Month: November 2024

History of Valley View Baptist Church

November 24, 2024 Admin No Comments

In June 1939, a small group of men from the community gathered to build a brush harbor on the land of George and Carl Kirk, located about two miles below Teas. This shelter, constructed from pine boughs and trees, served as a temporary but vital space for worship. The seats were rough wooden planks, and the pulpit was made from simple boards, with the ground serving as the floor. As the people gathered for services, Roy Redding, a young preacher, went door-to-door, inviting members of the surrounding communities, including Teas, Sugar Grove, and Stoney Battery, to attend the revival. He also brought along a collection of used clothes for those in need. The revival, which took place in July 1939, was a transformative event. The brush harbor was filled to capacity every night, with people spilling outside to hear the preaching. The services were a resounding success, with many finding faith, including several individuals who had been involved in illegal activities. One local sheriff famously remarked that Roy Redding had done more to rid the area of bootleggers than the entire county law enforcement. Following the revival, a large baptism was held in the nearby river, where Roy Redding and young preacher James Powell baptized 22 people, including Mr. Alexander Kirk, a 75-year-old man who had to be carried into the water in a chair. Local photographers captured the moment, and the images were published in the *Marion Democrat* on July 11, 1939. As the revival ended, the community felt a strong desire to continue gathering for worship. Mrs. Deamie Nelson suggested starting a Sunday School, and Roy Redding organized a union Sunday School. Each Sunday evening, people from nearby hollows would walk to the brush harbor for services. The services were scheduled in the evening to accommodate those who attended other churches, and people traveled by foot, car, and truck to join the growing congregation. As winter approached, the need for a warmer place of worship became apparent. Jasper Nelson, a local resident, offered a small two-room house just up the road. The congregation removed the partition between the rooms, creating a larger space for services. They built rough benches and a makeshift pulpit. The community held a farewell picnic at the brush harbor before moving into the house, where the church continued to grow. In 1940, the church was officially organized as Quebec Baptist Church in the little house where services had been held. The name was chosen due to the proximity to Quebec Knob, though some later questioned the origin of the name. Reverend Gus Martin and Reverend Mahathy assisted in the church’s organization, with Gus Martin becoming its first pastor. Other key figures included Jasper Nelson, the first Sunday School Superintendent, Georgia McCarter, the first church clerk, and Maude Davis, the first Sunday School secretary. The first revival at Quebec Baptist Church took place in 1940, with evangelist Craig Lowe leading the services. During this revival, a local moonshiner named Milton Ford was saved and, in a powerful act of repentance, destroyed his still. He was later baptized and became one of the church’s first deacons. The first baptismal service, which followed the revival, saw several people immersed in the river, marking a new chapter in the church’s history. By 1941, the congregation had outgrown the small house and began looking for a more permanent place to meet. The church moved to the old Valley View Schoolhouse, located about a mile down the road. The school had ceased operations, and the church hoped to purchase the building, but plans fell through. It was at this location that the church formally changed its name to Valley View Baptist Church. In the midst of World War II, many young men from the community were drafted, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Among them were Preston H. Martin, Jr., who was killed in action on July 31, 1943, and Cecil L. Ford, who died on March 23, 1945. Despite these hardships, the church continued to grow. In 1944, the congregation moved again—this time to a house owned by Charlie Gore, located near the original church site. A significant milestone occurred in May 1945, when George and Carl Kirk donated land to the church for the construction of a permanent building. The deed, signed by the Kirk family and church trustees, stipulated that the land be used solely for church purposes. With a combination of hard work, faith, and community support, the church began construction on its new building. The men of the community, including Preston Martin, George Kirk, and Milton Ford, helped cut logs from government land to build the church. The church was largely constructed by the volunteers, with some materials donated or repurposed. Bill Thomas, who worked at the Lincoln Furniture Factory in Marion, provided scrap plywood and theater seats for the new church. The church was finally completed and dedicated in the fall of 1945, marking a new beginning for the congregation. In 1946, the church purchased an organ, which was played by Lillie Owens, Valley View’s first pianist. The church’s first piano was purchased in 1949, and it was used until 1972, when it was replaced with a new one. Over the years, the church continued to grow, hosting its first Christmas program in 1940 and its first Bible school in 1941. Weekly cottage prayer meetings were held in homes across the community, and the congregation remained deeply committed to worship, prayer, and service. As the years went on, the church building and ministry expanded. In 1962, Valley View Baptist Church officially became a Missionary Baptist church, and a new Baptist Sunday School was organized. In the following decades, the church underwent several changes in leadership and continued to serve the community. In 1998, the congregation voted to expand the church to accommodate its growing membership. The church borrowed funds to finance the construction, and in 1999, a new sanctuary was completed. The old sanctuary was remodeled into classrooms and a nursery, ensuring…

