Near Sugar Grove in Pendleton County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The Wilfong Church
⎯⎯⎯
St. Michaels Lutheran Church
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 19, 2018
1. The Wilfong Church side of marker
“The Wilfong Church.” Four acres of land for church and cemetery were purchased for one shilling on October 1, 1794 from German immigrant couple, Michael and Sophia Wilfong. Historically and locally known as “The Wilfong Church” because of the patronage of the Wilfong family and large number of family members who attended the church and are buried in the cemetery.
St. Michaels Lutheran Church. First St. Michaels Lutheran Church on this site was a log structure built circa 1800; burned and rebuilt in 1921. It served German speaking immigrants who settled in area in mid-to-late 18th century. Earliest record,in German, of church service held here is January 1, 1807. Weekly services were held here until 1974, before consolidation with three other nearby Lutheran churches.
Erected 2003 by Pendelton County Historical Society and the West Virginia Division of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History
this page online
Location. 38° 28.467′ N, 79° 19.912′ W. Marker is near Sugar Grove, West Virginia, in Pendleton County. It is on Sugar Grove Road (West Virginia Route 21) south of Brushy Fork Road ( Route 30), on the right when traveling south. It is at the church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brandywine WV 26802, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stone Cemetery (approx. 6.6 miles away); Johann Zacharias Rexrode, Jr. (approx. 8½ miles away); Virginia / West Virginia (approx. 9.1 miles away in Virginia); West Virginia / Virginia (approx. 9.1 miles away); Trout Rock Fort (approx. 9.2 miles away);
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 19, 2018
2. St. Michaels Lutheran Church side of marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Trout Rock (was approx. 9.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Confederate Prayer Service (was approx. 9.9 miles away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 19, 2018
3. “The Wilfong Church” / St. Michaels Lutheran Church Marker
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 19, 2018
4. The Wilfong Church — St. Michaels Lutheran Church near Sugar Grove WV
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,168 times since then and 202 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 27, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
