Sunday's Obituary: Melvin Posey

Manassas Journal
5 September 1935

FATAL ACCIDENT A WOODBRIDGE

Melvin Posey Killed in Auto Smash

Melvin Posey, age 28, an employee on the Corbin Thompson Dairy Farm at Woodbridge, was instantly killed Sunday morning when the car which he was driving collided with a large truck on the Jefferson Davis Highway. Herbert Boxley, colored, an occupant of the Posey car, was injured. Both men were taken to the Marine Hospital at Quantico, where Posey was pronounced dead and Boxley treated for his injuries, which consisted chiefly of a broken arm and lacerations.

Funeral services were held for Mr. Posey at the Woodbine Baptist Church at Canova. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Jane Posey; four sisters and one brother.

Church Record Sunday: Coles Sunday Schools Will Meet at Woodbine

Manassas Journal
11 July 1919

COLES SUNDAY SCHOOLS WILL MEET AT WOODBINE

Interesting Program Arranged for All-Day Session Sunday - Several Addresses

A convention of the Sunday Schools of Coles district will be held at Woodbine Church, near Canova, Sunday morning and afternoon, the participating Sunday Schools including Purcell, Bellehaven, Independent Hill, Woodbine, and New Hope. Mr. Herbert Purcell, Woodbine superintendent, will preside.

The morning program consists of an opening hymn, devotional exercises by Mr. W. B. Winslow, the address of welcome by Mr. E. Herring and response by Mr. D. P. Bell, an address by Hon. C. J. Meetze, "The Goal of Christian Education" by Mrs. R. R. Hayes, an address by Mr. J. T. Flory and other musical numbers.

The afternoon session, in addition to music, will include five-minute reports of Sunday Schools, a paper on cradle roll work by Mrs. Herring, an address by Mr. Charles R. McDonald on "Methods and Results of Contest Work," "Making Sunday School Reports Interesting" by Miss Drua Herring and a recitation by Miss Dorothy Merrill.

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Unclaimed Dead Get a Proper Farewell at Woodbine Cemetery

InsideNova printed a nice article about the June 7 memorial and interment of the remains of 41 unclaimed citizens at Woodbine Cemetery, in partnership with Woodbine Church and the PWCo Sheriff's Office. The article includes a list of the deceased and their dates of death.

Many thanks to InsideNova and reporter Jill Palermo for their interest and compassion in helping to honor 41 souls who may have gone forgotten.

The e-edition of the article can be found here.

Follow Up: Memorial & Interment of PWCo Unclaimed Deceased

On Tuesday, June 7, 2016, the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office and Woodbine Baptist Church came together to provide a memorial service and a peaceful final resting place in the Woodbine Church Cemetery for the remains of 41 unclaimed deceased persons. 

Sheriff Glen Hill
(photo by C. Lynn)

The memorial service was officiated by Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Eugene R. Wells, who opened with prayer and presented the PWCo Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.  Additional speakers included Sheriff Glen Hill, Manassas Mayor Hal Parrish, and Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Don Belanus.  The name of each deceased person was read aloud.

Virginia law charges local sheriff's offices with taking custody of deceased unclaimed residents, but it does not say how officials are supposed to dispose of them.

Sheriff Glen Hill stated, “I am grateful that Prince William County Sheriff’s Office is able to serve the unclaimed citizens of Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and provide a noble funeral for them through our partnerships with community organizations.”

In Prince William, the Sheriff’s Office contracts with various crematoriums for cremation, then in partnership with Woodbine Cemetery each unclaimed resident is supplied with a burial plot. Woodbine Cemetery has been gracious in providing space for the deceased unclaimed residents at no cost.  – Virginia Sheriff’s Association

Following are the names of the unclaimed deceased persons buried at Woodbine Church Cemetery on June 7, 2016:

Douglas Allen, Linda Archer, Betty Bayse, Eva B Cantello, John Crawford, John Ignatius Ciccolini, Larry Dixon, Maria Ehler, Daniel Eshelman, Laura Lynn Farley, Wallis Ray Fay, James Alberto Fletcher, George Freeberg, Stacy Green, Donnie Lee Grogg, Laurel Hauer, Robert Miller Justice II, Thomas H.C. Langel, Donald L. Marks Jr., Roberto Martinez-Rosa, Joseph A. Moneymaker Sr., Conception Ortiz, Paul Oullette, David Patton, Ronald Henry Payne, Mark Pennington, Reginald Poindexter, Gilbert F. Randall, Tyrone Powell Reid, Sa Say, Mark Settle, Omer Shipe, Angel Steele, Eran Stokley, Dolores Sullivan, John Sullivan, Donald Thomas, Michael David Vincent, Robert T. Wiedner, and two unnamed residents. 

