{"id":2066,"date":"2022-07-26T05:40:47","date_gmt":"2022-07-26T05:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sfwm23.sharefaithwebsites.net\/~sxq4etcptkqoa83o\/xOJS80dtHR\/?page_id=2066"},"modified":"2022-07-26T05:47:35","modified_gmt":"2022-07-26T05:47:35","slug":"our-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sfwm23.sharefaithwebsites.net\/~sxq4etcptkqoa83o\/xOJS80dtHR\/our-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Our History"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Our History<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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CLARKSBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MIDDLESEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In the Clerk\u2019s Office of the Circuit Court of Middlesex County, there is recorded a deed, dated June 28, 1838, from Warner C. Blake and Sara Blake, his wife, parties of the first part, to Robert Healy, William T. Fauntlery, Esmun R. H. Burritt, Thomas Hutchings, and John R. Creighton, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the County of Middlesex, State of\u00a0 Virginia. The said Warner C. Blake and wife conveyed unto the said trustees, in and for consideration of one dollar, and to the successors in office forever for the following uses:<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In trust that they shall erect or cause to be erected or built thereon a House of Divine Worship for the use of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America according to the rules and Discipline which from time to time may be agreed upon and adopted by the ministers and preachers of the said church at their General Conference; and in the further trust that they shall at all times permit the said ministers to preach and expound God\u2019s Holy Work. (1)<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On the 20th<\/sup>\u00a0day of May 1895, for the consideration of $10.00, Matilda Blake conveyed to S. Grinels, Thomas Shreeves, E. W. Mottitt, and J. F. Hancock, trustees of Clarksbury, one-half acre of land bounded on the north by the church lot, west and south by the land of Matilda Blake. (2)\u00a0Later, one fourth of an acre, which was part of the school lot, became property of the church. (3)<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tradition and research lead us to believe that Clarksbury was named for two men who were born in Great Britain and were destined to become leaders in the Methodist Church.\u00a0Adam Clarke was born about 1762 in Londonderry, a County of Northern Ireland.\u00a0Clarke was the product of a dual religious heritage, for his father Anglican and his mother Presbyterian.\u00a0As a child he was instructed by his mother in the Scriptures, the Apostles Creed of his father\u2019s church, and in the Presbyterian Catechism.\u00a0In 1777, he was attracted to Methodism by an itinerant minister and later was invited to come to Kingswood School in Bristol, England by John Wesley.\u00a0During the years after leaving Kingswood, he preached throughout England.\u00a0Adam Clarke is also known as one of the English Wesleyan writers. (4)<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Francis Asbury was born near Birmingham, England in 1745.\u00a0He became a local Methodist preacher at the age of 13.\u00a0Asbury attended his first Wesleyan Conference in Bristol, England, in 1771; and when Mr. Wesley called for preachers to go to America, Asbury offered himself for work in this new country.\u00a0He became the first circuit rider.\u00a0His ministry included nearly 300,000 miles of travel along the Atlantic coast.\u00a0He has been called \u201cThe Prophet of the Long Road\u201d. (5)\u00a0Bishop Asbury was the presiding bishop of the Virginia Annual Conference from 1786 to 1810. (6)<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clarksbury was originally on the Gloucester Circuit of the Richmond District and was served by circuit riders who perhaps visited once in several months.\u00a0Each minister was assigned a junior preacher or helper to assist in his ministry.\u00a0There are no written records of Clarksbury prior to 1843.\u00a0Kinchen Adams and Allen Carner were assigned the Gloucester Circuit on November 15, 1843.\u00a0These two ministers are credited with incorporating the new Middlesex churches with the Gloucester Circuit.\u00a0Forest Chapel, Lower Church and Clarksbury reported for the first time at a Quarterly Conference, which was held at Forest Chapel on May 11, 1844.\u00a0Presumably for closer supervision, the Gloucester-Middlesex Circuit was divided into wards at a Steward\u2019s Meeting on July 10, 1844, at which time Robert Healy was appointed to oversee Clarksbury and Lower Church.\u00a0Warner C. Blake represented Clarksbury at a meeting of the delegates which had been elected from each society of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the Gloucester Circuit and was held at Salem Church on August 22, 1844, to consider Bishop Andrews\u2019 connection with slavery. (7)\u00a0The Methodist Church was divided into the northern and southern branches in 1844.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Clarksbury remained on the Richmond District until 1852.\u00a0In 1852, Middlesex became a circuit; a swamp at the time separated the new circuit from Gloucester. (8)\u00a0James T. Lumpkin was named a steward in 1866; John Woolridge replaced E. R. H. Burritt and James Lumpkin replaced John R. Creighton on the Board of Trustees. (9)\u00a0From 1852-1862, the Circuit was transferred to the Fredericksburg District and from 1862-1867, back to the Richmond District. (10)<\/p>

