Prayer Mission Baptist Church — Located off the road to the right, off of Rt. 10, in Isle of Wight County, between Cherry Grove Road and Rt. 10, north of Chuckatuck, approximately 3 miles.
Community Christian Center — Started approximately 2009 – Located on Route 10, between Reid’s Ferry and Chuckatuck Village.
Friendship Cathedral C.O.G.I.C.
(Church of God in Christ) — 1917 until Present
Written by Dorothy Bland Gamble and Willie B. Fulgham, Deaconess, Friendship Cathedral
The Church of God in Christ is a Pentecostal denomination originally organized in Lexington, Mississippi, in 1897. In 1907, as Chief Overseer, Bishop Mason set out to establish churches nationwide. Dad Mason came to Virginia in 1914, and by 1917, the First Church of God in Christ in Virginia was founded in Chuckatuck with Elder Charles Cypress as pastor. The first water baptism service was held here. For many years, the state C.O.G.I.C. would meet at the Friendship Church for their annual state picnic held on July 4th. Friendship was the first C.O.G.I.C. in Virginia and remains the state’s mother church. “It is the second largest African-American denomination in the United States with over seven million members in the U.S. and sixty countries…and to think it all started here for Virginia in Chuckatuck,” said Dorothy Bland Gamble and Willie B. Fulgham. The pastor in 2012 was Reverend Joe Chase.
Little Bethel Baptist Church
Little Bethel Baptist Church was founded in 1866 and was the center of the Black community in Oakland. Some of the founding families were: Robert Edward, Juby Godwin, Callon Hall, George Hall, L. R. Hargraves, Parker Hawkins, Charlie Hines, Andrew Williams, and Emmanuel Wrench, assisted by Reverend Reid. It was the gathering place for worship and praise of the Lord Jesus Christ, a place where family members took time to create friendships, catch up on community news, and visit with neighbors, being neighborly. Today, Little Bethel Baptist Church is a thriving, modernized place of worship. The pastor in 2011 was Reverend Bernard Thomas.
https://www.facebook.com/LBBCSuffolk/
Diamond Grove Baptist Church
1899 – until present
Diamond Grove Baptist Church began in 1898 as a Sunday school in a Sandy Bottom tenant farmhouse owned by Jim Pinner. It did not last long. In 1900, Marie Reeves, Priscilla Jordan, and Laura Addison Randall invited Rev. Wilson Major Reid to come and preach, but these services lasted for only a few months.
In the fall of 1903, Henry Chance organized another Sunday school, which lasted until 1908, when Mr. Reid established a church. Annie Williams Grandy named it Diamond Grove Baptist Church. An old store, purchased from lawyer Rawles near the site of W.C. Dailey’s store, was repaired and used for services.
In early October 1920, the congregation broke ground for a new church on the very spot where the current church stands. During the Depression, the church grew in membership and spirit, but couldn’t afford to pay the preacher. Rev. J.M. Clark of Norfolk still came and preached.
As membership continued to grow, Diamond Grove Church underwent many renovations. In 1953, Rev. Solomon E. Diggs of Sandy Bottom led the church in acquiring the old Sandy Bottom schoolhouse, located near the property, for use as a fellowship hall. Under Rev. Diggs’ leadership, the church experienced growth and expansion. When Rev. Diggs, then Pastor Emeritus, passed away in July of 1994, members said, “Diamond Grove Baptist Church, which started glittering in 1908, continues to shine in the Glory of God.” The pastor in 2011 was Calvin Lillard.
Oakland Christian Church
1872 – Until Present
(Written by Anne Staylor Johnson, Historian, Oakland Christian Church)
Christian Home Baptist Church
1884 until Present
Christian Home Baptist Church was founded in 1884 as a “Bush Arbor” church by the following devoted men: Spencer Lassiter, James Gray and Eddie Jordan. They were soon joined by Walter Johnson, C.W. Glover, Sr., A.R. Glover, Sr., Nettie Jordan, Mary Johnson and Mary Sue Williams. Christian Home is located on Longview Drive and has grown from a small group to a thriving, healthy church. Much of the land for the church was purchased from or donated by C.W. Glover.
