Berkeley Church

(1879-34)

Primitive Christian and Pilgrim  Dec. 2, 1879 page 750 Vol. XVII No. 47

From Maurertown, Shenandoah Co., Va.

Nov. 12, 1879.

Dear Brethren:

  Brother S. Myers and the writer started for Martinsburg and Vancleverfille, W. Va., on the 8th of Oct.  We too the 7 o’clock train a. m. at Strasburg, arrived at Martinsburg 2 p. m., we met at Martinsburg 2 p. m., were met at the depot by brother John Brindle, who took us to his house, which is near the Cumberland depot. In the evening had preaching in brother Brindle’s house, to a small but attentive congregation.  In the evening of the 29th had preaching in Vancleverville. Hand preaching every evening during the week near this place until Saturday, which was the time set for a lovefeast. Had preaching at half past ten, after which one soul made application to be received into the church by baptism, with was attended to. Met again at 3 o’clock for the purpose of commemorating the suffering and death of our blessed Lord.  quite a number of ministering brethren were present during afternoon services. Met again Sunday morning, Nov. 2d, at half past then.  this being our last appointment at this place, at the close or our meeting elder D. Long counseled the brethren present on the propriety of organizing the brethren of Berkley county, W. Va. into a congregation.  There being no dissenting voice, it was organized with John Bridle and Jacob Sturckey as ministers, and Solomon Boyers and Francis Miller as deacons.   S. A. Shaver

Primitive Christian Jan. 13, 1880 page 12 Vol. XVIII No. 2

Brother A. Bell, of Hutons, Randolph county, W. Va., says their organization is known as the Beckey’s congregation, and it numbers about fourteen members, they have very little preaching. All they have is from the brethren of Rockingham county, who make two or three trips there a year. This little band of believers, although they number only fourteen, gives us seven subscribers to the P. C.  We know the congregations that have over a hundred members that do not give us as many.  Strange, but it is nevertheless very true.  

The Gospel Messenger  March 24, 1885 page 188 Vol. 23 No. 12

Echoes from the Alleghenies.

I will give a brief sketch of a trip to the East. Left Keyser, W. Va., Mar. 2nd, at one o'clock P. M. Arrived at Frederick City, Md., at eight o'clock the same evening, and was taken to Dr. P. D Fahrney's. Found Bro. W. A. Gaunt, formerly of Barbour Co., W. Va., located in Frederick, and connected with Bro. P D. Fahrney in the Victor Remedy business. The Brethren will do well by using these excellent remedies that are gaining such a wonderful reputation. The Brethren here are alive in the cause, and are making preparations for building a meeting house in the city, as soon as possible. Frederick and vicinity are rather considered as missionary territory, being the medium section between different congregations. The Brethren arranged for meeting on the night of the 3rd, which was held at the residence of Dr. Worman's whose companion, being greatly afflicted, requested that the meeting be held there. Sister Wormam expressed that her greatest desire was to live only to see the meeting-house completed, and enjoy a lovefeast in it.

  Also met with Brethren Jeremiah Brown and E. A. Bruner. By the Brethren's request and arrangements, I consented to stop on my way home and see the Brethren at Martinsburg, at which place, it was intended to have some meetings, but on account of high waters and bad roads, caused by the breaking up of the winter weather, it was thought not best to hold the proposed meetings. Arrived at Martinsburg, Mar. 4th, and was taken to Eld. John Brindle's. Also visited Bro. J. W. Jennings. This church was organized, Nov. '79. The elders are John Brindle and Jacob Stuckey. It is known as the Berkeley congregation. Built a churchhouse in '82, on which there is yet due a debt of three hundred dollars. Bro. Brindle is an earnest worker in the cause, and has a great burden on him, as the work is heavy and help scarce.

  There were but few members here when Bro. Brindle came, but they now number, in the entire territory, between eighty and ninety. Their field includes the counties of Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan. Bro. Brindle seems somewhat discouraged on account of the church debt, and also the greatness of the work when compared with what they are able to do. Brethren, much good might be done here, by a little labor, therefore, let them be remembered, and give them help whenever possible. There is a good prospect here for a large church, if only the proper amount of labor could be given, and you will find the Brethren earnestly contending for the true faith.

  I have tried to give correctly the information regarding the churches visited. Must say I greatly enjoyed my visit to all the fore mentioned places. Arrived at Keyser, Mar. 6th, at two o'clock, P. M. Thanks to the Brethren for their kindness, and to our Heavenly Father for all his tender mercies.

Wm. M. Lyon.

The Gospel Messenger  Nov. 20, 1883 page 317  Vol. 21 No. 46

The Berkeley Church was organized about three years ago, with a membership of fifty, scattered over Jefferson and Berkeley counties.