Event: Memorial & Interment of PWCo Unclaimed Deceased Citizens

In Prince William County, the Sheriff's Department takes custody of and responsibility for the cremated remains of unclaimed deceased citizens which fall under their jurisdiction. 

There is no national database of the thousands of identified but unclaimed remains of individuals across the United States.  In many jurisdictions, mortuaries, law enforcement, and funeral homes store the ashes of unclaimed deceased individuals on shelves, in closets, in drawers, in any space available until a next of kin can be located.  In many cases, no next of kin can be found and the ashes of the individual remain unclaimed.

Several years ago, Woodbine Baptist Church and the Prince William County Sheriff’s Department partnered to provide a dignified resting place in the church cemetery for the County’s unclaimed deceased citizens.  This partnership continues today.

On Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., Woodbine Baptist Church and the Prince William County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a memorial service and interment of unclaimed deceased citizens in the Woodbine Baptist Church Cemetery.  

The memorial service is open to the public and the community is invited to attend.

Wedding Wednesday: Russell / Cross

Washington Post
2 September 1943

Doris Russell, Leonard Cross, Married in Va.

Miss Doris Russell, daughter of James Russell of Canova, Va., and Leonard Cross, son of Mrs. Sara E. Cross of Manassas, Va., were married on Sunday, the ceremony taking place in the Woodbine Baptist Church in Manassas.  The Rev. Leonard Weston officiated and a reception followed at the  home of the bride.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of white marquisette and carried a bouquet of bridal roses.  Her shoulder-length veil was held by a coronet. Miss Lena Maddux of Kingsport, Tenn., formerly of Manassas, was maid of honor and other attendants were Mrs. James Russell, sister-in-law of the bride, and Mrs. Sidney Dunn.

Bernard Cross was his brother's best man and the ushers were William Ward of Indianhead, Md., and Judson Holmes of Manassas.

Friday's Faces from the Past: Woodbine Baptist Church

As Woodbine Church prepares to celebrate its 140th Anniversary, it seemed appropriate to post a photo of its congregation from the late 1930's.  The group is standing at the front door of the original 1875 one-room church building.

Many thanks to Miss Jane Abel, a long-time member of Woodbine's congregation (she's the little gal with the bow in the picture) for sharing her photo!

Miss Jane tried her best to remember the names of everyone in the picture but there are a few she was unable to identify.  Do you recognize any of the faces in this photo?

Woodbine Baptist Church Congregation (approx 1938)
Photo courtesy of Jane Abel (used with permission)

Front Row (left to right) - Little girl, Vernon Beavers, little girl, Bill Posey, Gloria Weber, Billy Zackey, Margie Cornwell, Penny (Hattie Warren's foster child)

Middle Row - Rev. Howard Caviness, Helen Beavers, Geneva Jones and baby, Minnie Posey and Bobby, woman with baby, Jane Abel (wearing the little bow), David Abel (little boy below), Lillian Abel and Frankie, Annie Zackey, unidentified man

Back Row - Louise Beavers Cornwell and Denny, Joyce Beavers Jones and son, woman with baby, Hattie Abel Warren and Betty Lou, woman with baby.

EVENT REMINDER:  

Pastor Gene Wells and the congregation of Woodbine Church invite the Community to celebrate their 140th Anniversary on Saturday, 23 May 2015, from Noon until Three.  The event is open to the public and admission is FREE!

Church Record Sunday: Easter Program (1920)

Manassas Journal

2 April 1920

WOODBINE

An interesting program was rendered Sunday evening at Woodbine Church by the young folk of the community.  An Easter program is being prepared for next Sunday evening, with Mrs. J. M. Russell as leader.

