Editor's Note: This article taken from the Volume Six, Number Three edition of The Knox Countian - a quarterly publication of the Knox Historical Museum.
by The Reverend Phillip E. Connley
with a Conclusion
by Dr. Connie Danner
For the 140th Anniversary of his church's founding in 1983, the Reverend Phillip E. Connley wrote a "History of the Barbourville First Christian Church," which was bound in a spiral booklet for distribution among the congregation. Connley's history is especially rich in its description of pre-Civil War religious activity in Knox County, listing many prominent early families and observing the rivalry of various denominations for control of the community's religious life. The essay deserves wider distribution than a private printing.
An abridged version of Connley's essay will be published in the museum's future book, Knox County, Kentucky: History and Families, but the editor of The Knox Countian is pleased that the complete text can be made available for our readers now. We appreciate Rev. Connley's granting us permission to share his church's history.
Dr. Connie Danner, Associate Editor of The Knox Countian who attends the Christian Church, has written an account of the last ten years of the church, bringing it up to the sesquicentennial celebrations, in consultation with church historian Raquel Congleton, the pastor, Virginia Long, and others, and with reference to Born in a Manger (1981) by Phillip E. Connley.
An account of the earliest years of the church was published in "The Collected Papers of Martha Costellow" in the Winter 1991 (3:4) issue of this magazine.
The history of the Barbourville First Christian Church begins in 1796 when a young Presbyterian minister, Barton Warren Stone, came to preach at the Cane Ridge meeting house near Paris, Kentucky. In his preaching he espoused the cause of Christian unity. When the views of Stone and his followers forced them out of the Presbyterian structure in 1804, they wrote the Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery, saying, "We will that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the Body of Christ at large." At that time they took the name" Christian." Thus came into being the Christian Church, the first church to be formed in the new world.
Soon after in 1811 Thomas and Alexander Campbell established the Brush Run Church in Bethany, West Virginia, representing their formal break with the Presbyterian Church. They called themselves "Disciples."
On January 1, 1832, in Lexington, Kentucky, the Stone and Campbell movements were united. The new movement began to spread rapidly throughout the then frontier of America. The evangelist John T. Johnson was called to Barbourville by one of his cousins who lived here at the time to preach the gospel. Johnson writes in the Millennial Harbinger from Georgetown, July 4, 1843, "Your evangelist has just completed a mission to Barboursville in Knox County about 110 miles from this place in company with brethren Rowzee, Stivers, and M. Slaughter. The gospel has not been preached there in its purity until the present year. Brother Stivers visited the place some months back and obtained a favorable hearing - insomuch, that an anxiety was created to hear more."
"Judge Ballinger addressed me on the subject and entreated that I would favor them a visit. I was on the eve of starting on the mission to St. Louis and was compelled to decline. I submitted the matter to brother Rowzee and requested him to gratify the friends and make an effort at that point. He did so in company with brethren Foster and Stivers. They immersed the judge and his lady and received three others, making five converts. A most favorable impression was made. But the sects began to perceive where it would lead, and they began to fortify their respective forts. The Methodists made a strong effort and had partial success, but it would not do. The sickness of my family brought me home sooner than I intended from St. Louis. They recovered so far as to allow me to accompany the brethren on their last tour. Of eleven days going and returning, we spent six days at Barboursville. Brother Slaughter and myself fell in company with our valuable and beloved brethren Rowzee and Stivers, just before we reached Barboursville. We commenced our labors under the most favorable circumstances. We had a fine hearing and fine success, for we constituted a congregation of 44 or 46 members of a high order of moral and intellectual worth. Some of them, we trust, will turn out able proclaimers of the gospel. It may be the means of converting that entire section of country. We received some from the ranks of the Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists. So far as I could judge, almost the entire disinterested community was convinced that we were right and almost persuaded to become obedient to the faith."
