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Memorial and Plaque Dedicated to Mark Whitaker, Castlewood's First Itinerant Methodist Preacher by Karen "Missy" (Thacker) Hobor, 5th Great Granddaughter of Rev. Mark Whitaker
Some of the descendants of Rev. Mark Whitaker and members of the Historical Society of Russell County, Virginia and the Fort
Gibson United Methodist Church gather at the memorial in the hills of Castlewood, Virginia to commemorate the life of the circuit riding preacher. Photo by Bob Whittaker. Click here to read a transcription of the memorial tablet inscriptions (includes listing of children and more photos).
April 15, 2006 at Castlewood, Russell County, Virginia
– A Memorial and Plaque were dedicated this week to Reverend Mark Whitaker, a Circuit Riding Methodist Preacher who served the Castlewood area and established many churches throughout the Seven Southern Districts including one at Bickley's Mill in 1786, which today is known as the Fort Gibson United Methodist Church.
After years of riding, preaching and establishing churches,
and after settling for a while in Jonesboro, TN, Mark and his wife Martha "Patsy" and their small family settled in what was then known as "Castle's Woods," the first settlement in present Russell County, Virginia, in 1802. Mark ministered to the needs of the early families of Castle's Woods, leading many souls to the Lord.
The present Fort Gibson United Methodist Church. Rev. Mark Whitaker founded the church in 1786 and was it's first
pastor. The church is now in its 4th location and 3rd name. It is presently pastored by Rev. Harry Layell. Photo by Bob Whittaker.
Mark died in 1811 or 1812, leaving behind his beloved wife and children, who moved on to Magoffin County, Kentucky.
Mark's grave is lost to time, but it is believed that it's a good possibility that he may have been buried on a knoll about 100 yards behind his home location on the Clinch River. In 2004, descendants placed a memorial to Mark's wife Patsy in Magoffin County, KY near her place of burial.
A bright sunny day, cooled by a gentle wind in the midst of the beautiful rolling hills of Virginia, was the backdrop for the two dedication ceremonies.
At 2pm, descendants representing nine generations as well as members of the Fort Gibson United Methodist Church and the Historical Society of Russell County, VA gathered in front of the Temple Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum to give tribute to Rev. Whitaker where they dedicated a beautiful granite memorial to his memory. Leanda (Whittaker) Hanley of South Carolina and Bobby Davis of Indiana, both descendants of Rev. Mark Whitaker, performed a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace. The Invocation was given by the Rev. Harry Layell, Pastor of the Fort Gibson United Methodist Church and Sue (Barrett) Slack, S.A. Fraley, Jr. and Dorothy (Gilbert) Lefler spoke on behalf of the Historical Society of Russell County, VA. Bob Whittaker, GGG Grandson of Mark Whitaker, gave a fitting tribute honoring the man. It was a dedication befitting of one who so completely ministered to the spiritual needs of early Russell County pioneer families. James A. Lefler gave the Prayer of Dedication.
Church Historian Dennis Hensdill unveils the plaque bearing a likeness of a Circuit Rider and the history of the Rev.
Whitaker and his legacy to the Fort Gibson UMC.
At 3pm, everyone moved to the lovely Fort Gibson United Methodist Church where another ceremony took place, dedicating a beautiful
bronze plaque outside the church doors.
Rev. Layell spoke on "The Circuit Rider" educating all in attendance to the perils, hardships and rewards of being the same in that era. In the tradition of his calling, Rev. Layell challenged all to examine their lives regarding their dedication and service to the Lord. It was truly thought provoking and inspiring to listen to his delivery of the message, and it brought this descendant to the point of being able to visualize the Rev. Mark Whitaker doing the same 220 years ago now. Church Historian Dennis Hensdill gave a wonderful dedication and then the beautiful plaque, bearing a likeness of a Circuit Rider and the history of the Rev. Whitaker and his legacy to the Church, was unveiled. After the benediction, a lovely reception was given by the Hospitality Committee of the Fort Gibson United Methodist Church where good food and a wonderful time was had by all.
Some of the Whitaker descendants who converged on Castlewood from across the country on a beautiful Easter weekend in 2006 to honor Mark Whitaker
gather in front of the bronze plaque placed at the Fort Gibson UMC.
We, the descendants, would like to thank all those who helped bring these memorials and dedication services to fruition, including Bob & Betty Whittaker, Ron Whitaker, Claudia Whitaker, the Fort Gibson United Methodist Church Members and Hospitality Committee, as well as the Historical
Society of Russell County, Virginia and all others that remain unnamed who donated monies and time to the cause. Our utmost respect and gratitude go out to all who made this wonderful event possible, as well as all
those who attended. We cannot thank you all enough for ensuring that the memory of our Rev. Mark Whitaker will live on both in the community, as well as the Whitaker descendants' hearts and minds, for many years to come.
Calling all Whitaker descendants to please make a donation to help with the cost of the marker and/or the plaque. Any amount is
appreciated. Thank you! Please send your donations to:
Memorial Marker Plaque at the Fort Gibson UMC
Magoffin County Historical Society Fort Gibson UMC
Mark Whitaker Fund C/O Rev. Layell
PO Box 222 3225 Dogwood Drive
Salyersville, Ky 41465 Saint Paul VA 24283
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