Articles of Faith (cont)
 8.     As the Scriptures admonish us not to neglect the assembling of ourselves together, we agree to meet regularly at our church conferences and fill our seats as members unless providentially hindered and if so hindered more than twice we feel it our duty to communicate our troubles to the church verbally or by writing.



Thornton’s Gap Primitive Baptist Church. Photo taken in 1997.

        As it is in the year 2000, nestled in Old Hollow (Route 612) about one mile from the village of Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Virginia. The building sits at the cross roads of Old Hollow Road and Thornton Gap Church Road on the property originally sold to the congregation in 1818. The North Fork of the Thornton River meanders at the extreme edge of the property.


Articles of Faith
 1.     We believe there is but one living and true God, the Almighty Creator and preserver and disposer of all things visible and invisible in whom we live, move and have our being and to whom alone all divine worship and adoration ought to be rendered and ascribed, both in time and eternity by men and angels as being most worthy of it and one who will not give His glory to another or His praise to graven images, having strictly forbidden us to worship or adore any but Himself.

 2.     That there are three persons in the God-Head, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost the same in substance, power and eternity; therefore not to be divided in essence though distinguished by several peculiar properties and personal relations.

 3.     We believe in the Doctrine of the total depravity of human nature, and that man is incapable of restoring himself to the favor of God either in whole or in part.

 4.     That the Lord Jesus Christ the second person in the Adorable Trinity, did in time take upon Himself a real human nature in which he fulfilled the law, and died to make atonement for the sins of His people. And that He is the only Saviour of sinners, the Prophet, Priest and King of His Church, appointed Heir of all things, and Judge of the quick and dead. In whom alone we have redemption and deliverance from divine wrath and eternal misery.

 5.     We believe the Holy Scriptures of the old and new testaments are the Word of God and the only certain and infallible rule of faith and obedience, containing everything that is needful for us to know, believe or do in service to God, and able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus; and to which our opinions and practices ought always to be conformed: therefore all Christians who can read ought to search them daily praying to God for the light of His Holy Spirit without which none can effectually understand them.

 6.     We do fully believe in the great doctrine of particular redemption, personal election, effectual calling, justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ, pardon of sin through His atoning blood, believer’s baptism by immersion, the final perseverance of the saints, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment which doctrine is contained at large in the old and new testament scriptures.

 7.     That Christ will return at the end of the world to judge men and angels at which time the righteous shall enter into everlasting happiness, but the wicked shall be driven away into everlasting and eternal misery.



CHURCH CLERKS
~~
Brother Adams; 1787--May 1788
John Swindler, Sr.; June 1788-December 1788
John Yates; January 1789--1802
Tilman Kerns; 1802--March 1810
Samuel Young; March 1810--January 1814
William W. Covington; January 1814--December 1818
Andrew R. Barbee; January 1819--1838
Franklin Turner; 1838--

James E. Broy; 1891--1898
James S. Pullen; 1899-1901
James E. Broy; 1901--1909
W. R. Yates; 1909--1928
Estelle Dodson; 1928—
Lester L. Yates; ?--1970
Janet L. Yates; 1970--1981
Verlie E. Baldwin; 1981--November 1985
Aaron M. Moyer; November 1985--December 1995
Wayne F. Baldwin--January 1996--present


Elder J. Tolliver Utz
        Born in Madison County, Virginia. He became a member of Robinson River church and was ordained in ______. He has been a great help to Thornton’s Gap in that during two periods of time we were without a pastor he filled appointments until a pastor could be found.

Elder Lloyd Richard Cox
        Was called to pastor Thornton’s Gap in July 2000. He and his sweet companion, Sister Sarah sacrificed much. For several months they drove from their home in Thomasville, North Carolina to Sperryville. Then, seeing that the Lord had certainly called him to this area, with the additional calling made by Barrow’s Run Primitive Baptist Church at Opal, Fauquier County, Virginia, Elder Cox and Sister Sarah sold their home in North Carolina and bought in Culpeper County.
        Edler Cox was born October 17, 1925, graduated from high school in 1943 and joined the Navy at age 17 serving during World War II. Elder Cox joined the Abbotts Creek Primitive Baptist Church in 1952. In 1964 he was ordained a deacon, and in April of 1989 was ordained to the full work of the ministry at Little Flock Church in Amelia, Virgina to where he had moved his membership upon moving to Richmond, Virginia.
        Elder Cox was first married in 1960 to Beryl Blakely, and after twenty-five years of marriage and two children his precious wife succumbed to cancer in 1985. In June 1986 Elder Cox married secondly, Sister Sarah Dallas, daughter of late Elder S.J.B. Dallas.
        Elder Cox has served as "fill-in" pastor in several churches over the years, was pastor of Mill Creek Church in Luray, Virginia for a little over one year.


        A faithful soldier has fallen in the cause of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and it is not in vain that he has served and fallen. God bless his memory with us all, and to his precious family; may your tears be full of joy having such a heritage of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus--"Salvation by Grace and Grace Alone."
In humble submission to God’s will.
Elder Charles W. Alderton31

31 From the Advocate & Messenger obituary.



Elder Elmer S. Skeen
        Was called as pastor of Thornton Gap, December 14, 1974 and served until March 1990. Elder Skeen with his lovely wife, Sister Tessie, live in Palmyra, Fluvanna County, Virginia at this writing.
Elder and Sister Skeen: Taken by author at Robinson River Union Meeting 1996.

Elder Rodger L. Frazier
        Was called as pastor of our church at their business conference May 20, 1990 and served until April 7, 1996. Elder Frazier and his dear companion, Sister Bonnie, live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he serves White Oak Primitive Baptist Church.

Elder David A. Roberts
        Was born January 3, 1956 in Cooks Falls, Delaware Co., New York, a son of Esick and Myrtle Ernie Roberts. After his mother’s death, and his graduation from high school, Brother Roberts enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Serving six years and being discharged at Norfolk, Va., he made this state his home. In 1983 he came to the Culpeper area where he engaged in various businesses and finally in 1995, was called into the Lord’s family at Thornton’s Gap Church at that time under the watch care of Elder Rodger Frazier. On May 3, 1997 Brother Roberts was ordained into the full work of the ministry. Elder Roberts served our little church until July 1999 at which time he left the church.


Elder Albert F. Sudduth
        Was born November 11, 1902 and died May 29, 1977. He served Thornton’s Gap only about one year. Elder Sudduth was married three times, once to a cousin of this writer. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Luray, Virginia.

