ii8

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

ever since. I scarcely ever see the face of a Presbyterian minister. This valley is surrounded with high, grand mountains and pos- sesses the finest climate in the world. I am sixty-five years of age and can ride all day almost as well as ever. Uniontown was technically my first and last pastoral charge."

Rev. James H. Callen came next in the pastorate and was installed, April 27th, 1853, on a salary of $500. He was an Irishman, with very pleasant manner. His sermons were brief, finished in bright style and well read. As a pastor he was ordi- nary. He was of medium height, with good appearance in the pulpit. He resigned, April loth, 1855, to accept a call to a church in the east. When this history was prepared he was an evangelist in Brooklyn and had received the title of D. D. (His name is not now, 1888, on the roll and he is probably dead.)

Rev. Wm. F. Hamilton was called, April, 1856, having preached from October previous, and installed as pastor. May 13th, 1856. His is the second longest pastorate of this history. Mr. Hamilton was born in Monongahela City, Pa., March 24th, 1824; graduated at Washington College, 1844, at the age of twenty; the Western Theological Seminary, 1849 ; licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio (now Pittsburgh) in '49, and ordained and installed by the same Presbytery as pastor of Center Church, near Canonsburg, Pa., in 1850.

Mr. Plamilton is a man of far more than average talent and ability. He is a fine writer, with a keen, pointed and discrim- inating style. He resigned his charge here, May 31st, 1866, af- ter a pastorate of ten years. In 1868, September 7th, he took charge of the churches of Salem and Livermore, in Blairsville Presbytery, where he labored with great acceptance for seven years. After resigning this charge he removed to Blairsville, where he lived a short time and then went to Washington, Pa., where he still resides and is Stated Supply of Mt. Pleasant Church. He was Professor for a time of Intellectual Philosophy and Ethics in Washington and Jefferson College. This College bestowed upon him the title of D. D. Dr. Hamilton's salary was ^600 at first and was after raised to $800. (He was com-

f'

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

119

pelled on account of ill health to give up preaching a year ago. He is a Trustee of Washington and Jefferson College.)

Rev. Walter W. Ralston was installed pastor of this church, April 28th, 1867, on a salary of $1,200 and a house rent free. He is a native of Ohio, a graduate of Jefferson College and Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a good preacher, with an excellent voice. He usually read his discourses. He was a fair pastor. October ist, 1873, he resigned this charge to accept a call to Xenia, Ohio. In 1875 he resigned his charge in Xenia and labored for a time as agent for Washington and Jefferson College and then settled in Bridgewater, Pa., in 1876, where he now labors. (Afterward Dr. Ralston was pastor at Dennison, Ohio, and is now pastor of Beulah Church, Presbytery of Blairs- ville.)

This closes the succession to the present pastorate. There have been ten ministers. Five were here less than three years, and the average length of their pastorate was about six years.

The present pastor. Rev. Samuel S. Gilson, was born in Westmoreland county, October 28th, 1843, graduated at Wash- ington and Jefferson College in 1866, at the Western Theologi- cal Seminary in 1869 and took a fourth year at Union Theological Seminary, New York. He preached two summers at Garrison's, on the Hudson. He was called to Bowling Green, Ky., April 1st, 1871 ; in just three years he was called to Uniontown, and was installed pastor. May ist, 1874. Rev. J. P. Fulton presided and preached the sermon, Rev. John M. Barnett gave the charge to the pastor and Rev. George Hill, D. D., to the people.

(Mr. Gilson resigned in 1879 ^^^ labored from '80 to '83 in Dennison, O., when he was called to a place on the editorial staff of the "Herald and Presbyter," Cincinnati, Ohio, where he still continues.

THE ELDERS.

(Want of space compels the omission of much of the ex- cellent history of the members of Session and its acts, prepared by Mr. Gilson.)

