The Beginning Reverend H. D. Coffey February 23, 2011

Gretna Christian Church 100th Anniversary

Minister:  Dwight Mays

111 Leftwich Street
Gretna, Virginia
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 644 Gretna, Virginia 24557

This is a portion of the article written by Reverend H. D. Coffey for the Christian Standard Magazine on December 2, 1911  page 36. The third portion will be published tomorrow.

Photo above:  10:30 a.m.   Busy   Rear View

On October 17, though it rained incessantly until late in the night, several of us went to be in place.  The morning of the 18^th was fair, and that day we cut timbers, laid foundation and had all things ready.  Early on the morning of the 19^th we met and began work in earnest.  Though the house was 50x34 feet, the entire side of framing was put together and then raised and fastened and braced.  Then the ends of the rafters had been shaped and dressed the day before and a neat “rake cornice” was put on.  Then sheeting.  A splendid and bountiful dinner was served by the ladies, which was enjoyed by all.  After dinner, work was resumed immediately, the tinners set to work and building rushed until darkness closed our labors for the day.  Part of the pews were made, temporary seats arranged for the rest of the house, and W. R. Motley preached a fine sermon to a large congregation that night.

This house, which is 50x34 feet, with eight large windows, two doors in rear and double doors in front, large platform for pulpit, and eighteen foot pitch inside, was practically built in a day.  Part of the scaffolds were not taken down and a little weatherboarding therefore could not be done until the next day.  As the day was so short and the tinners so late getting to work, part of the tin on one side had to be put on next day.  Also the pews, a splendid set, were put in, and now the church is being ceiled and finished inside.  A good, large Bible school has been organized.  Standard literature ordered, B. F. Sublett, who is a good preacher as well as a splendid singer, employed to preach for them, and the prospects are very bright for this place.  The”Sunbeam" choir is attracting the attention of the community.

I will publish the rest of his article tomorrow

Special Thanks to the following:

Mark E. Poole  photos

Disciples of Christ Historical Society 

Christian Standard Magazine

Gretna Christian Church