CHARTER MEMBERS 1843:
John Anderson, Rich Adams, Mintacel Adams, John Ballinger, Elizabeth Ballinger, Frederick Brafford, Jane June Ballinger, Harrison Ballinger, James Ballinger, Thomas J. Baughman, Elizabeth Cain, Daniel Cain, Peter Duggins, George Davenport, Darcus Eve, Mariah Grace (colored), Zarilda Hale, Eviline Jones, Evan Jones, Martha Leath, Owen R. Moyers, George McCalliston, James H. Pogue, Mahala Pogue, Hannah Pogue, Ellen Pope, Martha Pope, John Pope, Jesse Pope (colored), Esther Pope (colored), Isaac Pope (colored), W. W. Pope, A. E. Pogue, Susan Pope, John H. Spark, Sarah Ann Stewart, Jennie Tuggle (colored), Manuel Tuggle (colored), Richard Tuggle, James Tuggle (colored), Peter Wilson, Emily Wilson, Dicey Wilson, William Word, Benjamin Woodson, Magaret J. Woodson, Rufus Word, Susan Word, Elizabeth You.
The following record is from the Barbourville Court, dated August 28,1843 (pp. 31-35): "The Congregation of Christ, a society of Christians congregated in the town of Barbourville, having produced satisfactory evidences to the Court that they had selected William Word, Peter Wilson, John Pogue, and Frank Ballinger as their trustees and that they intend to build in said town or its vicinity a house of Worship, it is ordered that the names of aforesaid be spread upon this record that they may for the purpose intended by said congregation receive a deed of conveyance for so much land as they may purchase for a site for said house."
Soon after, the first of three structures, a brick building, was erected to house the congregation. Elder William Word was probably the first minister to the local church. The late church historian, Clinton Congleton, D.D., wrote in The Barbourville Advocate. October 1963, the following: "The late Ambrose Yancey Anderson, a lifetime member of the First Christian Church of Barbourville, who died at age 84 in 1936, told the author of this history that, as a child of seven he attended church services in the old one-room brick church that stood on the lot where the present church now stands. He said that church was used by all local church congregations since the only ministers were circuit riding ministers."
John T. Johnson, writing in the Millennial Harbinger July 1, 1844, says: "On Wednesday morning we started for Barboursville at the southeast end of this state. We reached there on Friday morning in time to hear our able and esteemed brother Rowzee expose many of the absurdities and grossly anti-scriptural assumptions of the Methodist Discipline. He gave as an apology an assault made upon our brethren by one of their preachers. He gave notice of a reserved fire on some future occasion. We continued the meeting until Tuesday night following and obtained six additions. To these were added two more by brother Rowzee a few days subsequently, making eight in all. This church, although but little more than a year old, now numbers upwards of 60 members, and for its age, it has no [superior] in the state."
Martha Susan Costellow (September 8, 1847-September 23, 1940), great grandmother of our Elder Charles Black, wrote in a letter that she remembers that the church was used by all denominations. She said that the building fell into disrepair and eventually fell to the ground. The sound of its falling could be heard all over the town. It was also used as a school by the community.
THE SECOND STRUCTURE
The following was recorded in the Knox County Court House on February 1,1866: "Benjamin and Susan Ohler, of the county of Hancock in the state of Illinois, by George M. Adams, sold Peter Wilson, William W. Pope, and William Matthews, trustees of the Christian Church (reformed church) their present lot on the comer of High and Liberty Streets."
The Reverend Ronald B. Scriven, writing in the Barbourville Christian in March 1943, tells about the second home of the church: "The little white frame church with its tall steeple and modest bell was built in 1867. It was a treasure house of happy memories for those whose grandparents and fathers and mothers worshiped there and brought up their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This was a quaint, yet beautiful, house of worship. Some of the older members still talk about the bright red carpet on the floor, the huge gilt chandelier of ten oil lamps, and two round coal stoves which furnished the heat. They can hear the small organ as it was played by the talented children of two or three members of the church. The choir was also made up of the children of those whose sole interest was in this house of worship. If we could look into the pulpit, we would see the red plush-covered "love- seat" which, incidentally, is now in the Ladies' Parlor of the present building (the Barton W. Stone Room). We would also see the Communion Table made of curley maple (this table was made by Alfred Bolton, father of Billie, Virginia, and James Bolton, and is now in their possession), and a lovely antique silver flask, two silver goblets, and silver tray, all of which were presented to the church by three devout members. One of the unique features of the old church was the two pews on the left in the rear of the building which were given over to the colored people for worship. Most of these "colored brethren" were slaves of an earlier generation."
