History

The following history of the church was found by Glenda Trivette among some of her father, Clyde Henson’s, personal papers. It was written in 1958. You will find this account very interesting and inspiring.

A Brief History of Henson Chapel United Methodist Church

by Don J. Horton

About the year 1850 or before, there came from different sections of the country ministers and elders who stopped at the different homes in the beautiful Cove Creek Valley, and began preaching Methodism. As a result of this ministry, over a period of years, a small band of followers gathered at the home of Mr. George Bingham, Sr., which was located in the bottom now owned by Mr. Illa Bingham, and organized a church with about 35 members. A partial list of their names follows: Mrs. Elizabeth Whitlow (who is thought to be the first Methodist to settle in Watauga), Mr. and Mrs. John P. Combs, Sheriff A.J. McBride, Mr. and Mrs. Eli Palmer, Martha and Sarah Farmer, Thomas Bingham, Adaline Henson, Sallie Henson, Polly Bingham, Ben, James, and Polly Councill, Sarah Horton, James Harbin, Newt Combs (who later became a useful local preacher), Sarah Harbin, Carrie Shull, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Isaacs, T.P. Adams and Leah Adams, Mrs. Betty Davis, Mrs. Polly Bingham, T.B. and Julia Harbin, Benjamin Fletcher, Betsy Henson, and L.D. Cole (who became a valuable local preacher).

The Reverend W.H. Cooper was pastor and W.C. Daily, presiding elder. At this time, 1858, the little band of pioneers held their services in a one-room log schoolhouse on the hill just across the road, east, from the present church. This log house, becoming inadequate for a church, was turned into the first parsonage, having only quilts and sheets for partitions, and was used by pastors, elders and visitors, while the first church was being erected in 1868. This was a small, one-room log house which stood on the present church ground. The ground was donated by Elizabeth Henson. The church was appropriately named Henson Chapel in her honor.

By this time there were several churches organized by these same preachers over a wide area of western North Carolina, East Tennessee and Virginia, and added to the Holston Conference.

For twenty years this little log church stood here as a sacred place to our parents who were its ardent supporters. The membership increased through these years. Rebuilding had waited several years and it came when Reverend J.W. Duvall came as pastor and saw the inner meaning of this religious center. So he said, “Let us go up to the mountain and bring wood and build a better house of God. Also, let us build a parsonage for the man God sends, and God will be glorified and have pleasure in us.”

It was then in the year 1888 that the little log church was replaced by the more modern one-room framed structure which was sold to Mrs. Rose Fuller and converted into a dwelling and now stands on the old Enoch Swift property. Thirty years passed. The history of these years is very sacred to the most of us, because within those walls many of us had glorious experiences.

Then across the horizon dawned a modern day, a day of restlessness, a day when young people were dissatisfied and older ones were wondering what could be done. To answer this question there came another man of God who looked far into the future to generations yet unborn. He instilled into the minds of the members of this church if they want their children to grow up with high regards to spiritual matter, if they wish themselves and others to grow in grace and spiritual power, they must have a permanent, beautiful church, as attractive as means will permit.

Then it was in 1926 that through Reverend R.A. Taylor’s leadership this magnificent structure was begun. Through a period of five years the auditorium with pews, seven Sunday School rooms, a full basement and heating plant was completed, at a cost of $45,000, counting free labor and $4,000 donated by Duke Foundation, leaving an indebtedness of $2,000 at the bank and $1,400 to the Wolfe Brothers Furniture Company. Most everyone responded loyally to this building program, some making larger gifts according to their means, others making smaller gifts but with no less self-sacrifice.

The church since its organization has had about 55 ministers, and 30 elders, also a number of Bishops have preached here. During a period of 15 years the church had a struggle. This debt hung over our heads like a huge mountain until, through the leadership of Reverend A.G. Graham and the cooperation of the faithful members, a part of the debt was paid. Then came Reverend J.W. Parker, who dug hard to tumble this mountain into the past. But still $1,150 stood there as a challenge to our faith.

In November 1940, Reverend M.A. Osborne came as pastor. He found the faith in finishing the task very much shattered and various opinions as to how, if at all, the debt could be paid. But under his most efficient leadership the Wolfe Brothers Furniture Company donated $300 and the people rallied to one last effort with hopeful anticipation of a day of freedom and dedication to God. The day of freedom came at 11:45 a.m. February 26, 1941. The Day of Dedication was July 13, 1941 with Bishop Claire Purcell officiating.

Under the leadership of Reverend R.J. Starling, 1943-1948, the present parsonage was completed, with eight rooms, two baths, a full basement and heating plant, at a cost of $8,000 counting free labor. J.S. Folger followed Reverend R.J. Starling and stayed one year. Reverend J.S. Banks followed Reverend Folger and stayed one year. Then in 1950, Reverend Ralph Miller, a young, energetic preacher, came and stayed three years. Reverend Miller did much to beautify the church by painting the inside and outside of the church, adding new lights and gutters to the church, and providing the church with a parking lot. In 1953 the Reverend N.C. Bush was sent as pastor. The church basement was repaired with steps added, new lights were placed in the parsonage, floors were varnished, the cost of which was $2,700. Also, in 1955 a well was drilled at the parsonage and a hot water heater was installed at a cost of $450.

In the year 1956 a new carpet was placed in the auditorium of the church by the Woman’s Society of Christian Service, at a cost of $1,400. In the fall of 1956 Reverend S.E. White came to us as pastor. He made an honest effort to accomplish much on the spiritual side by sincere gospel messages. He was replaced in 1957 by Miss Geraldine Surratt (who had served five years as deaconess in the rural work of the charge) and her brother the Reverend Ralph Surratt. Under their work the parsonage was repainted outside and some rooms painted inside. Other work was done inside to make the parsonage more comfortable.

Now in the hundredth year of this church, 1958, we have as pastor the Reverend Alvin A. Wilson. The aid of Woman’s Society of Christian Service, The Planning Committee and members have secured for a special service commemorating the 100th anniversary the following: Dr. I.G. Greer, of Chapel Hill, and Reverend Paul Taylor of Vale, North Carolina (whose father built our present church) as speakers. Invitations were extended to all former pastors, district superintendents and widows of pastors. Miss Geraldine Surratt was invited as guest soloist and Mr. Sam Osborne and the Miller’s Creek Methodist Church Choir as guest choir. Ministers attending were asked to make a three to five minute talk.

Let us reverence the memory of the many who have striven through these hundred years to make possible the advantages we now enjoy, and press forward toward the high calling of Christ Jesus.