In the old Session Book of this Church, the first record made in 1825, is signed by Joseph Kibler, Thomas Lewis and S.

i

PRINCETON, N. J.

le^Jen/m /y /%t j^^u,^ uur

BX 8958 .R44 H5 1889

History of the Presbytery of Shelf..... Redstone

Rev. Ashbel O. Fairchild, D. D.

Bee Appendix.

HISTORY

OF THE

Presbytery of Redstone

ORGANIZED BY

I'he gynod of ]\[eW yorl^ and Philadelphia, gspt. IQ, IJSl, and ifnder its care till VJBS ;

A PART OF

THE SYNOD OF VIRGINIA, 1788-1802 ;

OF

The Synod of Pittsburg, 1802— 1881 ;

AND NOW OF

THE SYNOD OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1881—1889.

1889.

Washington, Pa.:

Observer Book and Job Print,

1889.

PREFACE.

In obedience to a resolution of the General Assembly of 1886, that "Presbyteries be requested to send two copies of their histories to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and to the Presbyterian Historical Society, respectively," the Presbytery of Redstone appointed the undersigned a committee to prepare a history and transmit the same to the parties named. In the per- formance of this duty the committee prepared and forwarded the history of the Presbytery to the Stated Clerk of the Genera! Assembly, and also to the Historian of the Synod of V^irginia. In preparing the history they did not hesitate to draw largely from all reliable sources within their reach. It was read before the Presbytery in the fall of 1887 and approved, and the Presby- tery directed that the history and the accompanying histories of the several churches secured by the committee, be published in permanent form if satisfactory arrangements could be made.

These arrangements having been completed, the committee have issued this volume. A history of woman's work in the Presbytery, a list of candidates, licentiates and ministers, and the dates of their connection with the Presbytery as far as could be ascertained, and a few personal sketches in connection with the phototypes, are added.

The committee cannot forbear expressing regret that this little book gives such an inadequate view of the pioneer work of this earliest of the Presbyteries west of the Alleghenies. They

IV PRESBVTERY OF REDSTONE. •

became more and more impressed with its defects as the prepara- tion of it was drawing to a close. But the imperative demands of other duties forbade the research necessary to gather addi- tional materials and properly sift and arrange them, or even to re-arrange what were already in their possession. They send it out hoping that in some small measure it may preserve facts and give a better understanding of the faithful, self-sacrificing and consecrated labors of the Fathers, and strengthen the faith and increase the consecration of those who are building on these foundations laid so deep and broad by the laborers who rest from their labors and "their works do follow them."

JOHN M. BARNETT, JOHN C. MELOY, EBENEZER FINLEY,

Committee.

HISTORY

OF THE

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

ORIGIN OF NAME.

Redstone Presbytery is said to have taken its name from the rocks in the banks of Redstone Creek, one mile below Browns- ville, Pa. It is supposed that a vein of coal in that locality was set on fire at an early day, either by the Indians or by friction caused by a land slide. In course of time the fire died out leav- ing the banks reddened by its heat. They present a very pecul- iar appearance and are quite an object of interest to any one fond of natural curiosities.

BOUNDARIES AND EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The Presbytery originally was practically bounded on the east by the Allegheny mountains, on the north by Lake Erie, on the south by Virginia and on the west by the setting sun. It embraced what was called the "Great West," the vastly larger part of which was at that time a "terra incognita."

The Synod in passing the order for the new organization as- signed no geographical limits, and named no churches save only Laurel Hill and tlie four Ministers west of the Allegheny Moun- tains, one of whom was in Westmoreland county and the other three in Washington county, which was organized as a count)' shortly after the act was passed.

