Little Fork Church Notes From History - August 24, 2023

In continuation of our Notes from History Series with Don Stockton, today's article is titled "1908 Letter to Rev. Stockton Cole". If you have any questions you may reach out to Don Stockton at [email protected] We hope you enjoy!

In my endeavor to uncover our many hidden gems and make them available to future enthusiasts I came across an interesting letter in a box of Mary Jo Browning’s records. It seems the Methodist were not the only denomination that felt they could take advantage of an empty building. The letter was from J. W. Ware Rector of St. Mark’s Parish dated November 5, 1908 Culpeper, Va. to Rev. Stockton W. Cole.

I have heard that you have recently held services in our church at Oak Shade, and that a meeting has been appointed by you for next week. If this is true, I am confident that you are acting under a mistaken impression; to-wit; that Little Fork is a free or union church.

It is the exclusive property of the Episcopal Church, held by the Trustees of St. Mark’s Parish, and under the control of the Rector and vestry of the same. It stands in the same position as St. Stephen’s Church, Culpeper and St. Mark’s Chapel, Rixeyville. As such no minister, even of the Episcopal Church, is at liberty to preach in it except on the invitation of the Rector of St. Mark’s Parish. Permission to hold services in Little Fork has been given the Methodist under certain written conditions, on record.

J. W. Ware, Rector of
St. Mark’s Parish.