A picture of the old wooden church is found on the next page. Toy Wilson remembers that his father used to light the old chandelier with its ten oil lamps each Sunday. The bell in the old church steeple is now located on the top of the present church in the steeple that was added several years back in memory of Helen Corey. A large stone which was used by worshipers in dismounting their horses at the old church house has been embedded in the hearth in the recreational building. When construction was begun on the present building, the old wooden church, according to Bertha Mitchell, was moved behind the present structure and used for several years for basketball games.
This item concerning the need for a minister appeared in an 1889 issue of the Christian Standard and was written by John M. Tinsley, a member of the church whose picture now hangs in Campbell Hall: "I have just read in the Standard of the 15th under the head of 'More Laborers', that most timely article. I would ask the laborers in the Lord's vineyard to read it as carefully as I have done, but after you have read it, you will fail to appreciate its full meaning unless you live in one of the neglected fields, as I do. Here we are down in the southeastern part of the state, a small band of Disciples contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, without a preacher, and so poor in this world's goods that we are not able to employ one: yet we can pay $450 to $500. We can pay this much, and yet no one has the zeal or self-denial to enter this neglected field and take up the work. A young man can live here for less than $200. Our town is thrifty, the people honest, the society is good, and the opportunity for building up a strong and liberal church is all that could be desired if only a suitable young man could be found who would make a sacrifice for the first year. I ask you, brother, to read carefully that article in the Standard and then hear our Macedonian cry. 'O, will you not come over and help us?' We ask you, we plead with you, we beg you to give ear to our cry."
This word was recorded in the January 9, 1908, issue of the Christian Evangelist by W. Henry Warren: "The church here has some fine workers and as faithful souls as I have ever met in my large experience. During the two years I held two meetings down the river, six miles, which resulted in organizing a band of Christians only; and a faithful band they are, who should be looked after by whoever takes charge of the work at Barbourville. Also, Artemus, four miles away, is a railroad junction, and is building up nicely. We have a neat, new church building there and as faithful a little band as ever the sun shone upon. They should be well looked after. The Barbourville work is a very important work. It is an educational center for this part of the state, and the church must needs have a strong up-to-date preacher; no other need apply."
THE PRESENT STRUCTURE
In 1914 work was begun on the present structure during the pastorate of J. W. Ligon. Records show that the first brick was laid by J. W. Ligon, the second by John M. Tinsley, the third by A. C. Vaughn, the fourth by A. N. Herndon, and the fifth by little Allen Tuggle. Flora Herndon was the first person baptized in the pool of the new church on July 1, 1915.
While the church was being built, services were held in the county courthouse. J. W. Ligon wrote this note in the Christian Standard, dated June 8, 1914: "Perhaps the most fruitful revival ever held with the church at this place closed last night. J. Ross Miller and wife led us in the work The revival was well advertised, and by the second night the house was full, and from that time till the end it was crowded. Brother Miller is an excellent singer and a strong preacher: a true revivalist. He is loyal to the gospel and fearless in its proclamation. Our people are much pleased with him and his wife. Mrs. Miller is a musician of rare accomplishments and an enthusiastic personal worker. Forty-nine responded to the invitation, most of them by obedience. Twenty-one were baptized yesterday afternoon and about the same number are yet to receive the ordinance. The meeting closed with ten additions at the late service.... Local people rendered much aid in personal work."
Mrs. Edith Simon says that she united with the church during this revival and was baptized in the Cumberland River near the River Bridge on South Main Street.
Pastor J. W. Ligon noted the dedication of the new church in the June 24, 1915, issue of the Christian Evangelist: "June 13, we dedicated one of the best and most attractive houses of worship in southeastern Kentucky. For a year we had looked forward to that day, and when it came, it was the greatest day in the history of the congregation. President R. H. Crossfield of Lexington was the speaker, and he gave us two great sermons. It had been our hope all along through the building enterprise to dedicate the house without making appeal for money, but it became apparent a few weeks ago that such an appeal would have to be made. After delivering the forenoon sermon, the speaker called for funds to provide for the indebtedness. The response was liberal, and surprising to many present. The necessary amount was quickly raised in pledges, and as soon as these pledges mature, the debt will be canceled. The building is modem in design. It has ample room to care for a large Sunday School. The auditorium will seat four hundred people. By using chairs we could seat five hundred. Our people are happy and at work."