Seven pastors have served the congregation including Rev. Knight, W.M.Reid (1885), Rev. Gummer (called in 1909), Rev. S.L. Scott (called in 1917), Rev. T.H. Ashe (called in 1948), Rev. S.E. Diggs (called in 1954) and Rev. Wendell M. Waller (1988 to present). In 1992, the church purchased three acres of land from C.W. Glover, Jr. On March 31, 1998, the church began construction of a new church facility at a cost exceeding half a million dollars, comprising more than 8,000 square feet. In 2006, the church licensed its first female preacher, Reverend Debrah Gholston. Christian Home Baptist Church serves the region with a very active program of church-based activities. The church’s theme is: Preparing People for Christian Service.”
https://www.facebook.com/p/Christian-Home-Baptist-Church-100064898612340/
Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church
1843- 1965 till the Present
(The following is excerpted by Beverly Whitley from “A History of Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church from 1843 through 1965”, by James W. Horne, III; updated by Betty Burris, present member, and Rev. Russell Leonard, present minister)
Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church, founded on January 29, 1843, was initially known as Bethesda Baptist Church. It was located ½ mile south of Scott’s Factory (an old textile mill, approximately six miles south of Smithfield that was destroyed by Union Soldiers during the War Between the States). Wells Chapel, a small one-room building, was the site of the first meeting. A Christian Church had previously used the building. It was located near Vellines’ Store in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, at the intersection of Bowling Green Road and Turner Drive. (A tombstone in Wesley Chapel cemetery has the name Sarah Whitley Vellines, 1896-1978)
A group of people met to decide whether this church should be established. Their new pastor was Rev. William O. Bailey. He also had several other churches in the area. Because there were churches of different denominations nearby, Wells Chapel’s growth was slow. For two years, the church was without a minister. During that time, they continued to be led by the church's Deacons. When they were supplied with a new minister, he proved to be a very strict disciplinarian. This led to the dismissal of a considerable number of members, made up of slaves, free Negros, and whites. The offenses ranged from drinking and stealing to adultery. These circumstances affected the membership for some time.
When the War Between the States began in April 1861, membership exceeded sixty. The majority were Negros. There were no records of church meetings from June 1861 until September 1866. In September 1866, the group consisted of seven members; one year later, it had grown to 13, comprising six men and seven women. Growth continued to be slow during the next several years. Although there were no records of names at this time, a letter was sent to the Portsmouth Association from Bethesda Baptist in 1867.
The church in 1871 rejected a proposal to disband. One member insisted they consider the children who would grow up without an organized Baptist fellowship. By 1874, they decided to rebuild the church; therefore, they initiated a major fundraising drive to accomplish this. The women proved to be the fundraising leaders by having dinners for the community, and by 1875, they voted to build a new church. John Whitehead donated the land, and a decision was made to build on the Old Stage Road, which leads from Suffolk to Smithfield. Today, their church is located on Route 10, two miles north of the Village of Chuckatuck in Isle of Wight County. While they were building their new church, Oakland Christian Church allowed the congregation of Bethesda Baptist to meet in their church. They sold their old Wells’ Chapel church building.
The discussion of their new name began, and it was decided to name the new church in honor of John Whitehead, who gave the land for the new building. Attendance must have increased in 1887 as the women again began to raise money to repair and rebuild the church house and increase seating capacity.
From 1903 until 1948, membership and facilities continued to grow. In 1949, they decided to call a minister exclusively for Whitehead’s Grove. Reverend Jesse H. King was called to be their first full-time pastor on July 9, 1950. Between 1950 and 1955, activities reached a peak. A new parsonage, built by the members, was completed in 1951.
The church began to focus on the youth. Elton Horne served as the first youth Pastor. During the next ten years, several served as pastors, but the church was without a pastor for one year. They used that time to pay many of their previous debts. They were able to call another pastor after that year. By 1965, Whitehead’s Grove had developed into one of the best-equipped rural churches in Virginia. They always looked to the future and planned effectively.
Today, Whitehead’s Grove is a church in transition. Very few members of the church are associated with full-time farming. As the community has developed, the church has transitioned from a rural to a suburban setting; however, Whitehead’s Grove is grateful for its heritage and the privilege of serving within the community. Over the years, twenty-one pastors have served the church for 168 years, leading Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church as a “Light on the Hill.”
James W. Horne, III ended this written history in 1965 with the following words: “May the present members of Whitehead’s Grove look to the trials and triumphs of the past with a renewed determination to bind themselves together in Christian fellowship, so that they might carry forward the work of the Master.”