Adwolfe, Baptist, Churches, Communities, History, Moonshiners & Bootleggers, Quebec, Sugar Grove, Valley View Baptist Church

We Are The Maple Leafs: 70+ years of yearbooks

November 17, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Sugar Grove School yearbooks are more than just annual reflections of school life; they are a window into the past, offering a snapshot of the community, the students, and the evolving culture of the region. Now, thanks to the digital collection available on Archive.org, these yearbooks are preserved and accessible for generations to come. Covering more than seven decades of history, this collection includes the nearly complete Sugar Grove High School yearbooks from 1949 to 1969, and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the school, its alumni, or the wider Smyth County area. The digital collection, which spans from 1949 to the present day, is a treasure trove of memories, showcasing not only the changes in the student body but also in the school’s academic and extracurricular activities. Through these yearbooks, you can trace the evolution of Sugar Grove High School, Middle School and Elementary School Grades—how fashion, social dynamics, and even the physical school buildings changed over time. The yearbooks contain candid photos, class portraits, sports team pictures, and more, each telling a story of youth, growth, and the passage of time. But the collection goes beyond the yearbooks themselves. A variety of supplemental materials are also available for browsing, including the “Gathering of the Maple Leafs,” a special publication from the 1990 reunion that brings together the memories and stories of former students, Maple Leaf Murmurs, The Buzzer and more! This reunion publication offers a deeper look into the lives of those who once walked the halls of Sugar Grove, sharing their experiences and reflections as they reconnect with their school days as well as a treasure trove of other data pertaining mostly to the high school. Other related materials, such as Dr. Mauck’s History of Education of Smyth County Schools, also form part of this rich collection, providing context and historical background for those interested in the educational history of the area. The digitization of these materials ensures that the stories and memories contained within them will not be lost to time. Whether you are an alum looking to relive memories of your high school years, a researcher interested in the history of education, or a local history enthusiast, this collection offers a valuable resource. It allows visitors to explore the full breadth of Sugar Grove School’s history, from its earliest days to the present, and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the past in a way that is both convenient and immersive. You can access the entire digital collection through Archive.org at https://archive.org/details/@regionalgirl. With each yearbook and document available for browsing, it is a fascinating journey through more than 70 years of local history and school tradition. The Sugar Grove School Yearbooks Collection is more than just a series of images; it is a living history of the students, teachers, and community that shaped the school and its legacy. Whether you are revisiting fond memories or discovering the past for the first time, this collection is a vital part of preserving the history of Sugar Grove School and the people who made it what it is today. The Sugar Grove School yearbooks collection is a vibrant testament to the rich history of the school and its community, but it’s far from complete. We’re constantly working to expand this digital archive, and we need your help! If you have old school newsletters, photos, or other memorabilia that hasn’t yet been digitized, we would love to include them in the collection. Your contributions can make a huge difference in preserving the stories, memories, and history of Sugar Grove School for future generations. By sharing your items, you help enrich the archive and ensure that the experiences of past students, teachers, and community members are not forgotten. Whether it’s a snapshot of a long-lost event, a class photo from years ago, or any other piece of school history, we want to hear from you! To contribute, simply visit our Contact page and get in touch. Together, we can make sure that the legacy of Sugar Grove School lives on for years to come. If you are an alumni of Sugar Grove School, please consider joining the group here. All members verified.

Communities, Education, Resources, Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove School, Teas, Uncategorized

