Bridgeport in Harrison County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Baptist Meeting House
Photographed By Bradley Owen, July 10, 2021
1. Baptist Meeting House Marker
The first building known as the Baptist Meeting House stood on this site. The church was organized about 1770 by Rev. John Sutton and five constituent members. Rev. James Sutton served as pastor for a short period. Rev. John Corbly served as pastor 1780-81; later his family was killed by the Indians. Rev. Edwards was sent to Buckhannon to preach: this led to the organization of a church there in 1786. In a meeting of the church in 1787, a woman was tried for witchcraft. In 1807 Rev. Jesse H. Goss became pastor and served nearly thirty years. The pastors that followed were: J. W. Toofborough, John Denham, Phineas Wells, A. J. Garret, M. Maddox, J. Wrightman, B. Holden.Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1770.
Location. 39° 17.425′ N, 80° 14.518′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport, West Virginia, in Harrison County. Marker can be reached from Benedum Drive (West Virginia Route 131) 0.1 miles north of Northwestern Turnpike (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the right shortly
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Baptist Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bridgeport Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Benedum Civic Center (approx. ¾ mile away); Bridgeport (approx. one mile away); John Powers' Fort (approx. one mile away); Combat Wounded (approx. 1.7 miles away); a different marker also named Combat Wounded (approx. 1.8 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.
Regarding Baptist Meeting House. Known today as the Simpson Creek Baptist Church, it was recognized in 1965 as the oldest existing Baptist Church in West Virginia. It is generally accepted that this church is the oldest existing Protestant church west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, July 10, 2021
2. Baptist Meeting House Marker
Photographed By Bradley Owen, July 10, 2021
3. Bridgeport Cemetery Entrance
The marker is visible in the distance above the black entry fence.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 3. submitted on July 16, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
