History Of Rock Methodist Church
Located on the hill known to residents as Black Oak Mountain.
The first church was built of logs in 1853 by Methodists
who joined with neighboring settlers. It was located near the Virginian
Railroad tunnel, on a knoll, on the Blackoak Mountain Road off of State
Route 71. The church was first named "Old Zion". In 1887 the
church united with Cedar Cliff members and formed a church on the present
location.
The land was dontated by Charles Walker Bailey and the
lumber by Samuel Shutt. The name of the church was changed to Rock
Episcopal Methodist. One of the first pastors was Rev. J. W. Rader.
In the early church, familys made and carved their own benches. The
church was first heated by a pot-bellied stove, and later was converted
to a coal furnace. It is now heated by electric heat.
In later years, the church was completely renovated.
The large basement, known as Bailey Hall, where social activities were
held, was made possible through a dontation by the late Alice Bailey.
The Youth Fellowship, through faith and hard work installed
chimes in the church and dedicated them to the late Kenneth Bailey, son
of James and Nancy Bailey.
On August 15 - 16, 1987, the Rock United Methodist Church
celebrated its 100th Anniversary. On Saturday, August 15, a fellowship
reception was held in Bailey Hall. Gospel singing was held later
in the evening. At the singing, memories of the past were shared
by former and present members. Videos were shown of past home comings.
On Sunday, the 16th, the church gathered for worship with the pastor, Kevin
Lantz. Following worship, a dinner was held on the church lawn.
More singing followed in the afternoon. The day was filled with joy
and celebration of the churches Christian Faith.
The church had a quartet known as "The Solid Rock".
The members of the group were John Syres, Nina Basham, Bonnie Underwood
and Vickie White.
If you have information to include we would like to hear from you.
If you have information about Rock, past or present that you would like to share we would love to include it on this Web Site.
To have your information included please contact the author, Dollie Mae Keys Lawrence with your information and/or photos. You may contact her via her E-mail address which is listed throughout the site or you may write to her at:
Dollie Mae Keys Lawrence
5705 Rock River Road
Rock, West Virginia 24747
To contact us by email click on the link to the editor below:
Email Dollie Mae Keys Lawrence
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This site was last updated on November 9, 2008
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A Great Little Town With A Proud History™