Last Sunday's program included a song, Scripture reading, invocation, a solo, Jesus Loves Me, by Mr. Odie Breeden; a recitation, Four Leaf Clover, by Annie Golihew; a reading, The Leak in the Dyke, by Miss Pauline Smith; a solo by Mr. W. A. Breeden; a recitation, The Old Homestead, by Miss Maud Norman; a reading, Somebody's Mother, by Miss Annie Cornwell; a duet, a reading, Little Golden Hair, by Miss Pearl Russell; a reading, A Psalm of Life, by Miss Bessie Cornwell, a duet, a reading, We Parted in Silence, by Miss Goldie Golihew; a song, a reading, by Miss Myrtle Cornwell, a reading, The Volunteer, by Miss Ruth Wheaton; a song, a recitation, The Widower, by Miss Maud Norman; a solo, a recitation by Miss Annie Golihew and a recitation by Mrs. Hill.

Event: Woodbine Church Celebrates 140 Years! (Saturday, 23 May 2015)

In May 25, 1875, Levi C. Lynn and his wife Edna donated an acre of land "...for the use and benefit of the Baptist Church (commonly called the “New School”)...for the said church known as the “Woodbine” Baptist Church..."

140 years later, the small, one-room clapboard building still stands within sight of the newer, more modern church sanctuary built in the 1950's to accommodate a growing congregation.

Pastor Gene Wells and the congregation of Woodbine Church invite the Community to celebrate their 140th Anniversary on Saturday, 23 May 2015, from Noon until Three.  The event is open to the public and admission is FREE!

Church Record Sunday: Coles District Sunday School Convention (1931)

30 July 1931
Manassas Journal

WOODBINE

Proceedings of Coles District Sunday School Convention, held with Woodbine Baptist Church, July 26, 1931, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Opening Song --- "Near the Cross"

Devotional Exercise - Rev. J. M. Wells
   8 Romans 1-4, followed by prayer by Rev. J. M. Wells

Music, by Woodbine Sunday School
   "Carry Your Cross With a Smile"

Address of Welcome -- Miss Ola Whitmer

Response -- Rev. J. M. Bell

Music, by Independent Hill Sunday School

Recitation -- Miss Annabelle Merrill

Duet, "Just a little help from you"
   Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Bell

Address, "On Sunday School Work" -- Rev. J. Murray Taylor

Quartette -- Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Bell and Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Wine

Motion for adjournment for lunch

Dismissed by Rev. J. Murray Taylor.

Afternoon Session 1:30 P.M.

Opening Song, "I Love to Tell the Story"

Prayer -- Rev. W. T. Wine

Duet -- Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Wine

Business of convention:  Committee for nominating officers for ensuing year:  Mr. W. A. Wine, Mr. R. W. Woodyard, and Mr. C. F. Whitmer.

Rev. W. T. Wine suggested a motion that a resolution be placed on the minutes in behalf of Mr. Herring's recent illness, and sympathy be extended Mr. Herring, and hope for a speedy recovery, which was adopted.  Prayer was then offered by Rev. J. M. Bell in Mr. Herring's behalf.  Reports from the following Sunday Schools:  Woodbine and Independent Hill.  Reports adopted and Purcell S. S. just being organized.  Officers for ensuing year are as follows:  president, Mr. W. A. Wine, vice president, Mr. W. Y. Elliott, secretary-treasurer, Bessie V. Cornwell.

Music, "Anywhere With Jesus"

Address -- Mr. J. M. Bell

Address, "The Importance of a Sunday School" -- Mr. R. A. Rust

Music, "Onward Christian Soldiers"

Recitation -- Mr. J. W. Bell

Talks on Sunday School Work by the following:  Mr. W. T. Wine and Elder Geo. Beahm

Contribution from Independent Hill -- $1.00

Collection taken -- $3.60

Total -- $4.60

A rising vote of thanks was extended to Woodbine for their hospitality of entertaining the convention.

Closing song, "God be with you

 

Sunday's Obituary: Simon Cornwell (1931)

Manassas Journal
March 12, 1931

SIMON CORNWELL

The funeral of Simon Cornwell, aged 23, who met his death in an auto accident on the Baltimore Boulevard Tuesday night, will take place tomorrow at the Woodbine church.

Mr. Cornwell is the son of Mr. Ep Cornwell, who formerly ran the Manassas Ice Plant, but who now resides in Washington.  Young Cornwell was operating a private taxicab.

