Table of Contents
(click to go to)
Newer History
* Beginning
* Look to the Future
* Our Past
* Troubled Times
* A New Beginning
* In Closing
Older History
* Our Forefathers - The Orange Grove Society
* Original Orange Grove Society Members
* Church Location Vote
* Charter Members of the Orange Grove Society
* Treasurers Report: September 10, 1890
* Important Dates in our History
A History of Mizpah
United Methodist Church
reproduced from Homecoming September 14, 2003
compiled by Janie Nickle, (ex) Pastor (2003-2005) and other church members as noted throughout
Census records compiled and listed by Pat
Smith the webmaster
Mizpah United Methodist Church Outside and Inside...
NEWER HISTORY OF MIZPAH at Walkerton, VA
For the past 123 years, Mizpah Church has served the Walkerton
Community. The history of the church has been compiled from the Church Conference
Records of "Orange Grove Society" later known as the Mizpah Methodist Episcopal
Church South, the available Administrative Board meeting records of the Mizpah
United Methodist Church and the memories of members and friends. It is our
prayer that you will find this historical record a testament to the lives
of the men, women and children who called "Orange Grove Society" and Mizpah
Church...home.
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A Look to the Future: It is said the future of a church is shaped
by its past. If this holds true for Mizpah, the doors of this church will
remain open for many future generations. The history of Mizpah United Methodist
Church shows us that the church grew out of a spiritual welfare of the children
of Walkerton has prevailed. When I first met this congregation in April of
2002, their overriding concern, amidst the myriad of renovations that needed
to be done on the building, was the lack of children in their congregation.
It was a prayer heard in heaven, and we have been blessed with a growing children
and youth ministry that continues to support the dreams of Mrs. John W. Caldwell
and Miss Josephine M. Hensley in 1800. Their vision of an active Sunday School
to minister to the Walkerton area is still alive in the hearts of the congregation
of this small church, and we continually strive to make this church home for
children and their parents where they feel loved and safe.
Over the past few years, this congregation's faith and dedication to the reason
that the Orange Grove Society came into being is still evident. While these
faithful members may not have known the reason that they had such a determination
to keep the doors of Mizpah United Methodist Church open, their willingness to work hard and fight
for their place in Walkerton is a testament to their love for their church.
In an age where many churches are combining with sister congregations or simply
closing the doors for worship and mission, their dedication to this building
and community has been rewarded. Wehave an active Sunday school and have recently
begun a Youth Ministry that meets once a month, and includes Children's Sabbath
for the younger children.
With the renovations nearly complete, we look forward to moving into different
ministry areas that will bless the people of Walkerton and support the call
of Christ to go into the world and make disciples (Matthew:21.19). It is with
grateful hearts that we acknowledge the help of the Walkerton Fire Department
in helping with the many fund raisers that paid the bills for so many years,
and the members of the community who are always willing to help out when we
are short handed. A special thank you to the faithful few whom labored for
so many years to keep the vision alive for this church. We acknowledge our
limitations, and realize without the faithful support of friends and family
in the community who continually lend a hand, we would be unable to celebrate
Homecoming and the growth and prosperity of this congregation. The future
of any congregation is in its people, and today, we honor the men and women
who have held onto the faith and served God to the best of their ability in
this church called Mizpah.
written by: Janie Nickle, (ex) Pastor (2003-2005)
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Our Past: The church records of the 1950's held
familiar names of well-beloved people; The Mitchell's -- Miss Mary b, Miss
Clare, and John Lane -- were mentioned again and again as holding many administrative
and leadership positions in the church throughout the decade. The Babyaks,
Horace Smith, the Reynolds, the Cookes, the Shockleys, the Draines, the Normans
and the Carters also pepper the records. We have a young Ruby Norman attending
business meetings with her mother, and we note that one Benjamin Hardwick
makes an appearance in the records of the 1950s. Later we note a significant
change in the church records when Ruby Norman's name disappears to be replaced
by one Ruby Hardwick.
