 In October 1847, just two years after the church was organized, Dr. Lewis Littlepage Holladay, his wife, Jane G. Thompson, and their two sons, were received from the Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg. The sons were John Zachary Holladay and Henry Thompson Holladay. Dr. Holladay and his wife soon had two more sons, John Addison Holladay and James Minor Holladay. The family lived near Rapidan at Dunlora. Dr. Lewis Holladay serves OPC Dr. Holladay was ordained Elder in November 1847 and became Stated Clerk of the Session in May 1865. In 1867, he and four others were appointed Trustees to hold property purchased by OPC for the erection of a manse. The property was later sold to Dr. I. W. K. Handy, who was then pastor and had the manse erected. (for more of this story see: The Old Manse) “In 1869, the Church sustained a severe loss in the death of an Elder, Dr. Lewis Littlepage Holladay. A most consistent Christian, and regular in his attendance upon the services and courts of the church, he exercised quiet influence in it as well as in his own neighborhood. Though interested in scientific matters, he was particularly well versed in ecclesiastic subjects, and his gentle and genial disposition made him to be universally beloved.” A. G. Grinnan, Elder March 31, 1888 (During his turn as Stated Clerk of the Session, Dr. A. G. Grinnan, carefully and efficiently recorded the minutes for 27 years!)  Henry Holladay and founding of Waddell Memorial Church
Dr. Holladay’s son, Henry Thompson Holladay, Sr. (1828 - 1910) was admitted to OPC in 1847. His first wife was Mary Jane Boggs (1833–1861) and his second wife was Frances Porter Holladay (1838-1917). They lived near Rapidan and are buried at Waddell Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In 1874, two elders from the Orange Presbyterian Church, Dr. Andrew G. Grinnan and Henry T. Holladay, led a campaign to erect a church at Rapidan. It was to be a memorial to Rev. James Waddell. Rev. Waddell was a celebrated blind preacher. He was the first Presbyterian preacher to fill a regular appointment in Orange County. The campaign was a success. Two years later, West Hanover Presbytery organized the Waddell Memorial Church. Henry Holladay had seven children between his two wives, one being Lewis Holladay, Jr. (1868-1946). More on him and his son next week! Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team
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 This was once our place of worship and is now our beautiful Fellowship Hall. So happy that when we needed a larger space, we did not sell this lovely building and go somewhere else to build our new and current church. She is a very important part of our history.
It is appropriate that the Methodist Church is in the background -- we were without a church for a few years before we built this one in 1910. The Methodists, and the Baptists, were kind enough to let us worship in their sanctuaries during that time. - Jennie Hill Robinson The sun was out, and the weather warm. A perfect day to take some pictures!  This is the stone marker in our Memorial Garden. It's a good place to just sit and pray.  You can also discover this sweet little angel among the flowers in our Memorial Garden.  A view of our Memorial Garden in full bloom! That's St. Thomas Episcopal Church in the background. Photos courtesy of Jennie Hill Robinson
 A pew from the "new" church, still in the Fellowship Hall (plaque detail below). “In February 1878, two sisters were received into the church who became as faithful, devoted and consecrated as any Christians who ever lived. One was Lelia Johnson, afterwards Mrs. Walker Sanford, and the other Evelyn Johnson, afterwards Mrs. W. C. Williams. These two “Elect Ladies” served the church long and well and have left a rich heritage to their children and to their church.” Rev. William B. Ward November 8, 1945 Evelyn Williams and the move In February of 1910, a congregational meeting was held at the close of service. It was to consider an offer of $1,200.00 for the existing church building on what is now Byrd Street. The congregation unanimously agreed to accept the offer and a committee was chosen to select a site for the new church. The committee included Mrs. Evelyn Williams. Evelyn was also selected to be on the building committee. On March 7, 1910, a meeting of the committee to select the site for the new church was held at Berry Hill, the residence of Mrs. W. C. Williams. After a “free and full discussion”, the Allen lot was chosen for the new church. That lot was at the intersection of, what is now, Caroline and Main Streets.  