Previous to its organization the first parts of the country settled, were portions of what is now embraced in the counties of Washington, Fayette, Westmoreland and Allegheny, together with the regions along the Monongahela and Ohio rivers and

2 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

their branches and later along the Allegheny to the shores of Lake Erie and westward to the Muskingum, Sciota and Cuyaho- ga rivers. The first settlers were of Scotch-Irish descent, who had come from the east taking up lands, clearing out farms and building log houses until such times as they were able to pro- cure more comfortable homes. They were a sturdy people, with the same kind of blood in their veins which had flowed at the Battle of the Boyne in the days of William the Third. They brought with them the Assembly's Catechism, the Confession of Faith and their Bibles; and withal a good degree of religious faith, intelligence and fervor. There w^as a population here very early in the last century. In the year 1738 "John Caldwell in behalf of himself and many families of our persuasion who were about to settle in the back parts of Virginia, induced the Synod of Philadelphia to appeal to Governor Brooch, of Virginia, for countenance and protection in their proposed settlement." "The request was granted and they went to settle on the western side of our great mountain." Smollet, in his history of England, says that in 1760 there were 4,000 settlers in this region.

EARLY MISSION.\RY EFFORTS.

Rev. Chas. Beatty, the grandfather of the late Rev. C. C. Beatty, D. D., is said to have preached the first protestant ser- mon in this part of the country. It was a Thanksgiving sermon and was preached on the 25th of November, 1758, at Fort Du- quesne, which had just been evacuated by the French. Two years later the Rev. Messrs. Alexander and Hector Allison were sent by the direction of the Synod of Philadelphia to go with the Pennsylvania forces to explore the country and see what might be done in the way of missionary efforts. In the 3'ear 1766, Revs. Chas. Beatty and George Dufifield were sent by the Synod on a similar errand "to explore the frontier .settlements and to a.s- certain the condition of the Indians." They preached a number of times going as far west as the Muskingum river. Soon after this the Rev. Mr. Anderson was .sent by the Synod to visit this region with a promise of "20 shillings" for every Sabbath he .should preach on the other side of the Kittochtinny mountains.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 3

In the year 1769, the Presbytery of Donegal, by the direction of Synod, supplied the western frontier with ten Sabbaths' preach- ing— but just where their labors were performed we do not know. It is probable that the)' preached in the bounds of some of the old Centennial Churclies which are still vigorous congregations within the bounds of Redstone Presbytery.

EARLY MINISTERS.

In the year 1771, the Rev. James Finley came to this wes- tern frontier and did some excellent missionary work. He was a native of Ireland, forty years of age, a fat, florid, nervous little man, very hardy and ready for any labor, having already an ex- perience of nineteen years in the ministry. He had been in the country in 1765, again in '67, doing some secular work in the Dunlap's Creek region — but he returned again by direction of Synod and supplied in Ligonier or that region for two months in '71 and '72. He also labored for some time in that part of the country called "The Forks of Yough," organizing, it is said, on the same day, in the year 1778, the Churches of Rehoboth and Round Hill. He brought his family west in 1783, and two years later became pastor of the two churches just mentioned, continu- ing in that relation till the time of his death, Januar}^ 6, 1795.

Rev. James Power, D. D., was the first minister who came to stay and grow up with the country. He was a tall, graceful, genteel young man, clear, methodical and evangelical as a preacher, in the 29th year of his age, a native of Pennsylvania and a graduate of Princeton. He came in 1774, as a licentiate, was ordained by the Presbytery of New Castle, "sine titulo," in 1776, and sent back "to the western parts of this Province." He proved to be a most effective missionary, organizing in 1774, while he was yet a licentiate, so it is claimed, the Dunlap's Creek Presbyterian church — the oldest organization west of the inonri- tains. The authority for this is a statement said to have been made by Mr. Power himself While we are not disposed to dis- pute the correctness of the claim, we are inclined to think there must have been some ordained minister present to set apart the Elders to their work in the church. Dr. Power also organized

4 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

the Sewickley Church in 1776, and soon after, it is beheved, he organized the Mt. Pleasant Church at its present location, two miles north of the present town of Mount Pleasant. He was pastor of the two churches named until 1787, when he Avas re- leased from Sewickley, serving the other church until the year 1 817, when on account of infirmity he gave up his charge. He died in 1830.