The Building Committee was busy in the 1950's collecting for the Sunday
school addition or the "Education Building" as it was called. In the mid 1950's
30 songbook racks were purchased for a grand total of $69.00 for the back
of the pews. A call went out from the ladies of the church for a few good
men to put up the bookracks. It is noted, for the record, that a lady seconded
the motion and the bookracks were installed.
During the 1950's, Mizpah Church was a center for community activities.
Vacation Bible School and the Easter Sunrise Services were held in this building
in partnership with area churches. Included in the records as participating
in these community church events were St. Stephen's Baptist, Bruington Baptist,
Smyrna and Providence Methodist.
In 1955, the four churches on King William Charge felt the need of
having preaching services in each of the Churches every Sunday. Melvin L.
Steadman and James W. Luck, seniors at Randolph-Macon College were appointed
to the charge, resulting in services being held in each of the churches each
Sunday.
The 1950's were an active growing time for this congregation. It is
interesting to note that tucked in the records of the 1950's was a symbol
that the church is stable and continues, for tucked in the back of the records
we found a small, dingy index card that summed up that decade as well as activities
today. Across its penciled front were scrawled two words that have helped
us through 50 years of business meetings, "Ask Jean" referring to our own
Jean Mitchell. Jean still serves this church the Adult Sunday school teacher,
President of the United Methodist Women's group, and advisor at our Administrative
Board meetings.
By 1961, the need for an education building was evident and the building
began in 1962. In the summer of 1963, administrative meetings were switched
to the new education unit. In 1963, Bethel Methodist Church withdrew from
the King William Charge, leaving Epworth, McKendree and Mizpah to comprise
the King William Charge. In 1968, the Methodist Church joined with the United
Evangelical Brethren, and the local congregation became known as Mizpah United
Methodist Church. On September 14, 1964 Mizpah held a Homecoming. On the menu
was fried chicken, ham, potato salad, and green beans...proof that history
has a way of repeating itself. In 1964 the Education Building was dedicated.
In 1968, the Cross in the pulpit was made by the donated to the Church by
Reverend Cephus Haynes who served as pastor.
The 1970's were ushered in with thriving ministries and activities
as evidenced by typed lists of organized groups and the names of those who
held offices. Meetings were held in the Education Building, and new, more
structured areas of service were clearly emerging. There are now educational,
evangelical, youth and missionary groups with the work detail going forward
in these ministries. Unfortunately, the records for the 1970's no longer provide
the detailed records of the individual meetings, resulting in the loss of
much informtion about the people who made Mizpah successful during this time.
However, many names that are still critical to the ongoing ministries of Mizpah begin to appear. A young Scott
Mitchell and Robert E. Mitchell, Jr. begin to appear in the church minutes as leaders of the Young Adult Council.
John Lane Mitchell, Charles Smith, the Hardwicks and son, Joseph Babyak, the Carters, the Shockleys, the Reynolds and Jean
Mitchell are now part of the Administrative Board. It is evident from the records that the 1970s were a time when the church reaches
out, expanding its programs and looking toward the future. Researched and Written by Carol Heller
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Troubled Times: Many of the records for the 1980 and 1990's
are sketchy and leave a blank in our history; but from existing records, the
church continued to be strong through the 1980 and 1990's. We find that the younger
generation is stepping into leadership positions. Shawn Smith, at the tender
age of 18, steps into the role of Treasurer where he continues to serve today.
The cemetery area is enlarged and the fence is added to the church boundary
along the road. In 1981 new sanctuary lights are given in the memory of Douglas
M. Mitchell.
In 1989, Scott Mitchell marries Linda Sisson, and just a few
short years later, another generation of Mitchells take their place as Mizpah
United Methodist Church when Jamie Mitchell adds his name to the membership
roles in 2002.