It is stated that Mr. Cornwell dozed while at the wheel, thus meeting his death in a resultant collision.

The Evening Star (Washington, DC)

March 10, 1931

TWO CAPITAL MEN HURT IN MARYLAND CAR CRASH

Pair Identified as Silas Cornwell and Norman Pulliam in Hospital--Quiz Started

Baltimore, Md., March 10--Two Washingtonians were seriously injured today when a taxicab in which they were riding was in a collision with a touring car on the Belair road near Kingsville, Md.

When extricated from the wrecked taxicab by State Policeman George Fauth and several motorists, the two men were unconscious.  Patrolman Fauth rendered first aid to the victims of the crash pending the arrival of the Cockeysville ambulance.

The injured were taken to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where they were tentatively identified as Norman Pulliam and Silas Cornwell, both of Washington.  Cards in Cornwell's pocket indicated that he was licensed to operate a taxi.  Physicians said that Cornwell had a probable fractured skull and Pulliam was believed to have been injured internally.

Police later learned that Cornwell lives at 337 C street northwest.  Pulliam is said to live at 1919 Calvert street northwest.  They are believed to have been returning from Philadelphia when the crash occurred. 

State police began an investigation of the accident.

Sunday's Obituary: Maggie Priscilla Beavers (1914)

Manassas Democrat
September 17, 1914

DEATH CLAIMS MRS. MAGGIE P. BEAVERS

Was Second Victim of Typhoid

Interment in the Cemetery at Woodbine Last Sunday - Her Husband and Four Children Survive Her

Typhoid fever claimed its second victim here last Friday when Mrs. Maggie Priscilla Beavers, wife of Levi Beavers, died at her home on East Street.

For several weeks she had been very ill with the fever and the contributory cause of her death, tuberculosis, so weakened her condition as to make impossible her recovery.  Mrs. Beavers was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, of this county, and was thirty-three years old.  She is survived by her husband and four children.  The funeral was held last Sunday afternoon at Woodbine church, a few miles from Manassas, and the remains were interred in the cemetery at that place.  This death took place within a few yards of the home of D. J. Myers, whose family is now convalescent of fever, and in the vicinity where most of the cases in Mnaassas are located.

Church Record Sunday: Revival Meeting (then and now)

RELIGIOUS REVIVAL -- THEN

Alexandria Gazette
August 28, 1867

Letter from Prince William County.

DUMFRIES, August 21 -- We have had for the last ten days a very interesting revival here in the M. E. Church, South, under the ministry of our circuit preacher, the Rev. Wm. G. Hancock.  He labored zealously, and great interest was manifested by the people generally.  There were a number of penitents of whom about forty professed religion, and thirty-one joined the church.  It was certainly a very interesting meeting, and called our recollection to old times.  There is no other news of general interest in the county.  Everything is quiet.  The corn crop is looking well.  B.B.

Alexandria Gazette
January 13, 1876

REVIVAL OF RELIGION AT MANASSAS -- A correspondent writing from the town of Manassas to the Washington Republican says:  -- "The week of prayer has been a season of great religious profit.  The Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches united and held the meetings alternatively in their respective places of worship.  The fourth quarterly meeting from Prince William circuit was held at Manassas Saturday and Sabbath.  The Presbyterian services were suspended, and the congregation attended the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The sum of $432 was secured in subscriptions on Sabbath morning for the liquidation of the indebtedness on the building.  This squares old accounts.  We want about $175 more to suitably fit up and furnish the Sunday school and lecture rooms.  The members of the church have contributed liberally for persons so limited in their means."

Richmond Times Dispatch
September 26, 1915

Revival services began at the Manassas Baptist Church on last Monday night.  Dr. Baker, of Leesburg, is conducting the meeting, assisted by Rev. H. L. Quarles.

RELIGIOUS REVIVAL -- NOW!

Woodbine Church
Continues to Celebrate 139 Years of Ministry

Join us at 7:00 pm each night
August 22, 23, 24 (2014)

12914 Canova Drive
Manassas, VA  20112

www.thewoodbinechurch.com

Sunday's Obituary: George William Tansill (1913)

Manassas Democrat
October 30, 1913

GEORGE W. TANSILL CALLED BY DEATH

At His Home Last Thursday
Dies of Hodgkins Disease After Lingering Illness of About Three Months
Is Survived by Wife and Four Children

Mr. George William Tansill died at his home, near Canova, last Thursday evening, October 23, after an illness of about three months of Hodgkins disease.  He was born at Occoquan, March 6, 1884, his father being the late G. W. Tansill, who held the position of sheriff of this County for a number of years.  His mother was Miss Rena E. Lynn, of this county.