The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia

November 14, 2024December 3, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia The story of Mary Pickle, a woman who lived much of her life in the care of others, is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who found themselves on the margins of society in the early20th century. Born in 1875, Mary’s life took a path shaped by circumstance, moving from household to household, and ultimately finding a final resting place in the small community of Teas, Virginia. Early Years and the Smyth County Almshouse Mary Pickle’s early years are shrouded in mystery. The precise date of her birth is unknown, and records of her parents are scant, leading some to believe she may have been an orphan. By 1900, at the age of 15, Mary was already contributing to a household as a “servant.” The U.S. Census for that year lists her as a servant in the home of Thomas Gardner in the Marion District, an indication that she was working to support herself at a young age. By 1910, Mary was 35 years old and found living in a very different setting—at the Smyth County Almshouse, also known as the Poor Farm. Located on Slabtown Road near the community of Teas, the almshouse was a place of refuge for those in need, providing food, shelter, and care to the poor, elderly, and infirm. The 1910 census records Mary as an “inmate” of the almshouse, indicating that she had fallen on hard times by this point in her life. It is also noted that she was single at the time, though little else is known about her personal circumstances. A New Life in Teas By 1940, when Mary was in her mid-60s, she had moved from the almshouse to the home of Martha Griffitts in Teas, Virginia, where she was listed as a “lodger” in the U.S. Census. According to a handwritten history by Lucille Kinkade, Mary lived with the Griffitts family for several years, likely providing domestic help in exchange for room and board. In fact, it was in this home that Mary would spend the final years of her life. Mary’s relationship with the Griffitts family was close, and by the time of her death in 1951, Martha Griffitts was listed as the informant on her death certificate. The certificate reveals that Mary had been suffering from a heart condition for several years before her passing. She died at the age of approximately 80, of a coronary, in the Griffitts household in Teas. Although Mary had never married and had no known children, she appears to have been a part of the Griffitts household in her later years, possibly acting as a housekeeper for Martha and her family. A Life Remembered Mary Pickle was buried in the Pugh Cemetery in Teas, Virginia, a small resting place in the rural community where she spent her final years. Despite her years of service to others and the hardship she endured, Mary’s life is remembered as one of quiet resilience, marked by the kindness of those who took her in. The exact details of Mary Pickle’s early life remain unclear—her parentage is unknown, and there are no surviving records of her childhood or family. However, the records that do exist offer a glimpse into the life of a woman who navigated difficult circumstances with an enduring strength. From her time at the Smyth County Almshouse to her years as a lodger in Teas, Mary’s story is emblematic of the many forgotten lives that shaped the fabric of rural Virginia during a time of great social and economic change. Mary Pickle’s death in 1951 marks the end of a chapter in the history of the Smyth County Almshouse and the community of Teas, Virginia—a community where, even in times of need, the bonds of family and neighborly care could offer a semblance of comfort and home. Her life, though humble and filled with hardship, remains an important part of the local history, a reminder of the forgotten stories of those who lived in the shadows of larger societal narratives. Read Part 2 Here

Communities, Families, Griffitts, Poor Farm, Pugh, Stories, Teas

Moonshine Still In Sugar Grove

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 Admin 1 Comment

In the stillness of the early morning on January 16, 1952, the quiet woods five miles outside Sugar Grove, Virginia, held a secret that was about to be unearthed. Just off the bustling State Route 16, a clandestine operation was brewing, its presence masked by the thick trees and the soft sounds of nature. As dawn broke, law enforcement officials gathered with a palpable sense of urgency. ABC Investigator D.J. Davidson from Bristol, Smyth County Sheriff Pat Jennings, and Saltville Police Chief Frank Cox stood ready, their breath visible in the frosty air. They had been monitoring the moonshine still since its discovery two days earlier, hoping the elusive owner would show up to tend the operation. But as they prepared to move in at 7 AM, it became clear that their quarry would not be appearing. What lay hidden in the woods was no ordinary setup. The still—a formidable 500-gallon creation of local ingenuity—boasted four fermenting boxes, each filled to the brim with bubbling mash, and two thumping kegs that echoed with the promise of illicit spirits. A pipeline snaked from a nearby spring, ensuring a steady supply of pure mountain water, making this operation as bold as it was intricate, located a mere 200 yards from the highway. With a thunderous blast of dynamite, the team dismantled the still, sending smoke spiraling into the crisp morning sky. Investigator Davidson estimated that the value of the operation, including the 600 gallons of mash that met its end that day, was around $1,200. Though no arrests were made, the raid sent a resounding message through the serene woods: the fight against illegal distilling in Smyth County was far from over, and the law was ready to reclaim its ground. As the sun climbed higher, illuminating the remnants of the operation, a sense of mystery hung in the air. Despite the successful raid and the destruction of the still, the identity of its owner remained shrouded in secrecy. No one came forward, no leads materialized, and the investigation gradually faded into the background of daily life in Smyth County. In the days and weeks that followed, whispers spread through Sugar Grove and beyond, tales of the bold moonshiner who had dared to set up so close to the highway. Some speculated that the owner was a local figure, well-known but careful to keep their distilling escapades hidden. Others believed it might have been an outsider, someone who slipped into the woods under the cover of darkness. Yet, despite the law’s best efforts, no charges were ever filed. The elusive figure remained a ghost in the community, a testament to the age-old dance between law and those who operated just beyond its reach. The woods, once filled with the promise of illicit spirits, returned to their quietude, but the legend of the moonshine still lived on—a tantalizing mystery that would forever linger in the hearts of those who dared to imagine the life of the unseen distiller. Do you have a moonshine or bootlegging story that people might like to read about? Send it in using the form on the contact page! You can remain anonymous if you like.