Elder Clarence R. Frazier
       Elder Frazier fell asleep in death on Friday, October 28, 1977. He was born December 24, 1894; age 82 years, 10 months. He was baptized by the late Elder John B. Jenkins on November 18, 1920. He was ordained a deacon in June 1922 and an Elder on December 15, 1935. For almost 42 years he faithfully served the Lord and pastored many churches during that time; among them: Thornton’s Gap, Brock’s Gap, Mt. Bethel, Greenwood, Independent Hill, Goose Creek, North Fork, South River (Browntown), Barrow’s Run and others.
        At the time of his death he pastored the last four named churches and had done so for many years. Brother Clarence was the oldest minister in the Ketocton Association. His presence and sweet, humble preaching was loved in all our churches. He performed from 800 to 1000 marriage services over the years and an undetermined number of funerals.
        Upon his written request this unworthy writer, assisted by Elder E. S. Skeen, conducted a funeral service from Moser Funeral Home in Warrenton, Virginia on October 30, 1977 at 1:00 p.m., attended by a very large congregation of friends, relatives, neighbors, church members of many faiths, especially Primitive Baptists. Pallbearers were deacons of Primitive Baptist Churches in this area: W. C. Maddox, A. T. O’Dell, O. L. Hitt, Calvin Fishback, Jake Woodward and Ben Baldwin.
        Elder Clarence was never idle; always visiting the sick, shut-ins and needy people whenever he was not in church service, always taking along a friend, neighbor or member. He never made many preaching tours to other states, but loved to be among home folks, and was ever mindful and faithful to tend the flocks of which he was shepherd. I have known him all my life and we would meet together as often as possible, with never a discord or disagreement. We shall always miss our precious father in Israel and our sweet counsel together.
        His dear companion preceded him in death over two years ago on May 24, 1975. She was a devoted and faithful help mate for him and a member of the Household of Faith, and above all, a true Mother in Israel and a dedicated minister’s wife. He is survived by two sons, Ordie L. and Robert; two daughters, Virgie Kirby and Mary Lee Olinger, all of Warrenton, near his home; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and seven brothers; Wade, Newton, Will, Andrew, Roy, Homer and Delaney, as well as a host of relatives and friends.

Elder William T. Daily, Sr.
        Elder Daily resided in Danville, Indiana and had been a resident of the Indianapolis area for 72 years. For twenty years he was owner of the A-1 Letter Shop. He had been an employee of Addressograph-Multigraph for forty years. He was the last of the sons of a true and noble family, John and Caroline Daily. He was born October 20, 1892 and silently and sweetly submitted to the call of the Master, "Come home," on November 21, 1981, completing his stay of 89 years in honor to the Creator and giver of all life.
        On August 14, 1913 he was married to Willa Strange who survives. They were blessed with three children, Lucy Daily Smith, Robert V. Daily, Sr. and William T. Daily, Jr., who each help to bear their mother’s load at all times. There are eleven grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren who complete the family circle.
        Elder Daily felt the love of his Saviour in his heart, and being baptized, he became an ardent and faithful member of the Primitive Baptist church. He felt the burden and call to preach the gospel according to the will of the Master, and faithfully served the Baptist cause in honor of his Saviour. He was pastor of Primitive Baptist churches in Virginia while he lived there from 1964 to the middle of 1979, as well as laboring in the churches in Indiana and other states. While in Virginia he also served faithfully as Editor of the Advocate and Messenger for more than 10 years until failing health forced his retirement from those duties around the end of 1976. He upheld the truth of the cause of Christ in love and humility and charity and has now left the cares of this world behind and enjoys in spirit a region above, free from sin and temptation; and waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our mortal bodies. The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
        Services were held Tuesday, November 24, by Elders Charles Linton and Daily Hite in the Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel in Indianapolis, Indiana. His body was laid to rest in the Cemetery near Danville. (Submitted by Elder Daily Hite)30

Photo taken by author during Union Meeting at Thornton Gap Church circa 1976.
30 From the Advocate & Messenger 1982.


Oliver L.Dailey
     Was the oldest son of Elder John R. Daily, being born in Indiana, August 27, 1875. He came along with his parents to Virginia where in 1898 he was married to Mamie Campbell of Luray, Virginia. His first wife died and he married secondly in 1906, Mrs. Chloe Purdy of St. Louisville, Ohio. Elder Daily died in a train crash, along with his wife and daughter on December 30, 1909. 28 Elder Ollie was a brother to Elders J. Harvey and Willie T. Daily.

Elder Reuben T. Strickler
        He was said to be a very short individual. Having been pastor of Mill Creek Church at some point, he not being tall enough to see over the pulpit, so someone constructed a stool for him to stand on. This stool has been preserved and can still be seen at Mill Creek Church.29

Grave of Elder Reuben Strickler at Evergreen Cemetery, Lurey, Virginia
28 Information on Elder Ollie Dailey taken from page 81 of Primitive Baptist Ministers.
29 The info on Elder Strickler and the slool courtesy Elder Ernest Long in 1998.


        Among the hundreds of relatives and friends from out-of-town who attended the funeral were: Mrs. Clyde Rector, Maurice Rector, Elder and Mrs. Clarence Frazier, of Marshall; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Wiltshire, Mr. and Mrs. Carey Hall and Mr. and Mrs. Don Gartrell, of Upperville, Va.; Eld. Leonard Dove, Eld. And Mrs. Ben Seekford, Mrs. B. F. Sonner, Dr. and Mrs. Biggs and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ford, Mr. and Mrs. Hummer, Mr. and Mrs. Lionberger, Mr. and Mrs. Brumback and children, all of Washington, D. C.; Mr. and Mrs. Will Lowe of Fairfax, Va.; Miss Aurelia Jenkins, of Richmond; Mr. and Mrs. Tyre Poole, Mrs. Annie Dovel, of Waynesboro, Va.; Mrs. Neva Dyke and Mrs. Eileen Dyke, of Reliance, Va.; Eld. T. W. Power, of Martinsburg, W. Va.; Eld. And Mrs. J. L. Sudduth, Mrs. Florence Kite, Mrs. Elmer Shuler and daughters, the Misses Lauck, of Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Armentrout, Lloyd Blose, Cecil and Lillian Dovel, Clarence Dovel and family, of Harrisonburg; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gochenour, Jesse Gochenour, Carlton Gochenour, of Montivedio, Va.; Eld. and Mrs. Jimmy Frazier of Remington, Va.; Mrs. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Coverstone, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, Miss Carpenter, of Waterlick; Ocie Carpenter and Clayton Wynham, of Madison Court House.        Among the hundreds of relatives and friends from out-of-town who attended the funeral were: Mrs. Clyde Rector, Maurice Rector, Elder and Mrs. Clarence Frazier, of Marshall; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Wiltshire, Mr. and Mrs. Carey Hall and Mr. and Mrs. Don Gartrell, of Upperville, Va.; Eld. Leonard Dove, Eld. And Mrs. Ben Seekford, Mrs. B. F. Sonner, Dr. and Mrs. Biggs and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ford, Mr. and Mrs. Hummer, Mr. and Mrs. Lionberger, Mr. and Mrs. Brumback and children, all of Washington, D. C.; Mr. and Mrs. Will Lowe of Fairfax, Va.; Miss Aurelia Jenkins, of Richmond; Mr. and Mrs. Tyre Poole, Mrs. Annie Dovel, of Waynesboro, Va.; Mrs. Neva Dyke and Mrs. Eileen Dyke, of Reliance, Va.;        Eld. T. W. Power, of Martinsburg, W. Va.; Eld. And Mrs. J. L. Sudduth, Mrs. Florence Kite, Mrs. Elmer Shuler and daughters, the Misses Lauck, of Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Armentrout, Lloyd Blose, Cecil and Lillian Dovel, Clarence Dovel and family, of Harrisonburg; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gochenour, Jesse Gochenour, Carlton Gochenour, of Montivedio, Va.; Eld. and Mrs. Jimmy Frazier of Remington, Va.; Mrs. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Coverstone, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, Miss Carpenter, of Waterlick; Ocie Carpenter and Clayton Wynham, of Madison Court House.