Rev. John McMillan, D. D., was the second man to stay upon the ground. He was born at Fagg's Manor in 1752, grad- uated at Princeton in 1772, and was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle in 1774, at the age of twenty -two. He first visit- ed this region in 1775, staying but a short time. It is said that during this visit he organized the churches of Pigeon Creek and Chartiers, the latter now in the Presbytery of Pittsburg and the former in the Presbytery of Washington. After going back East he married. He returned to this region in '76 and in '78 brought his family, crossing the mountains on pack-horses. He was pas- tor of the two churches he organized till his death, November 16, 1833. He was a tall, rough-looking man, with a voice re- sembling thunder. Dr. D. X. Junkin said of him, "Dr. McMil- lan's voice, even when your present speaker sat under him in 1829-31, was strong, clear and powerful in the tones of denunci- ation, but often meltingly tender. He almost made you hear the vibration of Sinai's thunder, and yet when setting forth the love of Jesus, his voice would mellow to the tenderest tones. At the Communion season he was peculiarly effective. Then his heart and eyes and voice were like one fresh from Gethsemane and Golgotha." We presume that his subsequent life and labors will be treated of at length in the history of Pittsburgh Presbytery, within who.se bounds Dr. McMillan did his greatest work, and which includes Chartiers Church, where his remains lie buried.

Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, a descendant of a New England family, a man in the prime of life, after two years pastoral labor at Patterson's Creek. Va., (1777-1779) came to this region in September of the latter year and began his labors in the Upper and Lower Ten Mile Churches, where he continued up to the time of his death in 1793. He was a gentle, earnest man, a fine

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 5

scholar, especially noted as a mathematician and very attractive as a preacher. He was born near Newark, N. J., March 7th, 1740. He graduated at Princeton in 1773, was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New York in 1775, and in October, 1777, was ordained by the .same Presbytery "sine titulo." Washington Presbytery will doubtless give the details of his work.

Rev. Joseph Smith, was born in Nottingham, Md., in 1736, was licensed to picach by the Presbytery of New Castle, August 5th, 1767, after graduating at Princeton, 1764. He was ordained by the same Presbytery, April 19th, 1769 and installed pastor of Lower Brandy wine Church, Del. He remained here until 1772. In 1774 he accepted a call to the Second church in Wilmington, where he labored till 1778, when he resigned on account of the distracted state of the country. In 1779, the 44th year of his age and the nth of his ministry, he came to this "Western Wil- derness," and in 1780 became pastor of Buffalo and Cross Creek, both now in the bounds of Washington Presbytery. A revival began in his church very soon after his arrival which never ceas- ed till the day of his death. As a preacher he was very impres- sive both in the terrific and the pathetic. He dealt largely in the terrors of the law, so much so that some of the irreverent called him "Hell Fire Smith." Rev. Samuel Porter says of him, "I never heard a man who could so completely as Mr. Smith, un- bar the gates of Hell and make me look down into the dark, bot- tomless abyss, or like him could so throw open the gates of Heaven and let me glance at the insufferable brightness of the great white throne." Mr. Smith died April 19, 1792.

OKGANIZ.ITION OF REDSTONE PRESBYTERY.

The Act for the organization of the Presbytery of Redstone was adopted by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia in session at Philadelphia, Pa., May 16, 178 1. It directed that the Presbytery should meet at Laurel Hill Church (now in Fayette county. Pa.,) on the third Wednesday of September at 1 1 o'clock A. M., (September 19th).

The meeting was held at the appointed time, but at Pigeon Creek instead of Laurel Hill, because the incursions of the sav-

6 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

ages into Washington county rendered it very undesirable for the ministers there to leave their homes. The record is as follows : U. P. P. S., the Revs. Messrs. John McMillan, James Power and Thaddeus Dodd. Elders, John Neil, Demas Lindley and Patrick Scott. Absent, the Rev. Joseph Smith.

The second meeting failed for want of a quorum. The third meeting ar Sewickley also failed "by reason of the incur- sions of the savages" into Washington county. The next and subsequent meetings were held without interruption.

