The Muse: February 2006

2005 was a busy year, and 2006 is shaping up to be just as busy. You’ll want to keep your calendar up to date with what’s going on here at the Museum!

But first, many thanks are in order! All of you--volunteers, donors and members--have contributed to the Museum is many ways, from decorating cookies, working polls, putting up tents and soliciting donations for fundraisers, placing stars and lights on a nine foot Christmas tree, researching genealogy requests, assisting with exhibits and keeping the Museum so I can attend professional development events. I thank all of you! I could never have done it by myself!

And for everyone who missed out last year, you’ll have plenty of opportunity this year. The Valentine crafts will be continued and more children’s programs will be looming on the horizon. For those with a taste for historic architecture, this year’s annual home tour in Lowesville will be a treat!

And 2005 was a good year for the Museum--the research library added more than 50 new resources, 75 new memberships were added to our membership roster, inroads were made into children’s programming, we had more in-building visitors in 2005 than we did in 2004, used more genealogical resources and also had more website visitors. We have been growing and are looking forward to more growth in 2006!

Holly Mills, Director

On March 18, 2006, Rosemary Dunne will give a talk at the Amherst County Museum about the county’s first courthouse. The presentation will begin at 1:00 P.M.

Early in 2004, Mrs. Dunne’s research notes on that topic accompanied an application sent to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources by the Nelson County Historical Society to request placement of an historical highway marker at Colleen, near the site of Amherst County’s first courthouse. After her submission of further data to refute an error in a 1937 WPA survey filed at the Department of Historic Resources, the application was accepted December 3, 2004.

Mrs. Dunne outlined her study in a speech given at a meeting of the Nelson County Historical Society on March 14, 2005, after which she presented a commendation from the Amherst County Board of Supervisors to the society to acknowledge its contribution to the history the two counties share. The historical highway marker was unveiled April 17, 2005.

Rosemary is a past president of the Amherst Woman’s Club and a writer whose fiction has won awards in National Federation of Women’s Clubs contests. Her articles about local history appear from time to time in the Amherst Museum newsletter. She has also had articles published in Southern Living, Blue Ridge Country, and Blue Ridge Traditions magazines.

Another exciting event in being planned for the afternoon of February 11 at the Amherst County Museum. Come from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and enjoy making your own special Valentines for family and friends. Last Year’s party was so successful and well attended that we have decided to keep a good thing going. Materials will be furnished and individual help given for this project. Of course, what would a party be without refreshments!

• Ancestors of Jacob Smith of Amherst County, Virginia, by Victor A. Smith, and The Jacob Smith Family of Amherst County, Virginia: Descendants in West Virginia and Beyond, also by Victor A. Smith.
• Franklin County, Virginia: A History, by Marshall Wingfield, 2003 reprint of a 1964 original publication.
• Huguenot Emigration to Virginia, by R. A. Brock, 2005 reproduction of the 1886 Documents, chiefly unpublished, relating to the Huguenot Emigration to Virginia and to the settlement at Manakin-Town, edited and compiled for the Virginia Historical Society. Names include Fontaine, Maury, Dupuy, Trabue, Marye, Chastain, Cocke, and other families.
• A History of Caroline County, Virginia, by Marshall Wingfield, 2005 reprint of a 1924 Richmond, Virginia publication

From Days Gone By is now available in our Gift Shop and by mail. Learn about our county's past as you read stories written by local authors about: Summerhill and Walnut Hill (early homes still in use), families Moss, Clairborne, Eubank; a Civil War skirmish at Tye River; New Glasgow and Clifford and the night the stars fell; Thomas Jefferson in Amherst County. A great addition to your library or that of a friend!

Love, Linens and Lace illustrates the sentimental side of the story of Amherst County. As February rolls around hearts turn to Valentines and love tokens of yesteryear become fashionable all over again. Before the advent of traditional Valentine cards, handkerchiefs were a popular token of love. Below is a motif found on a handkerchief from a collection donated in 2002 by Mrs. L. F. Payne, known to many of us as Dolly. More fine handwork is on display in the Whitehead Gallery, much of it generously loaned by Frances Butler.

A History of Mount Olive Baptist Church exhibits pastoral portraits, hymnals and a variety of other memorabilia illustrating significant events in the history of this nineteenth century church just around the corner from the Museum.

As the years pass, the age of Amherst County since its separation from Albemarle County will increase and many of our locations and structures will have more historical significance.

The museum houses an extensive research library, collections, artifacts and exhibits and even now needs additional space. How can this be accomplished?

A few thoughts of how citizens can help to meet present and future capital needs of the museum are as follows:

• 1. Donate an existing ordinary life insurance policy to the museum.
• 2. Provide for a bequest in your will.
• 3. Include the museum as a charitable remainderman in an annuity trust or unitrust you might create to provide income to you and spouse for life with the remainder going to one or more charitable organizations.

