AMHERST PARISH, NELSON COUNTY.
We have seen that this was separated from Lexington in 1778.
It is not known how many churches there were in it at that time,
but certainly one at Rockfish Gap, near the mountain, and one
near James River, in the neighbourhood of the Cabells. The Rev.
Robert Rose, in his journal ending in the year 1751, often speaks
of being at the houses of the Cabells and preaching in that neighbourhood,
and doubtless a church must have been built there soon
after, called Key's Church. About the year 1780, it is believed
a Mr. Buchan was minister of that parish,—probably the same who
was afterward in Stafford. In the year 1790 the Rev. Isaac
Darneile appears on the journal of the Convention as minister of
this parish. Of him I have spoken on a former occasion, as one
who was always in pecuniary difficulties, who exchanged the pulpit
for the bar, and, failing in that also, left his family behind, and,
going to the South, spent some years there. In 1795 the Rev.
William Crawford, brother or near relative of Mr. Charles Crawford,
succeeded Mr. Darneile, preaching at Rockfish Key's, the old
court-house, and Hat Creek. Mr. Crawford was, I believe, the
last regular minister of this parish, until the Rev. Charles Page
undertook the charge of it, in connection with that of Lexington,
some years after the revival of the Church commenced. The Rev.
Mr. King and Dr. Stephens, of Staunton, had performed some
duties at Rockfish Gap Church before Mr. Page's more regular
assumption of the charge of the parish. The Rev. Frederick
Goodwin succeeded Mr. Page in this parish, and has continued to
be its minister until the last year. The Rev. Mr. Martin is its
present minister.[12]
As to the churches in the parish of Amherst and county of Nelson
of more recent erection, there was, until a few years since, one
called Calloway's Church, of whose date, however, I am unable to
speak positively, but think it must have been at a much later date
than the old ones which have long since passed away. This has
been deserted of late years for two new brick houses,—the one
called Trinity, near the residence (Oak Ridge) of old Mr. Rives,
and built chiefly, if not entirely, by him, and the other at New
Market, on the James River Canal, at the mouth of Tye River.
The old church at Rockfish has also been removed to a more convenient
place, not far off, and entirely renovated.
Amidst no little opposition, Captain John B. Coles and Mr.
Martin, two fast friends of the Church, determined upon the effort
for its removal and renewal, and invited all the neighbours—even
the poorest—to meet at certain appointed days for its prostration,
its removal and re-erection, and completely triumphed over all
opposition and falsified all unfavourable prophecies. In another
place I have stated that it has been for many years supplied with
occasional services by ministers from Albemarle county.