Puritans
1620 – New England Area to more Southern areas until decline and nonexistence in the Chuckatuck area
The Puritans were a group of people within the Church of England who were dissatisfied with the direction the church was taking at that time.[7] They first arrived in the New England area in 1620 with other English Protestants on the Mayflower, who established the Plymouth settlement. They had crossed the Atlantic Ocean in search of religious freedom. Before their landing, they developed the Mayflower Compact, an agreement of rules they would use to govern the colony. Many died during the harsh winter, but the settlement survived. More Puritans arrived on ships that followed the Mayflower. With them came even stricter rules. The settlers began to branch out and form new settlements in the northeast as the disagreements continued.[8]
Puritans believed the Bible was God’s true law. They thought that the church and their own lives should be purified, that they should form tight-knit colonies, and that religious exclusion was necessary. They felt that unity strengthened the community. They had strong spiritual beliefs. They felt that individuals, as well as churches, should be directly responsible to God. If all members did not agree with these laws and practice them, they were required to convert or were asked to leave. They believed worldliness was against the Bible’s principles, that actions spoke louder than words, and that the devil was behind every evil deed. Drama, religious music, and erotic poetry were banned in their settlements.[9]
They believed strongly in education. In 1635, they formed the first school to teach their children the Puritan principles. They also started the first American College, Harvard, in Cambridge. They were the first to write books for children and discuss their behavior. While other settlers were physically making their way through the forest to facilitate physical progress, they were advancing the country intellectually. [10]
The Puritans played a significant role in the settlement of America. Those who came to Virginia at the time of Governor Berkeley were forbidden to preach, despite the churches' need for ministers. One minister came from the North and took it upon himself to cross the Nansemond. He became a pastor who proved to be very helpful to a local church. That church may have been St. John’s, as some ministers were sent from the north to help with the parishes. Some accepted invitations to go to Maryland. It was not long before they moved to an area where they were more welcome. Today, there are no known Puritans locally, and only a few remain in the United States.[11]
The Religious Society of Friends/Quakers
1650 until present
The Religious Society of Friends was a new group of people outside the Church of England that held very different ideas from those of other Christian denominations in England. It began in the 1650s. They faced a great deal of persecution yet continued to share their beliefs actively and vocally with all they met. This proved to be disruptive to the Church of England as it appeared they were growing quite fast. Punishment and persecution became common. Many left their homeland to practice their new religion. At that time, trade ships and others were going to the New World. They felt that, although the voyages were arduous, they were preferable to the treatment in England.[12]
As the settlers moved west from Jamestown and explored areas along the Nansemond River, the Friends (also known as Quakers) moved and settled in the area that is now known as Chuckatuck. The beginning of their presence in the Chuckatuck area is recorded as early as 1670-72, although there is a record of Quakers in the New World dating back to 1655. Although the record is not clear, there was a missionary from England (a woman) who came by way of the Barbados, who later appeared on the east coast of southern Virginia in 1650. The proof was only a letter she wrote back to her home in England that was thought to be hers.[13]
A fascinating characteristic of this group of settlers is the importance they gave to record-keeping. The earliest is called the Chuckatuck Record. As avid record-keepers, they kept track of and recorded all church meetings, as well as births, marriages, and vital information about each of their members. Their records were highly detailed, including names, dates, and even civil records.[14] They have played a significant role in historical information research, as they were among the first to record many of the facts we rely on today. All of this information enables us to gain a deeper understanding and recall this period in history.[15]
Initially, in the Americas, Quakers met in their own homes. “The first meeting house in Nansemond Co. was the General Meeting House, where Henry Wiggs and Katheren Garret [Yarret] were married, 1674, 12th month, 3rd day. As their membership increased, they began to build small churches. The Somerton Monthly Meeting was 20 feet in length and 20 feet in width.”[16] It was suggested you could trace their movement today by the buildings that were once their churches in small towns across the country. They were usually square, plain, and built with clear-pane windows, and probably had similar measurements as above.[17]
Another very distinctive characteristic of this particular group is that they were willing to establish friendly relationships with the Native American Indians who lived in the area. They believed that every human individual had value and the light of God within. They were also great believers in peace in all circumstances. They did not believe in wars and would not fight in them. If they were called to action, they would participate in non-violent ways; some chose peaceful methods, such as becoming Conscientious Objectors or participating in the medical field. This was particularly notable during World War II. They were firm believers in civil rights for all people. They did not believe in slavery, although in the early days of settlement, some owned slaves. They were known to participate in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.[18]
The Quaker members and churches in the Chuckatuck area settled in part of what is now known as Virginia and North Carolina. They were visited by George Fox, who was their founder from England, in 1672.[19] One of those Friends churches was Somerton Friends Meeting, located in the present-day City of Suffolk (formerly part of Nansemond County). In recent years, a monument has been erected to commemorate that occasion.