The Presbytery continued with great zeal for a period of 12 years to push forward her work within the immense boundaries described before — or up to the formation of the Presbytery of Ohio in 1793. In the meantime, however, May 28th, 1788, the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, having completed the re- vision of the public standards of the church and having adopted them, arranged for the organization of a General Assembly. To accomplish this, the old Synod was divided into four Synods, viz. : New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia, Virginia and the Carolinas. Redstone was set off in order to form the Synod of Virginia. This change of relation, however, did not make any change on the boundary lines of the Presbytery up to the time noted above — 1793. During these years the Presbytery received a number of ministers and organized various churches. Rev. James Dunlap was received from the Presbytery of New Castle. He served in 1782 the church of Dunlap's Creek and subse- quently he became the pastor of Laurel Hill Church, continuing in that relation until 1803, when he was made President of Jeffer- son College.

In 1783 Rev. John Clark was received into the Presbytery and shortly afterwards was installed as pastor of Lebanon and Bethel, continuing in that relation till his death in 1797.

Mr. Alexander Addison, a licentiate from Scotland, applied in 1785 to be taken under the care of the Presbytery. His ex- aminations were not entirely satisfactory and he was not received, though leave was given him to preach to the church of Wash- ington until the next meetinsr and at that meeting until the meet-

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. J

iniT of Synod, after which his name is not mentioned. He studi- ed law and became an eminent jurist and judge.

Then we find on the records the name of Rev. James Hughes, who was one of the four young men hcensed in 1788. He became pastor of the churches of Short Creek, now^ West Liberty, West Va., and Lower Buffalo. Afterwards he removed to the Presbytery of Miami and became the President in 1818, of what is now Miami University.

We find on the roll the name of Rev. Samuel Porter, who was licensed by the Presbytery November 12th, 1789, and be- came pastor of the churches of Congruity and Poke Run in 1790; of the latter he was pastor until 1798, and of the former congregation he continued as pastor up to the time of his death, September 22d, 1825. He was 66 years old.

Rev. Joseph Patterson, a man famous in his day, belonged at this time to the Presbytery. Indeed he was licensed by the Presbytery in 1788. He was pastor of the church of Raccoon for 27 years, dying February 4th, 1832, aged 80 years.

Rev. George Hill, born in York county, March 13th, 1764, was licensed in 1791. He became pastor of Fairfield, Donegal and Wheatfield. He was afterwards released from Wheatfield and took instead Ligonier, a new congregation organized be- tween Fairfield and Donegal. He finally devoted his whole time to Fairfield, where he remained till his death in 1822.

Rev. Jacob Jennings, grandfather of the late Rev. S. C. Jen- nings, D. D., was received from the Dutch Reformed Church and made pastor of Dunlap's Creek Church. Rev. David Smith, father of the author of "Old Redstone," was licensed in Novem- ber, 1792, and became pastor first of George's Creek and Tent Churches, and afterwards of Rehoboth and Round Hill Churches. He died August 14th, 1803. A writer says, "The Presbytery of Redstone was composed of able, devoted and self-denying men. They were men for the times. Although commencing in the wilderness, they were not forgetful of the prospective wants of the country. They laid the foundations deep and broad. The influence they exerted in the planting of the church is felt at the

8 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

present day, not only in the region where they labored but in the regions beyond."

PRESDYTERY OF OHIO.

In the year 1793 the Presbytery of Ohio was organized by the Synod of Virginia, cutting off all that territory lying west of the Monongahela river, including what is now Washington Presbytery and that part of Pittsburgh Presbytery west of the Monongahela river and south of the Ohio. The ministers in the new Presbytery were John McMillan, Joseph Patterson, James Hughes, John Clark and John Brice, together with all the churches west of the Monongahela river. The boundaries now were the Monongahela river on the west, Lake Erie on the north, the Allegheny mountains on the east and a part of Vir- ginia on the south. Plow far the Presbytery extended into Vir- ginia is not definitely known — probably as far as Presbyterians could be found. Within this newly adjusted boundar)^ the Pres- bytery continued to work till the year 1801, when the Synod of Virginia erected the Presbytery of Erie. This organization was granted on the unanimous request of the members present from the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio, at the meeting of the Synod of Virginia, in session at Winchester, Va., October 2d, 1 801, and included Rev. Messrs. Thos. E. Hughes, Wm. Wick, Samuel Tait, Joseph Stockton and Robert Lee, together with all the congregations north and northwest of the Ohio and Alle- gheny rivers "unto the place where the Ohio river crosses the western boundary of Pennsylvania." (Act of Synod in History of Presbytery of Erie, by Dr. Eaton).

