2026-04-26T18:59:20-04:00 Zend_Feed_Writer https://shenandoahstories.org/ Shenandoah Stories https://shenandoahstories.org 2016-06-07T15:35:45-04:00 2018-10-19T11:46:21-04:00 https://shenandoahstories.org/items/show/107 Shenandoah County Library On June 15, 1833 seventeen members of the community banded together to form the Zion Christian Church. Originally meetings were held at the Zion Schoolhouse once a month. New members were allowed to join, but only after a unanimous vote. This early congregation was a tight-knit group. Whenever anyone had an issue, problem, or celebration, the entire church joined it to provide support and encouragement. The congregation voted to join the Disciples of Christ denomination on June 20, 1842. Four years later the church agreed to split into sister congregations due to the distance many members travelled to attend services. Zion continued to operate alongside a new Christian denomination in Saumsville. The two groups equally shared funds and other supplies. A new church building was built in December 1859. This church is still used by the congregation. Thirty years later the first Sunday School was organized as communities throughout the county began to seek ways to provide Christian education to their youth. Over time the church expanded. Classrooms, a fellowship hall, parking, siding, and a picnic shelter were added. Worship also expanded from once a month to every Sunday as ministers became more available. Extra-curricular organizations were also formed. A Ladies Aid Society, now called Zion Disciples Women, dated to 1898. A Men’s Group, Young Women’s Circle, Missionary Club, and Youth Fellowship have also operated. For more (including 3 images), view the original article. 2016-05-18T14:34:50-04:00 2018-10-19T11:46:21-04:00 https://shenandoahstories.org/items/show/58 Shenandoah County Library During the early part of the 19th century traveling ministers of the Church of Christ visited towns in Shenandoah County. As early as 1808 records indicate residents of Strasburg were meeting to hear these individuals. In 1820 enough members of the community supported the denomination to build a church near Oranda, a rural community to the west of town that was centrally located between member’s houses. In 1856, the local population had grown and a new congregation was formed in the town of Strasburg. They met at the local school and the Presbyterian Church until the Civil War began and regular church services were suspended. Seven years after the conflict ended the congregation had reorganized and were able to build their first church building. The total cost of the land and construction was $3,225. The late 19th and early 20th century was defined by the Rev. James D. Hamaker who served the church for 34 years. He was so involved in the local Christian Church that he became known as the unofficial “Bishop of the Valley.” His efforts led the church’s involvement in the newly founded Virginia Christian Missionary Society and Lynchburg College. He also added 673 members to the church rolls. Strasburg Christian Church’s building was altered under Hamaker’s tenure and that of his successor Arthur Wake. In 1912 the sanctuary was enlarged and the distinctive towers added to the front of the church. Two decades later the church built an educational wing to house the Sunday School classrooms and social space. These later expansion was completed despite the financial trouble the face church during the Great Depression. The 1960s also saw extensive changes. During the beginning of the decade a new fellowship hall was added. In 1962 the Rev. David Derby became the minister and served for 35 years. His leadership was just as defining as Hamaker’s and saw the church move into the modern era. Worship services and outreach ministries were expanded to meet the needs of a changing community. Though he retired in 1997, these efforts continue today. For more (including 2 images), view the original article.