Dr. Congleton in his Barbourville Mountain Advocate article tells us that the church cost "the enormous sum of $16,000." He continues: "Such men as Judge S. B. Dishman gave all the brick plus a cash contribution. The late Honorable John M. Robsion gave a cash contribution of $1,000. Such fine gentlemen as T. S. and J. D. Fuller and Alfred Bolton gave of their time and labor (Mr. Bolton was the contractor). The late James R. Tuggle also gave a large cash contribution, as did W. W. and John M. Tinsley and Mr. and Mrs. Alex Herndon. Also those who were less fortunate gave their widows' share in the building."
The building committee consisted of A. N. Herndon, George W. Tye, D. A. McDermott, and John M. Tinsley. The
church members were proud of their new building. When the women of the church decided that a kitchen and fellowship hall were needed, the men of the church labored many hours in digging out the church basement. Many members still remember the days before the floodwall when the church basement was used to feed and house flood victims. The new facility was dedicated on Thursday, July 19,1923, during the pastorate of Arthur A. Ford.
Mr. Ford writes in his autobiography, Nothing So Strange: "In the two years (1921- 23) of my ministry the membership had more than doubled, a fine pipe organ had been installed, a director of music added to the staff, and an educational department completed."
The organ was, in fact, installed by the Pilcher Organ Company of Louisville in 1922 at a cost of $3,200. It was the firm's 1,142nd opus. The eight rank instrument with 459 speaking pipes had a tubular pneumatic action. Sounded for the first time only seven years after the first worship service in the new sanctuary, the first organ in the area attracted many persons.
Great: 8' open diapason, 8' melodia, 8' dulciana, Pedal, 16' bourdon, Swell, 8' stopped diapason, 8' viola, 8' aeoline, 4' flute harmonic tremolo
The organ had an expressed swell division, and there was a grand crescendo pedal and six couplers (8' Gt-Pd, 8' Sw-Pd, 8' Sw-Gr, 16' Sw-Gr, 4' Sw-Gr, and 4' Sw- Sw).
The organ was rebuilt by Miller Organ Co. of Louisville in 1982 at a cost of $45,598. Three ranks of pipes were added to the existing pipework, making 709 speaking pipes. The action was changed to electropneumatic. Persons who have played the instrument over the years include Effie Faulkner, Anna Stuart Archer Mays, Houston Price, Marlene Reed, Mary Storkan, Libby Jones, Lucy Congleton, Alice Jean Gibson, Mark Wells, Mae Carter, Mae Alloway, and Chris Hubbs.
Great: 8' open diapason, 8' dulciana, 8' melodia, 4' octave, 4' dulcet, 2' super octave, Swell, 8' stopped diapason, 8' viola, 8' aeoline, 8' celeste, 8' oboe, 4' flute harmonic, 4' fugara, 2 2/3' nazard flute, 2' piccolo, Pedal, 16' bourdon, 16' lieblich gedeckt, 8' diapason, 8' flute, 8' viola, 8' oboe, 4' flute, 4' choral bass, 4' oboe klarine
The first song played on the new organ was "Amazing Grace" by the pastor. The congregation formally dedicated the instrument on Sunday, August 29, 1982. A dedicatory recital was given on Sunday evening, October 24, 1982, with James E. Miller and Paul Bowen of Miller Organ Company performing.
The Reverend Ronald Scriven was pastor of the church during the war years from July 1942 to November 1945. The church parsonage was purchased from Dr. Rowland of Harlan on April 1, 1943 for $4,500. The house had been rented prior to that time. Brother J. T. McGarvey, whose roll-top desk is presently in the Sunday School office, lived in this residence during the 30s. It had been built by a Methodist minister and later occupied by a Methodist District Superintendent. The parsonage committee consisted of Toy Wilson, Dr. R. B. Fulks, J. A. McGuire, Mrs. J. W. Wind, and Brother Scriven.