Communities, Industry, Moonshiners & Bootleggers, Mysteries, Sugar Grove

The Importance of Collecting and Organizing Church Histories in Rural Communities

November 5, 2024 Admin No Comments

In the small, rural communities of Smyth County, such as Sugar Grove and the Rye Valley area, churches have long been central to the fabric of community life. These churches have served not only as places of worship but also as social hubs, gathering points for local residents, and cornerstones of tradition and identity. In these areas, where the pace of life is slower and the landscape is shaped by rolling hills and narrow valleys, the churches have remained steadfast in their importance to generations of families. As a result, the collection and organization of written church histories in these rural communities is crucial for preserving the legacy of these vital institutions for future generations. The churches of the Rye Valley, tucked in the heart of Smyth County, have been integral to the lives of their congregations. They were often founded by local families who worked together to establish places of worship in these remote regions. Over the years, churches in these communities have become more than just places for Sunday services—they have been the focal points of major life events, such as weddings, baptisms, funerals, and community celebrations. They’ve offered solace during difficult times, such as the Great Depression, and have witnessed countless acts of charity, both locally and beyond. The historical records of these churches tell the story of a community’s resilience, faith, and shared identity, making their preservation invaluable. In a place like Sugar Grove Blue Springs, Cedar Springs, Teas, Thomas Bridge, South Fork and Quebec, where the population has always been small and spread out, churches played a major role in shaping local life. In the early years, these rural churches were often the only gathering places in the community. For instance, Valley View Baptist Church in Sugar Grove traces its origins back to a small group of dedicated people who came together in the 1940s to form a congregation. The church was initially organized in a modest two-room house and later moved to a school building before finally settling on land donated by local families. This journey—marked by hard work, sacrifice, and a deep sense of community—reflects a broader trend seen throughout Rye Valley and other rural parts of Smyth County. Without proper documentation and organization of these church histories, much of this rich story would remain forgotten. The collection and preservation of church histories are vital not only for understanding the church’s role in the community but also for maintaining the collective memory of rural areas like the Rye Valley and Sugar Grove. The written records of these churches—minutes, membership rosters, baptism and marriage registers, and personal stories—serve as a window into the past. They offer future generations an opportunity to understand how the community has evolved and how faith has been intertwined with the everyday lives of its people. In rural Smyth County, where churches often remain the central anchor of community identity, these records are essential for preserving the spirit of local traditions. Churches in the Rye Valley have always been more than just buildings. They are repositories of local history, often preserving not only spiritual legacies but also the stories of local families and individuals. These records are invaluable for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in tracing their roots back to these rural communities. In areas such as ours, where families have lived for generations, church records provide crucial information about births, deaths, marriages, and other milestones. Without these written accounts, much of the personal and collective history of the region would be lost to time. The church histories of these rural communities are also essential for understanding the social dynamics of life in Smyth County. Many of the churches in Sugar Grove and Rye Valley were founded at a time when the region’s economy was primarily agricultural, and families relied heavily on one another for support. Churches not only served as places of worship but also as centers for community outreach, education, and mutual aid. Whether through hosting Bible schools, organizing charity drives, or offering shelter and comfort during times of need, these churches were essential in bringing people together. The written histories of these institutions document the ways in which churches adapted to the changing needs of their communities and helped foster a sense of unity among neighbors. The preservation of these church histories also provides a way to connect younger generations to the history of their rural community. In our community, where many people may leave to seek education or work elsewhere, the church histories serve as a reminder of the values and traditions that have shaped their community. By organizing and preserving these stories, churches offer a way for new generations to remain connected to their roots. Understanding the hardships and triumphs of past generations can instill a sense of pride and continuity, ensuring that the history of these rural communities is not lost, even as the people and the landscape change. Furthermore, the role of the church in these small, rural communities cannot be overstated when considering its influence beyond the realm of faith. Churches in Rye Valley, and other parts of Smyth County often provided the only space for education and community engagement. During the early years, church buildings were sometimes used as schools, and the church grounds often hosted social events, such as fairs and festivals. In these tight-knit rural areas, the church was often a catalyst for social change, encouraging civic responsibility and promoting local causes. By preserving church histories, we gain a better understanding of how these churches contributed to the development of social infrastructure in rural communities and how they have helped shape the region’s identity over the years. Ultimately, the collection and organization of church histories in communities of the Rye Valley are essential for safeguarding the rich, multifaceted history of our rural areas. By documenting the stories of these churches—their founders, their challenges, and their triumphs—we ensure that future generations can better understand and appreciate the enduring legacy of faith and community in Smyth County. These written histories…