In 1942, new pews were installed in the church, many of them being given as memorials. Some were given as a memorial to Evelyn Johnson Williams by her children. One is still in our Fellowship Hall. Jo Williams and the Women's Auxiliary Josephine "Jo" Johnson Williams was born on June 2, 1893, and was admitted into the church on May 19, 1907. She married Rowland F. Hill Jr. of Locust Dale, VA. On August 31, 1924, Rowland Flint Hill Jr. was received into the membership of the church by letter from Crooked Run Baptist Church. They had two children, Rowland Flint Hill, III and Evelyn Williams Hill. They also lived at Berry Hill. Mrs. Hill’s sister, Elmira Hansbrough Williams lived at Berry Hill with them. “Miss Elma” also was received into the membership of the church and was a devoted member of the Women’s Auxiliary. (See her story in our archives from earlier.) “Jo” served on the OPC Women’s Auxiliary in every capacity over the years. She was one of the major forces in serving lunches at the cattle sales, 4-5 times a year. When our current church was in the beginning stage of construction, Mrs. Hill was part of the groundbreaking ceremony. (More on that later!) Her husband, Rowland Hill Jr. served on the Board of Deacons. (insert photo of groundbreaking) Rowland and Dot Hill -- and family On March 31, 1935, Rowland Flint Hill III was received into the membership of the church, and Evelyn was received into the church on July 3, 1938. In 1945, a tribute was paid to Mrs. Josephine Williams Hill’s family for three generations of devoted service, which includes her parents and her children. In 1944, Rowland F. Hill III married Dorothy MacDonald Childress. They had five children: William Clayton Hill, Rowland F. Hill IV, Floyd Childress Hill, Douglas MacDonald Hill and Jennie Grey Hill. All of the children were baptized in the OPC, attended the Sunday School and participated in Youth Activities.  Back row (l - r) Douglas Hill, Dot and Rowland Hill, William Hill, Evelyn Scott and husband, Frank Scott, Bucky Hill and Floyd Hill. Seated: Josephine Williams Hill, Jennie Hill Robinson, James Scott and Rowland F. Hill, Jr. Rowland served on the Board of Deacons and Dot was a member of the Women of the Church. She enjoyed helping with flowers for the Sanctuary and contributing food for lunches, dinners and receptions. Dot’s church family were her best friends.
Jennie Hill Robinson is still active today. She enjoyed starting the Memorial Garden with others and helping with fund raising for the community. She is currently serving on the Session. Evelyn (Chip) Hill married Frank (Rev) G. Scott of Orange on December 16, 1961. They had one son, James Rowland Scott, and lived in Texas. They moved back to Orange in 1975. Evelyn Hill is the oldest member of Orange Presbyterian Church at the age of 96 and has, also, been a member the longest. Jennie Hill Robinson - OPC History Team  (L to R) Marjorie and Buckshot Clements, Peggy and Billy Fitch “Self-discipline, compassion, responsibility, friendship, work, courage, perseverance, honesty, loyalty and faith. Mary and Chester Hazard and Emma Frances Hazard Bartley possess all of these virtues and more. They are an inspiration to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and to us all.” Robert Jones, 1995 OPC 150th Anniversary The Third Generation: Marjorie Elizabeth and Peggy Sue Bartley On May 15,1954, the daughters of Horace and Emma Frances Bartley, Marjorie Elizabeth and Peggy Sue, (raised in the Orange Presbyterian Church), had a double wedding in the old sanctuary. Rev. Albert Edwards officiated. Both husbands joined this church, Lorris ‘Buckshot’ Clements from the Gordonsville Baptist Church and Charles O. ‘Billy’ Fitch from the Orange Methodist Church. Peggy, born in 1934, and Billy Fitch, a Deacon of this congregation, have four