brethren Churches and Practices

In addition to Allegheny Chapel and Hevener Church, the source mentions several other Brethren churches or preaching locations in Pocahontas County. These include:

• Clover Creek Church (also known as Union Chapel or Beverage Church)
• Hooded House Chapel at Panse Lane (established around 1873)
• Stony Creek (originally used Hamline Chapel, later using the Presbyterian church)
• Centre Union
• New Hope Church (located between Frost and Dunmore)

The source highlights the Brethren practice of sending preachers from the Valley of Virginia to conduct revivals at churches like Hevener Church. Additionally, they sent female workers to conduct Bible schools, demonstrating their commitment to religious education.

The source notes a shift in the administration of mountain churches in 1920, transitioning from individual local churches to a dedicated District Board. This change aimed to foster self-reliance among the mountain churches, reducing their dependence on churches in Virginia.