churches in Page and acted as supply where the churches were pastorless. He was recognized as one of the most widely known ministers of his church in many Southern States, extending from Virginia to Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. In these regions his writings in magazines affiliated with his church were widely read. "
        Johnnie Jenkins," as everybody knew him, was a self-made man--minister, farmer and a hard worker in whatever field he directed his energies. Taken in the various ways by which men are measured he was four-square in all of life’s relations, always having a steadfast loyalty to the things he believed right. In recent years as death has thinned the ranks of the Old School Baptist ministers in Page, additional duties to widely scattered churches have been heaped upon him. He gladly discharged every duty in whatever sphere of life he was placed, at the same time hunting out those who were deprived of life’s blessings upon which to bestow beneficiences where they were most needed.
        He was born on March 13, 1873, the son of the late William Henry and Fannie Painter Jenkins. His deceased wife was the former Miss Bessie Dovel, daughter of the late David F. Dovel, member of an old and prominent family of Page. She preceded him in death five years ago. Surviving children are Karl Jenkins, of Stanley, a former well known school teacher of Page; Harry Jenkins, of the Stanley- Leakesville section, and Earl Jenkins of Washington. Two children died in childhood.
        Funeral services were conducted from the Old School Baptist Church at Alma, by Elder Ben H. Seekford, of Washington, who had known the deceased all his life, having been born in the same neighborhood. Elder Seekford was assisted by Elder J. M. Power of Martinsburg, W. Va., all his life an intimate friend of the deceased; and Elder Frazier, of Rappahannock County. All of them paid high tribute to their co-worker in everything that pertained to the up building of the Old School Baptist Church and all other phases of Christianity.
The internment took place in the Lutheren cemetary at Alma. The crowd attending both services is said to have been seen the largest seen in many years, evidence of the high esteem in which Elder Jenkins was held.
        The pallbearers were deacons of the different churches with which the deceased had at times been affiliated: Will Lowe, of Fairfax, Va., Oscar Compton of Washington, D. C., Joe Brubaker, Willie Gander, Harvey Painter, Shirley Kiblinger and Joe Kiblinger, of Luray, and C. H. Brumback of McLean, Virginia.
        Carrying the profuse and lovely floral tributes were: Elizabeth Clark, Agnes Greene, Charlotte Grubbs, Aruelia Jenkins, Ruth Jenkins, Buddy Jenkins, Anabelle Jenkins, Jean Housden, Peggy Jenkins, Barbara Jenkins, Terry Clark, Florence Kite, Lena Shuler, Eula Hoak, Lillian Dovel, Virginia Dinges, Tressie Housden, Helen Freeman, Vera Biggs, Louise Shuler, Margaret Burner, Doris Flory, Marie Flory, Mary Frances Shuler and Isabel Judd.


Obituary of Elder Harvey Daily
        Elder James Harvey Daily of Sperryville, a Primitive Baptist Minister for over 60 years, died Thursday, January 16th, at his residence, following an illness. Son of the late John Riley Daily and Caroline Laymon, his wife, and native of Anderson County, Indiana, he was 82.
       Elder Daily was pastor of Bentonville (Va.) Primitive Baptist Church, Martinsburg, West Virginia Primitive Baptist Church, Thornton Gap Primitive Baptist Church at Sperryville and Mt. Carmel Primitive Baptist Church at Luray.
        Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., in the Sperryville Elementary School Auditorium, with interment following in Sperryville cemetery. Elder Phillip Johnson of Strasburg, a nephew of Elder Daily will officiate. The remains will lie in state at the auditorium for one hour before the service. The remains are now at the Daily residence in Sperryville.27

(Photo of Elder Harvey & sister Selena Daily, courtesy Elder Phillip Johnson)

Death of Elder John B. Jenkins
        Though many of his friends for a long time were aware of his failing health, the death last Friday night about 6:30, of Elder John B. Jenkins, 72, at his home in the Stanley-Marksville neighborhood, is felt as a personal loss to all who knew him. His denomination--the Old School Baptist--of which he had been an honored and able minister for many years has suffered a loss that will be keenly felt and deeply deplored. There was hardly any better known minister of his denomination in any part of Virginia. Particularly is this true in almost every county of Northern Virginia, where on hundreds of occasions he has preached, in some of them, holding pastorates, building up weak churches and acting as official in annual meetings of Old School Baptist Associations. He has been paster of many
27 The Culpeper Star Exponent, January 17, 1964, page 8, column 4.


Death of Elder John H. Menefee
        This well known minister of the Old School Baptist Church passed peacefully away at his home near Bixler’s Ferry, this county, on last Monday morning, March 8th about three o’clock. Elder Menefee in the days of health and vigor was one of the most active and zealous ministers in his church. In the strict sense of the word, he was not a "scholar," but he was a diligent student of the Word, had a sound, strong mind, and his pulpit efforts were often characterized by strong arguments and invincible logic. On account of ill health he had not preached for several years and had been living in quiet retirement at his home. He had many friends in this county, and an extensive acquaintance among the leading men of his church throughout the country, who will hear with deep regret of his death. His funeral was preached on Tuesday evening by Elder Reuben T. Strickler, and his remains interred in the Lawler burying ground. Elder Menefee was 76 years and 28 days old.23

Elder Lewis Conner
        Lewis Conner was baptized by David Thomas about 1769. He died in June 1832, aged 86, at his home near Battle Run Church, Culpeper (now Rappahannock) county. 24 There is a long letter written to Elder Conner, in his declining years, by the church, remembering him and his long ministry... "thanking God for permitting such an example to exist in our day...and if he would once more gladden our hearts by your presence."
Elder Fristoe
        Elder William Fristoe was ordained in 1771 at Chopawamsic Church, Stafford County, Virginia.25 He died in Shenandoah Co., Virginia, August 14, 1828 at 86 years of age.26

J. A. Norton
       Was born in Washington, D. C., May 9, 1840 in a family of eleven children. He was a soldier in the Confederate Army, where in 1865, laying down his arms, took up the cause of Christ.
23 Page News & Courier of March 11, 1897, courtesy of Misy Hitt of Woodville, Va.
24 Semple's History of Baptists
25 The Register of Overwharton Parish, page 37.
26 Semple's History of Baptist.


Notes on some of the Elders of Thornton Gap Church.
Elder John Koontz
        First pastor of Thornton’s Gap. He was buried near Alma, Page County, Virginia. This plaque and monument were erected in his memory by his descendants at the cemetery near Alma Primitive Baptist Church. Elder Koontz (a.k.a. Coons, Koons) was of German heritage, was ordained in 1776, and was a minister for forty years.


A. C. Booton

        Page 92 of Church Records the following notification of Elder A. C. Booton’s death,
"Our much beloved Elder Ambrose C. Booton after having faithfully served this church as her pastor for twenty-seven (27) years, departed this life, March the 29th 1856, aged 75 years, 9 months and three days, had been a minister of the Gospel nearly 56 years."
A. R. Barbee, Clerk                   

Paul W. Yates
        Elder Paul W. Yates, born in Rappahannock County, Virginia August 6, 1820 and died at his home in Page County, January 19, 1892 in his 71st year. He was a son of Paul Yates, and a grandson of Charles Yates. Elder Yates was baptized by Elder Ambrose C. Booton in 1856 and ordained in 1860 by Elders A. C. Booton, W. C. Lauck and F. M. Perry.22
22 See Primitive Baptist Minutes Book, page 304.