children. Charles Timothy, William Perry, Kathleen Sue and James Ordway were raised in this church and participated in many Sunday School and Church youth activities. Margie Clements was born in 1932. She was a OPC choir member and a Sunday School teacher Margie is a member of the Women of the Church Circle and served as the Treasurer for many years. She participated in many OPC activities including countless church lunches and suppers. ‘Buckshot’, who has served on the Diaconate also was a member, and past president, of the Men of the Church. He played on the church softball team as part of the local area church softball league. ‘Buckshot’ is presently a Trustee of OPC.  Rev. Lynne Clements The Fourth Generation: Lorris Lynn and Scott Bartley Clements Margie and Buckshot have two boys, Lorris Lynn and Scott Bartley. Lynn was born in 1956 and raised in OPC. He participated in many church activities as a member of the Sunday School and the Youth Group. Lynn later became a Sunday School teacher and Sponsor of the OPC Youth Group. He also played on the church softball team. Lynn has in the past, and is currently, serving on the Session. He has been a member of the Property Committee for many years and heads up our newly formed Safety Team since Covid-19. Lynn married Lynne Kirkpatrick Taylor in 1988 in OPC. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Bill Nichols. Lynne became an active member of this church, teaching Sunday School and Sponsoring the Youth Group. She was a member of the choir and the Session. In 2016, Lynne was ordained as Minister of the Presbyterian Church, USA in a Service of Ordination at OPC. In 2018, she was installed as Associate Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville. Scott Bartley was born in 1960 and was involved in church activities as a member of the Sunday School and Youth Group. He was also part of the OPC Softball team. Scott is married to Teresa Herndon Clements.  Front row: Lynne and Lynn Clements; Back row Leslie, Martha, and Anne Clements The Fifth Generation:
Martha, Leslie, and Anne Clements Lynn and Lynne have three daughters: Martha Elizabeth, Leslie Kirkpatrick and Anne Bartley, all of whom were raised in OPC. Martha was an active member of the Sunday School and church youth activities and sang in the choir. She served on the Session and was Superintendent of our Sunday School. Leslie also was active in the Sunday School and church youth activities, sang in the choir and served on the Session. Anne, following her family’s lead, participated in Sunday School and church youth activities and sang in the choir. These young women are the 5th generation of the Hazard family active in OPC today. All of these young people have lead by example as did their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. “Those things which we hold foremost in our memory and dwell on in our thoughts play an important part in defining just who we are. Thus, it is not just appropriate, it is a vital part of the Orange Presbyterian Church to remind ourselves of the saints of this congregation. And to thankfully celebrate their lives and their example, by bringing up the memories of the part they have played in the continuity of who we are and who we strive to be.” Robert Jones, 1995 OPC 150th Anniversary - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team  Emma Miller Hazard (1881-1941) This week and next, we honor a family whose members have graced our church through five generations. Join us in this celebration of their lives and their example. The First Generation: William and Emma Hazard In 1921, William Thomas Hazard, his wife, Emma Miller Hazard, and their two children moved to Orange County from Kentucky. They bought a small farm in eastern Orange County. “At the close of the regular quarterly communion services held this morning, the session met and received by letter from the Loveland Memorial Presbyterian Church at Quicksand, Ky, the following members: Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Hazard, Mr. Chester Hazard and Miss Emma Frances Hazard.” Mr. Lewis Holladay, Clerk of Session July 2, 1922 Session Notes The Hazards quickly became deeply involved in the life of this congregation. Mr. Hazard served as