Josiah Coale wrote in a letter to George Fox in England in 1660, after he returned to Virginia, that regular meetings were being held “…at Chuckatuck, in Nansemond County between Nansemond River and Chuckatuck Creek”.[20] There are no known buildings present today that may have been churches in the Chuckatuck area. However, some recordings suggest that meetings were held early on in homes, and some of those homes may still be in use.
St. John’s Parish - https://stjohnsepiscopal-suffolk.org/
1642 until Present
Records of early church beginnings are scarce due to a lack of records being kept or because some were destroyed by fires. St. John’s Episcopal Parish is the oldest church in Chuckatuck. The church is located one mile southeast of the village of Chuckatuck, near the Nansemond River, and claims its beginnings date back to 1642. The first building was erected on a land grant to establish Anglican parishes in 1642. St. John’s name at that time was the West Parish; later, it changed to the Chuckatuck Parish; still later, after breaking from the Church of England in 1826, it became known as St. John’s in 1828. It was joined with other local parishes to form the Lower Suffolk Parish. In 1998, the Suffolk Parish was composed of St. John’s and Glebe Church in Driver. They later dissolved to become independent parishes and remain independent to this day.
The earliest known references to church buildings in the Chuckatuck Parish are in Governor Berkley's land grant of 1672 to George and Harvey Billingsley. John Billingsley, a persecuted Quaker, obtained this original grant. He lost the land. At that time, being a Quaker was sufficient reason for the government to take the land. It was returned to Governor Berkeley, who passed it on to George and Harvey Billingsley, with the understanding that one and one-half acres of the 500-acre grant would be reserved for the Chuckatuck Parish Church. Evidence uncovered by archaeologists digging in the area in 1940 showed bricks indicating a bell tower foundation. It is near the present site of St. John’s. It was thought that it may have been part of the first building around 1642.
The second building was built in 1700 or before. Excavations indicated it was located to the right rear of the present church. The third and present building was completed in 1756, according to records found. The dimensions of the building are sixty by thirty feet outside, with walls 21 inches thick. The date 1753 appears on the south wall along with the initials A.H. and E.H. for Anthony Holladay and Esther, his wife, who gave the parish a release deed for the church’s site, believed to have been originally a part of the Holladay’s Point plantation.
Tithes for the support of the Anglican Church in Virginia were suspended in 1776 and never restored. The church was well attended in 1779, and it became necessary to build a gallery. Following the disestablishment of the Church of England in 1785, it was required to abandon the building. It was later repaired, and services resumed in 1826. As mentioned before, the name was changed to St. John’s in 1828.
During the Civil War, there was damage done to the church when Union soldiers passed through the Village of Chuckatuck as they were escaping the Confederate soldiers after the siege of Suffolk. In 1888, St. John’s was again remodeled to resemble its current appearance. According to records, the interior structure and stained glass windows date back to the 1888 remodeling period. Repairs and replacements have been made to the building as needed to allow its continued use through the years.
