The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1879-12-03
For the Central Presbyterian
Old Pole Green-Samuel Davies
A Chapter of Presbyterian History.

It was built, not later than the year
1856. upon piece of land about three
acres in size. decided to the Presbyterian
Church, by a Mr.. Whitlocke, who lived
in the neig hborhood, and whose relatives
or descendants are still residents Of the
neighborhood. 1t was among the first
PRESBYTERIAN churches erected in the
State-it is said that Mackenzie church,
in the county of Accomac, was the first.
The origin of the name, Pole Green,
is not very clear, a small stream called
Pole Green branch or run is near the
spot, Pole Green spring and Pole Green
hill are known localities near by but 1t
is uncertain whether the church derived
its name from one of these, or gave its name
to them. Ifa stranger, unacquainted with
the history of this church, and the in
teresting associations connected with it,
had attended preaching there on Sab
bath in the summer, fifty years ago, he
would probably have seen nothing to
attract his attention, particularly about
the exterior of the house, a plain, un-
pretending building Of wood, rather
antiquated but showing no marks OF
decay, He might, it is true, have noticed
the cool, pleasant and refreshing shade OF
the large and venerable oak, and other
forest trees in the church-yard he would
probably have noticed well-beaten path
leading from near the church door to the
rear of the house, along which many OF
the congregation were passing, before
public worship commenced This path
led to bold and cool spring Of water
few yards from the church-PoZe Green
Spring. Within the house he would have
seen, as was usual in country churches
built during the previous century,
large high-backed family pews with
seats both facing and with their
backs towards the preacher-wide heavy
galleries extending along broad side
and two ends Of the house, part OF
which was set apart exclusively for the
colored people, and filed to Its utmost
capacity with-that class Of population.
A pulpit on the side of the house with its
high narrow desk for the Bible and
hymn book, with the Sounding Board,
away over the preachers head, and his at
tention drawn and curiosity excited, by
seeing on the board at the back of the
preacher the large, but not very artist
cally formed letters, S. D., and under
meath the figures, 1856, the handy-work,
it is said of the mechanic who built the
house. This was the condition Of the
Old Pole Green church, and the appear
ance of things around it, fifty years ago
1t may not be .Ininteresting here to men
ton that ab6at half a mile from the
church, in a Northwestern direction
the main road crosses Tolopotomay creek
and a short distance beyond there is
remarkably steep hill, and it was said
that the horses acquired the habit OF
stopping at the foot Of the hill to put of
part Of their load. This is "Pole Green
Hill.
The Rev. Samuel Davies was the first
pastor settled at Pole Green-the house
was built for him, when he came to the
county preaching and religious meetings
were held at first in private houses.
Presbyterianism was little known and
lightly thought of, the Church of England
being the established church Soon, how
ever, by his learning and eloquence, his
ardent and devoted piety, wonderfully
deep and marked impr, ssison was made
upon those who knew and heard him.
and before very lorg a Presbyterian
church was organized at Pole Green, en-
bracing as members some of the most
wealthy, intelligent, and influential mem
beers of the comm' nifty. The ancestors Of
the Rev. w. S White, D. D., man
widely known throughout the church,
attended the preaching of Samuel Davies
at Pole Green
The letters, S. D., upon the board at the
back of the pulpit, were the initials Of
Samuel Davies name, and so long as they
held that conspicuous place, served, no
doubt, to keep fresh in remembrance the
name and character of that eminent and
devoted minister of the gospel. Strangers
and children Just old enough to notice
such things, would be attracted by them.
and led to inquire their meaning, and
who S. D. was. The pastoral relation OF
Mr.. Davies with Pole Green lasted only a
few ars. He removed to Princeton, n
j., in the year of 1859, and died there
F, bruary 4th, l76l. 1t has often been
asked who succeeded him as pastor
The writer remembers many years ago.
hearing one Of the old members of the
church say, that Mr. McCauley was the
successor of Mr.. Davis this is the only
information received in regard to it. 1t
is a matter of regret that the Seasonal
records of the early years of Pole Green
church cannot be found, much interesting
and valuable information as to the history
of this church which they only could give.
is thus lost
I'LL IL LOO. l-OS al. D. 1 IN