The building suffered from ill-use during the Civil War, and the Trustees made the following report:
October 30, 1866 – The church was very much injured during the war and was rendered unfit for worship but within the last year it has been repaired in part by the \u00a0 \u00a0 donations of friends.\u00a0The preacher in charge has occupied the pulpit regularly since his appointment to this circuit.\u00a0In view of the monetary pressure of the country, we would not advise any additional repairs at present.\u00a0The church is not enclosed.\u00a0A good well is convenient. (11)<\/p>

May 2, 1868, James T. Lumpkin applied for and obtained, license to exhort.\u00a0During the period from 1867-1870 the circuit was placed on the Rappahannock District. (12)<\/p>

Recovery from the war was slow as shown by the succeeding statements:
October 1, 1870 – Trustees of Clarksbury report that the title to the property is indisputably good and that the property is not encumbered with any indebtedness.\u00a0The house needs repair beyond the pecuniary ability of the membership to make it what it should be.\u00a0But the Trustees are pleased to report that some repairs have been\u00a0made to the house to the extent at least of making it tolerable and comfortable as a house of worship. (13)<\/p>

Class leaders were appointed and the instruction of children was stressed.\u00a0At the Quarterly Conference on January 14, 1871, it was stated, \u201call Sunday Schools were suspended in the fall except Clarksbury, the brethren determined to continue their school during the winter.\u00a0We are much indebted to Brother Towill, a Baptist minister, for our success in this school.\u201d (14)<\/p>

In 1884, under the pastorate of Mr. D. G. C. Butts, the Circuit was divided.\u00a0He said, \u201cThe people were better satisfied with the service rendered by the minister; for each church had services twice each month when the weather permitted.\u00a0Salaries were low.\u00a0The substantial gifts of the well-to-do people filled up the larder and kept the preacher\u2019s family in a cheerful mood.\u201d (15)<\/p>

The Middlesex Circuit was on the Randolph-Macon District from 1871-1890.\u00a0The circuit included Forest Chapel, Clarksbury, Old Church (King and Queen), Hopewell, New Hope, Lower and St. Andrews.\u00a0In 1884, the circuit was divided with Forest Chapel, Clarksbury, Bethel, Urbanna, and Lower becoming the Middlesex Circuit; and Old Church, New Hope and St. Andrews, the East King and Queen Circuit. (16)<\/p>

In 1890, the Middlesex Circuit was placed on the Rappahannock District.\u00a0Clarksbury was rebuilt in 1890 under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Dalby.\u00a0The following account was given in the Richmond Christian Advocate, October 9, 1890:<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCorner-Stone Laying in Middlesex”<\/b><\/p>