Elder and Mrs. Hazard was a mainstay of the Sunday School, teaching Christian faith to young people for many, many years. In 1984, Mary L. Sanford, who was oldest member of OPC at the time, mentioned in her recollections that “Mrs. Hazard became a pillar in the church in our Sunday School.” “On November 23, 1924, W. T. Hazard was elected to the Eldership of the Orange Presbyterian Church. In this capacity, he served the church and her Lord faithfully until visited by the Angel of Death August 25, 1932. Intelligent and quick, upright and godly, he won the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.” Quote from Resolution of Respect, Lewis Holladay William L. Lord Marshall James "In 1941, under Rev. William B. Ward, a Mission Sunday School was established on Church Street in Orange for disadvantaged youth. In 1943, the Sunday School was dedicated and named 'The Emma Hazard Memorial Sunday School.' Many members of this congregation worked with the Sunday School." From the 100th Anniversary History by Rev. Ward  Emma Frances Hazard Bartley (1913-2000) The Second Generation: Emma Bartley and Chester Hazard William and Emma’s children, Emma Francis and Chester, grew up in this church and were a central part of its life. Emma Francis Bartley married Horace W. Bartley. They had four children, all who were raised in OPC, though Horace retained his membership in the Orange Baptist Church. Emma Francis taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and played the piano and the organ. She also grew beautiful flowers and created floral arrangements for Sunday worship, served twice as president of the Women of the Church, and was Circle Chairman for many years. Emma led numerous bible studies, was Treasurer of the Morning Circle for 16 years, and taught in the Emma Hazard Memorial Sunday School. She participated in white cross work for Church World Service, was chairman of countless luncheons, suppers, receptions and other functions. In general, whenever capable leadership was needed, Emma Bartley was there. (Two of their children, Marjorie Clements and Peggy Fitch, are still active today in the OPC. More on them next week.)  Mary Young Hazard (1909-1997) and Chester C. Hazard (1906-1998) Chester Hazard served for many terms as a Deacon and an Elder and was the Treasurer of the church for 25 years. He was also a member of the Orange County School Board for 32 years and was its chairman for 29 years.
He served as president of the James Madison Museum in Orange and was a Mason and a member of the American Legion. He was Secretary/Business manager for Montpelier from 1928 until its sale to the National Historic Trust. Mr. Hazard was also a World War II Navy Veteran. His wife, Mary Hazard, taught young people in the Sunday School, sang in the choir, created flower arrangements for the sanctuary and served as President of the Women of the Church and as a Circle Chairman. Chester and Mary had two daughters, Mary Chester and Carolyn, both of whom were baptized and married in this church. Chester and Mary’s combined contributions to this church is a bridge from the past to the future. It was built by constant and loyal service to this congregation. Please join us again next week as we continue to share the influence this family has had on our church. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team Portions of the writings above are taken from notes written by Robert G. Jones for our 150th anniversary in 1995. Robert is married to Carolyn Hazard. A few weeks ago, we learned about the dedication of two hymn boards in memory of William Leland Lord by the Women of the Church in 1962. Since then, we've learned more about this dedication. While cleaning out the desk of the oldest member of our congregation, her son found papers that belonged to Orange Presbyterian Church and passed them on to us. They shed more light on the design and fabrication of the two hymn boards that hang in the church today. On July 28, 1961, Rev. Richard F. Taylor wrote three letters regarding the building of two memorial hymn boards built. The first letter was written to Mr. J. E. Seay of Louisa, VA. Mr. Seay was a furniture builder who had met with Rev. Taylor previously about the project. What