The 1990s ushers in a decline in membership and activities as many of the church members began to migrate to the
Richmond area and death claimed many of the saints that called Mizpah home. As the congregation begins to decline, troubled times come. Finances
begin to dwindle. The church gathers its resources and begins to look for ways to keep the doors open. Fund-raisers become
a way of life for this small congregation. Worship attendance is small but determination abounds and, while times are difficult, the doors remain open
for worship
In 2000, the decision was made to sever the Charge relationship with McKendree and Epworth. A major reduction
in expenses from support of a full time minister and the sale of the Charge parsonage brought much needed financial relief to the
parish. With the appointment of a part time pastor whose responsibility was limited to the ministries and
congregation of Mizpah, enthusiasm began to grow.
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A New Beginning: In 2002, we found ourselves with two children in our midst. Relying on family members, we
called the children of the community and asked them to join us to give us input as to what interested them about church. Jamie and Allie Mitchell, Brandi, Mark and Daniel McGehee
attended this meeting. Out of this question and answer session, the children decided -- with the assistance of their parents -- to participate in
Sunday school at Mizpah. For the first time in many years, we offered two classes for children. As an added benefit, the
Adult Sunday school, which met consistently with as little as three members at times, began to grow. Today, we are averaging 12
people in our Sunday school program, with two children's classes and one adult class.
In June of 2002, we hosted our first Vacation Bible School with 30 children registered. An outreach of Vacation Bible School has been our
Monthly Youth Group Meetings and Children's Sabbath. A United Methodisst Women's group was re-chartered this year
and for the first time in about 25 years, the Resident Bishop of the Virginia Annual Conference, Joseph Pennell, led us in worship in January.
As an added bonus, Bishop Pennell accepted the transfer of membership for our own Brenda Clements. While Brenda had
worshipped with us for three years, she was officially a part of the Mizpah family.
The members and friends of Mizpah are truly grateful to those few dedicated individuals who kept the faith during the difficult times.
We are committed to carrying on the vision set by our founding fathers, and to preserving the dreams of two dedicated women who
saw the wisdom in educating the children of Walkerton in the ways of God.
While the history of the church speaks for itself in terms of dedication and faithfulness, perhaps the true nature of
this church is summed up in the closing remarks entered into the historical records from our last homecoming:
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IN CLOSING
"Mizpah church has had many ups and downs and many changes have taken place in the history of the Church.
For many years it had a large membership and was strong spiritually and financially. Perhaps it was one of the most progressive
Methodist Churches in this section and has played an important part in molding the lives of the men and women in and
around Walkerton. I am sorry to say its membership has been greatly reduced; but we still have a faithful few who are using their best efforts to maintain
and carry on the work at Mizpah Church, and we feel that it exerts a good influence upon the lives of the young and old people of this section" Author Unknown
We, the congregation of Mizpah United Methodist Church on this day, September 14, 2003, look forward to the
day when we can once again take our rightful place as a strong spiritual and financial leader in this area.
We greatly anticipate the day of our Lord when we will look at those who have worked in His vineyard--Walkerton-- and say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servants."
OLDER HISTORY OF MIZPAH at Walkerton, VA
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Our Forefathers - The Orange Grove Society: During the summer of 1880 Mrs. John W. Caldwell and Miss Josephine M. Henley felt the
desire to do something for the children of the community. Mrs. Caldwell--who had recently came from Maryland and Miss Henley--a resident of the neighborhood, felt a desire to do something for the
religious instruction for the children of the community. Many of them were deprived of Sunday School privileges due to their distance from
Church. The ladies united their efforts and organized a Sunday School that met for some time in the woods not far from
Mrs. Bettie T. Henley's gate. Since a building was not available, the school only met during the summer season and in fair weather.
In order to support the Sunday School, the Rev. John W. Shackford, who lived at "Orange Grove Farm", offered a vacant house
located on his land near the public road for the cause.