The corner-stone of Clarksbury Methodist church was laid on Saturday, 20th<\/sup>\u00a0inst., by the Masons of Donivan Lodge, Worthy Brother Mathews, Master, and Right Worthy Brother Donivan, District Deputy Grand Master, having general superintendence of the craft; Rev. J. H. Dalby and this writer participating in several parts.\u00a0The ancient Masonic ceremony was beautifully and impressively rendered.\u00a0After an address, a handsome contribution was laid on the corner-stone by the Masons and the friends of the Church, which, together with the amount received by the ladies at the refreshment tables, footed up the sum of $160.\u00a0The old church, built in 1838, had well-nigh gone to decay, and early this year Brother Dalby, though sick, started that man of energy and character, Capt. S. S. Grenols, to the task of rebuilding.\u00a0He was ably assisted by the congregation, and it is now nearly completed at a cost of about $3,000, and will shortly be ready for dedication.\u00a0It is one of the handsomest structures in my district, and reflects credit on the Methodists and their friends in the neighborhood.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rev. J. H. Dalby is closing his fourth year on Middlesex Circuit successfully and pleasantly.\u00a0Although he had a severe illness during the year, his work has not suffered.\u00a0All the interests of the Church have been conserved.\u00a0Every debt on church and parsonage has been paid off by his skillful management during his term, and large accessions have been made to the membership.\u00a0On the whole, Middlesex Circuit never was in better condition.\u00a0Brother Dalby, too, is growing as a preacher.\u00a0The Commonwealth\u2019s Attorney told me that he hears no better preaching in the cities than he hears at home.\u00a0\u00a0October 1st<\/sup>.\u00a0\u00a0George H. Ray.\u201d<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The East Middlesex Charge, consisting of Lower and Clarksbury, was established in 1906.\u00a0The parsonage for the two churches was located across the highway from Clarksbury.\u00a0This arrangement continued until 1918 when Bethel, Clarksbury, Lower, and Urbanna formed the Urbanna Charge.\u00a0Clarksbury and Lower became the Piankatank Parish in 1955.\u00a0Clarksbury become a one-church appointment in 1980.\u00a0\u00a0There have been few changes in the sanctuary since 1890.\u00a0A central chimney, with pipe extending from the ceiling in a triangular fashion to two wood-burning stoves, was replaced by two inside chimneys using coal-burning stoves.\u00a0In the mid-1960\u2019s, central heat was installed.\u00a0The chancel was extended, the choir section raised, the lighting system changed, and the window panes replaced with cathedral glass in 1969.\u00a0After several years of preparation, a much-needed educational building was added in 1952.\u00a0The fellowship hall was refurbished and appropriately decorated in 1995.\u00a0In 1997 windows with double panes were installed in the sanctuary.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Ladies Aid Society, which was organized in 1888, emphasized the physical needs of the church.\u00a0Women of the church have been strong supporters of missions since the Woman\u2019s Missionary Society was organized in 1906.\u00a0They continue to expand their concepts of missions as United Methodist Women.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We look back to the founding of Clarksbury with mixed feelings of pride and gratitude.\u00a0Our church stands as a memorial to those people whose hopes, dreams, and prayers caused them to build a place of worship in this community.\u00a0Its existence and growth are synonymous with the names of countless laymen and ministers who will increasingly be remembered on the pages of time.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The old oak trees that stood in the churchyard bore marks of hooks that were placed there for hitching horses.\u00a0Sundays found these hooks occupied whether at an 11:00 A.M. or 3:00 P.M. service.\u00a0We live in another era; but as we go forward, may we accept the challenge from Matthew 21:28, \u201cGo work today in my vineyard.\u201d<\/p>

Marguerite Bristow<\/p>

Church Historian<\/p>

(Update: As of\u00a0March 2011, that last old oak tree was cut down due to disease and safety issues should it have fallen.)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our History CLARKSBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MIDDLESEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA In the Clerk\u2019s Office of the Circuit Court of Middlesex County, there is recorded a deed, dated June 28, 1838, from Warner C. Blake and Sara Blake, his wife, parties of the first part, to Robert Healy, William T. Fauntlery, Esmun R. H. Burritt, Thomas Hutchings, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2066","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nOur History - Clarksbury United Methodist Church<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Our History - Clarksbury United Methodist Church\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Our History CLARKSBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MIDDLESEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA In the Clerk\u2019s Office of the Circuit Court of Middlesex County, there is recorded a deed, dated June 28, 1838, from Warner C. Blake and Sara Blake, his wife, parties of the first part, to Robert Healy, William T. Fauntlery, Esmun R. H. 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