Last month an indigenous storyteller Boyd Steele paid a visit to Faith Lutheran Church in West Columbia. Steele shared lore and how tribes learned about the crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Many people in our community falsely believe that Native Americans are all pagan, but this is not the case for many.

Cherokee lore, prior to missionary involvement, was varied. One belief addresses beings called the Little People. These woodland dwellers are said to play tricks on people who are in the forest in order to make them laugh and stay young at heart. There are three types of little people: the Laurel People, the Dogwood People, and the Rock People. The Laurel People are mischievous and play tricks on those who venture into the woods. They like to share their joy and make children laugh while they’re sleeping. The Dogwood People are good and take care of others. The Rock People are mean and steal children.

The Rev. John Wesley was a Methodist minister from England who sent missionaries to American colonies. He hoped to replace beliefs like the one above with the Gospel. One of my ancestors was one such missionary here in Lexington County. He was the Rev. Elijah Jeffcoat from Ebenezer Methodist Church at Poole’s Crossroads. He married Jerusha Hoover, a Creek woman of the Wind clan. She was a spiritual adviser in her own right. They had many children whose descendants remain in Lexington today.

When Jerusha died Elijah continued his ministry in Alabama. He is buried at Pike County Camp meeting ground. You can view his marker online and view more genealogical information here: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8560593/elijahjefcoat