The Hatfields and the McCoys

Have you ever had trouble getting along with family?

There’s probably no family feud more famed than that of the Hatfields and the McCoys of the Appalachian Mountains. But how did such a fabled fight all get started? In short, it all began with a pig.

As the drama unfolds, we find the Hatfield and McCoy families living in Tug Fork, nestled in beautiful Tug Valley on the Tug River. In 1878, this area was arguably known as the singularly most isolated valley in the United States, as it serviced no roads, railroads, coal mines, or established towns or cities. In such a climate, family loyalties were not only essential to survival, they were a way of life.

The Tug River, though, served as the dividing line between Kentucky and West Virginia. It also acted as an artificial barrier between the Hatfield family and the McCoy family. On the Kentucky side, the McCoy family was headed by the infamous land baron, Randolph (Randall or Ole Ran’l) McCoy. An otherwise uneducated man, this father of 16 had successfully held the Eastern governments at bay – holding all of his land from being explored and developed by miners and railroaders. On the West Virginia bank, however, was Capt. William Anderson (Devil Anse) Hatfield. He was a tall, gray-eyed and bearded man with a striking resemblance to Stonewall Jackson. Gifted with an innate talent for tall tales, a love of pranks and almost clownish sense of humor, the former Confederate officer was a legend in his own time, thanks to his incredible marksmanship and legendary feats. By his ingenuity and the embracing of progress, Anderson Hatfield made a fortune from selling the coveted hardwood timber located on his property.

For many years the neighbors had shared Tug Valley in peace and harmony. Families intermarried and each enjoyed the success of the other. However, upon one of his visits to West Virginia, Randall McCoy saw one of his ear-tagged pigs and accused Floyd Hatfield of stealing it. This was a very serious offense; hogs were extremely valuable to the farming economy of the valley and court records from that era indicate that any kind of theft was very rare. Up until that time, an atmosphere of trust prevailed among the Hatfield and McCoy neighbors up and down the hollows. But when Randolph McCoy took his complaint to the local judge, a jury was assembled – you guessed it - evenly divided between Hatfields and McCoys. The fight was on.

What ensued in this saga was the stuff of legends. After the McCoys lost their battle in court, a silent anger began to fester. One of the sons of the Hatfields, Anderson (Devil Anse), fell in love with his enemy’s daughter, Roseanna McCoy. Their love fostered the birth of a child, but, proud as he was, Anderson would not marry the daughter of his arch rival. This insubordination resulted in Roseanna McCoy’s three brothers killing a famous Hatfield on his election day. Yet, this was hardly the end, as the infuriated Anderson Hatfield took a lynch mob to serve as judge, jury, and executioner against the three sons. These events transformed a fight into an all-out family war. When all was said and done, twelve years had passed and twelve people had been killed. The feud was over and settled, but the eternal scar left on those families and the Tug River valley is visible even to this day.

How can two groups of people who are supposed to be family and love each other come to such blows? More appropriately, how can a body of Christ’s followers squabble so vehemently that they have to break up and part ways? This week, as we look at Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council, we are reminded of the major conflict that rocked the early church as the issue of salvation came to the Gentiles. Yet, in what could have been the schism that ended a movement, the progress of unity prevailed and the Gentiles were offered validation in the Kingdom of heaven. In your worship this week, focus your thoughts and energies on the idea of unity in the body of Christ and what it is you are actively doing to promote or destroy such harmony.

Resounding Themes:
God’s Eternal Love
Fellowship Among Believers
Christ’s Table of Unity
Confirming Nature of the Indwelling Spirit

Ready, Set, READ

Acts 15

John 15

John 17

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What is the initial conflict arising in the church? Why do you think they were saying this? What did Paul and Barnabas do?

- What was the reaction by some of the council in Jerusalem? Who responded to their accusations and why was it significant that it was he? What was eventually decided? How was it communicated?

- What do you find interesting about the letter to the churches? How did the people react? What happens to Paul and Barnabas after this? What can be learned from their experience?

- Did the nature of the conflict in Acts 15 warrant a split in the church? Is it significant that division was avoided, even over such an important discussion? Do churches divide today over such serious matters? If not, what are those things that cause conflict? Why do they seem to bear the weight of matters of salvation as in Acts 15? To what extent should we go to avoid division? Is unity worth the struggle? Why?

Ready, Set, PRAY

Your vast creation, Lord of the Universe, testifies to both Your power and creative genius! That You could cause to coexist so many different species and races confirms what You’ve tried to show us since the dawn of time – that You alone are God. And yet, Father, we confess how difficult it is at times to live among and interact with people who think differently than we do. Yet, you have arranged your mysterious Church in such a manner that every person from every background has a place and a function in the Body. Father, we believe that it was no mistake that you called us to live together and to learn from one another – for as many things that make us different seem small in comparison to that which unites us! Yes, the blood of Christ covers all who believe – including those who I don’t see eye to eye with on disputable matters. Remind us once again, Lord Jesus, the simplicity of the gospel: You and You crucified. May all other debates be silenced and grow pale in the light of these truths! And may we place significance on the matter or unity – not for our own glory and well being, but for a testimony to the world that you are alive and well among those who call on your name.

We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.

We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.

And we pray that our unity will one day be restored

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

Your love never fails. Indeed, it last forever. Give us the ability to love as You do, through the power of Christ, AMEN

.Ready, Set, WORSHIP!