Between 18 Zoar built two new houses of worship. It is believed that the first church building in the lower part of the county was constructed on that lot in the present day Hardyville area. There is no record of where Zoar members initially met for worship. He resigned from Zoar in 1847 and from Hermitage in 1848, after which he went to the Northern Neck as pastor of Nomini and Menokin. He became pastor of Hermitage in 1836 while still serving Zoar. He was later licensed to preach and ordained in 1818. Shortly thereafter he began holding prayer meetings in his neighborhood. He became convicted of his lifestyle and was converted at an early age. He became an accomplished musician and participated in Saturday night parties. His father, being fond of the fiddle, gave young George one at an early age. He was born Septemand moved to Middlesex County in 1819. Trice, gives a wealth of information on George Northam. The history of Hermitage Baptist Church Middlesex County 1789 -1976, written by Edward M. The membership was tremendously increased, and the outlook for the church became brighter. The period between 18 saw several very successful and far-reaching revivals held at Zoar. His pastorate began in 1820 and lasted more than a quarter of a century. Through much personal effort and with the aid of some brethren from Mathews County, he procured the services of Elder George Northam of Accomac County. Major Healy, however, was unwilling to see the church discontinued. The committee advised that the constitution be dissolved and that the remaining members re-unite with Hermitage Baptist Church. At the request of the church, the Rappahannock Baptist Association in 1818 appointed a committee to consult and try to determine a solution to the depleted membership. In that year there was only one white member, Major Thomas Healy. The strength and stamina of Zoar as a church seem to have gradually declined from the date of its constitution until the year 1817. During this time the church was supplied on numerous occasions by Elders James Healy and Phillip T. There was a period of about three years when the church was without a pastor. After his death in 1809 the church was without a pastor for several years.Įlder John Healy was called as pastor around 1813 and served until about 1816. Having felt a call to the ministry, he became an itinerant preacher in eastern Virginia before coming to Zoar. The first pastor, Elder David Corey, came from New England to Virginia early in life. The remaining membership consisted of approximately 80 black men and women whose names unfortunately were not recorded. Hermitage recognized the situation as an opportunity for more effective service, and by church action dismissed about 100 persons for the express purpose of organizing a meeting house in Lower Middlesex, about twenty miles away.Įarly records listed the following white members named to start the new church: Zoar Baptist Church was constituted on Novemwhen members of Hermitage Baptist Church living in the lower part of Middlesex County felt an impelling need for a church in their own area.
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