Church and Family History Research
Assistance
for Randolph County, West Virginia
CHURCHES:
VALLEY (BEVERLY)
Valley Church, south of Beverly, was organized on August 2, 1806, at the home of Jacob Kittle (a veteran of the Revolutionary War), with ten charter members, viz., Jacob Kittle, Daniel Canfield, William Hixon, John Chenoweth, Mary Kittle, Mary Holder, Elizabeth Moore, Mary Sconover, Margaret Sconover and Deborah Hart.
They held their meetings at the homes of members until 1818, when it was decided to build a church. Henry Petro and his wife deeded them an acre of land and a log building was erected. Maxwell's History of Randolph County (page 313) describes it, with a picture. During the Civil War the building was used as shelter by the soldiers. After that it was repaired and used until 1872, when it was past repairing and it was decided to build a new one, located on Chenoweth's Creek at Midland. The land was donated by Thomas Chenoweth and his wife, Florida. This building has stood over 60 years and was in use in 1935.
The first minister (called Elder, as all their preachers were) was Phineas Wells, a Revolutionary soldier. The second was Nathan Everett, and the third was Thomas Collett. All these men were residents in the vicinity. Thomas Collett's father was a Revolutionary soldier. Thomas Collett joined the church March 28, 1811, and served 37 years as moderator and minister until his death in 1872. Still later pastors included Elder Joseph Poe of Barbour County; Elder Ezra P. Hart; Elder Elam Murphy; and Elder Stephen D. Lewis.
In 1838, the church withdrew from the Union Association on account of its inconsistencies in allowing fellowship with the modern mission system.
With the exceptions of the tombstone inscriptions, an accurate account of this church, by Mrs E. E. Workman, has been published in the Randolph County Historical Society Magazine (1936). The first minute book of 1806 is still preserved in excellent condition.
Some of the above information was taken from the website of the Arnold Hill Cemetery Association, which is seeking assistance in the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery near the site of the old church.
SURNAMES OF MEMBERS:
LEADING CREEK (MONTROSE)
Leading Creek Church was also organized at a very early date, and was a long-time member of the Tygart's Valley Association. The first pastor was Elder David Murphy, and he was followed by Elder James Murphy.
SURNAMES OF MEMBERS:
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