Pastors of Thornton Gap Primitive Baptist Church
1787-2000
(with names and dates they served)

John Koontz; November 1787--January 1802.
Charles Yates; January 1802--January 1808.
William Fristoe; January 1808--January 1809.
Samuel Young; January 1809--January 1811.
Lewis Conner; January 1811--January 1830.
Cumberland George; January 1830--1838
Ambrose C. Booton; 1838--March 1865.
Paul W. Yates; June 1865--December 1873.
Charles L. Yates; December 1873--December 1890.
John H. Menefee; December 1890--1892.
J. A. Norton; Mary 1892--January 1899.
W. T. Eaton; January 1899--July 1902.
Samuel N. Hurst; November 1902--March 1904.
Ollie L. Daily; March 1904--July 1905.
Reuben T. Strickler; September 1905--February 1915.
John B. Jenkins; February 1915--December 1916.
J. Harvey Daily; December 1916--September 1917.
John B. Jenkins; November 1917--December 1938.
Albert F. Suddoth; January 1938--October 1939.*
Clarence R. Frazier; November 1939--November 1943.* 21
J. Harvey Daily; December 1943--January 16, 1964.
Willie T. Daily; February 16, 1964--December 14, 1974.
Elmer S. Skeen; December 14, 1974--April 15, 1990.
Rodger L. Frazier; May 20, 1990--April 7, 1996.
J. Toliver Utz; June 16, 1996--May 3, 1997.
David A. Roberts; May 4, 1997--July 1999.
J. Toliver Utz; July 1999--July 2000.
Lloyd Richard Cox; July 2000--
21 Since printing this history from 1997, "Lost" minutes were discovered in possession of Sister Evelyn Yates
    who returned them to the church. Hence, the period between 1938 and 1964 could be filled in.

ANOTHER LIST OF MEMBERSHIP (Contunued)
Ann R. RomineLucy WatersPamly Ann Atkins
Noah H. KeyserCharles P. EmbreyThomas A. Pullen & wife, Frances
E. T. KeyserLetha WoodardGeorge Frazier
Alcinda JohnsonJohn H. MenefeeAnn Woodard
Ann MenefeePhoebe HarrisMartha Partlow
Nancy JohnsonEliza Ann GreenGeorge Brown & wife, Mary19
Joseph Barbee & wife,Martha L.Eliza C. ComptonMartha E. Jenkins
Elizabeth JenkinsHarriet H. ManuelMary E. Waters
Susan DodsonGrace BaldwinMartha Bolen
Marian J. BroyFrances JasperWilliam A. Judd & wife, Emily
Ann R. RomineLucy WatersPamly Ann Atkins
Noah H. KeyserCharles P. EmbreyThomas A. Pullen & wife, Frances
E. T. KeyserLetha WoodardGeorge Frazier
Rhoda BaldwinVerinda Atkins(Fannie?)Dyer(Dwyer)
Sarah C. FrazierBetsey HeartleyMary Johnson
Ann MeneffPheobe HarrisMarthar Purtlaw
Nancy JohnsonEliza Ann GreenGeorge Brown & wife, Mary19
Joseph Barbee & wife, Martha L.Eliza C. ComptonMartha E. Jenkins
Elizabeth JenkinsHarriet H. ManuelMary E. Waters
Susan DodsonGrace BaldwinMartha Bolen
Marian J. BroyFrances JasperWilliam A. Judd & wife, Emily
Ann R. RomineLucy WatersPamly Ann Atkins
Noah H. KeyserCharles P. EmbreyThomas A. Pullen & wife, Frances
E. T. KeyserLetha WoodardGeorge Frazier
Rhoda BaldwinVerinda Atkins(Fannie?) Dyer (Dwyer)
Sarah C. FrazierBetsey HeartleyMary Johnson
Lelie BrownFannie Dodson20
19 This list comes from the records of Thornton Gap Regular Baptist Church (on the hill),
     courtesy Elder Kirby Shenk and Josephine A. Alther, Church Clerk.

ANOTHER LIST OF MEMBERSHIP (Contunued)
Ezekiel Brandon & wife, NancyHarrison Bailey & wife, MaryCatherine Kiger
Thomas H. Martin & wife, MaryCharles A. Brandon & wife, SusannahJames Bruce
James Dodson & wife, MargaretHoward Compton & wife, ElizabethAnn R. Broy
Frances PartlowNathaniel Bolen & wife, AnnPaul W. Yates & wife
Clarinda BaldwinJames Brandon & wife, MaryCharles L. Yates & wife, Susan M.
Mary ComptonHannah CorbinEarly Jenkins
Mary ScottAmy BaldwinJoseph Woodard & wife, Rebecca
Sarah GoorSarah CorbinJeriah Brown
Rhoda PullinSarah DrummondHannah F. Waters
Mary DrummondPatsy FrazierJames E. Broy & wife, Susan
William BowenJane FrazierLettie J. Yates
Mary BrandonWinifred Tobin&Louisa Armentrout
Ann JordanCatherine Gaunt (Gant)Emily Fletcher
Marshall JohnsonFrances D. FinksRichard Harris & wife, Elizabeth
Jonas Y. Menefee & wife, HannahPhoebe Boen (Bowen)Elmira V. Woodard
Mary CovingtonReuben BruceElias F. Settle & wife, Alberta
Margaret F. CovingtonFrances GantEliza Atkins
Lucy NormanMary DykeJoseph L. Corder
Delila JenkinsMildred DunawayWilliam P. Hamrick
Margaret PullenEllen BaileyMary Compton
Frances HeatonEllen M. R. BarbeeSarah Rudasille
Henrietta BolenAlfred TobinElizabeth Baldwin
Harmer Johnson & wife, JaneSusan FinchamMary Griffy
Nancy MondaySarah Eastice (Estes)Alberta Dodson
Sarah JohnsonJuriah BrownMary C. Frazier
Alcey HollandWilliam Smoot & wife, NancyRhoda A. Atkins
Thomas HarrisAnn TurleyNettie Hartley
Henry SwindlerDavid BeahmHenry Brown
James JohnsonLucy FreemanJames Nicholson
Mary SmithPhoebe HarrisCatherine Brandon
Alcinda JohnsonJohn H. MenefeeAnn Woodard
Ann MenefeePhoebe HarrisMartha Partlow
Nancy JohnsonEliza Ann GreenGeorge Brown & wife, Mary19
Joseph Barbee & wife,Martha L.Eliza C. ComptonMartha E. Jenkins
Elizabeth JenkinsHarriet H. ManuelMary E. Waters
Susan DodsonGrace BaldwinMartha Bolen
Marian J. BroyFrances JasperWilliam A. Judd & wife, Emily
19 This list to this point is taken from page 11 and 12 of church records with date 1840.