After serving six years in the army and receiving an honorable discharge, he was married in 1907, to Miss Georgie Renoe, daughter of the late Major John H. Renoe.

The funeral took place at Woodbine church on Sunday last at 2 p. m., Rev. H. L. Quarles, of this place, conducting very appropriate services, and interment was made in the cemetery nearby, with the Woodmen's Honor, prominent members of four camps taking part in the ceremony.

He was a devoted husband, kind father, true friend, and was always willing to help a sick neighbor or one in need.

Mr. Tansill was one of the charter members of Stonewall Camp, No. 15120, M. W. A., of this place, and was held in high esteem by the members of his camp.  He was also a member of Woodbine Baptist Church, and while a great sufferer, he had the assurance that he would meet friends and loved ones in that upper and better kingdom, where there is no sorrow or weeping but joy and peace forever.

He is survived by his wife, four children, his mother, one sister and two brothers, all of whom deeply mourn his loss.

Those Places Thursday: National Bank of Manassas

The National Bank of Manassas was established in July 1895 and operated from 1896 to 1956.  Henry Fairfax Lynn was the Bank's first president and R. H. Lynn was its vice president.  It was originally located at 9406 Main Street but moved to the corner of Main and Center Streets in 1912.

1938

April 20, 1911 Manassas Democrat

December 22, 1922 Manassas Journal

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When the National Bank of Manassas closed and the building was repurposed, the four front columns and the iron window bars were donated to Woodbine Baptist Church!  The columns now support the church's portico and the iron bars have been reshaped into a trellis for the Woodbine cemetery.

Sunday's Obituary: James R.Sullivan

Manassas Democrat
October 5, 1911

JAMES SULLIVAN DIES OF PARALYSIS

Stricken Preparing for Church

End Came Sunday Night -- Funeral Yesterday at Woodbine -- Postmaster and Merchant at Canova

While preparing to go to church, James Sullivan, 70 years old, a prominent citizen of Prince William county, was stricken with paralysis in his home at Canova last Sunday night at 7:30 o'clock.  He died shortly after 8 o'clock Monday night.  The funeral was held from Woodbine Church yesterday afternoon.

James R. Sullivan joined the Prince William Rifles, Company F, of the Seventeenth Virginia Infantry and served faithfully with the company to the surrender at Appomattox, and was twice wounded.  He was made corporal and afterward sergeant.

Mr. Sullivan was postmaster at Canova, where he conducted a general merchandise store.  He had been a resident of Prince William county all his life.  Mr. Sullivan is survived by a daughter, Mrs. C. M. Russell, and  by two grand-children, at Canova.  His wife died nine years ago.

Church Record Sunday: Dedication of Woodbine Baptist Church

Alexandria Gazette

July 12, 1875

CHURCH DEDICATION.  The absence of Rev. Mr. Penick from his pulpit yesterday morning was due to his participation in the dedication services of a Baptist Church, in Prince William Co., Va. A friend, who was present at the dedication, gives us the following notes on the day:  Along with a number of Manassas citizens, we left for the church soon after the arrival of the Virginia Midland train.  The drive was on the road to Dumfries -- the point of destination being six and a half miles to the southeast of the junction, in the herat of the "Terrapin Forest."  The ride was enlivened by the company of Maj. Whiting, who is, by the way, spoken of for the Legislature.  Not being one of his possible voters, his attentions were not open to the electioneering taint of suspicion.  Being the august Mayor of the day, his presence kept good order on the journey, appropos of which, it may be thrown in that our old friend, Agent Fewell, told us the Corporation was doint an encouraging business, frequently gathering a revenue uof from forty to fifty dollars per week from fines, and that they had even risen to the dignity of a watch house.  There is probably enough enterprise among the Terrapin Foresters to keep up this institution.  This morning's ride brought us, about 11:00 a.m., to a neat frame edifice, bearing over the door the inscription,

WOODBINE BAPTIST CHURCH, 1875.