In 1882, the Reverend Benjamin C. Spiller, pastor of the King and Queen Circuit was invited to preach at the "Sunday School House."
Beginnin in April of 1882, preaching services were held on the first Sunday of each month, and interest grew in
building a church spsurned on by the interests of the Methodist who desired to have a church in their neighborhood.
In the summer and early fall of 1882, the Reverend Spiller organized a Sunday class and the following members were received by Certificate of
Transfer. The house where the services were held was called, "Orange Grove Chapel."
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|
Original Members of "Orange Grove Chapel" | |
|
Rev. John W. Shackford |
Melville Walker |
|
Lewis P. Fryer |
George P. Hudson |
|
Robert J. Peay |
Anna M. Caldwell |
|
Martha C. Shackford |
Hester A. Eaton |
|
Annie M. Hudson |
Annie T. Walker |
|
Ida Oxenham |
Susan Peay |
|
Sarah E. Fryer | |
The Sunday School continued throughout the winter with every denomination in the community taking an active part.
There was a little band of Methodists in the community who were particularly anxious to find a suitable place to meet
and worship God. On December 24, 1882 a meeting of the members was called and the following reported:
"At a meeting of the Orange Grove members held at the Chapel on December 24, 1882 - Rev. John W. Shackford was called to Chair and Melville Walker was chosen Secretary. On motion, all persons present who felt an interest in locating the contemplated church building were invited to participate in the deliberation of the meeting. On motion of Captain George P. Hudson - five persons were appointed to a committee to select a site, and report in two weeks with the understanding, however, that the report should not be final, but subject to the disposal of the members of the Church. The Committee was as follows:
Melville Walker, Chairman
John W. Caldwell
George P. Hudson
Lewis P. Fryer
B.F. Eaton
The meeting was adjourned." Melville Walker, Sec.
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The Committee met three times and then presented the following locations as the future site for Orange Grove
Chapel.
-
A place agreed upon near Brother Melville Walker's gate on the public road.
-
About 200 yards above Robert I. Peay's residence.
A vote was called and there were four votes for Location 1 and one vote for Location 2. However, John W. Caldwell moved that
the report be tabled. Melville Walker was appointed to prepare a paper presenting the two sites and members were asked to sign
for the site of their choice with the understanding that the majority vote would decide the question.
During the summer of 1884 some dissatisfaction arose with the site selected for the church when a site
in the Village of Walkerton became available. It was decided by the members of the Society to purchase one acre of ground from
Captain George P. Hudson for the building. A Building Committee was appointed by the Quarterly Conference of the
King and Queen Circuit. George P. Hudson and B.F. Eaton were asked to draw the plans for the building. Melville Walker reported
that Lewis P. Fryer and George P. Hudson were appointed to stake off the site for the Church. Mr. W. R. McGeorge's sawmill
was hired to saw lumber for the Church. John Wright and Robert Basekette, Master Carpenters, were employed to build the Church
and John W. Shackford was appointed to select a name for the new Church. The building was started around
September 1, 1884.
In the year 1885, Rev. John W. Shackford reported he had selected the name MIZPAH and recommended
it as an appropriate name for the Church. The report was accepted and in 1885, Mizpah Methodisst Church began. Mizpah became a part of the
King and Queen Circuit that consisted of Shepard's Providence, Paces, and Mizpah.
Submitted By: Ruby Hardwick and Charles "Pinky" Smith"
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Charter Members of the Orange Grove Society:
The Rev. John W. Shackford -- was a Methodist Minister who resided at "Orange Grove Farm".
(1880 Census - he was born in 1820 in VA.
He lived at Stevensville (near Walkerton), King and Queen County. He was married to
Martha C. His occupation was listed as Minister of the Gospel)
Melville Walker -- was elected Steward of the Church and was the first Superintendent of the Sunday School - a position he held until his death in 1904. Mr. Walker resided at "Locust Grove" near Walkerton.
