175th anniversary – readings

RING HAND BELL:

Hear Ye! HearYe! Come and hear the word of the Lord! Hear of the years gone by!

For he saith: Come all ye that are weary and faint of heart and I will refresh.

“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” James 1:18

 Welcome, Brethren!  I stand here before you – Jonathan Boucher of Cumberland County, England. At the age of 16 I came to this Port Royal Community with Captain Dixon; to tutor his 2 sons.  In 1762 I felt called to serve the Lord and returned to England to be ordained and licensed to in Virginia.  I served as the Parson for St. Mary’s parish from 1764 -1770.  I taught the word of God and the minds of man.

Oh, I could teach!  Jackie Curtis- step son of your George Washington was a student of mine for several years.  Mr. Washington and I had our disagreements but continued to correspond over the years.

I was not afraid to state my views or act on my beliefs.  I spoke on loyalty to the Crown, abolishing slavery and for education and Christianization of slaves. I taught several black men to be schoolmasters so they could teach children, so that the children could use the Prayer Books.

 I tell you; I wonder “weather so extraordinary an accession to the Church of Christ by one man and in one day could be paralled even in the journals of a Popish missionary” as on Nov 24, 1765 at Mount Church when I baptized 313 Negro adults, and lectured extemporaneously upwards to a 1,000 persons!  Thanks be to God!

In 1772 I left this Parish for a position in Annapolis, MD.

I married in 1772 and in 1775; with the increase talk of treason to the crown; and being a loyal Tory, I returned to my England.

There I raised 8 children and continued teaching God’s word until my death.

The Epsom Parish Church built a memorial to me after I left this life at 66 years old. It reads:

“His loyalty to his king remained unshaken even when the madness of the people raged furiously against him; and for conscience sake he resigned ease and affluence in America to endure hardship and poverty in his native land, but the Lord gave him twice as much as he had before, and blessed his latter end more than his beginning.”

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The Lord leads us all on different paths for his name sake.  I’d like to believe that part of my time here, my faith in the Preaching of the Lord Almighty’s word, is within the foundation of this community and this church.

Now let us enter into his house to give Him thanks and praise!

Bishop Moore and Rev. William Friend:

Block print – Bishop Moore, italics – Rev. Friend

Good tidings to you!  I am the Bishop Richard Channing Moore

And I- Rev William Friend, first Rector to St. Peters. 

                                                                                                      

For some 20 years I had been making annual trips to this Town…

to baptize, and confirm.  I knew the Spirit of the Lord was strong in this Parish.

 

How true! From 1834-1835,  3 buildings were completed: Grace Church, Corbin; St. Asaphs , Bowling Green, and St. Peters. We held our first service here on Dec 24, 1835. We all looked forward to your spring visit.

 

In my report to the Diocesan Council I wrote:

On Sunday, May 15, 1836 I journeyed to Port Royal at which place I consecrated a new Church: a building which is a great ornament to the town and reflects the greatest credit upon those by whose munificence it has been erected, and which, I Trust will prove a blessing to them and to their children to their lastest posterity.  The congregation was very large and attentive during the whole service……

 

It was a wonderful day!

 

That same day this large silver cup was presented for use at the Lords table. And Mr. Robert Hord announced that Mr. Silas Wood of New York had presented an excellent bell, while others united in a gift of several hundred dollars!  

 I felt sure that soon an organ would be blending with the voices of the congregation in praises to the Lord.

 

We installed an organ in 1839.  Although we would lose both the bell and organ in the terrible fire of 1849.

I am grateful I did not live to see the severe damage that occurred!  Your efforts and those of your members to repair the church was a glory to God!

You confirmed my writings to the Diocesan when I reported:

 “The Rev. William Friend stands high in the estimation of his parish; and I trust will see the work of the Lord prosper under his pastoral care. “

 

Thank you! I did love this community. I was born in 1806 in Massachusetts but when I graduated from the Virginia Theological Seminary in 1832 I was called to St. Margaret’s Parish. I resigned my charge at St. Margaret’s Parish to be Rector to St. Peter’s and Grace Church. I was blessed to see both memberships grow. In 1851 I gave up my charge at Grace Church but continued here and took charge of St. Johns in King George.

