Woodstock Church

(Shaver)

(1827-)

Primitive Christian & Pilgrim Dec. 18, 1877 page 780 Vol. 1 No. 50

On the 15th of November, I started from home to meet with the brethren in the Woodstock, more generally known as the Shaver Church, in the Shenandoah Co., Virginia.  I arrived at Mauertown, the station where I was to stop off at, on the 16th, where I was met by Bro. E. B. Shaver, who conducted me to his home, where I enjoyed the hospitalities of the family until Monday eve.  On Saturday was the time set for their lovefeast season.  The weather being very pleasant, a large number of members and friends assembled.  By sunset the house was filled to its utmost capacity, and as many more outside the house as there were persons in.   the ministerial force was strong – Pennsylvania, Maryland and  Virginia were represented in the ministry.  The meeting came off very pleasantly, good order, etc.  after services it was announced that the dedicatory sermon for their new church would be preached on next morning at 10 o’clock.  The weather continuing pleasant, a large concourse of people gathered, and precisely at 10 the meeting was opened.  The house was crowed, and a great many were outside that could not even find standing room in the house, for which we were sorry.  We would rather have seen them all in and seated comfortably.  Before preaching commenced Bro. S. A. Shaver, the acting Eld er there, announced the following; Name, ect. “The house shall be known as the Valley Pike meeting house; the grave-yard attached shall be free to all, except a small parcel is reserved for a family burying ground.  The house opened for any duly authorized minister of the Gospel to preach funeral sermons.  Otherwise it shall be for the exclusive use of the Brethren.  We expect Bro. C. G. Lint to deliver the dedicatory sermon” I then read the 2nd  chapter of 2 Chron., and based my remarks on the 4th verse.  The congregation gave me their undivided attention.  This house that the brethren built and dedicated to the Lord, is a very convenient one.  Its dimensions are 70x40, with small kitchen attached. The audience room is well arranged and well furnished.  The committee having charge of the building of the house, deserve a great deal of credit for the precaution and care they took in having it well and substantially build.

 A short synopsis of the organization of this branch of the church would, I suppose, not be amiss.  Woodstock district was organized about 1826, with about 12 members – 8 sister and 4 brethren, Geo Shaver, (the present Elder, thought at this time may be considered inactive as an Elder,)  was chosen to the ministry, with John Nihiser, who is dead.  For a long time Bro. Shaver did the principle part of the preaching, and in the course of time Jonas Wakeman was chosen to assist in the ministry, and is still active minister.  Also, John Leidy, who was afterward expelled.  In 1861 S. A . Shaver, son of George, was called to the ministry.  Next Bro. William Peters, and following these E. B. Shaver (Youngest son of Bro. George) and Abraham Rickard.  These are the brethren called to the ministry in this branch since its organization, and are all living but Bro. Nihiser.  In the district they have 4 ordained Elders, George Shaver, Samuel A. Shaver, Jonas Wakeman and William Peters.  The district being so located that is number seemed to be requested.  They now number about 150 members, 9 deacons and have 5 place for public worship; 3 of these are in houses of their own;  of which are arranged for lovefeast purposes.

The church seems to be in a healthy condition, and their accessions are a fair average.

C. G. Lint.