Groveville United Methodist Church Photos: September 2009

Every summer we vacation at least one week a year at Cherrystone Campground, Cheriton Virginia. We were invited by good friends and originally from this area, Charlie and Marlene Donnell to attend Sunday Service at their church, Travis Chapel United Methodist Church, located in Oyster, Virginia, where Charlie and Marlene now live and have for several years.

Oyster is fishing village on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, about six miles from Cherrystone on the Chesapeake Bay side. Oyster is a safe harbor, protected by a series of barrier islands. Oyster is a perfect place to retire, quiet and peaceful and a lot like Groveville, with the central portion of Oyster consisting of three streets, Sunnyside Road, Broadwater Circle and Bell Street. With Crumb Hill Road, leading to the opposite side of he harbor.

Nancy, Kati and I arrived at church about the same time as Marlene and her Mother, as others arrived we were introduced, the people were very friendly, we all chatted, most asked where we were from, and were quite pleased that we had decided to join them at church.

Marlene introduced us to their pastor, Reverend Lynda Moore, Who shares her ministry with the Cheriton United Methodist Church, about four miles away, she had only been there a short time when we were there, but was most welcoming, as everyone was. It was a very nice service, very casual, just as we are used to at Groveville United Methodist. After the service we stood around talking with our new friends, like we had known them for years, it is so nice to be so welcomed by new friends.

There seems to be a lot of history with Travis Chapel UMC and the town of Oyster, you know that interested me, but we were only there a week. If I ever leave Groveville, this is where you will find me.

I asked Marlene about the History of Travis Chapel, here is what she told me;

Travis Chapel was started in 1906. It was named for the family whose home they first met for Sunday School. First built on Seaside Rd, the chapel was moved to its present location in Oyster in 1925. Later in 1940, many people were moving off one of the barrier islands called Hog Island. This was due to the damage sustained on the islands from the storms in the 1930's. The islands were "washing away" then and continue to do so now.
Pullen's Chapel was the church on Hog Island and it was floated to Oyster and became the Sunday School/fellowship hall for Travis Chapel. Many homes from Hog Island were also floated to Oyster and the families became members of Travis Chapel.

Now this is the stuff that peaks my interest, these are the stories, that if not passed on to future generations they will be lost forever.

Travis Chapel United Methodist Church Sanctuary, small but very well maintained,

Service here is very personal, especially with the size of the Sanctuary.

Travis Chapel United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall and Sunday School is attached to the rear of the Sanctuary. It is a very nice hall with a serving window to the kitchen. They do hold small functions here, a soup sale, and do some catered events for local organizations.

The church kitchen, small and neat, but very functional

Pam and Jeanette and those that design and create our Vacation Bible School, do such a wonderful job, those that volunteer, as helpers, Characters, and Story tellers, make this something that all the children look forward to. Then there are those of us that just show up and do what we can to help and enjoy seeing the children have such a good time, learning the Bible.

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Story Time

Reverend Fran finds someone to listen to her stories
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Story time on "Crazy Hat Night"

Stories from the Bible, by Dave Bergeron

Stories from the bible as told by Bonnie Adams

Everyone Helps

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Even the adults have fun, I think

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We were fortunate to have Rev. Shellie Pinner who is Chaplin for Pet Pals. She also is part of Mt Ephraim UMC. She told wonderful stories using her two dogs as helpers in telling these stories.