Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1901-02-23
BURrON-OAK GROVE CHURCH.
It's History From IsOI-1sO1 By Mrs.
W. N. Easou.

In 1874 the question was discussed
that finally changed the history oil
Methodism; and for while at least
, peace and prosperity were at an end.
There was long period OF strife
about the division of the church, but
for sixteen years, amid the surround
ing excitement, Burton remained
comparatively calm. In 1845-46, Rev.
Mr. Gray was pastor. In 1S47, Rev
James Brindle came, during whose
passionate, the question OF withdraw
ing from, or continuing in relations
with the Philadelphia. Conference
was agitated among the Methodist
churches, and finally put to vote
Burton, clinging to her first allegi-
ance, unanimously voted to remain.
Rev. Charles Hill was sent in 1S48
and remained two years. He was
beloved and esteemed by all classes,
conditions and opinions. The house
OF worship having again become too
small, during his pastorate, large,
and TO the people Of that day, a
splendid new church was built on
the old site. The original building
having been removed to the adJoin.
ing farm, it was used as an clubhouse
until struck by lightning and burn
ed about twelve years ago. In the
new church, the back-less benches
had been replaced by comfortable
pews, the old boxed pulpit had given
way to modern one, and an organ,
which in great degree took the place
OF the old-fashioned Methodist sing
ing, was purchased. Many of the
older brethren and sisters, who still
chung to the good old way, were
Mortified at this innovation. Rev.
William Rink, good preacher and
successful pastor, followed Mr.. Hill,
and remained two years. He was
succeeded in 1852 54 by Rev. John
Allen, man esteemed by both
christian and sinner. Then Adam
Wallace came, remaining two years,
followed by James Hammersly, who
served the church in 1856, ending his
pastorate quietly and without trou-
BILE. Rev. Alexander Virgins was
his successor. His first year was
passed quietly and peaceably, as also
his second until the last Sunday and
the last appointment.
During the years from 1947-1859 no |
church was more peaceful and no
people more cordial and hospitable
than those of Burton; but it was the
quiet that precedes storm. Person
ally Mr.. Virgins was respected and
esteemed, but the time had come
when some of the members thought
there should be a change in their
church relations, and as a Southern
people should receive preachers from
the Southern Conference. So in 1860,
when he was to have preached at
Burton for the last time before de-
parting for another field of labor, he
was elected from the pulpit, and Rev.
NJ. s. Collonna, of the Virginia Con-
ference, put in. Looking back on
this procedure after the lapse of
forty years, when anger has subsid-
ed and passion has cooled, it seems
very unbecoming, not to say shame
fu treatment of faithful minister
OF God; but it must be considered
that mems souls were tried, and if at
that time they forgot the Gospel of
Peace and Goodwill, they should be
excused or at least judged leniently,
because they were defending what to
them and to us seems just and
cause.
In the years just reviewed the lay
mem bers, the bone and sinew OF the
should not be passed over in
silence, and as far as there is record
they will be mentioned, for through
them the good work was nourished,
and increased. There were
the faithful lives and services of John
S. Beach, John Edmonds, Levin W.
Mock and their families, together
with many Others whose names are
not known but whose influence lives
on. There was the unbOunded hos
OF Garrison Burton and his
wife, before mentioned; the minis
trations of Jonathon Smith; the de-
voted, consecrated and acceptable
service of Rev. Littleton K. LeCato
and Rev John John w. Elliott, both
of whom wrought long and well,
doing much good work during the
past years and also for many subse-
quent years. They now rest from
their labors, awaiting their final re-
ward. To this time belongs the SER
vices of John r. Burton. At this time
and during later years was accepts
able and true services rendered by
John r. Kellam, who for years was
steward and Sunday school superin-
tendent, and by George B. Map,
christian, a Sunday
school superintendent, a leader in
singing. Both OF these were always
found in their accustomed places,
their loss was regretted and their
memory still lives.
Soon after the event before men-
toned as having occurred at Burton,
the Eastern Shore of Virginia was
cut off from the Virginia Conference
by the blockade, before which, how
ever, Rev. Mr.. Brock served the
church for short time. After he
left, and during the entire war Bur-