OF LIKE FAITH & ORDER
     From the Primitive Monitor and Church Advocate, Vol. 26 of January 1911, by R. W. Thompson, Greenfield, Indiana, I quote the following:
     "...they have been served by each of the following pastors: Elder John Koontz, November 1787--January 1802. He was called to serve them the day the church was constituted. Elder Charles Yates; January 1802--January 1808. Elder William Fristoe; January 1808-- January 1809. Elder Samuel Young; January 1809--January 1811. Elder Lewis Conner; January 1811--January 1830...Elder Cumberland George was its last pastor preceding the division in May 1838. Elder Ambrose Booton who served until sometime in the 1860s, when Elder Paul Yates was called. Elder Yates served until in the 1870s. Elder C. L. Yates was then called and served till December 1890 when he and others left the church. In December 1890 we called Elder John Menefee who served two years. Since then the church has had the following pastors: Elders J. A. Norton, Eaton, Hurst, Ollie Daily and R. T. Strickler, who is its present pastor.
18 See the Primitive Monitor Advocate already cited.

ANOTHER LIST OF MEMBERSHIP
     Names on this list were the congregation made up mostly of person of the immediate vicinity around the location of the church building. Particularly the Bryan family and their relatives. Coming from the hills and hollows of the area near Sperryville, called Swindler Hollow and Sycamore Hollow, now more commonly known as Old Hollow. Membership was quite diverse in that both the well-off and the poor were listed. The writer of this sketch is relative to many of these early Baptist. Following is a list of persons (as complete as I can determine) who were members of the church until the 1890 division.
Henry Menefee, SrWilliam PullenJohn J. Settle & wife, Achsah
A. R. Barbee & wife, NancyJohn Vaughan & wife, MargaretMildred Atkins
William W. Covington& wife, RachaelJesse Pullen & wife, NancyWilliam Shackleford
William Smith & wife, ElizabethWilliam BrandonSarah Jenkins
Henry Menefee, SrWilliam PullenJohn J. Settle & wife, Achsah
A. R. Barbee & wife, NancyJohn Vaughan & wife, MargaretMildred Atkins
William W. Covington& wife, RachaelJesse Pullen & wife, NancyWilliam Shackleford
William Smith & wife, ElizabethWilliam BrandonSarah Jenkins
Garrettt Yates & wife, FrancesPendleton HambrickJohn Grant
John Brown & wife, AnnFrederick FrazierEarly Corbin

     The said parties of the second part, for and in consideration of the premises and of one dollar ($1.00) in hand paid to them by said parties of the first part, the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, do hereby remise, release and quit-claim to said parties of the first part, to wit; the said James E. Broy and Noah Frazier as Trustees of the Primitive Baptist Church or Anti-Means faction, all the interest of said Regular Baptist Church or Means faction in and to all other lands owned by said Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap, or in or to which it has any right, title or interest.
     In witness whereof the said parties hereto have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.17
James E. Broy      As Trustees of the Primitive Baptist
Noah Frazier         Church of Thornton's Gap

W. P. Hamrick     As Trustree of the Regular Baptist
E. T. Keyser          Church of Thornton's Gap
17 Deed Book 28, page 152,& 153; Rappahannock Co. Virginia.




FEAR NOT, I AM WITH THEE...
     Aside from the troubles within, external elements also took their toll. The Civil War also had effects upon the church, as sighted in the following record. Page two of Church Record number two has the following notation:
"In the months of July & August 1862 a Yankee army encamped
around Sperryville and about the Meeting House at Thornton
Gap and such were their conduct that it tended to destroy all the
social and religious enjoyments of the church, they did not only
treat the members of the church and the citizens in the neighbor-
hood with the greatest indignity and cruelty, but destroyed the
Meeting House in such a manner as rendered it unfit for a place
of worship. Such was the treatment of this army to the members
of this church that some of the most pious and useful members
could not bear up under the many injuries and insults that they
were compelled to receive at the hands of these cruel men, which
the following record will show the writer of this too was maltreated
so much so that his health gave way and had to become a refugee."

Deed of Partition between Trustees of the Two Churches at Thornton’s Gap.
     Agreement made on this 23rd day of December 1915 by and between James E. Broy and Noah Frazier, as Trustees of the Primitive Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap, parties of the first part and William P. Hamrick and Edward T. Keyser, as Trustees of the Regular Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap, parties of the second part, witnesseth:
     Whereas one Bryan, one Pennybaker and one Bragg and others did convey to the Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap certain lands situate about one mile from Sperryville in Rappahannock County, Virginia, which lands adjoins the lands now owned by James M. Yates and R. Lee Taylor and is partly bounded by the public road leading from Sperryville to Beahm’s Gap.
     And whereas since said land was conveyed to said Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap two factions have arisen in said church, one of which is known as the Primitive Baptist Church or "Anti-Means" faction, and the said James E. Broy and Noah Frazier are the Trustees of the said faction known as the Primitive Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap or "Anti-Means" faction, and the said William P. Hamrick and Edward T. Keyser are trustees of said Regular Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap, or "Means" faction; and,
     Whereas each of said factions claim to belong and hold with the Old School Baptist Church, which was the church to which said lands were conveyed as above set forth; and,
Whereas it is desired by said two factions to divide said lands so conveyed to said Baptist Church and all the real estate belonging to said Church:
     Now therefore, for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred dollars ($400) in hand paid to said Trustees of the Primitive Baptist Church, parties of the first part, hereto, by said Trustees of the Regular Baptist Church, parties of the second part hereto, the receipt of which is hereby confessed and acknowledged, the said parties of the first part do hereby convey to the said parties of the second part, to wit: the said William P. Hamrick and Edward T. Keyser as Trustees of the said Regular Baptist Church or "Means" faction, the following described portion of saidtracts of land so conveyed to and owned by said Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap, bounded and described as follows, to wit:
     Commencing at a maple tree near the spring in the line between said James M. Yates and the property of the said Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap, thence running westerly in a straight line to the corner of the lands of said R. Lee Taylor with the property owned by said Baptist Church of Thornton’s Gap, thence with the line of said R. Lee Taylor to the line of said James M. Yates, thence with the line of said James M. Yates to the point of beginning, together with the church building on said tract of land hereinabove described, and all the rights, easements and appurtenances thereto.


      In 1890 there was another division. Beginning a few years earlier by the efforts of E. H. Burnam and others, the ideals of Sunday Schools etc., were again brought into the Old Churches, although under the rouse of the name of Bible Classes. Many of the congregations were unaware of their voting for these classes, which after their introduction became quite clear that they were to promulgate the advancement of this and other instru- mentalities within the old church. Some sided with Burnam and his cohorts and became known or distinguished by the name of Burnamities. Others who saw their mistakes went back to their former ties asking for forgiveness for being persuaded.15
      Old Shiloh Association was greatly influenced by Burnam, Pence and others including Elder C. L. Yates, who was charged with heresy..."in that the said Elder is and has been associated with Burnam, Pence, Lee, McInturf and others who are known to be excluded from the Primitive or Old School Baptist Denomination on account of their efforts to establish Sunday Schools, missionary societies and many if not all the modern institutions for the pretended evangelization of the world, all of which this church rejected years ago and on account of which she declared non-fellowship for many of her members and all Baptist tolerating such things and for which heresy the Ebenezer Association excluded Elder C. L. Yates at her last meeting."
     This second division came to Thornton Gap Church on February 21, 1891. Elder Charles L. Yates and his followers started a Sunday School and a Missionary Society, preaching the means doctrine, the things the church had declared against in 1826. At this time it was agreed that each side would still hold meetings in the same house on alternate church days.
     By June 1891 things were getting a little edgy. Minutes show the following... "brethren W. F. and James T. Pullen were appointed a committee to propose to our excluded members to arbitrate our differences in regard to our church records...being unjustly holden from us." Even their meetings were being disturbed so that they had to change from the fourth weekend to the third.
     Finally, in 1915, another division of sorts occurred. This is when the brethren seeing that it would be impossible to use the same meeting house without difficulties arising, decided to divide the church lands.
     In the 1930s another division within the Primitive Baptist order happened. This came about with some members becoming dissatisfied at the calling of pastor. A small group of them left Thornton Gap and started their own church near Griffinsburg in Culpeper County. This lasted only a few years. After laboring with the brethren they returned and were reunited with the church.16
15 See Trial and Decision of Mt Carmel Church, 1909.
16 Info on the split was found in the church records. Brother Woodrow Woodward also supplied some
     insight into it.