I moved to Lot 6,_now called the Bowie House, in 1849.  In 1857 I married Miss Anna Tiffey of King George.

During my 38 years in Caroline County I assisted with the founding or reconstruction of 11 Episcopal Churches in 4 Counties.  

 Beautiful offerings to God!   In 1837 when Bishop Meade came first to Port Royal he wrote the following:

  “On entering Port Royal, a handsome village on the Rappahannock River, we behold a new and very beautiful brick church, which reflects great credit upon the zeal and liberality of those who contributed to its erection, and on the taste of those who planned it.”

 We did well here. During the war years services were seldom: many having removed themselves to safer portions of the State. I remained and served as missionary to the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia from 61-65.

 In 1864 I wrote:

“The parish has been completely devastated. The destitution of the people has been such that many families once wealthy can now hardly procure their daily bread-of course it is impossible for them to contribute anything for church purposes. The records of the church have been carried off by the Yankee spoilers”. 

 Another hardship I was spared! But the Church stood!

 Stood and we held our first post war service on September 10^th, 1865.

Then in 1868, lightning struck the steeple and caused major damage. We lost the roof and steeple but the bell and Mr. Stevens organ survived! The roof was reconstructed in the Gothic style here today.

I know the Church has a strong foundation, but your leadership was a gift.

My congregations, this Town were a gift!

 In my sermon on May 15, 1870 I closed the sermon saying,”If this be the last word I say to you, prepare to meet thy God.” That day I collapsed and the next day joined The Almighty.     

And on those words I say we take our leave.

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My name is Helen Struan Bernard, I was born January 11, 1836.

I’m the youngest daughter of John Bernard and Gay Robertson Bernard of Gay Mont.  (That’s the white house, high on the hill, overlooking the valley; about 1 mile S.W.)  I was the first little girl baptized in St. Peter’s church, May 15^th, 1836 by Bishop Moore.  This Church was always our family’s place of worship.

 

SARAH JANE*****introduction, consecration, fire, organ 

 

And in 1853 we where given the wall tablets containing the Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed. I see they still remain. I do believe that by the end of the 1860’s the congregation numbered over 40 members.

 

Sarah Jane**** then  in 1861 came the war between the States

 

 I live a long life with good times and hard.   A part of the” hard” would be  those years of life during the war between the states. 

 

   On July 19^th of 1862, I wrote this in my diary:

 

          The 10^th anniversary of my dear Mothers death.  How changed the world seems since then…the collections of time when the family circle was complete, when there were no graves to visit, no Vacant chairs by the fireside…Now we are all broken & scattered & war & tumult raging everywhere…The enemy have stopped our mail again.  Only vague rumors reach us.  The talk of victory in various places, but we must wait….More than a week has passed of quiet…only the anxiety that all must feel now concerning the progress of the War & the fate of our friends & country.  I know that we are highly favored & should lift up our hearts in gratitude to Him whose mercy preserves us from innumerable evils to which others are exposed…..Still…I feel unequal to the burden.  Cut off from all resources, without money, the servants and the farm needing everything, what am I to do? How to keep up this dear old home?  For the present the people have food and clothing but when I look to the long cold winter, my heart sinks.  Sometimes I can rest in the thought, “My Father knoweth that I have need of all these things.’. And I thank the ‘Comforter’ for those thoughts.

 

After the war, seeing the extent of destruction and loss everywhere; I realize how fortunate we were….Gunboats on the river; soldiers in the Town. (At times Confederate – at times Union.)  Yet the Town of Port Royal and our St. Peters remain!

 

Sarah Jane****Booth

 

Not all my memories of the war years are dark….I did wed Phillip Lightfoot Robb, of the 9^th Confederate Calvary on March 16, 1864.  We raised 6 children at Gay Mont and lived out our days in peace; over looking the valley.

 

Sarah Jane…organist 28 years

 

It has been wonderful to be back but time moves on and so should we, Sarah Jane.