This structure served as the church's parsonage till fall 1977 when it was demolished to make way for the present manse. The late Helen Corey chaired the building committee. Other members included Charles Black, Robert Congleton, Carolyn Congleton, Claude Congleton and Toy Wilson. The house was designed by Mike Treadway and built by Treadway Brothers at a cost of $79,000. James Bolton, son of the contractor Alfred Bolton who built the present church building, was the foreman of the job. The house was completed in May 1979.
Brother Scriven, in a newsletter of March 1943, gives us some comments on the life of the church during the war years: "In keeping with the spirit of the times, our pulpit is now adorned with two beautiful flags, an American flag and a Christian flag. These flags are not just ordinary flags, but are made of silk and present a striking appearance. These were purchased through voluntary donations by members and friends. In the vestibule of the church now hangs an elaborate Honor Roll bearing the names of our church and Sunday School who are now serving in the armed forces of our country. This beautiful honor roll was donated by Elder H. R. Chandler, whose son Bill is in the service."
These flags remained in the church until February 1971 when our Boy Scout Troop 518 presented the church with a new American flag. A new Christian flag along with a cross to top the flag pole and an eagle to top the American flag pole were later purchased from memorial funds.
Mr. Scriven, writing in the same newsletter, gives us some background on the church choir of 1942. "For several years our choir has been wearing half-length robes. However, on the evening of the 1942 Christmas pageant, our choir came into the pulpit dressed in new, beautiful, full-length black robes. Many expressions of astonishment were heard that evening as the choir made its appearance. Every member of the choir has been furnished with one of these new robes, and there are extra robes provided for visiting singers and for new members who are added to the choir from time to time."
In the spring of 1981 Lynn Prichard began the Builders' Choir (grades 2-6) and the Sunshine Choir (kindergarten and 1st grade). The Builders' Choir performed "The Little Bell That Wouldn't Stop Ringing" for Christmas 1981 and "The One and Only Original Christmas Factory" for Christmas 1982. Choir robes were made for the choirs by the Tuesday night prayer group, the material purchased by the CWF. An adult Choir was organized in 1982 to sing an Easter cantata, Gaither's "Alleluia." Lynn Prichard continued to direct this group for special occasions.
On October 1, 1958, the church purchased the building and property behind the church for $7,000. An extensive program of remodeling was begun. A kitchen and nursery were added to the structure, and a fireside room and gymnasium were built in the old structure. Robert Viall generously gave the church the brick used on the front of the recreational building and on the beautiful fireplace inside. Mr. Viall also gave much of the lumber used in the paneling of the building along with a financial contribution. A new heating system was added. It is estimated that the church spent over $20,000 on this fine facility. On Christmas Sunday, December 20, 1970, the final $1,000 needed to pay off the church indebtedness on the recreational building was collected during the morning worship.
During the ministry of our present pastor, Phillip E. Connley, the church has paid off its debt on the recreational building, erected a new sign board in front of the church, landscaped the front of the church, purchased new pews and carpeting for the sanctuary, carpeted the Sunday School rooms and the Barton W. Stone room, remodeled the basement creating Campbell Hall, a nursery, and two rest rooms, enlarged and remodeled the kitchen in the recreational building, added a steeple and carillon to the church, built anew parsonage, remodeled the narthex, added protective glass to the stained glass windows, rebuilt the organ, and purchased the lot south of the parsonage.
Reverend Connley has also taken twenty of our community's youth to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico in three different trips and ten youth to the Maine High Adventure Scout Base. Sixteen of our number have accompanied him to Panama to visit mission work among the Kuna Indians in six different trips. Retired missionary Marvel Iglesias this year celebrates 50 years of work among the Kuna. The church has assisted in a water project, in publishing 5,000 hymnals in the Kuna language, and in the education of Kuna children.
Over the years the church has had many outstanding ministers in its pulpit. The following ministers and the dates of their service to the church are listed in the church's record book.
