“Oh come to the church in the wildwood; oh come to the church in the vale”
Most folks in Tucker County know that there are three big United Methodist churches in Parsons; also one in Davis and one in Thomas. But lesser known is that nestled in the hills and hollows of Tucker are many more United Methodist “old country churches”. These little churches have existed for decades, some having their roots in bygone days when a visit from the circuit riding preacher was a welcomed event. Over the years, a few of the original churches have closed their doors, but ten of them are still holding services each Sunday and the joy of the Lord rings strong in each one.
It is these churches that the Parish is celebrating with a come one come all invitation to four evenings of praise, worship, song, healing and fellowship. Each evening will feature a different church beginning with Buena Chapel in Canaan Valley on September 18; Irons Chapel at Pheasant’s Run on the 19th; Hendricks on the 20th; and Union Chapel on Clover Run Road on the 20th.
If you have often wondered what it looks like behind the doors of these little churches as you pass by them on the road, this is your opportunity to find out. Everyone is welcome with a “come just as you are” spirit. You will be glad you did.
It is interesting to recall a little of the history behind each of the featured churches as many of the citizens of Tucker County have ancestors who participated in their founding and construction. You are welcome to share your remembrances at the service.
BUENA CHAPEL – Around 1900, Buena Chapel was built in the little community of Buena (which means good in Spanish) in Canaan. Buena at that time had a post office, a school, and a church. The original church trustees were Lindsay Reed, Mortimer Johnson and Grant Lanham. The Grahams owned a sawmill and cut out the pews which are still in the church today. The original church was not affiliated, but later became a Brethren Church, then Evangelical United Brethren, then in 1968, was merged into United Methodist. When the school burned down, the church became both the school and the church until Cosner school was built in Canaan. The original church is still in use today.
IRONS CHAPEL – The land for the church was deeded by John and Lucinda Bright on February 28, 1871. The original trustees who oversaw the construction of the church were John Hansford, John Vanscoy, D. H. Gilmore, Jasper Phares and Alpheus Irons. On August 5, 1888, the church was completed and the dedication was conducted by Rev. S. J. Grahm. At the time, it was known as the United Brethren in Christ Church. At 128 years of age, the original church is still in use today.
HENDRICKS UNITED METHODIST – The cornerstone of what at that time was the Israel Methodist Episcopal Church was laid on May 30, 1900. The church was completed and a revival held on July 21, 1901. J. E. Poling and A. S. Lindsey, among others, signed the deed for the property. The original church was washed off its foundation during the 1985 flood and had to be destroyed. The current church was rebuilt in the same location
UNION CHAPEL – The Union Chapel Church of Clover Run was conceived in the minds of John R. Phillips, Salathiel John Phillips, John Harsh and Zion Wilfong, while hiking from Clover Run to Parsons on the bitter cold night of December 28, 1898. Their conversation concerned the welfare of their community and the fact that it lacked a church. They acquired the land, donated the material and recruited the workers. On January 5, 1899, eighteen men with three teams started cutting and hauling timber to the mill. The women of the community sold butter and eggs to purchase the nails and glass for the church. Half an acre of land was donated by Robert E. Lee and Eunice S. Philips. This original church was dedicated on Sunday, May 7, 1899 and Rev. A. B. Moore preached the first sermon. In recent years a new building has replaced the original structure.
Look for the ad in this paper which will give more information on the services and driving directions. We hope to see you there.