The museum would benefit greatly by your consideration.

After a hectic holiday season our volunteers are back! We have several special projects going as well as the routine schedule. Below, Jean Carter (left) organizes indexes of the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, while Judy Faris (right) compiles obituary information from the Amherst New Era Progress. Ron Sweeney (not pictured) has just finished one of the Museum’s short-term but long-needed projects--the installation of additional picture rail to allow the Museum better conservation storage for artwork. Thank you, volunteers--you are the Museum’s much-appreciated Valentines!

The Museum also needs volunteers for typing, painting and several hammer and nail projects and many other kinds of activities. To find out how you can help out, call Holly at 946-9068.

• Lucinda Myers Daly, Vail, CO
• James Fulcher, Lynchburg, VA
• Mrs. E.A. Gunn, Reidsville, NC
• Dee, David and Marcella Harmis, Monroe, VA
• The Rev. and Mrs. William Hoffman, Maclean, VA
• Steve & Kay Lambert, Madison Heights, VA
• Mrs. George Meeks, Lynchburg, VA
• Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Moorman, Lynchburg, VA
• Mr. Donald H. Selvage, Amherst, VA
• Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thomas, Rustburg, VA
• Robert A. Whitehead, Alexandria, VA

The Museum’s collection growth is off to a great start already in 2006! Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fauber of Lynchburg, VA, have donated several items related to Temperance School’s Class of 1949 including class and reunion photos, graduation and baccalaureate programs, a class ring (above) and even a painting of the school, as rendered by local artist Bonnie Davis.

Mr. H. E. Albright, III, has donated a beautifully framed photograph from the 1903 reunion of Confederate veterans, taken at the Amherst courthouse. You may see more of this photograph in the future as the Museum requests help to identify some of the individuals shown.

Above is a varsity letter from Madison Heights’ High School, vintage Class of 1942, received with class photos, yearbook and more. Look forward to seeing these photographs also!

The Museum’s collection policy places a heavy emphasis on donations’ relevance to Amherst County and requires that all donations be accompanied by a signed deed of gift, easily drawn up at the Museum after meeting with the director.

Mt. Olive Baptist church was established on August 28, 1899 when a faithful group of church goers were unanimous in their desire to establish a church. Some of the faithful Christians who applied for letters of dismission from their respective church or churches to organize Mount Olive were the families of Washington Shrader, John Rose, Henry Garland, Henry Thompson, Richard Carter, Henry Wilson, Boyd Higginbotham, James Pendleton, Sr., Alexander Davies, Marvin Shrader, Edward Gilmore, Peter Carter and Fred Bibbie. Mount Olive was organized with Reverend Harrison Goode serving as Acting Pastor.

FIRST PASTOR-REVEREND HARRISON P. GOODE, 1899-1918

A few months after the church was established , Reverend Harrison P. Goode was ordained and called as the first Pastor. The officials and members of the young church thought it befitting to call one of their own "sons" who had the well being and success of the newly formed church at heart. Some of the first trustees were the heads of the same families that organized the church.

The first Annual Revival was held the first week in October, 1900. The evangelist for the week was Reverend Sandy Garland of Lynchburg, Virginia. During the Revival, there were 99 converts.

Pastor Goode was observant and learned as much as he could from persons around him. He was a strong believer in home ownership and education which his life exemplified. He purchased land; and his two children, Sadie Goode Fleming and Harry Goode were both college graduates. Pastor Goode served until 1918 when he saw fit to leave.

SECOND PASTOR-REVEREND BENJAMIN A. CARRINGTON, 1919-1929

Reverend Benjamin A. Carrington was called to Mt. Olive in 1919. During his pastorate, the membership increased rapidly. The following members were ordained as Deacons: J. F. Peters, Landon Jones, Meredith Wright, Lonnie Higginbotham, and Fred Bibbie. William Rucker became a member by letter and consequently a Deacon. Added to the Board of Trustees were: Meredith Wright, Lonnie Higginbotham and William Diggs.

The Ladies Aid Club was organized on August 7, 1923. Pastor Carrington had concern for the religious nurture of children and youth but not to the neglect of others. Pastor Carrington served until 1929.

THIRD PASTOR-REVEREND JAMES H. JONES, 1930-1934

In 1930, Reverend James H. Jones was called to the pastorate of Mt. Olive. Cris Thompson and William Mosby.were ordained Deacons during Pastor Jones’ administration. In addition to becoming a Deacon, Cris Thompson also became a member of the Board of Trustees. After four years of faithful service, Pastor Jones resigned.

