Meherrin in Lunenburg County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Christian Day School
Meherrin, Virginia
— Lunenburg County —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 27, 2021
In 1880 a German Lutheran minister, the Rev. W.R. Buehler, a well-educated man who had worked for five years as a missionary in Africa, moved with his family to Green Bay, VA. He had not been in Green Bay long when the African American community, knowing he had served in Africa, asked the white minister to preach to them and teach their children. He was reluctant at first, but when he saw the conditions that they lived in, he consented. The Lutheran Mission Board was agreeable to his appointment in Green Bay, and Mrs. Buehler gave land and logs for a chapel-school for the site. The building cost $200 to build and was dedicated in 1881.
Because of their efforts to help the local African American community, the Buehlers were ostracized by their neighbors. Despite the harassment, Rev. Buehler continued to teach and work in the Black community, gaining fame for himself along the way. In 1883 he was asked to preach in Doswell Town near Meherrin. He acted on the offer, moving his school and church to Doswell Town. This was the first Black church to own its own parsonage and cemetery.
Shortly after the move, Rev. Buehler's poor health led him to retire. A series of preachers succeeded him, and the church continued to grow. In 1892, the Sunday school had 106 members and the Christian Day School had 54 pupils. The day school took in many children from Prince Edward County when the schools were closed, resulting in extra classes. In 1963, when the school's main teacher, Mrs. Rahab Jackson, retired, economic pressure caused the school to be closed, but the church continued to flourish, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 1983.
Erected by Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail. (Marker Number LN3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 37° 6.137′ N, 78° 20.932′ W. Marker is in Meherrin, Virginia, in Lunenburg County. Marker is on Free State Road (Virginia Route 630) 0.2 miles east of Twin Crossings Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1361 Free State Rd, Meherrin VA 23954, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Meherrin Station (approx. one mile away); Blanche Kelso Bruce (approx. 3.1 miles away); CCC Company 1390 (approx. 3.1 miles away); Charlotte County / Prince Edward County (approx. 5.6 miles away); Mount Pleasant Methodist Church
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 27, 2021
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 29, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.