The J. Russell Kirk Parish house was constructed in 1971 on land donated by the Smith family of Norfolk, who owned the adjoining farm. An addition was completed on the Parish house in 1990. Mr. Russell Kirk’s granddaughter, Lynn Kirk Rose, recalled, “When I was growing up, I attended Sunday school at Wesley Chapel in the morning and then went to Saint John’s in the afternoon. My grandfather and grandmother would attend Sunday School at Wesley Chapel and then Church at both locations.” According to the history of Wesley Chapel, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk also taught Sunday school classes at Wesley Chapel. The adult bible class was named the J. Russell Kirk Bible Class. Additionally, Mr. Kirk played a prominent role in helping St. John’s survive. His great-aunt, Mary Lawrence, was a member of Oakland Christian Church and sent her nephew to Elon College before he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
The Church was served in the 1900s mainly by Norfolk ministers who held services once a month. Between 1956 and 1960, the minister from Saint Paul’s in Suffolk held services at Saint Paul’s regularly, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, at 2 PM at the Glebe and 4 PM at St. John’s. In 1960, Glebe and St. John’s shared a minister. That continued until 1998, when each church became an independent parish. [6]
Since 1998, Saint John’s has been served by either part-time or full-time priests. The Reverend Les Ferguson began serving the congregation full-time in 2010. The membership at Saint John’s has increased for a while. However, over the last several years, membership has been fluctuating, as has that of most of our churches. During these times, they have remained an active, self-supporting parish. They participate in activities with the local village Protestant churches. They have endured for many years during challenging times and remain a thriving church in Chuckatuck today.
CLICK HERE to visit the Graveyard Listing St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk
Historic St. Luke’s Church - https://stlukesmuseum.org/
1632 or 1682 until today. In 1607, many settlers who came to Jamestown were faithful to the Church of England. Governing rules reflected those religious beliefs and demands made by the Kings or Queens of England, who were considered the head of the Church of England. We do know that the oldest church in the area is St Luke’s on Route 10, at the intersection of Brewer’s Neck Boulevard, right before entering Smithfield, in Isle of Wight County. It was previously known as the “Old Brick Church” before being renamed St. Luke’s. In its beginnings, they carried out the rites of the Church of England. [4] This church was built five miles down the road from the Village of Chuckatuck. The King of England granted the land at the time for the purpose of building churches. Today, this is an active Episcopal Church, holding services at scheduled times. Due to its historical significance, the site is open to the public for scheduled tours. Even though there are no precise records, evidence of the beginnings of this church was found in the similarities to the construction of the Tower Church in Jamestown, dated 1638. In 1966, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark, and today, it is a vibrant Episcopal church.[5]
St. John’s Parish – 1642 until Present — no images were found. Records of early church beginnings are scarce due to a lack of records being kept or because some were destroyed by fires. St. John’s Episcopal Parish is probably the oldest church in Chuckatuck. Today, the church is located one mile southeast of the village of Chuckatuck, near the Nansemond River, and claims its beginnings date back to 1642. The first building was erected on a land grant to establish Anglican parishes in 1642. St. John’s name at that time was the West Parish; later, it changed to the Chuckatuck Parish. Still later, after breaking from the Church of England in 1826, it became known as St. John’s in 1828. It was joined with other local parishes to form the Lower Suffolk Parish. In 1998, the Suffolk Parish was composed of St. John’s and Glebe Church in Driver. They later dissolved to become independent parishes and remain independent to this day.
The earliest references to church buildings in the Chuckatuck Parish are in the land grant of 1672 to George and Harvey Billingsley by Governor Berkeley. John Billingsley, a persecuted Quaker, obtained this original grant. He lost the land. At that time, being a Quaker was sufficient reason for the government to take the land. It was returned to Governor Berkeley, who passed it on to George and Harvey Billingsley, with the understanding that one and a half acres of the 500-acre grant would be reserved for the Chuckatuck Parish Church. Evidence uncovered by archaeologists digging in the area in 1940 showed bricks indicating a bell tower foundation. It is near the present site of St. John’s. It was thought that it may have been part of the first building around 1642.
The second building was built in 1700 or before. The third and present building was completed in 1756, according to records found. The dimensions of the building are sixty by thirty feet outside, with walls 21 inches thick. The date 1753 appears on the south wall along with the initials A.H. and E.H. for Anthony Holladay and Esther, his wife, who gave the parish a release deed for the church’s site, believed to have been originally a part of the Holladay’s Point plantation.
Tithes for the support of the Anglican Church in Virginia were suspended in 1776 and never restored. The church was well attended in 1779, and it became necessary to build a gallery. Following the disestablishment of the Church of England in 1785, it was necessary to abandon the building. It was later repaired and resumed service in 1826. As mentioned before, the name was changed to St. John’s in 1828.
During the Civil War, there was damage done to the church when Union soldiers passed through the Village of Chuckatuck as they were escaping the Confederate soldiers after the siege of Suffolk. In 1888, St. John’s was again remodeled to resemble its current appearance. According to records, the interior structure and stained glass windows date back to the 1888 remodeling period. Repairs and replacements have been made to the building as needed to allow its continued use through the years.
