Key figures played significant roles in the religious life of Pocahontas County

 

Several key figures played significant roles in the religious life of Pocahontas County, as detailed in the sources. These figures represent various denominations and contributed to the spiritual development of the community:

• Episcopal Church:
  • Rev. R.H. Mason is noted as conducting the first recorded Episcopal service in the county in 1859. He regularly held services and was a key figure in establishing the church.
  • Bishop Whittle also visited Pocahontas County and preached in 1869, indicating the growing presence of the Episcopal Church.
  • Rev. James Madison was a first bishop of the Diocese of West Virginia and was involved in the early organization of the church.
  • Rev. Peterkin was a Bishop of the Diocese of West Virginia who made visitations to Pocahontas County.
• Presbyterian Church:
  • Rev. William T. Price was a prominent Presbyterian pastor who served in Marlinton from 1886 to 1919. He was also an author and historian.
  • Rev. John McLean was a Presbyterian pastor in Marlinton who served from 1919 to 1924.
  • Rev. Dr. Craig was an early pastor of the Old Stone Church.
  • Rev. Joseph Brown was a pastor who served the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church from 1826 to 1872.
  • Rev. Francis Skinner was a Presbyterian minister who served in the area in the late 1700s.
  • Rev. John Blain was a pastor of the Oak Grove Presbyterian Church.
• Methodist Church:
  • Rev. Andrew Hamilton was the first pastor to serve the Bethel Church.
  • Rev. H. Q. Burr was a subsequent pastor at the Bethel Church.
  • Rev. Jackson Lamber was a pastor from Maryland who preached at the dedication service of the Bethel Church.
• Other Religious Figures
  • Rev. Robert F. Atkinson, was a Bishop of West Virginia.
  • Rev. Robert B. McCoy was the first teacher at the Gum Springs School and also a preacher.
• Rev. C.E. Denison is mentioned as one of the people to whom a set of books are dedicated.
• Rev. George Spencer was a pastor at Trinity Church.
• Rev. John Ligon was a well-known figure in the early days of the Presbyterian church.

These individuals, among others, were instrumental in establishing and leading religious institutions, providing spiritual guidance, and shaping the moral fabric of Pocahontas County. They represent a variety of denominations and demonstrate the importance of religion in the early development of the region.