Front side of Memorial Monument(Dedicated by: Vera F. Backus)
Vernon Marble and Granite Works
Inscription Reads:
In the memory of the early Circuit Riders and early settlers, who established the homes-the camp meeting grounds-the church-the school and the cemetary of Beaver Creek Community. This monument is affectionately and gratefully dedicated
Their Courage was reflected in the glow of their campfires, their faith and industy tamed an untamed land. Their love and devotion to almighty GOD pointed us Heavenward on that upward path, that leads to the Great Divide.
Backside of the Monument list the Riders:J.W. Campbell S. O. Gafford F.N. Crutchfield
D. J. Powell A.B. Trimble G.C. Davis
J.T. Hosmer L.G. Rogers F.L McGeehee
A.P Smith T.J. Minnis E.H Cannon
Casey C.G. Williams G.R. Slagle
The following information was provided to me by Edward Powell in conjunction with the History of D.J. Powell.
Circuit Riding preachers Important to Pioneers, by Lita Huggins Watson
"In the days when travel was difficult in this sparsely settled area, some of the religious ministry was conducted by circuit-rider preachers. Since congregations were very small, they could not afford a resident pastor and shared a travelling minister with many other fledgling churches.
As the preacher travelled, he would preach on Sundays and perform marriages and baptize converts. Traveling by horseback, he stayed in the homes of members of the congregation. Usually he received a small stipend from settlements along his circuit, or regular path.
In 1960 a monument was dedicated to the circuit-riding ministers who served the Beaver Creek area in the southwest part of Wichita County.
Source, Iowa Park Leader, Vol. 20, Thursday, October 20, 1988- Happy Birthday Iowa Park 1888-1988 pub
1995 by Genealogy and Historical Society page 175 and 222.
"In the days when travel was difficult in this sparsely settled area, some of the religious ministry was conducted by circuit-rider preachers. Since congregations were very small, they could not afford a resident pastor and shared a travelling minister with many other fledgling churches.
As the preacher travelled, he would preach on Sundays and perform marriages and baptize converts. Traveling by horseback, he stayed in the homes of members of the congregation. Usually he received a small stipend from settlements along his circuit, or regular path.
In 1960 a monument was dedicated to the circuit-riding ministers who served the Beaver Creek area in the southwest part of Wichita County.
Source, Iowa Park Leader, Vol. 20, Thursday, October 20, 1988- Happy Birthday Iowa Park 1888-1988 pub
1995 by Genealogy and Historical Society page 175 and 222.
1 comments:
Very interesting memorial. The early travelling preachers were important in so many places in North America.
Very nice to see the photos of your family helping too!
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