The J. Russell Kirk Parish house was constructed in 1971 on land donated by the Smith family of Norfolk, who owned the adjoining farm. An addition was completed on the Parish house in 1990. Mr. Russell Kirk’s granddaughter, Lynn Kirk Rose, recalled, “When I was growing up, I attended Sunday school at Wesley Chapel in the morning and then went to Saint John’s in the afternoon. My grandfather and grandmother would attend Sunday School at Wesley Chapel and then Church at both locations.” According to the history of Wesley Chapel, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk also taught Sunday school classes at Wesley Chapel.
The Church was served in the 1900s mainly by Norfolk ministers who held services once a month. Between 1956 and 1960, the minister from Saint Paul’s in Suffolk held services at Saint Paul’s regularly, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, at 2 PM at the Glebe and 4 PM at St. John’s. In 1960, Glebe and St. John’s shared a minister. That continued until 1998, when each church became an independent parish. [6]
Since 1998, Saint John’s has been served by either part-time or full-time priests. The Reverend Les Ferguson began serving the congregation full-time in 2010. His service ended in February 2023. The membership at Saint John’s has increased today. Over the past several years, membership has been fluctuating, as has been the case for most of our churches. During these times, they have been able to remain an active, self-supporting parish. They participate in activities with the local Protestant churches in the village. They have endured for many years during challenging times and continue to be an effective church in Chuckatuck.
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - http://wesleychapelchuckatuck.org/
Like many other churches in the early days of settlement, the origins of the Methodists started in England. Its founder was John Wesley, who went from England to Ireland and then to the Americas. John and his brother Charles came to Georgia as missionaries for the Church of England. In 1738, after returning to England, John had a religious experience that changed his life and beliefs. He began proclaiming to others the gospel he had found. In 1771, Frances Ashbury came to America and became a great leader of American Methodism.
Wesley Chapel’s origins date back to the 1700s, according to Dr. William B. Wellons, as noted in his 1872 writings. Dr. Wellons organized the Oakland Christian Church. He was the minister of Suffolk Christian Church at that time.
The Methodists in the area first had preaching in “Rushworms” on Everets Road. “Rushworms” was built on the property of Mr. Powell. He died without deeding it to the Methodists. It was then left to his son, who was not religious, and he asked the Methodist to move. Cowlings Chapel was erected on the present Moore Farm Lane in the late 1700s or early 1800s. (John Monroe Cowling and his wife are buried in Wesley Chapel’s Cemetery. He was the grandson of Josiah Cowling, for whom Cowling’s Chapel was named.) The church was a rectangular building that only included the sanctuary. Two wood-burning stoves, located on both sides of the sanctuary, provided heat. In 1893, vestibules were added on each side of the front, an altar was installed in the sanctuary, and a bell tower was constructed.
Over time, as with many religious groups, division arose, and splits occurred. In the early days, these events led to the separation of groups and name changes. This also happened in the village of Chuckatuck. Around 1828, members separated from Cowlings Chapel and moved to Chuckatuck. They called themselves Methodist Protestants and erected the Wesley Chapel Building in 1850. In 1871, the members of Cowling’s Chapel Methodist Episcopal, who had moved to Oakland in 1851, reunited with the Wesley Chapel Protestant members. They then became Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church South. Today, they are Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, part of the new Elizabeth River District, in the Virginia Conference.
Wesley Chapel was on a four-point charge with Benn’s Church, Riverview in Rescue, and Oak Grove in Sugar Hill from 1922 until 1951. Benn’s Church owned the parsonage. All of the churches were located in Isle of Wight County, except for Wesley Chapel. Wesley Chapel had only two church services a month at that time, but had Sunday school every Sunday. Benn’s became a one-point charge in 1951, and at the same time, Wesley Chapel became a two-point charge with Ebenezer in Crittenden. They built a parsonage in Crittenden, across the road from Ebenezer, with joint ownership. By 1954, Ebenezer became a one-point church and bought Wesley Chapel’s part of the parsonage.
By the 20th century, attendance steadily climbed. In 1950, an educational building was added and dedicated by the Bishop at that time, Dr. Paul Garber of Richmond. The event took place 100 years after the original building was completed. Strong leaders at that time who contributed in many ways were Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Saunders, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Kirk, and Rev. Robert Casey.