Churches, Communities, History

Reverend Roy Redding: A Missionary’s Journey Through Southwest Virginia

November 5, 2024November 5, 2024 Admin 2 Comments

Roy Warren Redding was born on October 12, 1900, in Franklin County, Kentucky, the youngest of six children to Jake and Linda Lyman Redding. He spent his childhood in the small community of Switzer, located just north of Frankfort. It was here, at the age of 11, that he preached his first sermon at the Rocky Branch School, a one-room schoolhouse that he attended. Despite the six-mile walk to school, it became a sacred place for Roy, especially on rainy days when he would baptize converts and preach on the schoolhouse floor. At age 12, Roy experienced a pivotal moment in his faith when he accepted an invitation to follow Christ. “I had to borrow two dollars and fifty cents from my brother, Charlie, to buy clothes for my baptism,” Roy recalled. “I paid him back by selling rabbits at 10 cents a piece.” A deep, burning desire to become a missionary took root in his heart, and each evening, he would pray alone in the back of the barn, asking God to show him His will. He ordered two sermon books from Sears, thinking he might leave home to become a minister without anyone knowing. But God had other plans. His pastor, Dr. Charles Stevens, soon approached him with the very question Roy had been waiting for: “Do you feel called to the ministry?” With a joyful “yes,” Roy was introduced to Bible schools that would help him further his calling. Though Dr. Stevens offered him $25 to get started, Roy refused and instead borrowed $75 from a friend. Tying a rope around an old suitcase, he walked 15 miles to the railroad station, singing “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone” as he went. Roy traveled 150 miles by train to attend his chosen school and worked as a church caretaker for $25 a month. During his studies, a missionary from the American Sunday School Union spoke to students about mission work, inspiring Roy to apply for a position. He was accepted and assigned to Southwest Virginia, where he would spend the next several decades of his life. Roy’s missionary work spanned several counties in Southwest Virginia, including Smyth, Grayson, Lee, Tazewell, and many more. He conducted over 1,150 Bible schools and organized summer Bible camps in three counties. His travels often took him to remote, underserved communities, such as Groseclose, where he walked 15 miles to assess the area. A local man warned him, “You’ll never come out of that place alive—the bootleggers will think you’re a detective.” Undeterred, Roy organized his first Sunday School in Groseclose, and with the help of his friend, Reverend C. H. Atwell, who donated land, a church was established there. Throughout his years of service, Roy encountered numerous challenges and memorable experiences. On one occasion, he and his wife became stranded on a muddy road while traveling to an evening service. With no money, Roy borrowed a logging chain from a nearby farmhouse, leaving his wife as collateral. Despite the difficulties, they managed to get their car unstuck, though they arrived at their destination only at 4 a.m., covered in mud and soaked through. (Photo near the Odd Fellows Hall in Sugar Grove, VA, Roy and Nell Redding.) Roy’s missionary work took him across Southwest Virginia, logging more than a million miles. Over his lifetime, he conducted over 2,500 funerals and officiated at 1,500 weddings. Despite threats from moonshiners and other challenges, Roy remained committed to his calling. One former Smyth County sheriff, Sam Dillard, said that after one of Roy’s revivals in 1937, the impact on local moonshine activity was greater than all law enforcement efforts over the previous 20 years. Roy married Nell Rouse in 1932, but tragically, she passed away from leukemia in 1974. In 1975, at the age of 75, Roy remarried to Margie Barker, and they moved to Washington County. Roy continued his ministry until his passing on January 28, 1992, at the age of 91. He was buried in Riverside Cemetery in Marion, Virginia. Margie, his second wife, passed away in 1993. (Roy and 2nd Wife Margie Redding, photo at left. Photo from Valley View Baptist Church Collection) Roy Warren Redding’s life is a testament to dedication, faith, and the power of one person’s commitment to spreading the Gospel. His legacy of service in the mountains of Virginia continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. *Source: Valley View Baptist Church History & Virginia Dare Baker Photo Collection

Adwolfe, Baptist, Churches, Communities, Methodist, Moonshiners & Bootleggers, Quebec, Valley View Baptist Church