Inaugural Coalfield Immersion
In June 2022, Rev. Brad Davis spoke to the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church on a resolution about clean water in southern West Virginia. When he stated that Keystone, a community McDowell County, had been under a boil water advisory for 10 years he heard gasps in the chapel.
He also heard a call to create a pilgrimage experience to the southern coalfields that would immerse people in the unique challenges, history, and culture from below.
In October 2023, 37 people from all over the world—including students from Japan, Russia, and two African nations—gathered for a two-day journey.
Day 1: Exodus
Turning aside
The group began in Marmet and followed the route of the 1921 Miner’s March. The group then traveled to Matewan, where they received a guided tour through The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum.
In the evening, they gathered at First Welch United Methodist Church for worship where they heard traditional mountain Gospel music from Matthew Thomas, and Rev. Davis shared wisdom from the words of Exodus 3. He challenged the group to take off their shoes and consider the holy ground on which they tread; to turn aside and see the community on fire but not consumed; to listen to the cries of the local people; and to be “canaries in the coal mine” when they returned home.
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Day 2: Death and Resurrection
Glimpses of hope
The second day, the group experienced the depth and dark of an exhibition mine in Pocahontas, Virginia. The historic mine was the site of countless mine disasters. Now used for educational tours, the site is holy ground.
After emerging, the group concluded their pilgrimage with a trip to the Kimball War Memorial and a panel discussion with local residents representing organizations committed to improving life in the coalfields, such as DigDeep, McDowell County Youth Producers, Economic Development Greater East, and the former owners and operators of the now-shuttered Welch News. They were given glimpses of hope for communal resurrection, and the ensuing discussion proved to be a profound experience for those in attendance. The journey ended around a shared table.
Thank you to Rev. Brad Davis, Rev. Darick Biondi, and Caitlin Ware for sharing their vision with all of us, and thank you to the United Methodist Foundation of WV for the generous sponsorship that made the experience possible.