A HOUSE DIVIDED

      Church meeting, December 1837..."met and after divine service proceeded to business. The day being cold, there was a thin meeting, on motion the resolution to take into consideration the propriety of raising the balance of the money to pay for the meeting house was upon motion postponed until our meeting in May next. Brother George rose and stated to the church that he was at a loss how to proceed, that he perceived that if he continued to officiate as pastor of this church that there was a division, and if he withdrew he also believed there would be dissatisfaction and requested the church to think of the matter and at the next meeting tell him whether in their judgment it would be best for the peace and harmony of the church for him to withdraw or continue his labors amongst us. "The church met in March (1838) and endeavored to unite upon a pastor, when Elders George and Booton were mentioned. And such was the state of feelings of the members that they adjourned in confusion and disorder."
      In May the subject of a pastor was again taken up," but not being able to unite upon one and upon motion of Brother Thomas Dodson and seconded by Brother Thomas Walden, resolved that this church call no preacher to her care except he be of the same faith and order of our former pastor Elder Lewis Conner." At a May 19th meeting it was resolved to call help from other churches to try and effect a reconciliation. On Thursday, May 31, 1838 brethren met at Thornton’s Gap from Mt. Carmel, Mill Creek, F. T., and Battle Run to help solve their problem.
      The final resolution came, though I doubt not unexpected. "...be it therefore resolved that the church be divided and that each party be entitled to the use of this meeting house half of each month. Whereupon it was decided in the affirmative and that Brother John Miller and his party have the use of the house the first and third weeks in each month and that Brother William W. Covington and his party occupy it on the second and fourth weeks in each month and whenever the house is unoccupied by either party, it shall be free for any visiting brother of our denomination to occupy. It is further resolved that the former records of the Thornton Gap Church be kept in the drawer of the communion table and that each party shall have free access to it. It is further understood that the clerk of this meeting shall retain this record but shall furnish each party with a true copy."

List of Early Members (continued)
        Name Received by Baptism
Letter or Relation		      Restored      Dismissed  Excluded Death
Ashby Frazier
Mary M. Frazier
Louisa Frazier
Sadie Frazier
Lessie M. Frazier
Alberta Fraizer
Emma Alther
Mary J. Fraizer
Bessie A. Woodard 		Nov. 1898
Oct. 1910
Sept. 1910
Aug. 1911
Aug. 1911
Aug. 1911
Oct. 1911
Nov. 1911
Nov. 1911		      

THE OLD PATHS
      Until 1826 the church was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Association.12 Having become a member of that Association in 1797.13 Due to and because of Missionary Societies they withdrew from that Association.14 At a church meeting on July 1, 1832, an order was made "to have nothing to do with the General Association of Missionary Societies of Virginia."
      Beginning in or about 1828 and ending in 1835 or thereabouts, a division occurred within the church. Although this division did not affect all regions and all states exactly the same time. The cause of this division came about with some of the congregations wanting to institute such things as Sunday Schools, Missions and Missionaries, and instrumental music.
      The two parties divided but used the same meeting house. Those using the new devices were called Missionary Baptist or New School Baptist, and those remaining firm to the "old paths" were called the Hard-shells, Primitive and sometimes, Regular Baptist. The more legal term for the two sides was "Means" and "Antimeans".
      Church meeting, September 1834..."after preaching by Elder C. George, church was organized for business and unanimously adopted the following resolution, viz: Whereas this church has viewed with deep concern the great anxiety the innovations that has been introduced amongst the Baptist and being determined to adhere to the original landmarks which are characteristic of primitive christians and the ancient of our denomination, respectfully asks for and obtain dismission from Shiloh Association and in order that we may the more perfectly preserve those distinctive features enjoined upon us by the scriptures and keep as much aloof as possible from the strife and contention that prevails, we agree to withhold the presentation of our fellowship from any of the surrounding Associations for the present."
12 Shiloh (a.k.a Shiloh) was a daughter of Culpeper Association in 1792.
13 Info from Virginia Baptist Historical Society, Richmond, Va.
14 Semple: gives Thornton Gap as being a member of the Culpeper Association in 1791, having held the
    Asscociation at Thornton.

        Name Rec'ved by Baptism
Letter or Relation		      Restored      Dismissed  Excluded Death
Hellen Jenkens
Utiah Shackleford
Lucy Covington
John Skinner & wife
Andrew R. Barbee
Landon Carter
Anna Jury
Spencer Petis
Harriet Slaughter
Lucy Yates*
Mary Yates*
James Brian*
Mary Jones*
Nancy Bryan
William Boen*
Patsy Boen*
Letty Brian*
Susannah Dunaway*
Rachael Dunaway*
Lucy Grubs*
Elizabeth Brandon*
Charles Woodard*
Sally Woodard*
Thomas Walden*
John S. Slaughter*
Polly Slaughter*
Eliz. Slaughter*
Lucy Slaughter*
Moses Jeffries*
Mary Jeffries*
B. Pettit*
Abner Sims*
Mary Sims*
Sally Sims*
Frances Partlow
Yearly Corbin*
Warner Yates*
Nancy White
Mildred Covington
Catherine Menefee
Frances Corbin
Lucy Menefee
William Menefee
James Frazier
Mary Frazier
Mary Woodward
Lizzie Pulham11
Dollie Gray
Annie J. Pulliam
J.A. Norton & wife

Aug. 1816
Oct. 1816
May 1817


Feb. 1818
Dec. 1818




July 1819























July 1819
Sept.1820
Sept.1820
Sept.1820
Sept.1820

June 1899
July 1901
July 1901
July 1901 
Nov. 1900
May 1900 		    Nov. 1817
Dec. 1817



Oct. 1817
Oct. 1817




































1918





  Nov. 1899
11 This name is set as Pullen.