(1880 Census Records - He was born in 1847 in VA - He lived in Stevensville (near Walkerton), King and Queen County and was married to Virginia Henley Walker. His occupation was listed as farmer. He had 2 daughters and 1 son)
photos courtesy of Carol Lowry who obtained them from
Larry and Tere Pistole and Ben and Biddie Shelor Aug 2007
L. P. Fryer -- was among those that organized the Church and he, and his wife, took a very active part in Sunday School work, preaching, exercises, prayer meetings and all other work in connection with the Church. Mr. Fryer was Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School and a faithful and regular attendant of the Church. He contributed to all the causes of the church. He furnished the material and built the pulpit that is still in use today. (1880 Census records - He was born about 1844 in PA - he lived in Newtown, King and Queen County. He was married to Martha - had 2 daughters and was a farmer by occupation)
Annie Toombs Walker -- the wife of the late William Humphrey Walker, was a faithful and regular attendant of the Church and was one of the Sunday School teachers. (1880 Census records - She was born in 1846 in VA - she lived in Newtown, King and Queen County. She was married to William - had 1 daughter and 2 sons and was a wife with occupation of housekeeper)
photo courtesy of Carol Lowry Aug 2007
Captain B. F. Eaton -- the owner of the first steamboat on the Mattaponi River. He was generous and contributed liberally to all the causes of the church. He was one of its best and most useful members.
Captain George Hudson -- was among the original group that decided to establish a church in Walkerton. He was a brother-in-law to Captain B. F. Eaton and assisted his brother-in-law in the steamboat business.
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Treasurer's Report: September 10, 1890
"At the 4th Quarterly Conference meeting on September10, 1890, Pastor Joseph W. Shackford reported
that Mizpah Church had been dedicated. Also L. P. Fryer, Treasurer, reported that $8.60 collected
at the dedication of Mizpah Church and $1.64 collected for incidental expenses."
The Building Fund Treasurer's Final Report read as follows:
|
Total Amount Received - |
$1,490.22 |
|
Total paid to date - |
$1,489.65 |
|
Balance - |
.57 |
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|
Important Dates in our History | |
|
1885: |
The Orange Grove Society becomes Mizpah Church at the recommendation of The Re. John W. Shackford. |
|
October 4, 1885: |
A meeting was held and the Building Committee was instructed to buy stoves and blinds for the church. |
|
September 10, 1890: |
Pastor Joseph W. Shackford reports at the Quarterly Conference that the church had been dedicated and that a Rosebud Society was organized. It met regularly following Sunday School and the offering was used for Misssionary support. |
|
June 28, 1891: |
Melville Walker moved - and the motion was carried -- that a Church Bell be erected at Mizpah Church. |
|
1891: |
The practice of receiving Free Will Offerings began. |
|
1892: |
New Hymn Books were purchased for the Church. |
|
1910: |
A Cemetery Committee was appointed that consisted of J. Douglas Mitchell, P. P. Dillard and M. L. Smith. |
|
1921: |
Old Acquinton Methodist Church on the King William Circuit was discontinued. Mizpah left the King and Queen Circuit and became a part of the King William Charge that included McKendree, Epworth and Bethel. |
|
1937: |
A Women's Society of Christian Services (W.S.C.S) was organized. |
|
1955: |
Melvin Steadman & James W. Luck are appointed to the King William Charge and services are held each Sunday in the four churches of the charge. |
|
1963: |
Bethel United Methodist Church withdrew from the King William Charge. |
|
1968: |
The Methodist Church joins with the United Evangelical Brethren, and Mizpah becomes Mizpah United Methodist Church. |
|
1981: |
New sanctuary lights are given in memory of Douglas M. Mitchell. |
|
2000: |
Mizpah United Methodist Church becomes an independent pariah. |
|
2002: |
Major renovations on the sanctuary and education building are completed. |
|
2003: |
A storage shed is donated in memory of Harvey K. Cooke. |