I came to this community 39 years ago. I have seen it grow from a wilderness to one of the most attractive industrial centers in southern West Virginia. When I came here there was no church for either white or colored.
  In June, 1903, the late Rev. M.J. Johnson, who at the time was field missionary of the Flat Top Baptist Association, came to this community and organized the True Vine Baptist Church-under an old apple tree behind the house now occupied by James Weston. There were only ten members in the organization.
  This little group held services in the house now occupied by F.H. Baker until the completion of the church, on the last of September in the same year.
  Mrs. Hattie Anderson was the first superintendent of the True Vine Baptist Sunday School.
  Rev. S.W. Patterson was the first pastor. He pastured for a number of years. Then the Rev. W.C. Clemans was called and served ten years as pastor. He was succeeded by the Rev. B.E. Williams, which came to us in 1920 and has been here ever since.
The first school was taught in the house now occupied by Edel Pettis.  The Rev. Patterson was the first teacher.
  As the population grew, the building now used as the Community Hall was moved from the site where our general manager, Mr. G.R. Jennings, now lives, and was converted into a school building to provide more room.
  The Rev. W.A. Pittard was the second teacher, he taught there for fourteen years.
  In the early development of this community, Mr. Colure was general superintendent and Mr. Allen was mine superintendent. Among the first colored families were Robert Britten, J.W. Hollen, Aunt Jannie Hill, Fountain Eldridge, G.W. Anderson and J.L. Martin.

More on TrueVine ‘MudHole’ Baptist Church and efforts to preserve Its dignity.

  Dear God,

Please give us the strength and show us the wisdom to overcome the obstacles that lay before us.

Give us the courage to take this stand and not back down to adversity.

With you by our side we will prevail.

            -Amen