SYNOD OF PITTSBURGH.

In the year 1802, by the act of the General Assembly, the Presbytery of Redstone was set off from the Synod of Virginia, and with her two daughters was organized into the Synod of Pittsburgh. Thus Redstone assisted in the organization of two Synods and the General Assembly and is now in the third Synod. It would make our history too long and tedious to speak of all the ministers whose names have appeared on her roll.

In 1788, when the Synod of Virginia was formed, there were on the roll eight ordained ministers, viz.: James Finley,

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 9

John Clark, Joseph Smith, John McMillan, James Dunlap, James Power, Thaddeus Dodd and Samuel Barr.

We have not the means of knowing accurately the names of all the churches, as there are no statistical reports, and in the minutes, congregations and preaching stations are not distin- guished. Twenty-four places are mentioned as supplicating or applying for supplies. Some of these we know were organized. When the Synod of Pittsburgh was organized, there were twelve ministers in the Presbytery, viz. : James Power, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.; Joseph Henderson, Ebcnezer and Blacklick; James Dunlap, Lau- rel Hill; Jacob Jennings, Dunlap's Creek and Little Redstone; John McPherrin, Salem; Samuel Porter, Congruity; George Hill, Fairfield and Donegal; Wm. Swan, Long Run and Sewickley; David Smith, Round Hill and Rehoboth; James Adams, George's Creek and Union; Francis Laird, Poke Run and Plum Creek; Robert Steel, pastor elect, Pittsburgh. The vacant churches able to support a pastor were Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Unity; Pitt Township and McKeesport ; Morgantown and Middletown. The churches unable to support a pastor were New Providence, Uniontowm, Tyrone, Sandy Creek Crossings, Clarksburg, Ty- gart's Valley, Somerset, Turkey Foot, VMieatfield and Stoney Creek. About this time some of the churches were visited with a wonderful revival accompanied by what were called "The Fall- ing Exercises." These were often observed in churches now in Washington county. Rev. Robt. Johnson who was an eye wit- ness of this work in the Round Hill Church, gives the following account of it :

"I have seen men and women in solemn attitude, pondering the truths which were presented, fall in a moment from their seats or off their feet as helpless as though they had been shot and lie from ten to fifteen or twenty minutes or longer as motion- less as a person in a sound sleep. At other times the whole frame would be thrown into a state of agitation as seemingly to endanger the safety of the subject; and yet in a moment this agi- tation would cease and the person arise in the full possession of all his bodily senses and take his seat composed and solemn without the least sensation of pain or uneasiness."

lO PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

A very deep impression was made upon the people by these exercises and the very old, as long as they lived, spoke of them with the most profound reverence. In these meetings very many were brought into the fold of Christ, who were pillars in the house of the Lord. The question as to how the persons who were the subjects of these remarkable experiences conducted themselves is one of deep interest.

A very old lady whose memory ran back to those times once said to the writer, "Some of them proved to be very good Christians and were useful in the church and others soon went back to the world and became as wicked as ever." In some churches there was a continuous revival lasting a number of years. Revivals began at an early day.

In 1778 the settlers in what is now Washington county were driven into Vance's Fort by the Indians. Then God's spirit was poured out in copious showers. "From 1781 to 1787," says the historian, "a most extensive work of grace was experienced in the churches of Cross Creek, Upper Buffalo, Chartiers, Pigeon Creek, Bethel, Lebanon, Ten Mile, Cross Roads and Mill Creek, during which more than a thousand persons were brought into the Kingdom of Christ."