A new organ was purchased in the early 1950s. Katherine Spady was the organist from 1947 until 1955, when she and Frank moved to Georgia for 3 years. When they moved back to Chuckatuck, she continued until Betty and Sam Glasscock moved to the village in 1959. Betty Glasscock was the organist and director in 1960, with Katherine as an assistant. When Carolyn Melchor came to Wesley Chapel, Betty directed while Carolyn played. Louise Pickard, Betty’s friend, also helped her when she was unable to play. Betty continued directing until she died in 1997; Carolyn Melchor played from 1985 to 1999, and upon Betty’s death, she became the director. Debbie Bryant is our director today, assisted by Teresa Kelly and Carolyn Melchor. There was no way the church could have paid any of these ladies according to their talent. All had excellent training, and because of their efforts, Wesley Chapel was truly blessed with the most beautiful music possible. Wesley Chapel had a husband-and-wife team for two years (sometime within the above time frame), who were the only paid directors, organists, and piano players that Wesley Chapel had ever had.
In the 1990s, the Louise Pickard estate donated an A.K. Kawai baby grand piano to the church. Mrs. Pickard was a musician from the core city of Suffolk and a friend of Betty Staples Glasscock, the music director at the time. The piano was placed in the church, where it remains to this day.
Reverend Robert Casey was a strong leader in the 1950s, despite having a three-point charge. He lived in Chuckatuck. In 1954, he was single but married in his fourth year and was granted one more year of service to live in the new parsonage, which was built during his last scheduled year of service, 1958. The membership increased during that time. After the late 1950s, membership began to decline again.
Rev. Melvin Ott Davis was the minister from 1969 to 1973. He was a very good pastor and minister; as a result, attendance at his services improved. He was also transferred to Deep Creek Methodist Church, where he was a great asset to them.
By 1980, attendance had improved, and the entire sanctuary had undergone renovation, including the replacement of the foundations and footings. The existing pine floors were removed, resurfaced, and replaced. A new electrical system was installed; new heat pumps for heating and cooling were installed; old wall finishes were removed and replaced with drywall and wood wainscoting; the choir area was enlarged; the entire interior was painted; the chancel rail and pews were cleaned, painted, or refinished, as needed. This was a time when membership was at its peak. Our very capable leader at that time was Reverend Edwin Clever. He was gifted in youth ministry. Wesley Chapel had a very active MYF and youth choir group, as well as an adult choir. Betty Glasscock was the organist and choir director at that time. Katherine Spady was always willing to help Betty when needed. During that time, Wesley Chapel became a one-point charge for the first time in the church's history. It has kept that status since then.
Over the next ten years, membership fluctuated as many of the children grew into adulthood and either pursued their vocations or chose to join other churches after getting married. Over the next thirty years, the stained glass windows of the 1800s were protected as necessary on the outside; glass was removed, re-soldered, and re-glazed at a later date. The restroom was remodeled, and the chancel rail was split to allow better access to the altar and easier movement for the minister.
Between 1988 and 1993, the first female minister, Layne Wadsworth, was assigned to Wesley Chapel; two more women followed, Rev. Kathryyn Pigg and Rev. Gretchen Nelson. The first cross-cultural minister, Rev. Ileana Rosario, began in 2009 and remains in the role today. Over the years, many other ministers began their pastoral careers at Wesley Chapel.
In May 2000, Wesley Chapel celebrated its 150th year of continuous service with dinner on the grounds and the presence of four previous ministers, the Reverends Robert Casey, Charles Dameron, Lane Wardsworth, and Kathryn Pigg, the then-present minister. A former District Superintendent of the Portsmouth District, Reverend Carl Haley, was also in attendance. A time capsule was placed under the stairwell by President Charles Wynn and members of the United Methodist men's group in the restroom, to be opened in May 2005. Members and guests enjoyed a service and dinner on a beautiful spring day, the 3rd Sunday in May, which was always the church homecoming day. The trustees at that time were Frank A. Spady, Jr., John W. Bradshaw, and Betty C. Prelow.
Sunday School superintendents from 1922 to 2011 were: Mr. Mills from Meador Lot Lane, J. R. Chapman, J. R. Kirk, Joshua Pretlow, C. J. Moody, Frank Spady, Billy Whitley, and Kirk Pretlow.