FOURTH PASTOR-REVEREND W. D. JOHNSON, 1935-1941

Reverend W. D. Johnson was called to the pastorate of Mt. Olive in 1930. During his tenure, the Men’s Pioneer Club was organized (1938). The vestibule was added to the church in 1938. Pastor Johnson was a kind and conscientious person who upon many occasions expressed his dedication to Kingdom building through songs. After serving Mt. Olive faithfully for six years, Pastor Johnson resigned.

FIFTH PASTOR-REVEREND E. D. IRVINE-1942-1979

In 1942, Mount Olive called the Reverend E. D. Irvine as Pastor. Pastor Irvine was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. He received his elementary and secondary education in the city schools of Lynchburg. From Virginia Union University in Richmond, Pastor Irvine was awarded the B.Th. degree. He taught in the Amherst County Public School System. Pastor Irvine came to Mount Olive highly recommended as a dedicated preacher of the Gospel, a Christian gentleman, and a capable leader.

Under Pastor Irvine’s leadership the church made tremendous growth both physically and spiritually. In 1944, the Men’s Pioneer club and the Ladies Aid Club united and became the Ladies Aid and Men’s Pioneer Club. The Climbing Vine Club was organized in 1944. The Amherst County Training School held many graduations at the church due to a lack of adequate facilities at the school. The Usher Board was organized in May, 1950. The Pastor’s Aid Club was organized on February 11, 1951. Rev. Purvis Rose became Associate Minister.

Ordained and added to the Board of Deacons were: Wilton Penn, Norvell Blair, Kendall Blair, Paul Christian, George W. Smith, Victor Higginbotham and Carlton Waller. Deacon John Wright transferred his membership from Union Hill Baptist Church and was accepted as a Deacon. Members added to the Board of Trustees were: Wilton Penn, Edward L. Jordan. Chester Rucker, George White, Jr. and John M. Wright. In June, 1967, Edwin W. Collins, Jr. was ordained as a Deacon. The Gospel Chorus was organized in 1968. Charles R. Brown was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1977. Paul Higginbotham was also later added to the Board of Trustees.

Deacon Percy Higginbotham served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 40 years. A member of Union Hill Baptist Church, Deacon Higginbotham’s wife and family were members of Mt. Olive. As Union Hill only held services once a month, Deacon Higginbotham worshipped frequently at Mt. Olive and taught the Adult Sunday School class.

During Pastor Irvine’s administration, some improvements to the physical appearance of Mount Olive were: 1) The church was underpinned in 1947; 2) The central heating system was converted from coal burning to an oil burning unit in 1950; 3) Brick siding was installed on the exterior of the church and the windows were replaced with frosted glass in 1953; 4) Pews and floors were refinished in 1955; 5) The old pews were replaced in 1966; 6) The church was brick veneered in 1976; 7) The central heating system was replaced and air condition units added in 1979. After 26 years of faithful service, Pastor Irvin resigned in 1980.

SIXTH PASTOR-REVEREND JOHN I. AUSTIN-1981-2002

After an extensive search, the members of Mt. Olive called to the pastorate, Reverend John I. Austin, a native of Buckingham, Va. and a graduate of the School of Divinity at Virginia Union University in Richmond, in January, 1981. Pastor Austin was licensed to preach the Gospel on October 16, 1977 and ordained for the ministry on December 28, 1980 by the Warminister Baptist Church in Buckingham, Va. Pastor Austin brought enthusiasm and a desire to participate in a holistic manner with churches in Amherst County and the Town of Amherst.

He organized Passion Week Services with surrounding churches which consisted of a week of services leading up to Easter Sunday’s Sunrise services with churches rotating services at participating churches. Donations collected during the week are used for a scholarship fund for students of participating churches pursuing a higher education. Churches came together to jointly hold vacation Bible School on a rotating basis. Mount Olive began weekly Worship Services in the 1980s rather than having services two Sundays per month. Added to the Deacon Board was Deacon Willie Diggs. Trustees added were Trustee Kinkle Toliver, and Earl Douglas. Dr. Malissa Austin was elected Sunday School Superintendent.

With a bequest from the late Trustee Edward Lee and Nora Jordan, a Fellowship Hall,and Pastor’s Study with bathroom were added and furnished about 1988. This expanded the bathroom areas, added a large kitchen and baptismal pool. Storage space was included for choir robes, kitchen supplies, and a utility closet. A church Library was set up and a Video Ministry by Trustee Charles Brown enabled shut-ins to have access to worship services. The sanctuary was renovated adding new carpeting, lighting fixtures, chairs for the Deacon and Choir stands. Upgrading the heating and air conditioning system was completed. A monthly newsletter was published, The Olive Branch, informing members of the activities of the church and community. New Bibles and Hymnals were purchased. Additional cabinets were added to the kitchen, an additional food cooler and freezer were purchased. Motion lights were added to the outside of the building. Landscaping was done in front of the Fellowship Hall through member contributions and spearheaded by Sister Jean Higginbotham, Brother Lawrence Higginbotham and Trustee Charles Brown.