follows are parts of the letter from Rev. Taylor:  Dear Mr. Seay, This letter is to confirm that we are proceeding with the contract to build two hymn boards for the “W. L. Lord Memorial” here in the Orange Presbyterian Church, in accordance with the drawings which I brought to you during the past week. It is my understanding that you will build and finish these two (2) boards complete... furnishing all materials and finishing for the sum of $125.00. The exception to this price is that the two curved pieces which have to be made will be cut out in the rough by Biggs Antique Company, Richmond, VA. You will furnish the dressed walnut (18” x 36” x 13/16”) from which these two pieces will be cut. You will note that the two pieces in Richmond will be delivered to you unfinished and will require sandpaper and finishing in accord with the rest of the boards and this will be a part of your contract. The two brass crosses and the two brass memorial plaques will be furnished to you separately by ourselves. I hope that you will install them on the boards as a part of your work. I would urge that you take all the time that is necessary as we wish the very finest work possible and the best materials available. Thank you for your kindness and attention. Cordially, Richard F. Taylor, Pastor The second letter Richard Taylor wrote that day was to Mr. S. D. Huxley, Treasurer of Biggs Antique Company in Richmond, VA. Following are parts of that letter from Rev. Taylor:  Rev. Richard Taylor Dear Mr. Huxley,
I appreciate the very courteous reception which you and your people gave to me the other day when I brought the drawings of these two memorial hymn boards which we are seeking to have built for this church. Confirming the conversations which I had with you, it was my understanding that we would furnish the material, which is walnut.... that Mr. Dorset, foreman of the Machine Room, would see that the special curves and cutouts were made on this board for each of the two hymn boards; that Mr. Stenning would carve out by hand the five pieces on each board, according to the drawing. It was my understanding that Mr. Dorset would charge from $15 to $25 for the work done in the Machine Room and that Mr. Stenning would charge $10, personally, for his work. No finish of any kind was to be rendered by you folks, this work being done by Mr. J. E. Seay in Louisa. I am writing to Mr. Seay and am asking him to go ahead and make up a piece... out of dressed walnut... this piece will be brought to you for you to cut out the two boards. A set of drawings will be furnished to you at this time. You may then let us know when we can take them back to Louisa for finishing. I appreciate this personal attention from such a busy firm. Cordially, Richards F. Taylor, Pastor The third letter written that day was to Mr. W. E. Stenning at Biggs Antique Co. in Richmond, Va. Mr, Stenning was to hand carve the tops of the 2 hymn boards being built. Following is part of that letter from Rev. Taylor: Dear Mr. Stenning, Attached is a letter to Biggs which confirms the order for the work on the two hymn boards as per our conversation the other day. Please let Mrs. J. P. Maddex, Orange, VA, know when your handwork is completed…..Thank you for your great help and courteous attention to our needs, Cordially, Richard F. Taylor, Pastor We are excited to learn more about these hymn boards. We now know that they are solid walnut, portions are hand carved and that the total cost of was about $160.00 (about $1,429.00 in 2021 dollars). These copies were in one envelope and mailed to Mrs. Rowland F. Hill, Jr. Handwritten on the bottom of the envelope is: “Mrs. H….keep these, I have no file copy.” Thank goodness that not only did she keep the letters, but so did her daughter. Fortunately, Rev. Taylor had the knowledge to help with the design process and make this happen. Thank you to the Women of the Church for such a beautiful gift to our church. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team  Jack Pendleton Maddex and his wife, Jacquelin, moved to Orange in 1944. He became a partner with Stanley Jewell, purchasing Grymes Drug Store from John Randolph Grymes. The store was on East Main Street next to the railroad tracks.