Already within the house a mass of humanity, chiefly ladies, crowded each other in a  perfect jam.  With the exception of a few in and around the pulpit, the men were assembled at the door and the windows, or grouped within hearing, about their horses, vehicles and ___ baskets.

An impressive sermon by Rev. Mr. Penick was followed by a stirring effort to "raise the balance due," which was very nearly accomplished, and the service concluded with the dedicatory prayer.  "The stranger within the gates" could not but notice the order and decorum, as well as the general attention paid by the audience.  The novelty of the scene to unaccustomed eyes brought out much that was interesting.  The speaker, thus addressing a large crowd which included many juveniles, "too young to leave their mothers," (or be left) had evidently "been," for the various infantile outbreaks of glee or woe seemed not to disturb him in the least.

At the dinner intermission it was made plain that "Terrapin Forest" had something to live to and was peopled by hospitable folks.  After a satisfactory experience of this fact, there was a brief sermon from the same speaker, after which our party took the road again, making Manassas in good time for the train homeward.

[The Roadside Thoughts website notes that Terrapin Forest does not appear in the 1895 Rand McNally Atlas but Canova/Woodbine is located two miles to the northwest of the Terrapin Forest's present-day location. ~cgl]

Wednesday's Child: John Everett Cornwell

Washington Post

November 6, 1954

Canova, Va., Boy, 13, Dies of Polio

John Everett Cornw[e]ll, 13, of Canova, Va., near Manassas, died Thursday of bulbar polio in Children's Hospital, it was reported yesterday.

The boy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Cornwell, entered the hospital only a few hours before his death.  A diagnosis of polio was made upon his admission and he was operated on immediately.

Besides his parents, he is survived by a brother, Charles, and four sisters, Edith Mae, Margy, Margaret, and Martha.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Woodbine Baptist Church, Canova, with burial in the church cemetery.

Meanwhile, the District Health department reported the incidence of Washington's seventy-seventh polio case of the season--that of an 11-year old girl whose home is in the 1300 block of Peabody st. nw.

Onset of the disease was October 31 and she was admitted to Children's Hospital Tuesday with a diagnosis of bulbar polio.  There were 59 cases in the District at this time last year.

~ ~ ~ ~

Children's National Hospital in Washington DC devotes itself to a high standard of care for children and leads the quest to cure childhood's most devastating diseases.  To DONATE to this worthy institution, please go HERE.

Church Record Sunday: Deed: Lynn to Trustees of Woodbine Baptist Church

DEED

Levi C. Lynn and Edna A. Lynn to Trustees of Woodbine Baptist Church

Deed Book 30, pgs 207-208

25 May 1875

This deed made this twenty fifth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy five between LEVI C. LYNN and EDNA A. LYNN his wife of the first part and LEVI C. LYNN, JOHN H. RENOE, GEORGE W. LOWE, CHARLES W. TEASDALE and AYLETT NICOL Trustees of the second part.  Witnesseth, that in consideration of the sum of Five dollars the said LEVI C. LYNN and Edna A. Lynn do grant unto the said Trustees herein before named with general warranty all that certain lot of land lying in Coles Magisterial District, Prince William County Virginia and bounded and described as follows.  Beginning at the corner of Mrs. MARY SULLIVAN’s land on the Post road from Manassas to Beulah, thence along said road southerly 70 yards to a stone, thence westerly parallel to Mrs. SULLIVAN’s line 70 yards to a stone, thence northerly with the road 70 yards to Mrs. SULLIVAN’s line, and thence easterly along Mrs. SULLIVAN’s line to the beginning, containing about one acre.  In Trust nevertheless, that the said Trustees will hold said property for the use and benefit of the Baptist Church (commonly called the “New School”) and that they will allow the proper authorities of said Church to use it for the worship of God in accordance with the customs and regulations of said Church and the laws of Virginia:  The being those confirmed by the Circuit Court of Prince William at the May Term thereof for the said church known as the “Woodbine” Baptist Church, said property to revert to the grantors or their heirs if it ceases to be used for the purposes expressed in the deed.

The said parties of the first part covenant that they have the right to convey said land to the grantees that they have done no act to encumber the said land: that the grantees shall have quiet possession of the said land, free of all encumbrances, and that the parties of the first part will execute such further assurances of the said land as may be required.

