Blessings To All and A Good Sunday Afternoon –
It is my pleasure and honor to welcome all of you here today. I would like to extend a warm greeting to esteemed board members, board advisors, and committee members of the Wachovia Historical Society and guests.
My name is Doug Spainhour. I am a fellow Moravian and a member of Olivet Moravian Church. Olivet Moravian Church is almost 150 years old (formed in 1878). The Young Men’s Missionary Society originated in 1840 (185 years ago) thereby creating the formation of the Wachovia Historical Society in 1895 (130 years ago). Each of these organizations evolved during the 19th century and have carved out a lasting presence over the years.
For our guests and non-members that are joining us this afternoon – the 1895 constitution of the Wachovia Historical Society states: “The object of this society shall be the collection, preservation, and dissemination of everything relating to the history, antiquities, and literature of the Moravian church in the South and the secular and religious development of North Carolina and the adjoining states”.
I am honored and excited to be here this afternoon to introduce you to the recipient of the 26th Archie K. Davis Award for History. The Archie K. Davis Award was established by the Wachovia Historical Society in 1999, and is presented annually by the Society recognizing an individual or individuals for outstanding contributions and a devotion to the history of our region, state, and nation. Archie K. Davis was a respected banker and statesman, and a lifelong student of history, especially the history of his beloved North Carolina and The Civil War. His professional life and service to our community was characterized by “grace, gentility, intellect, enthusiasm, perseverance, and humility.”
This year’s honored recipient of the 2025 Wachovia Historical Society’s Archie K. Davis Award for History is Verna Spainhour Brewer.
Verna Brewer has made exceptional contributions to the appreciation of genealogy, family history, historic preservation, and simply living her life loving her Lord and Savior. Verna is full of adventure and a yearning for continuing education. She has stated to me in conversation, “world travel is an awesome teacher.” Verna’s service to her church and community are characterized by grace, intellect, enthusiasm, and preservation.
Please allow me a few moments to share with you Verna’s bio:
Verna was born and raised in Rural Hall, North Carolina. She studied German and Public Speaking at Marshall University. She was married for 60 years to the late Walter Lee Brewer, a pastor in the Christian Church. Together they served congregations in Georgia, Alabama, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Verna is a devoted member and a faithful servant of her Lord at Jefferson Christian Church in Rural Hall, North Carolina. Verna’s home is located on her family’s farm which has been in her family since the late 1700s.
Verna’s inner drive and need for adventure has led her to hike all 41 of North Carolina’s state parks. She has run a marathon and 14 half-marathons and still runs 5k’s, having won gold medals in her age group for the North Carolina Senior Games.
Verna loves gardening and loves to travel. She has traveled to Muttenz, Switzerland three times, and in 2024 led a group of cousins and their families to Muttenz to visit their ancestral land, from which her family’s ancestors departed in 1740 to travel to America. These trips kindled many lifelong friendships with Spainhour and Shore cousins living in Switzerland today.
Probably one of Verna’s greatest accomplishments has been the 22 years of devotion and leadership to Muttenz Descendants, Inc. — referred to as MDI. MDI is a non-profit 501(c)3. Verna has led a volunteer board of directors and officers with the primary mission of recording and portraying the heritage of immigrants to our colonial North Carolina frontier, from Switzerland and nearby Rhineland. MDI has members from North Carolina to California – all with American roots associated with Bethabara, Bethania, and nearby settlements in the Piedmont and Western North Carolina. MDI maintains a very elaborate online genealogical database accessible through the Muttenz Descendants website. This database includes over 55,000 names that represents over 21,000 family groups and over 6,400 surnames. These surnames include Spainhour, Shore, Pfaff, Hauser, Doub, Kapp, Leinbach, Beroth – and many more. MDI distributes a newsletter in which Verna actively proofreads all content. Currently, MDI mails 300 newsletters, and emails an additional 200 newsletters. Two times per year, Verna is also a frequent contributor to the Muttenz Descendants Facebook page.
In 1997, the John Jacob Spaenhauer Cabin built In 1774 (251 years ago) was relocated from a nearby farm to the current location in the King Central Park. Maintained through state and local grants along with private donations and volunteers, the cabin provides a unique glimpse of pioneer life that once existed in the Yadkin Valley. Verna has led many school tours providing visitors a unique glimpse of the past.
The Spaenhauer Cabin serves as the hosting location for Heritage Day – a weekend event occurring every two years. Started in 2005, this event attracts families and cousins from across the United States, and occasionally cousins from Switzerland that gather to enjoy food, fellowship, and listen to speakers discuss regional and family history.
Verna served as MDI President for over a decade and is largely responsible for MDI’s large membership growth. Verna is a strong leader with excellent delegation skills. She understands the value of sharing the Muttenz Descendants’ story and the historical value that MDI offers to our community.
More recently, In 2024, Verna played an important role in an America 250 marker dedication and wreath laying ceremony. This was sponsored by the Colonel Joseph Winston Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This event celebrated and honored four American Revolutionary War patriots from the Spaenhauer Family. The permanent marker is located in front of the cabin in King, North Carolina.
In closing … Verna is a uniquely effective ambassador for MDI and the history of our region. She is recognized as a speaker and tour guide in community groups and local historical societies for her “Grab Your Attention Talks.” Verna tirelessly opens the Spaenhauer Cabin and provides guided tours for schoolchildren and other visitors. For local and out of town guests, Verna is always willing to give tours that not only include the cabin, but also Bethabara, Bethania, Old Salem and various cemeteries including God’s Acre in Salem.
Verna Spainhour Brewer – an effective representative for MDI and her family history. She is self-driven and passionate in all of her endeavors. She is possessed by historical data and the need to make sure that the legacy of history is passed down through generations to come.
At this time – I would like to introduce to you Verna Spainhour Brewer.
Thank you.
Author: Doug Spainhour
Wachovia Historical Society
Archie K. Davis Award for History
