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Augusta County : Churches/Religious Activities

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Republican Vindicator, September 29, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
The paper applauds the initiatives southern churches have taken in providing the Freedmen with religious instruction.

Republican Vindicator, March 23, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
The Staunton Bible Committee have established a book depository at Mr. Cowan's Book Store and will make bibles available at cost, or gratuitously to those who cannot afford them.

Valley Virginian, May 30, 1866, p. 3, c. 3: "A Card of Thanks from the Colored People."
The members of the African American M. E. Church of Staunton publish a letter of thanks to the whites who aided the church at a recent fair. The members warn that Emila Rodney is soliciting contributions to the Bethel Church under false pretences, and declare that they have no intention of advocating black independence from whites. Instead they acknowledge their dependence of the aid and good-will on Staunton's white citizens.

Valley Virginian, June 6, 1866, p. 2, c. 4: "Another Card from the Colored People."
The members of the African American Bethel Church respond to the letter from the members of the M. E. Church. They defend the legitimacy of the activities of Mrs. Rodney and deny separatist intentions, claiming that they have always supported staying close to, and working for, the whites.

Republican Vindicator, June 8, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
A summary of the proceedings at St. Francis' Church last Thursday evening, where Miss S. McMahon was crowned "Queen of May."

Valley Virginian, June 20, 1866, p. 1, c. 5: "Rev. Ephraim Lawson's Reply to Rev. Mr. Woodhouse."
Reverend Ephraim Lawson, pastor of the African American congregation of the M. E. Church, Staunton, answers a letter of Rev. Woodhouse of the Bethel Church. Lawson details the problems with the preaching of Emily Rodney, who Woodhouse defended. According to Lawson, Rodney has been preaching that Augusta's blacks should strive for independence from whites in "church and business," which Lawson denounces.

Valley Virginian, October 10, 1866, p. 3, c. 3: "The Colored Churches."
The paper reports on church building activities in Staunton's African American community.

Republican Vindicator, October 12, 1866, p. 1, c. 6: "Colored M. E. Church at Lynchburg."
Last Tuesday the corner-stone of the new M. E. Church was laid in Lynchburg, where both whites and blacks participated and, according to the article, the white citizens displayed a "kindly and friendly spirit towards them, instead of the ferocious one which the radicals attribute to us."

Staunton Spectator, May 21, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--Staunton Sunday School Union."
The Staunton Sunday School Union met last Sunday at the Methodist Church, with hymns and addresses on "the great importance of bringing children unto Christ through the means of Sabbath School."

Staunton Spectator, June 4, 1867, p. 2, c. 2
Claims that almost all religious conventions in the South have expressed a desire to aid "in the intellectual, moral, and christian education of the colored people" and also that "every where a spirit of kindness towards the colored race has been exhibited in every possible way."

Staunton Spectator, June 25, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Interesting Church Case."
Details a case currently before the Circuit Court involving the local Methodist congregation, which split after the end of the war when, according to the article, "the negroes of their own choice separated from the white people in their religious matters." The two groups disagree over who should be able to use the original church and the court is expected to make a decision on the matter soon.

Republican Vindicator, June 28, 1867, p. 2, c. 1
Reports that the Methodist congregation in Staunton voted to remain part of the Methodist Episcopal Church South by an overwhelming majority. The decision was contested by members of the northern branch of the church in Staunton and black congregants, who filed a lawsuit to nullify the vote.

Staunton Spectator, July 2, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Union Prayer Meeting."
Reports that all the local Christian denominations held the first in what will be a series of "union prayer meetings." The article praises "the spirit of unity manifested by the christian people of Staunton."

Staunton Spectator, July 30, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--Camp Meeting."
A camp meeting will commence on August 23 on the land of Mrs. Tutwiler near Mt. Crawford. The meeting will be held under the supervision of the United Brethren in Christ and will include preachers from Pennsylvania and Maryland as well as Virginia.

Staunton Spectator, August 6, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--Sunday School Picnic."
The Episcopal Methodist Church held a Sunday School picnic last Friday, which went off "very pleasantly" except for injuries sustained by two children who fell from the swings.

Staunton Spectator, August 13, 1867, p. 2, c. 3
"Linna" describes a Sunday School picnic which took place on August 2nd, reporting that "the whole affair was a great success."

Republican Vindicator, August 23, 1867, p. 1, c. 6: "The Southern Clergy and the Governor of Virginia."
In response to Gov. Pierpont's allegations that the "'Southern pulpit is thoroughly disloyal,'" several clergy members from Virginia issued a circular contradicting the governor's assertions.

Valley Virginian, December 18, 1867, p. 3, c. 2: "Churches."
The paper prints the addresses, pastors and hours of service of all of Staunton's churches.