Freedmen's Bureau Records: J. L. Clark to Thomas P.
Jackson, July 8, 1867
Summary:
Clark, the minister of an African Methodist Church in Staunton, makes a statement
to Jackson about an unspecified complaint that had been made about his
congregation's occupancy of the church building.
Mr. Thomas P. Jackson
Agent Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
July 8, 1867
Staunton, Virginia
Sir
In response to your note of July 2d I beg leave respectfully to say, I am the preacher in charge of the Methodist congregation now in the use and occupancy of the church edifice to which you refer. The same congregation who built the church and who for more than fifty years have worshipped in it and other churches which in that time have stood upon the same spot.
The title of church property is by the law of Virginia held by trustees for the
benefit and use of the local Religious congregation. The building has for many
years been held by such trustees approved by the current court of Augusta
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County under the law of the state. It is with the consent and by the
authority of these trustees that our congregation hold and uses the property.
There are three congregations of Methodists in Staunton, one composed entirely of White persons, the other two exclusively of colored persons. As each of these congregations has its own separate place of worship, I am unable to understand how the use and occupancy of our church edifice has become the subject of discussion & inquiry by those you represent.
As I have stated we are and always have been in the peaceful possession of this
property, and if any complaints or [unclear: ---cutations] has been made
in denegration of our right to such
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possession, I submit very
respectfully that it is proper that we shall be informed of its source and its
character. So that we may be enabled to meet it promptly and distinctly. As soon
as I have the points to which I am expected to respond I will take pleasure in
laying before you such information as will enable you to make a just and and proper disposition of the whole subject of your inquiry.
I am Sir, very Respectfully
Your Obedient
Servant
J. S. Clark