J. W. Masters Sept. 1885-Sept. 1888
A. C. Taylor Jan. 1889-Jan. 1893
F. C. Button 1893-1897
J. B. Dickson 1897-1898
J. J. Cole Jan. 1900-1902
T. W. Myers 1903-1904
R. E. L. Abbott 1905 (May-Nov.)
W. W. Warren Jan. 1906-March 1907
I. E. Reid Aug. 1909-1911
J. W. Ligon Aug. 1913-Dec. 1916
William Ross Lloyd April 1917-April 1918
A. A. Ford 1921-1923
C. N. Barnett Jan. 1924-Oct. 1928
J. T. McGarvey Nov. 1930-1938
Jake Darnell 1938-1939
Albert Q. Dickson 1940-1942
Ronald B. Scriven July 1942-Nov. 1945
Charles P. Brooks ....March 1946-Jan. 1947
J. 1. Barron Oct. 1947-Aug. 1950
John Norton Williams Sept. 1950-Nov. 1951
R. Keith Bell June 1952-Aug. 1954
Earl C. Mohler Jan. 1955-Dec. 1957
Howard S. Stephenson Jan. 1958-June 1964
Roger Leigh Meredith July 1965-July 1969
Phillip Estill Connley October 1969 —
Our past we can be proud of. The church is strong because of the love present. The younger adults are beginning to assume positions of leadership. The future appears exciting. Let us take up the mantle which has been given us by those saints of yesterday and with their faith and devotion press onward along the path of the Lord.
1983-1994
In the decade since the 140th Anniversary celebration, the life of the church has moved forward. The little children pictured in the 140th Anniversary celebration group photograph have grown and are taking their places as makers of our community. Some of the dear faces of older members are missing now in the 150th Anniversary group picture. To continue the nurturing life of young and old alike, the church has worked in various areas to maintain its strength.
The ministry of music continues to be important. In addition to the major rebuilding of the organ, chimes were added to it. The Bell Choir, under the direction of the pastor, has added beauty to the local worship services and traveled far and near to join other choirs in musical events. A third octave of bells was added to the bell choir, given by Josephine F. Hopper in memory of Effie S. Faulkner.
Beginning her work in 1987, Kay Dawn McFarland, an exceptionally able organist and choir director, providing a variety of opportunities, has urged all those with any desire or talent to participate in the choir. Furthermore, a new sound system was installed to facilitate the work of the music and preaching ministry.
Tradition is vital to the members of the First Christian Church. During Advent there is the hanging of the greens. During Lent on Maundy Thursday, for a number of years, members of the church have presented a living portrayal of da Vinci's The Last Supper. The portrayal has become a community event. Some of the men have played the same roles from the beginning, and just this year Charles D. Black retired from his long-held role which was taken up by his son, Dr. Scott Black, who has returned to practice medicine in his hometown.
In January 1992, Guy Waldrop, General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky, came to Barbourville to lead sessions of strategic planning for the ensuing three to five year period.
The church has been conscious of service beyond its four walls. It has continued to sponsor a Boy Scout troop, contribute to the Christian Service Food Pantry, and remember the needy at Christmas. It has also continued to support mission efforts on the San Bias Islands, Republic of Panama.
Practical attention has been given in the last ten years to the safety and comfort of the congregation in terms of new air conditioning, a fire escape and a ramp for use by the disabled. The Barton W. Stone Room was beautifully redecorated and the nursery refurbished, both in 1993.
During the August 29, 1993 Homecoming, the First Christian Church of Barbourville celebrated its 150th Anniversary. Committee Chairperson Raquel Congleton and members Barbara Black, Ruby Davis, Bobbie Doolin, and David McFerrin did an outstanding job on the 150th Anniversary Planning Committee. Part of the ceremony was the publication of the 1994 church directory with color photographs of most members.
Spanning the last twenty-five years has been the rich ministry of Rev. Phillip Connley. Since 1986 he has also been mayor of our city. With the gospel in his heart and the good of the people in his dreams, he has walked among us. Today, as this is being written, David and Kami Gamble have presented their infant son for dedication. While Rev. Connley held the baby, the congregation remembered that the baby's mother was the first born after Pastor Connley* s coming to Barbourville in October 1969. The generations have come full circle.