L. C. LYNN  {Seal}

EDNA A. LYNN {Seal}

State of Virginia, County of Prince William, to wit:

I, GEO. C. ROUND, Notary Public for the County aforesaid, in the state of Virginia do certify that LEVI C. LYNN whose name is signed to the within writing bearing date on the 25^th day of May 1875 has acknowledged the same before me in my County aforesaid.  Given under my hand this 25 day of May 1875.

GEO. C. ROUND, Notary Public

Pr. Wm. Co. Va.

State of Virginia, County of Prince William, to wit:

I, GEO. C. ROUND, Notary Public for the County of Prince William in the state of Virginia, do certify that EDNA A. LYNN the wife of LEVI C. LYNN whose names are signed to the within writing bearing date on the 25 day of May 1875, personally appeared before me in the County aforesaid, and being examined by me privately and apart from her husband and having the writing aforesaid fully explained to her, she the said EDNA A. LYNN acknowledged the said writing to be her act, and declared that she had willingly executed the same and does not wish to retract it.  Given under my hand this 25 day of May 1875.

GEO. C. ROUND, Notary Public, Pr. Wm. Co. Va.

In Prince William County Court June 8^th 1875

This deed from LYNN & wife to Trustees of “Woodbine” Baptist Church with certificates annexed was presented to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

Teste.

LUCIEN A. DAVIS, Clerk

Newspaper Tidbit: Pastor Writes from Kentucky (1920)

Manassas Journal

February 6, 1920

Page 8

PASTOR WRITES FROM KENTUCKY

Rev. Mr. Rixey, Now at Theological Seminary, Recalls Prince William Days

The Journal is in receipt of an interesting letter from Rev. R. P. Rixey, of Fredericksburg, a former Prince William pastor, who is now at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky.:

“You may be surprised that news from your paper reaches to this city of 250,000 in far off Kentucky, 700 miles from Manassas.  Some mutual friend sent me a clipping from a late copy of The Journal with the letter you published from Rev. R. T. Hayes, of Pendleton, Va., telling of his work in Louisa county.

The reading of that letter brought back a flood of memories of about five years ago when I was the pastor of Woodbine and Bellehaven churches in Prince William county, and Brother Hayes was debating the question of giving up his position with the Standard Oil Company to enter the ministry.  I have never had cause to regret the fact that I then urged him to make the sacrifice needed and concecrate [sic] his life to so noble a calling.  I saw him take his departure shortly for Louisville, Ky., to make the preparation he needed.  I saw him two years later when he returned and began his good work in Louisa county.  I have helped him there two years in special meetings at one of the churches.

So much impressed was I with the intellectual and other help he had secured at the Seminary, that I made up my mind that I wanted the same.  It is seldom a man of my age, who enters the ministry as late in life as I did, ever goes to a Seminary.  However, I resigned my two churches and came last October for special work, and have greatly enjoyed the course of study.

I am by far the oldest man at the Seminary this year, but have no difficulty keeping up with the young men in my studies and have successfully passed all examinations.

I wish more of our older men would come here for preparation for this work.

My mind runs back over the past five years, and it seems but a short time since I enjoyed the hospitality of the homes I shall never forget; and the names Woodbine, Independent Hill and Bellhaven will never be forgotten.  The kindness and consideration of the people, in view of my imperfect work, will be to me always a source of gratitude and wonder.

Such names as Hayes, Hill, Cornwell, Smith, Russell, Luck, Merrill, Tubbs, Donohue, Wolfenden, Lynn, Storke, Lowe, Wine, Wright, Abel and many others, too numerous to mention, will live with me so long as memory lasts.  I wonder if Mrs. Sam Lowe remembers that little homemade rug she gave me!  It is on my floor in far off Kentucky, and I see it as I write this letter.  Considerably worn now, but still in use.  Mrs. Donohoe and her sisters loaded down my buggy many times with good things for my folks at home.  So did others, who were church members.  I refer to Mrs. Sam Lowe and Mrs. Donohoe and her sisters specially, because they were not members of my churches, which made their kindness the more remarkable.

I hope when I get back to my home in Fredericksburg next June to have the pleasure of a visit to these churches again and a chance to persecute each of them at least once, with a sermon.”