Jack Maddex wrote “…when we came to Orange, the Jewells and the Maddexs were warmly received by the members of the Orange Presbyterian Church. Dr. Holladay, and his daughter Louise, had both of our families for Sunday dinner and all the members encouraged us to become active in the church. We were probably among the youngest married couples in the church at that time.” Mr. Maddex was active in the community and served as Elder and Deacon in OPC. He wrote, “They did not operate on any kind of budget in those days. If more money was needed, they simply passed the word around. It was during Ed Pickard’s ministry, (1949-1954), that we began to have pledges and a budget.” In the late 40’s, OPC purchased Miss Rita Graham’s home next door to the church. “By an arrangement with Miss Graham, we were allowed to build the Sunday School building on the back of her lot and her house was allowed to stand. We paid her a monthly payment for life..(I think $125.00). At her death, the property would be ours. She lived quite a while and I think we paid about $12,000 over the years for the property. I may be mistaken, but I think one member of our church paid one-half the monthly payment and the church paid the other half,” wrote Mr. Maddex. “In the early 50’s, we built the Sunday School building for about $53,000.00. It was a big financial undertaking,” he continues, “but it was paid off ahead of time. We had a drive to raise money for it. Mr. Grey Moore, (Goodwin’s father) was a deacon at this time and was active in raising the money.” Jack enjoyed golf, travel, and square dancing, but his foremost hobby was gardening. He and other businessmen developed Greenfields as a residential area. Mr. Maddex had a nurturing love for his family, neighbors and friends. Jacquelin, known to all as “Jackie”, was a wonderful and warm person who was also very active in OPC. She was part of the Women of the Church and believed to be the first woman to serve as Elder. If only someone could entertain us with stories of the lunches the Women of the Church served at the local cattle sales as it seems the church “made lots of money”. The Maddexs moved to Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg in 1988. He became an active member of First Presbyterian Church and volunteered at the Massanetta Springs and Conference Center. Mr. Maddex passed away in 2009 at the age of 95 and is buried with “Jackie”, who passed away in 2013, in Graham Cemetery in Orange, VA. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team  William Leland Lord "As a teacher, his influence lives with Woodberry men everywhere." Who was this wonderful man? William Leland Lord was born on January 29, 1888 in Covington, KY. He came to Woodberry Forest School, (founded in 1889 in Madison County), in 1916. Once he arrived, his entire life’s work was spent in the teaching of boys. Mr. Lord transferred his membership to Orange Presbyterian Church in 1923. He was elected a Ruling Elder a year later.  “As a father, his devotion and character were symbolic; as a humanitarian the glad memory of his cheerful, buoyant nature still warms men’s hearts; as a Christian, his love for Christ and his Church still leads men on.” (Author unknown…maybe Rev. Richard Taylor?) William Lord died January 14, 1960 and is buried in Graham Cemetery with his wife “Georgie” and their daughter Louise Trenholm Lord. Their son, Leland Hume Lord is buried in Los Angeles, CA. Georgia and their daughter, Louise, were also active in the OPC. Both were busy in the Women of the Church. Louise took on Bible Study and made it interesting. She also sang in the choir, entertaining the congregation with beautiful solos. On June 17, 1962, there was a service of dedication in memory of Mr. Lord. Two hymn boards were given by the Women of the Church. They were originally installed in the old sanctuary, which is now the Fellowship Hall. The boards hang today in the new Orange Presbyterian Church, built 1971. - Jennie Hill Robinson OPC History Team   Friends, In years past, it has been the norm that summer is a time of dormancy for the life of the church. Sunday School is over for the year, families travel, so worship attendance is down, services tend to be more casual. If this were a ‘normal’ year, that is what would be in our immediate future. But, as we all know, we are in the midst of getting to know our new normal. After over a year of erring on the side of caution, social distancing, and not meeting in person for worship, it seems that we are now at a time we feel comfortable revving back up. I have loved worshipping together over the past month. I understand and respect everyone’s decisions, to come or to stay home. We are doing our best to meet all of these needs. It is far from perfect, but my hope is that whether you come in person, or join in worshipping virtually, you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and the love of the community. At this time we feel like we can continue to worship in person on Sunday mornings, and we will continue to offer online options.  We will also be doing a book study over the summer. The book is called, “Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the United States.”
It is written by Rev. Lenny Duncan, who is ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The purpose of studying this book is to help us, as a majority white congregation, see worship from a different perspective. This aids in our goal as a Matthew 25 congregation to work towards racial justice. If you are interested in participating in this book study, please let me know and I will order the book for you. We will meet three times over the summer, Wednesday June 2, Wednesday June 23, and Wednesday July 14 at 7pm. Please prayerfully consider joining. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” Grace and peace be with you, Pastor Rebekah |