Wesley Chapel has always been blessed to have excellent Sunday school teachers. (It was customary for children and young adults to call all ladies “Miss”, even if married.) Teaching in the early 1920s were Mrs. Mattie Godwin (wife of Captain Charlie Godwin and grandmother of Judge James Godwin); Mrs. Annie Lee Gilliam and Mrs. R. T. Gilliam (Miss Dot), who were the grandmother and mother of Nancy Gilliam Lambdin, Frances Gilliam Tappin, and Judith Gilliam Cobb. In 2012, Nancy was still a member of Wesley Chapel and lived in Chuckatuck; Judith resided at “Lake Prince” in Suffolk; Frances lived in Texas.)
In the late thirties, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Kirk both taught Sunday school classes at Wesley Chapel. The Adult class was named the Russell Kirk Bible Class in honor of Mr. Kirk’s devotion to Wesley Chapel. Mrs. Kirk taught the intermediate classes. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kirk also belonged to Saint John’s Episcopal Church and attended services at both churches every Sunday.
Before the educational building was built, all Sunday school classes were held in the Sanctuary. Maroon curtains were hung to separate the classes. Both vestibules were also used. There were classes for all age groups, and they were well-attended at that time. After the educational building was completed, the second story accommodated all these classes while the adults met downstairs.
Wesley Chapel has always been blessed with dedicated leaders through the years. Edna Blough taught children’s classes for many years. Other teachers were Janet Wynn, Lila Pretlow, Betty Glasscock, Ellen Glasscock, Marie Melton, Beverly Whitley, Teresa Kelly, Jo Anne Barlow, and David Goodrich. For the last few years, as children’s attendance dwindled, there have been only a few classes for small children. The remaining classes were for teens. In 2011, no children attended Sunday school. In the 1950s, C. J. Moody taught the older teens. Mrs. Edna Saunders taught a Young Adult class in the ‘60s; Charles Hinton followed until he moved away, and the class disbanded. The Adult class has continued and is the only Sunday school class at present. Since 1960, it has been taught by Joshua Pretlow, Sam Glasscock, Joshua Pretlow, Jr., Tom Hines, Gene Corson, Mary Kay Miller, and Drexel Bradshaw, who have recently served as substitutes. Dorothy Bradshaw was president of the Adult Class for many years.
In recent years, Wesley Chapel has had many active groups within the church: United Methodist Women; United Methodist Men; MYF for the youth; community activities during summer, when there were only a few youth; Christmas and Easter Cantatas; Patriotic Music programs for the community; Sunday school picnics; Valentine Dinners for missions by David and Eva Goodrich; Bible Studies by the ministers; Fifth Sunday luncheons for the church; Share Fest and bazaars. Bible School was always popular in the summers for the village children; for several years, the adults were also included. In recent years, Bible School has not been held.
The 2000s brought many challenges. The last ten years have found Wesley Chapel with Sunday school only for the adult class of ten to fifteen, with only three teenagers, with an older congregation, with an average attendance of thirty-fifty (including a choir of fifteen members), a new vivacious minister, six new members this last year, excellent music and hope for the future.+++
*** Recent church leaders have been:
Lay Leaders: Sam Glasscock, Joshua Pretlow, Jr., Janet and Charles Wynn, and Mary Kay Miller.
Trustees: J. R. Kirk, W. G. Saunders, Edna Saunders, Joshua Pretlow, Betty Cross Pretlow, John Bradshaw, Frank Spady, Drexel Bradshaw, Beverly Whitley, Kirk Pretlow.
Administrative Council Chairpersons: Joshua Pretlow, Jr., David Goodrich, Gene Corson, Shelley Barlow,
Treasurers have included Katherine Moody (25 years), Ann Berard (5 years), Pam Byrd (11 years), and Allen Bryant (7 years, who remains in that office today.
*** (The above is for church Information that may need the addition of more names)
+++ Excerpted mainly from “Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church 1850-2000: A Brief History, Written by Katherine and Frank Spady, Members of Wesley Chapel. Excerpts made by Beverly Whitley for the GCHF project in 2011. Information from after the year 2000, as well as some from as early as 1958, was entered as remembered by Beverly Rogers Whitley, a member of Wesley Chapel, with assistance from involved individuals and families. The names of many active members may not be included due to a lack of memory or an error.