List of Early Members (continued)
        Name Rec'd by Baptism Letter or Relation      Restored      Dismissed  Excluded Death
David Ingler
Sarah Ingler
Edward Smith
Martha Smith
Richard Redman
Ann Barger
Nicholas Jones
Gabriel Green
Elizabeth Yates
Robert Horton
Sally Horton
Henry McKenny
Francis Cooper
Mary Cooper
Jacob Fry
Margaret Fry
Samuel Young
Tilmon Koons
Charles Asher
Betty Asher
Sally Blake
Nancy Atkins
Polly Kanard
John Chapman
Eliz. Chapman
Cloe Campbell
Eliz. Compton
William Icney
Saffer Icney
Frank (negro)
Cupid (negro)
Ann Barbee
Elizabeth Atkins
Bob Atkins (negro)
George Crafford
George Briton
Keziah Briton
Matthew Compton
Cath. Shackleford
Nancy Jury
Rosey Robertson
Polly Oder
Peggy Swindler
Polly Reasor
Lucy Freeman
Lucy Slaghter
Martha Bowen
 Dec. 1793
Dec. 1793
Mar. 1793
Mar. 1794



Mar. 1795

Sept. 1797
Sept. 1797
Sept. 1797
Sept. 1797
Sept. 1797
Oct. 1797
Oct. 1799







June 1811
June 1811

June 1813
Nov. 1813
Nov. 1813
Nov. 1813
June 1813
June 1814
Nov. 1814
Nov. 1814

Mar. 1815
Mar. 1815
Apr. 1815

Dec. 1815
Feb. 1816
May 1816
May 1816
May 1816
May 1816
July 1816 		      Sept. 1796
Sept 1796



Dec. 1794
Mar. 1795

Mar. 1797








Oct 1811
Sept. 1810
Sept 1810
Sept. 1810
Sept. 1810
Oct.1817
Oct. 1817
Oct. 1817
Aug. 1811






Feb. 1816

Dec. 1814



Dec. 1815

List of Early Members
From the membership roll found in the back of the Thornton Gap Primitive Baptist Church record of 1955-1995, is the following list of the earliest members. Those listed with dates are previous to the divisions of 1890 and 1915 and are the Old School, Particular, Hard-shell or Primitive Baptist.
        Name Rec'd by Baptism Letter or Relation         Restored        Dismissed     Excluded Death
John Swindler
Josiah Bryan
Sarah Bryan
Sophia Jones
Cloe Swindler
Charles Yates*8
John Koons*
John Chapman
Elizabeth Jones
Henry Menefee9
Peter Breedlove*
Gordon Kelley*
Isaac Breedlove
Frances Atkins
Betsy Menefee
Gander Kelly
Leonard Hisle
John Yates*
Isaac Dunaway*
Guy Bryan*
Joshua Morris*
James Yates*
John Miller*
Richard Yates*
Marshall Estes*
Edward Atkins*
Ambrose Atkins*
Frederick Frazier
Nancy Miller
Ann Chapman*
Betsy Smith
Molly Yates
Isaac Bryan10
Edward Kelly
Dudley Shackleford
Michael Yates
Robert Covington*
William Syms
George Yates
Henry Goodloe*
Samuel Estes
Lewis Jones
Henry Swindler
 Feb.7, 1778
Feb.7, 1778
Feb.7, 1778
Feb.7, 1778
Feb.7, 1778 



May 3, 1788 
May 3, 1788


June 14, 1788
Jun. 14, 1788
Jun.14, 1788
July 12, 1788
Aug.9, 1788











July 1790



Sep 11,1790 
March 1791


































Dec. 1817
Aug.1814




Dec.1793
Mar.1797 		 






























April 1796







Sept 1796



July 1795
8 Asterisks mean no dates are given.
9 First Deacon.
10 The individual gave land for the church.


Together will all and singular the appertenances thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and profits thereof. To Have and To Hold all and singular the premises with the appertenances hereby conveyed unto the said Henry Menefee Senr., Andrew R. Barbee, Wm. W. Covington, Gabriel Tutt, Philip Slaughter and John Brown, Trustees as aforesaid, and their successors appointed by the Particular Baptist Church, holding the aforesaid Doctrines to the only proper use and behoof of the said Henry Menefee Senr., Andrew R. Barbee, Wm. W. Covington, Gabriel Tutt, Philip Slaughter and John Brown, Trustees for the Particular Baptist Church at Thornton’s Gap and their successors appointed as aforesaid, forever (except about twelve feet square which Adam Panabaker reserves to himself and for his own special use, along the spring branch or ditch for the purpose of fixing a spring house on) and lastly, the said Adam Panabaker, Evans Bragg and Lucy his wife and their heirs all and singular the premises hereby conveyed, with the appertenances thereto belonging (except as above excepted) unto Henry Menefee Senr., Andrew R. Barbee, Wm. W. Covington, Gabriel Tutt, Philip Slaughter and John Brown, Trustees as aforesaid and their successors, to be appointed as aforesaid against the said Adam Panabaker, Evans Bragg and Lucy his wife and their heirs and all and every other person or persons whatsoever, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In Testimony whereof the said Adam Panabaker, Evans Bragg and Lucy his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.7
Adam Panabaker
Evans Bragg
Lucy Bragg
7 Deed Book A, pages 173,173; Rappahonock Co., Virginia.


Panabakers to Trustees of Thornton Gap Church Deed.
   This Indenture made this 30th day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three between Adam Panabaker and Evans Bragg and Lucy his wife of the County of Rappahannock and State of Virginia of the one part, and Henry Menefee Senr., Andrew R. Barbee, William W. Covington, Gabriel Tutt, Philip Slaughter and John Brown (all of the county and State aforesaid) Trustees of the Baptist Church at Thornton’s Gap which said church now holds the Doctrines of the Unity of God; the existence of three equal persons in the God Head; the just condemnation and total depravity of all mankind by the fall of our first parents; eternal personal and unconditional election, the proper Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ; the necessity of his atonement, and its special relation to the sins of the elect only; justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ alone; effectual calling, perseverance of the saints, believer’s baptism by immersion only; the Lord’s supper, a privilege peculiar to baptized believers regularly admitted to Church fellowship, the resurrection of the body and General Judgment; the final happiness of the saints, and misery of the wicked alike interminable; the obligation of every intelligent creature to love God supremely, to believe what God says, and practice what God commands; and the Divine inspiration of the Scriptures of the old and new testaments as the complete and infallible rule of faith and practice, of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Adam Panabaker, Evans Bragg and Lucy his wife for and inconsideration of the sum of five dollars, current money unto them in hand paid by the said Henry Menefee Senr., Andrew R. Barbee, Wm. W. Covington, Gabriel Tutt, Philip Slaughter and John Brown, the receipt whereof his hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold, aliened and confirmed and by the presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien and confirm unto Henry Menefee Senr., Andrew R. Barbee, Wm. W. Covington, Gabriel Tutt, Philip Slaughter and John Brown, Trustees of the Particular Baptist church aforesaid, holding the aforesaid doctrines and such successors holding the aforesaid doctrines as may by the aforesaid Particular Baptist Church holding said Doctrines be appointed, two certain lots or parcels of land, lying and being in the County of Rappahannock aforesaid, adjoining the Particular Baptist Meeting House lot, and bounded as follows, viz: the 1st Lot beginning at a chesnut corner to the old Meeting House Lot and Jones’ Heirs and running East 5 degrees 17/25 poles to two maples, thence North 19 degrees East 11 16/25 poles to a pine near the River, thence North 48 degrees West 2 20/25 poles to a pile of stones, thence South 30 degrees West 14 16/25 poles to the beginning, containing forty eight and 3/4 poles more or less.


