Bishop Matthew W. Clair, Sr.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 30, 2015

1. Bishop Matthew W. Clair, Sr. Marker

Inscription.
Born at Union, 1865. Converted at 15 at Simpson M. E. Church, Charleston. Licensed to preach; his first parish was Harpers Ferry 1889. His most distinguished pastoral work was the rebuilding of Asbury Church Washington, with a seating capacity of 1800. He was one of the two first Negroes in Methodism to achieve the office of bishop. He died in Covington, Ky., in 1943, and was buried in Washington, D.C.

Erected 1979 by West Virginia Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 35.494′ N, 80° 32.547′ W. Marker was in Union, West Virginia, in Monroe County. It was at the intersection of North Street (West Virginia Route 3) and Pump Street, on the left when traveling east on North Street. It stands in front of Ames Clair Hall. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 65 North St, Union WV 24983, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Southern Coalfields.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

this location: Ames Methodist Episcopal Church (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bishop Matthew W. Clair, Sr. (a few steps from this marker); Crook's Occupation of Union (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Vietnam Memorial (about 300 feet away); Union (about 300 feet away); William Porcher Miles (about 300 feet away); General John Echols (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union.

Ames Clair Hall and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 30, 2015

2. Ames Clair Hall and Marker

Asbury United Methodist Church, Washington DC image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Matthew G. Bisanz, October 6, 2009

3. Asbury United Methodist Church, Washington DC

Via Wikipedia Commons.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 850 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.