James Wheeler, Trustee

One of the best known churches in Southwestern Virginia and one of the noblest of old churches in 
dimension, simplicity and strength, it has stood for two centuries as a sentinel and a beacon of light,
hope and faith. Ten generations have worshipped in it with a faith as strong and as simple as the
church itself. Services at the church have been continuous from beginning to the present time on
the first, second and fourth Sunday of each month. A large plaque on the brick wall at the front of
the church gives it's date as 1775…it's beginning may have been much earlier.

Gordon Aronhime, a well known writer on the history of Washington County, in his article in the
Bristol Herald Courier, February 17,1963, states that Thomas Worsley was the one and only pioneer
minister of the Holston River in 1770 or 1771 in a neighborhood of hardy pioneer Baptists who
included Pierces, Cole's, Wheelers, Thomas's and Bishops. All of the land belonging to these
settlers lay around a tract of land called Sinclair's Bottom, which was patented by Charles
Sinclair on 8 August 1753. The land which lay around this tract belonged to the Loyal Land
Company of which 612 acres was sold to Thomas Wolsey on 23 February 1775. On the edge of this
tract, there was a Baptist Church, proof that it had existed prior to 1775. Wolsey later moved from
the land on which the meeting house stood and sold it to Joseph Cole. On 20 June 1792, Cole
deeded one acre and 100 poles of the land to the Baptist church for 20 shillings. Exact words in
deed are: "….the said meeting house now on the said land.  

Beginning at a small white oak on the north side of the river…." And referred to it as "….the 
Congregation and Meeting House formerly known as Sinclair's Bottom." The names of the church
trustees appearing on the deed were James Wheeler, John Thomas, Jonathan Bishop. In the minutes 
of  the Church, Book 111 (1878-1907) a note was found written and signed by Joseph Dinkens, Clerk
and Elder A Rouse as Moderator: "From what we can learn, the church at St. Clair's Bottom was
constituted in the year 1792. "….it is not known how or when the change from Sinclair's to St. Clairs
was made. The word "Bottom" no doubt refers to the low, level terrain of land near the river on
which the church stands and the surrounded by the rolling hills.

It is tradition passed from one generation to the next that the early church members endured ordeals
from the Indians who were in the locality. When the first log building was being constructed, it was
necessary for the workmen to keep their guns close by in case of attacks by prowling Indians and wild 
beasts; the men went armed with guns…to protect their families when attending meetings at the church
and they worshipped with their guns across their knees…. the woman would gather in the church to
make soap, to sew quilts and bed coverings and to make clothing for their men, children and them-
selves. One story is told about a day when the women were alone in the church preparing to make soap. 

Indians, trying to crawl through one of the small windows, had boiling water poured on them by the
women. It is difficult to realize the trials through which the pioneer members went to be at the church
to hear God's word.  One can feel grateful that they found warmth, comfort, and loving protection
within the walls of  their church.

There are names of early members as seen in the church minutes of 1812 which are familiar today;
Bishop, Cole, Rouse, Tilson, Dinkins, McClure, Debusk, Sherwood, Lester, Williams, Debord,
Callahan, Meek and Buchanan. Members of the church have always been known for their kindness,
sincerity, and humility and for being considerate of one another. Naturally they are also considered
assets on their communities, being good solid citizens and cooperative, helpful neighbors. They
adhere strictly to the moral code of the Church. They read and believe devoutly in the Bible and
follow in the footsteps of their Master…with no deviation whatsoever, addressing each other as
Brother and Sister in Christ. They believe strongly in total immersion as when John the Baptist
baptized Christ in the river Jordan.

Names of early ministers of the church according to the minutes were Baker, Rouse, Senter,
Colley, Edwards and Jessee. In the later years there were Hopkins, Martin, Miller, Tilson, Barker,
Blevins and Fletcher…In his article about the church, Charles B. Coale also wrote of the hardships
the early ministers endured: "They took their lives in their hands going about doing good. They
traveled great distances through the wilderness, facing danger, seen and unseen, to dispense
the blessings of the gospel among the scattered settlers; and all their labor, exposure, and
danger was without prospect or hope of earthly reward."

Many fine and wonderful sermons gave been preached in the church during it's two centuries
of existence and none of them were prepared in advance. The test of the sermon is chosen when
the minister enters the pulpit and God blesses him to speak words of truth, love, and comfort to
the congregation….The church members enjoy singing together the good old songs without the
aid from a musical instrument, "making a joyful noise unto the Lord."

The Second Sunday in June has always been the biggest day in the year for the church and
community. It is known…as the June Meeting. As early as 1875 it was necessary to hire a constable
to keep order, on the highway, in front of the church. About 8:00 a.m. the crowd…would begin to
assemble in the areas surrounding the church. They came from communities far and near, bringing
friends and relatives to meet other friends and relatives…Members had full houses of ministers
from other states for the weekend. Members of neighboring churches would be inside the crowded
church to listen to the sermons and to join in the singing. Temporary lemonade stands would be
along the highway and later, in the 1900's, there would be both lemonade and ice cream cones…Over
in the meadow…there would be a small plane to take up, for a small sum, those who wished to soar
above to view the crowds…Until the crowds became to heavy, there would be diner spread on the
ground and there was always enough food for everyone.

In the deed of sale from Joseph Cole to the church, there is mention of the boundary line---
"Beginning at a small white oak on the north side of the river…" It is quite easy to believe the
small white oak is now the huge one which stand at the front of the church. Gordon Aronshire
wrote: "In the front there is a gigantic oak that three men with outstretched arms can scarcely
circle. In the rear of the church is a splendid white pine that is worth the trip up the South Fork
to behold." There has been as much love and respect in the hearts of the members for the old
oak tree as for the church. It's wide, spreading limbs have covered and protected the church in
summer and winter storms. No one knows the actual age … of this old pine:…It's roots have
almost covered some of the old gravestones which were near it….

The cemetery at the rear of the church, graced by the beautiful pine tree, is well kept. An aura of
peace hovers above it. The old stones are kept straightened as far as possible, the grass is mowed 
regularly,  and the church maintains a cemetery fund for its up-keep. There are about 200 graves
which can be counted…It is known that Joseph Cole, who died in 1806 and who sold the church 
and  land to the trustees, is buried near the pine tree. At one time there was a cemetery for slaves
adjoining the main cemetery on the south and towards the river.