 

Sarah Jane****. Of course! Thank you. It’s been a pleasure! 

 

 

SARAH JANE PEYTON:

How do you do?  I am Sarah Jane Payton

I was born December 8, 1830.  I spent my life in this busy Town; in this Church of the Lord.  I live just 2 blocks away on King St.  I believe it’s now known as the Peyton-Brockenbrough house.  My parents; as did yours, Helen, took part in the planning of St. Peter’s and on December 24^th, 1835 held the first service within these walls. Then, as you said on May 15, of 1836 Bishop Moore came to consecrate the building.  I was just 6 1/2 years at time but remember the sense of pride and celebration on that day. 

 

We had regular services and all was well until the year 1849, when on the morning of Dec 26 we awoke to the cries of “fire!”  We almost lost the entire structure!  We lost our steeple and the bell donated by Mr. Silas Wood, our organ, and the building’s lovely red brick- blackened and scared!  The congregation determined to repair the structure, and by May of 1850, Rev. Friend had collected enough supplies and cash to repair the damage.  The brick was covered with stucco to hide the scaring, and Mr. Wood donated a new bell!  Rev. Friend, remember how generous everyone was!

 

You had enough donations as to allow for the purchase of a new pipe organ!  An amazing instrument!   I was 20 years when Mr. George Stephens delivered his beautiful pipe organ!  A pine –cased Gothic model with one manual. There are 382 piles (wood and metal), 13 foot pedals and a pedal for the swell shades.  The console is recessed and finished in rose-wood.  The instrument was so grand that workers had to be brought in to cut a hole in the ceiling to accommodate its height.

 

Helen*****wall tablets, congregation 40

 

 

And then in 1861 came the War Between the States….

 

Helen…………..

 

Yes, Helen life moves on……Remember after the fighting; shortly after the President Lincoln was assassinated, that Willie Jett showed up at my house with 4 other men.  The family was off on a visit and just Cook and I were at home.  I served the gentlemen refreshments – I could tell they had traveled hard and one man was injured.  Then Willie had the nerve to ask me to allow them to stay overnight!  I sent them down the road to the Garrett’s Farm.  Thanks are to God that I did!  It was nearly a week later that we all realized the injured man was that actor, Booth, who killed Mr. Lincoln.

 

Helen…..

 

 I never married (nor did any of my 3 siblings) we stayed in this Town – in this Church.

I played that grand organ for 28 years.  Such a joyful instrument, its a pleasure to hear it again!

 Helen, .I watched your babies grow; saw your joy with Phillip.

And in 1906, when the Lord called me back; my earthly body would be laid to rest on these church grounds, unmarked, but at home.

 

Helen****It has been wonderful to be back but time moves on and so should we, Sarah Jane

 

Of course! Thank you. It’s been a pleasure! 

 

1940’s: A.P. HILL

 

 

On May 15^th, 1941 the United States Army closed on the first of many parcel of land in Caroline County.  The first deed was for 430 acres and the 5^th engineer Regiment, from Fort Belvoir, began construction on a training base which would eventually encompass over 76,000 acres. On June the 11^th this base would be dedicated as, Fort A. P. Hill.

 

The lack of training facilities during WWII had the Nation’s Leaders determined to provide training facilities deserving of our Soldiers. Caroline County with it’s rural character, major roads ( route 1, 17, +301) and located within 2 hours of  both the State and nation’s Capital and 2 majors ports – Norfolk and Baltimore; was chosen for our ground troops.  This decision was not without sacrifice: families, farms, business and Churches would be relocated or closed. Eleven churches were within the boundaries of A.P. Hill and their congregations would move to other churches or rebuild.  Memorial Baptist Church here in Port Royal would be one of those new Churches. Liberty Church remains on the base and serves as the base Chapel.

 

Over the years, A.P. Hill has continued to train our Nation’s Warriors, from all branches of the Armed Forces. In 2010, 94,000 service men and women entered though our gates.

 

This year we celebrate our 70^th anniversary. We have a full day of family events planned for the day and we hope to see you there.