In cooperation with Virginia Union University, School of Theology, in Richmond, opportunities were provided for seminary students to serve as pastoral interns. Praise and Worship was added to the morning Worship Service. Ministers licensed during Pastor Austin’s tenure were Reverends Kevin Hairston, Carolyn Taylor, Margaretta Bell, Steven Ford, Kelvin R. Brown and Andre Higginbotham.

Under church administration, the treasuries of the church were consolidated into a single Treasury; Weekly Bible Study and Prayer services were instituted, Annual Budget System was set up and implemented, members were encouraged to give tithes and offerings on a systematic basis which increased the level of giving and support for the church, the Church Constitution and By-Laws were rewritten. Church Clerks during this period included Sisters Mary Davis and Mary Ann Beverly.

Also during this period, Pastor Austin was awarded the Doctor of Divinity Degree from Eastern University where he also served as Academic Dean at the main campus in Lynchburg, VA. Pastor Austin was an Adjunct Professor at Virginia University of Lynchburg and served as Chaplain at the Buckingham Correctional Facility. Pastor Austin joined the Amherst Ministerial Alliance and Mt. Olive participated on a rotating basis with churches of different denominations for a Pre-Thanksgiving Service. Many converts were added to the church roll. With the addition of the Fellowship Hall, the church was able to host many community activities including educational programs by the Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, the VA Extension Office, the Amherst County Department of Social Services, among others. The Mass Choir was organized in the 1990s. The Youth Choir was reorganized under the direction of Sister Phyllis Brown and later Marie Davis Woodson and Brenda Campbell.

The Oliver Star Ladies Auxiliary was organized in 1990 under the sponsorship of Rev. Dr. Margaretta Bell , Associate Minister of Mt. Olive, as a part of an internship for the M.Div. degree at Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. Officers and members included President Sister Jessie Rodwell, Vice-President Sister Jean Higginbotham, Secretary Sister Helen Williams, Treasurer Sister Lucille Smith, Chaplain Sister Mary F. Williams and Advisor Sister Malissa Austin. Members included Sisters Matilda Chambers, Evelyn Christian, Thelma Douglas, Gloria Higginbotham, Sallie Higginbotham, Clarke Johnson, Marianna Penn, Madeline Rucker, Virginia White and Bessie Yancey. The group’s purposes are ministering to the needs of families and the community including supporting the Children’s Home in Petersburg, VA. Olive Star members minister to the sick and shut-in, participate in the Rockfish Women’s Association, and sponsor an annual Family and Friends Day Program. The Olive Star subscribes to and distributes copies of Our Daily Bread on a quarterly basis. Palms donated by Rev. Michael Winfree are distributed on Palm Sunday. Also in the 1990s the Olive Star hosted the Rockfish Women’s Annual Day.

A Food Bank was established in the 1990s. Referrals for individuals in need of emergency food became another ministry of the church. This ministry was discontinued in 2003 with comparable monies being donated to the Department of Social Services to fulfill this need. Member of the congregation have participated in Operation Happy Face, providing Christmas gifts for children and the elderly since 1985.

A series of programs are held during Black History Month along with displays that relate to the history of Black Americans. The church had the honor of having its antique organ and other memorabilia displayed for a year at the Legacy Museum in Lynchburg, VA. Members have participated in the Amherst County Annual Cancer Walk since 2001. An annual Senior Tea during May was initiated.

Pastor Austin was an active participant in the Rockfish Baptist Association where he served as Treasurer for many years. He served through August, 2002 when he retired.

SEVENTH PASTOR-REVEREND KELVIN R. BROWN, 2004-

Following the Search Committee’s recommendation of candidates, an election was held on February 14, 2004. On April 24, 2004, a native son, Minister Kelvin R. Brown was installed as Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He was ordained by Mt. Olive Baptist Church on March 27, 2004. Pastor Brown is a product of the Amherst County School System, attended Liberty University, is a graduate of the Amherst Theological Institute and is a current student at Virginia University of Lynchburg. He is a Sergeant with the Town of Amherst Police Department and has taught classes at the Lynchburg Regional Police Academy. He has brought to Mount Olive a sincerity of spirit, devotion, an enthusiastic presence in the pulpit and an ardent desire to bring souls to Christ.

This history has been compiled by Evelyn Christian (deceased), Jean Higginbotham, Malissa Austin and Gloria Higginbotham.

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