   The first building did not last very long, as records reveal that in the early 1830s the church was anxious to pay Brother Henry Menefee the balance due on the new building.5 Church meeting, April 6, 1832...” for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of building a new meeting house...resolved that Brethren Barbee, Tutt, Vaughan, Slaughter and Mr. Henry R. Menefee, Lloyd Browning and Charles Miller be a committee to solicit subscribers to aid the church in building a meeting house and that they are hereby required to select such a site for said house on the piece of land that may be given by Mr. E. Bragg adjoining the present lot, as they shall deem most proper, etc....” On June 15, 1833 “com- mittee appointed to obtain a conveyance for the lot of land on which the new meeting house is to be built report that they have attended to that duty and the deed was made.” Brother Carpenter was paid for building the new meeting house at a cost of $1000 as was noted in the minutes of April 19, 1834. This new building was erected on the hill above the spring. It had double front doors and a gallery for the colored members and was 50 feet by 60 feet in size.6

Second Meeting House of Thornton Gap Church, Built between 1832-1834.
(Photo by permission of Mrs. Sally Keyser, courtesy her late mother, Sister Nina Dwyer.
Taken before 1914).
5 See Church Records.
6 The Primitive Monitor of October 27, 1910, pages 1-3.


Deed from Bryans to Trustees of Thornton Gap Baptist Church
   This Indenture made the 28thday of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen between James Bryan, John Bryan, John Dunaway and Lucy his wife, Aquilla Bryan and James Baldick and Elizabeth his wife the heirs of William Bryan, deceased of the one part and Henry Menefee Sr. and William W. Covington, Trustees of the Baptist Church at Thornton’s Gap of the other part. Witnesseth that the said James Bryan, John Bryran, John Dunaway and Lucy his wife, Aquilla Bryan and James Baldick and Elizabeth his wife for and consideration of the sum of ten dollars lawful money of Virginia to them in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, they the said James Bryan, John Bryan, John Dunaway and Lucy his wife, Aquilla Bryan and James Baldick and Elizabeth his wife have granted bargained and sold and by the presents do grant bargain and sell unto the said Henry Menefee Sr. and William W. Covington, Trustees for the Baptist Church at Thornton’s Gap and their successors a certain lot of land whereon the meeting house now stands in the County of Culpeper and bounded as follows: beginning at a hickory and chesnut near the meeting house and running thence North West __poles to a chesnut oak on the bank of the river firth near a large rock in the bank of the river, thence with the meanders of said river to a Sycamore__poles thence South West __poles to the beginning. Containing one acre be the same more or less with all the appurtenances there unto belonging. To Have and To Hold the said premises with the appurtenances to the said Henry Menefee Sr. and William W. Covington, Trustees as aforesaid and their successors to the only proper use and behoof of the said Baptist Church at Thornton’s Gap forever and the said James Bryan, John Bryan, John Dunaway and Lucy his wife, Aquilla Bryan and James Baldick and Elizabeth his wife for themselves and their heirs the said premises and every part thereof against them and their heirs and against all and every other person or persons whatsoever to the said Henry Menefee Sr. and William W. Covington, Trustees as aforesaid and their successors shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In witness whereof they have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written.4
Signed, sealed & delivered	        James Bryan
in the presence of us		        John Bryan
					Aquilla Bryan
					James Baldick
					John Dunaway
4 Deed Book KK, page 94; Culpeper Co., Virginia


         The whole number of persons who constituted or composed this early church is not known. There is a partial list of some of them found in the church records. The first pastor was Elder John Koons (a.k.a. Koontz). Elder Koontz was himself baptized in 1768 and ordained a minister in 1776, and served in the ministry for forty years. He died in 1832 and is buried near Alma in Page County, Virginia.
         So, Thornton Gap Church was established just eleven years after American Independence was claimed from Great Britain. Of course to those who know the facts, prior to February 1833 the church and its congregation were citizens of Culpeper County.
         It has been written in the old church records that the original congregation met in the woods, or a brush harbor, prior to any building. This may be true, but it wasn’t that long before the first building was erected. Quoting from the Church Record, "the first log house, which stood in the flat....was built in the year 1788". 3 On or very near the site of present day Thornton Gap Primitive Baptist Church "near the spring". This was 4 built of logs; size; i.e., length or width not known. On October 17, 1789 "John Swindler was appointed to choose the plank for the meeting house". On March 12, 1791 it was"appointed that all male members do meet at 10 o’clock the next meeting in course to fall on some regular method to make payment for the ballance due for the meeting house." The land upon which this first church was erected was sold to the newly organized and constituted congregation by heirs of William Bryan, who died in 1806. Record dated September 1790, "John Swindler and Henry Menefee chosen to prepare a deed for Isaiah Bryan to acknowledge a piece of land to the church whereon the meeting house stands." This Mr. Bryan was a son to William Bryan.
         The church settled into their business, commencing with their first conference on January 12, 1788, when among other things a church rule was adopted... "A Rule adopted by this Church, that no member is to go to law with another in fellowship without taking a gospel step, that is, to try all reasonable methods and if that will not work then he is to carry him before the church and the church is to take the matter up, and if he will not give satisfaction to them, he is to be dealt with as though he did not belong to the church, as they may think proper." First deacons were Isaac Dunaway, ordained June 1790; and John Swindler, ordained April 2, 1791. First Clerk was a Brother Adams as can be found in the minutes.
3 Church Records and Thornton Gap Sketch, 1951 by J. Harvey Daily.


Forward

     To the reader of this little work. It is with no small task that this has been undertaken, not for any glory for self, but that our Sovereign Lord, Jesus Christ may be glorified and praised for allowing the strength to accomplish it. It is not intended to justify or condemn any person or persons named herein, nor to raise them above what they truly are.
     This little work then is dedicated to God our Father, to our Elder Brother Jesus, and to the Holy Comforter, they being one and the same; for the better understanding by our members, the edification of the church and in remembrance of the dear old saints gone before.
     May we always cling to those tried and true old paths, never lowing anything worldly or unscriptural among us.
     Done by consent of the church at their regular business meeting on November 19, 1997, and humbly submitted......
In Brotherly love,
Wayne F. Baldwin






HISTORY OF
THORNTON GAP
PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
1787 to 2000

The First Years
         From the oldest church record is the following notation,"The constitution of the Baptist Church at Thornton’s Gap, Culpeper County, which took place November 12, 1787. This church was composed of a considerable number of persons baptized by immersion on profession of their faith, the greater part of whom had never been members of any other Baptist Church and a few had been dismissed from other churches". We find in the minutes that several came from Mount Poney in Culpeper County and several others from Poison Fork.1
         "The church was constituted on the principles generally received by the Baptist. Elders William Mason, Henry Goodlow, John Pickett and John Coons (sic), being present, declared them an orderly Baptist Church of Christ, at which time the church made choice of Elder John Coons for their pastor" 2
1 Minutes of Thornton Gap Church, page 1.
2 See Deed from Byrans and Church Records.









A

HISTORY OF

THORNTON'S GAP

PRIMITIVE BAPTIST

CHURCH
~~
1787-2000

by Wayne F. Baldwin, Clerk