History of Saint James': Rev William Laird & Brig. Gen. William Payne

Originally Posted 07/15/2015

At the beginning of the last century – 111 years ago, the Rev. William H. Laird began his ministry at Saint James’ Church and inscribed the following in the Parish Register:

“Having accepted the call to succeed the Rev. G. W. Nelson as Rector of St. James Church, Warrenton, Va. I took charge on Wednesday March 2nd, 1904, & preached my first sermons on the Sunday following.  I found the church free from debt, & with a membership of 161, including the 20 members of the Chapel at Baldwin’s Ridge.  My first official act recorded after taking charge was reading the Burial Service over the remains of the late gallant Gen’l Wm. H. Payne (emphasis added), March 31st, 1904. —H. Laird Wm. H. Laird, Rector”

Background:  The Payne family has deep roots in Fauquier County and Warrenton, having arrived on Virginia shores in 1609.  When the Civil War broke out in 1861, William Henry Fitzhugh Payne (1830-1904), to whom Mr. Laird refers, enlisted as a private in Warrenton’s Black Horse Cavalry.  Young Payne had tremendous courage and leadership ability, distinguishing himself in many engagements, was recognized as a hero, and promoted through the ranks to brigadier general.

On his death, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, “A Noble Virginian Crosses the River.”  Black Horse Cavalry survivors formed the honor guard for his funeral, conducted by Mr. Laird, the new rector of Saint James’.  One trooper, William P. Helm, wrote a eulogy in behalf of the unit:

“Oh death thou are indeed a thief          

To steal away from us so great a man;

Our idolized, beloved leader,

The pride and boast of our command.

He was a man, take him for all in all.

We ne’er shall look upon his like again.

Peaceful be thy slumbers and happy thy eternity.”

Gen. W. H. F. Payne

NOTE:  A daughter of General Payne’s, Minerva Winston Payne (1861-1897), married Eppa Hunton, Jr. of Warrenton and Saint James’.  She died young and is memorialized in the Archangel Gabriel window in the choir at the west end of the church.