ALDERSON W.Va. (Hinton News) – The Summers County Historical Society is in the process of writing a book about the history of the various churches in the county. I do not want to overstep and write about any more churches in the county until after the book comes out. So I am going to tell you a little bit about Mt. Zion Methodist Church.
Mt. Zion M.E. Church is located up Big Branch, right outside of Alderson, WV. Being basically right on the border of Summers and Greenbrier Counties, you had residents of Summers County who would attend there while visiting family in the surrounding area.
The church was dedicated on September 15, 1901. I have all sides of my family that are buried there, including Thompson, Thomas, Knapp and other relatives. Over the years, the Knapps have become the caretakers of the property since the church discontinued holding services.
When my Grandfather, Bernard Thompson of Talcott, was a child, he would go stay with his grandparents who lived up the hollar beyond the church, A.W. and Mamie Knapp. While there, he would attend church with them. After they moved to Alderson and my grandfather grew up, they would still attend the “Homecomings” held there the first Sunday in August.
These Homecomings have been held for the past 84 years. The photo you see here with all of the people standing in front of the church was taken at the 1952 Homecoming. I can make out my Great Aunt Edith Knapp and a few of her children. And a few cousins, I can recall looking at this photo with granddad and my great Uncle Buck Thompson at the Homecoming in around 2015 or so.
Granddad said he didn’t think he was in it because it was probably one of the times he ran away from home chasing women. Uncle Buck said that sounds about right, and they both just laughed, Ha. It has shrunk a little in size, and the church is in bad shape due to age, and with no indoor plumbing, Homecoming is now held in the community building on Muddy Creek Mountain.
Mom and I attended Homecoming just this past Sunday. And just as I said, it has shrunk just a tad from this pic, with only 22 people in attendance ranging from 5 to 86 years of age. The group has shrunk in size, but the fellowship definitely has not. I am already looking forward to Homecoming 2026. And I would be lying if I didn’t say the food is my favorite part…after time with family of course ;).
