Return to Index

  1. SUBJECT:

    2. Peaked Mountain Church Contract.

  2. LOCATION:

    3. McGaheysville, Virginia.

  3. DATE:

    4. (1)—1769—Church Contract.

  4. OWNERS:

    5. Congregation, present owners.

  5. DESCRIPTION:

    6. (1)—Church Contract:

    Early Churches and congregations.

    This Church agreement made between the Reformed and German Lutheran congregations at Peaked Mountain (now Massanutten) in Rockingham County,.

    The Church Agreement.

    In the name of the Divine god and with the consent of the whole congregation we have commenced to build a new house of God, and is by the help of God so far finished that the world may see it.

    We have established it as a Union church in the use of which the Lutherans and their descendants, as well as the reforms and the descendants shall have equal share.

    But since it is necessary to keep in repair the church and school house and to support the minister and school-master, therefore we have drawn up this writing that each member sign his name to same and thereby certify that he will support the minister and school-master, and help to keep in repair the church and school-house as far as lies in his ability.

    Should, however, one or another withdraw from such Christian work, which we would not suppose a Christian would do, we have unitedly concluded that such a one shall act be looked upon as a member of our congregation, but he shall pay for the Baptism of a child 2s., 6d., which shall go into the Treasury of the Church for this confirmation of the child 5s., which shall be paid to the minister as a fee: and further; should such a one come to the table of the Lord and partake of the Holy communion, he shall pay 5 s., which shall go into the Treasury of the Church; and finally if such a one desired burial in our grave yard, he shall pay 5 s., which shall also be paid into the Treasury of the Church.

    The above document was drawn up and signed in Augusta county, is Rockingham, at the Peaked Mountain and Stony Creek Churches on October 31st, 1769.

  6. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

    7. A few of the birth and death records of the Peaked Mountain church date as far back as 1750, A.D., which was before the regular organization of the Peaked Mountain, churches.

  7. ART:
  8. SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

Church Records.

September 23, 1937 W.A. Byerly

Bridgewater, VA