Grace Church

 

The history of the Clover Lick Church is detailed in several sources, and it appears to have been a significant part of the community with a rich and varied past.

• Early Services: Before a church building was erected, the Warwick and Ligon families made their homes a place for preaching and worship for Presbyterians and other ministers. Dr. Ligon often acted as a lay reader, conducting services in his home when a minister was not available.
• Grace Church: The church at Clover Lick was called Grace Church. It is also referred to as Immanuel Church in one of the sources, though it was later called Grace Church. The name Immanuel was first given to the church at its consecration. The church was a mile or so from its original location.
• Construction: The church was built after Bishop Peterkin's visit in May 1885, and before his visit in November 1886.
• Zealous Members: The church was built as a direct result of the "zealous interest" of Mrs. Dr. John Ligon. The Ligon family was very active in the work and worship of the church.
• Bishop Peterkin's Visits:
• Bishop Peterkin visited Clover Lick and preached at Dr. Ligon’s house.
• In 1892, Bishop Peterkin consecrated Immanuel Church, also called Grace Church, at Clover Lick.
• The bishop visited Clover Lick on August 21st and designated it in his report to Council but puts Grace in brackets.
• The Bishop preached in the new church at Clover Lick on Sunday, November 14, 1886.
• Move to New Site: After some years, the church was moved to a new site nearer to the depot.
• Other Ministers:
  • Rev. T. H. Lacy, D.D., was instrumental in the ministry of the church.
• The Rev. Mr. Mason also preached at Clover Lick
• Rev. Emile J. Hall was placed in the Madison Parish as its full time minister.
• Rev. W.H.H. Powers preached in the neighborhood of Clover Lick and Green Bank.
• Church Officers: The officers of Madison Parish included, Dr. C.P. Bryan, Dr. John Ligon, James W. Warwick, H.M. Lockridge and R.S. Turk.
• Annual Visits: The bishops of Virginia and West Virginia traveled to the area and were remembered for their visits and work with the congregations. The bishops' visits were an annual event.
• Shared Worship: The sources note that it was the custom for different denominations to share their church buildings for worship.
• Clover Lick as a location: Clover Lick was an important place on the route from Maryland and Pennsylvania to what was then the Virginia county of Kentucky.

The Clover Lick Church, initially established in the homes of the Warwick and Ligon families, grew into a formal church with its own building and a dedicated congregation. It has a history of visits from prominent religious figures and a tradition of service to the community.