Bodie Methodist Church
~~~~PRAISE WAITETH FOR THEE O GOD IN ZION~~~ Methodist Church, Bodie California.
Bodie Methodist Church
Bodie Methodist Church, which was established during the height of the Mining boom in the late 19th century, served as a crucial spiritual haven for the diverse and vibrant community of Bodie.
Built in 1879, the Church reflects the architectural style that was prevalent during its period, featuring a simple yet remarkably sturdy wooden structure that stood resilient against the “harsh and often unforgiving weather conditions” of the Sierra Nevada.
The Methodist Church was built under the jurisdiction of Nevada State Methodist Mission, at the peak of Bodie’s boom (1882) with Reverend Hinkle serving as the congregations First Minister. It was the only Protestant Church built in Bodie. (The Bodie Catholic Church no longer stands.)
It was restored in 1928 by E. J. Clinton (of Clinton Cafeterias in San Francisco,) who engaged in an unsuccessful mining venture in Bodie.
Mr. Clinton conducted services as a lay minister until 1932, when the small Congregation finally disbanded. The building was then locked and left idle. It played a vital role in shaping the social fabric of the town, offering essential “faith services,” Community gatherings, and a profound sense of Hope amid the numerous challenges faced by the Miners and their families in this rugged environment and isolated location.
Although the Methodist Church now stands as a Historic Building of significance in Bodie, its enduring Legacy lives on as a powerful Testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering “Christian Faith” of those who once called, “Bodie their home,” and sought solace within its walls.
Bodie Mines Report & Suicide 1883
Bodie Cemetery- Sagebrush and Unmarked Graves and the very top Warren Loose grave.
~~Suicide and - the Bodie Mines Report -1 August 1883
Daily Alta California, Volume 35, Number 12161 , 1 August 1883
BODIE, Cal., July 31st—About eight o’clock this morning Chester W. Mills, a carpenter, 51 years of age, committed Suicide by “blowing his brains out with a revolver.” A “state of domestic infelicity” is believed to have been the cause. The deceased was living with his third wife. He was a Pioneer of this section, and had lived here for twenty years. (There is no mention of a “funeral” or where or if he was buried in the Bodie Miners’ Union Cemetery.”)
BODIE MINES REPORT-During the week the STANDARD MINE extracted 1287 tons of Bullion, and shipped 14,004. The “last cross cut” on the 1200 level is in 440 feet.
The “North Drift” on the 1000 level is in256 feet wide. The “South Drift” is 203 feet. the vein is 5 feet wide, and “looking well.”
The “Upraise” is up 110 feet: vein 4 1/2 feet wide. The upper levels are producing the usual amount of ores.
BODIE MINE crushed 146 tons; average Pulp Assay $23 1/2. Bullion shipment $2262. The “West Cross Cut” on the 1000 level is 312 feet. The “East Cross Cut” on the same level is on 404 feet. Prospecting unbid tunnels continues.
~~~Keeping the BODIE MINING DISTRICT in the Newspapers (both San Francisco and Sacramento papers) was extremely important for keeping “Investors positive” about their speculation on the “Bullion Assays.” Funding the construction of the Stamp Mills took “capital investors” to keep the Mines in operation. Most important “the Assay” was was paying the miners’ wages- not the “bullion” coming out of the Mines. The Investors needed the “confidence” of the “Bodie Mining Stocks” to reflex, the operations worth and sustainability.
The Mines in Virgina City, Nevada had been very speculative for “early investors.” The money that pour into the Financial Markets from the COMSTOCK MINE- made “Mining Stocks” the future in 1880’s. The Bodie Mining District had to keep competitive in the Stock Market with its “news of new levels of tunnels, and the amount of “bullion being ship weekly!”
James Gordon Welch- Died 19 September 1907 Aged 1 year 22 days
~~~JAMES GORDON WELCH (died 7 September 1907- Aged 1 year, 22 Months) Buried in the Dolan Family Plot.
~~~JAMES GORDON WELSH
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, 16 September 1907:
Doings In Bodie. The young son of Mr. and Mrs. George Welch is still in a “critical condition.” All is being done that is possible and it is hoped the little Fellow will pull through.
James Gordon Welch (died 19 September 1907- infant grave in the Dolan Family Plot- Bodie Miners Union Cemetery section.
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, 21 September1907:
Sad Errand-Sheriff Dolan was called to Bodie Thursday evening by a telegram, announcing the “death of his young Nephew,” the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Welch.
Bodie Fraternal Burial Association, Report, Receipts, Year ending 5/31/1908: Welch Child burial charges,-$42.
George Dolan- Aged 21 years.
George W. Dolan- Aged 21 years- buried in the Dolan Family Plot- November 21, 1905.
George W. Dolan (born 4 April 1884 -died 21 November 1905) Aged 21 years.
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, Saturday 25 Nov 1905
Death of George Dolan: Passes Away at the Home of His Mother After a Lingering Illness
At the home of his mother, Mrs. J. S. Dolan, George succumbs to heart trouble. He was on a visit to his sister, Mrs. Wm. Roach, of Sweetwater, Nevada, when stricken with the fatal disease. (He rallied enough to stand the trip to Bodie.) About two weeks ago was taken to the home of his Mother, there “receiving medical skill, science and the attention of a fond Mother and sisters,” but of no avail and on Tuesday morning at four A.M. his Spirit passed to the Great Beyond.
~~~ George was a “Bodie boy,” the fourth son of the late J. S. Dolan. He was reared and educated in the “little mining camp,” grew to Manhood and was held in high esteem by his friends and school-mates. When in good health, he was employed in the Mines of that town.
~~~He was born in Bodie twenty-one years ago, and leaves to mourn his loss, a mother, Mrs. J. S. Dolan, four sisters, Mrs. Wm. Roach, of Sweetwater, Nevada, Mrs. George Welch, of Bodie, Miss Agnes and Grace Dolan, and James, Bert, Frank and Harry Dolan his four brothers.
Dolan Family Plot- Bodie Miners’ Union Cemetery.
He was buried Thursday afternoon, from the home of his mother in Bodie, a large concourse of friends and acquaintances with the family, followed the remains to last “Resting Place." (Dolan Family Plot- Bodie Miners’ Cemetery)
The Angel of Bodie!
Evelyn K. Meyers “ ANGEL OF BODIE” Born May 1, 1894- Died May 1, 1894.
EVELYN K. MEYERS- “Angel of Bodie” - died 1 May 1894.
A beautifully sculptured, “Angel gravestone” serves as a soothing and comforting Memorial.
“Angels are regarded as agents of God.” Families usually opt for an angel headstone (irrespective of their religious beliefs), in hope that the angels will take care of their deceased child.
This “Angel of Bodie” stone captures the sense of sorrow and lose to the Meyers family.
Evelyn Beloved daughter of Fannie O. and Albert K. Meyers. Evelyn died from an accidential struck to the head with a pick ax by a workman, who was building a drainage ditch around the Meyer’s home. (Bridgeport Chronicle- Union April 5, 1897)