Church of the Good Shepherd oral histories

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Access to oral histories is governed by agreements with the narrators. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Audio and transcript are open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Copyright interests have been transferred to Carrier Library.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Church of the Good Shepherd Oral Histories, 1992, SdArch 0013, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 cubic feet 2 folders, 2 audiocassettes, 2 cds
Creator:
Sorrells, Nancy T.
Abstract:
Church of the Good Shepherd Oral Histories, 1992 is comprised of a background paper, audio recording, transcript, and ephemera, associated with an interview conducted with individuals discussing the history of the Church of the Good Shepherd, in Folly Mills, Virginia.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Church of the Good Shepherd Oral Histories, 1992, SdArch 0013, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

Church of the Good Shepherd Oral Histories, 1992 is comprised of a background paper, audio recording, transcript, and ephemera, associated with an interview conducted with individuals discussing the history of the Church of the Good Shepherd, in Folly Mills, Virginia.

Clarence Ramsey, Helen Lotts Ramsey, Ethel Ramsey Lunsford, Sibyl Ramsey McCormick, Jean Parrish Bocock, Maybelle Ramsey Alexander, Ralph Mowry [group interview with members and others associated with the school and Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church of Folly Mills, Va.] ; interviewed by Nancy Sorrells.

This monograph provides a short history of the Church of the Good Shepherd, located at Folly Mills near Staunton, Va. on U.S. Rt. 11. Beginning as a non-denominational school in the early 1920s, it soon evolved into an Episcopal church with the main building being built in 1924. Although a small rural church, it has remained active. This history includes references to founding members; the construction of the building; factual information about services, clergy, church organizations (Women's Auxiliary, Ladies Society, Girls Friendly Society); prominent families; and relations with a nearby one-room public school (which closed in 1929). Also included is information about church education and social events (Sunday schools; lawn parties; and homecomings). Mention is also made of relief efforts for two Netherlands families following World War II. Accompanies copies of a finding aid to the Church's records and sample documents, including architectural drawings and photographs of church events and Sunday school classes; an advertisement for a lawn party; programs from Children's Day Services and the twenty-fifth homecoming anniversary; and pictures and correspondence with the two Dutch families

Records the reminiscences of a group of people, all but one, who had either attended school and/or the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Folly Mills, Va. during the 1920s and 1930s. Included in the discussion: the one-room public schoolhouse located near the site of the church (complete with pot-bellied stove); the building of the church: influential members who founded the church (Mrs. Joseph C. Cochran and Miss Violet Greene), the ground-breaking ceremony, and hauling in stone; and the parish house. Mention of church organizations such as the Girls' Friendly Society; Sunday school; lawn parties; plays; church suppers; various ministers; and relief efforts for two Netherlands families following World War II. Recorded at the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Folly Mills, Va., on October 4, 1992.

Biographical / historical:

Nancy Sorrells, an undergraduate student at James Madison University, conducted this interview and researech in fulfillment of a JMU student internship, during the Fall of 1992.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Nancy Sorrells, December 16, 1992.
Processing information:

Audiocassettes were transferred to MAMA-R 700MB gold cd-r using Tascam cc-222 mkII; 270mb in 2006.

Arrangement:

Items are arranged in no particular order.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard