A little over a decade after the close of the violence and trauma imposed by the Civil War came a new institution of healing for Moorefield and the surrounding region. The Protestant Episcopal Church established Emmanuel Parish, hiving it off of the Hampshire Parish based in Romney.
Over six years, the parishioners with no church endeavored to construct one. As described on a historical pamphlet produced by the church “Josiah Dent, Esq. of Georgetown, D.C. donated a large tract of mountain land for the purpose of building a church and a parish school.”
After a drive that netted 100s of donations to supplement land sales, Emmanuel Episcopal Church opened its doors in 1881. A vibrant congregation served the Lord and the community from this building until declining membership and COVID led to its recent closure.
For two years, a For Sale sign tried to beckon a caring buyer for the Gothic Revival church constructed in a style “deemed to be more conducive to ‘proper ceremony’” than other architectural forms. By the time of the church’s construction, “Gothic Revival” indicated “pointed windows, an asymmetrical plan, a tower, and a steep roof.”
Dave and Jane Jopling, along with the rest of the Hardy County Historical Society, seek to revive, if not the religious function, community functions and fellowship based on shared history, culture, and traditions, as well as the passion to learn and understand more.
“We want to expand,” shared Jane Jopling. She added that the Society had operated an office and museum on the second floor of Mullens 1847, but the needs created by demand and interest made the space there too constrictive. “One of our board members wrote to the diocese. They said ‘let’s talk.’”
Dave Jopling then explained that the Historical Society requested that the Episcopal Church donate the building and added “they thought that would be a fantastic new use for the building.”
Since August, the Society has come into possession of the building and commenced the process of performing repairs and clean-ups that will prepare it for public use. Some of these may take time. Mrs. Jopling noted that “the foundation needs work. There’s damage underneath.” They face other issues that typically emerge as a building sits unused for a period of time.
Much will not change. Mrs. Jopling explained that “the building itself is an exhibit.” Mr. Jopling added that they intend for the building to “keep the feel so that can still be accessible.”
Then Mrs. Jopling was quick to add that “of course we won’t change the stained glass windows and explained how the designs indicated that Emmanuel Episcopal was a “low church.” In that faith until the last century, “high church” denoted a formal and stylized service with some aspects left over from when the Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church.
Low church indicates a more evangelical approach with more singing, flexibility in sermons and music, and the willingness to adapt to local needs.
They also pointed out the sturdy and beautifully handmade pews, provided by a local craftsman
Despite the issues found, they did say, however, that they found the kitchen in good working order and ready to go.
Eventually, as Mr. Jopling shared, it will serve as “ the new home of the museum. We want to bring all of our artifacts here.” The Society will also use the building as a headquarters and also a space to host presentations and other events.
Meanwhile, the Joplings stated that they, the Board, and others will brainstorm and develop creative and fun ways to use and enjoy the new space.
Some artifacts have already made their way into the new home of the Society, notably a number of objects and photographs associated with the McNeill’s Rangers Confederate Partisan unit that operated throughout the South Branch watershed and whose tales of bravery and bravado are still passed down from generation to generation today.
Although plans have not yet emerged, the Society encourages the community to follow it on Facebook and in other media as it announces events and opportunities.