"From 1795 to 1799 another series of gracious visitations were enjoyed by the churches generally, throughout Western Pennsylvania, extending to the new settlements north of Pitts- burgh." (Dr. Eaton's History of the Presbytery of Erie, p. 405.) These reached on into the new century as we have seen. The Communion seasons were usually occasions of very great inter- est. People came on horseback and in wagons not infrequently as far as twenty miles and lodged with the members who were nearer until the services were concluded. Often has the writer heard one who had been present in these seasons speak of the delightful social Christian intercourse enjoyed.

EDUCATION.

Redstone Presbytery was a pioneer in Christian Education. The early pastors were deeply impressed with the importance of raising up a native ministry. The outpouring of the Spirit had

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. II

led young men to consider the duty of preaching Christ. But there were no available facilities for education. The pastors though burdened with the labor needed to help support their families, with the care of planting and fostering the infant churches in the wilderness and looking after the lost sheep of the house of Israel, heroically undertook this new work of educating the young.

FIRST SCHOOLS.

In 1782 Thaddeus Dodd built a little log cabin and opened a classical and mathematical school which continued for three and a half years, till he sold his farm. In 1785 Jo.seph Smith began a school at Buffalo in his study, for young men, who were preparing for the ministry. In Dodd's Academy, amongst others were Jas. Hughes, John Brice, Daniel Lindley, Robert Marshall, John Hanna and David Smith. When Mr. Dodd's school was suspended Messrs. Hughes, Brice and perhaps others went to Buffalo to Joseph Smith's school, in 1785, where they were join- ed by Joseph Patterson, Jas. McGready and Samuel Porter. This school was continued with success until Mr. Smith's failing health compelled him after a few years to give it up and his scholars passed into the Log Cabin School at Chartiers.

The exact time when Dr. McMillan began his school at Chartiers has been in dispute and also the character of the school. Dr. J. I. Brownsbn, who has thoroughly examined the discussion pro and con, suggests that Dr. McMillan's school may have been opened in 1780 and included Latin and Greek in its design as far as there was demand for them, and when two years later Mr. Dodd's distinctly classical school was started, such instruction may have been surrendered to him for the time being, in view of the sufficiency of one such school to meet the demand at the time. The "Log College" survived the others, supplying classi- cal and even theological training till after the Academy was start- ed in Canonsburg in 1791, when the students in it were passed over to that institution. (See Pres. Cen. Convention, p. 74.)

On September 24th, 1787, a charter was granted for an Academy in Washington, Pa., by an Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania. The same Act devoted for the uses of the Acad-

12 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

emy 5,000 acres of land north of the Ohio river, chiefly in what is now Beaver county. The charter was secured mainly through the influence of Dr. McMillan and his two Elders, Judges Alli- son and McDowell, who were members of the Legislature. In 1789 the Academy went into opei'ation under the care of Mr. Dodd, who had given up his Academy on the Ten Mile.

In 1 791 the burning of the Court House in Washington, the difficulty of obtaining a suitable building, the donation of a lot of ground by Col. John Canon in Canonsburg and the gift of a considerable sum of money by the same gentleman turned the tide in favor of the establishment of another Academy in the last named place. A school was opened there and the first reci- tation in Latin was made by Robt. Patterson and Mr. Wm. Rid- dle. Rev. Messrs. McMillan, Smith, Henderson and others in- terested in the new institution were present and at the request of Dr. McMillan, Mr. Henderson opened and Mr. Smith closed the exercises with prayer. That first recitation was made "under the shade of some sassafras bushes." In that year, 1791, the Pres- bytery of Redstone overtured the Synod of Virginia on the edu- cation of pious young men for the ministry. The Synod re- sponded by recommending the establishment of two schools, one in Rockbridge county, Va., under the Presidency of Rev. Wm. Graham and the supervision of the Presbyteries of Lexington and Hanover and the other in Washington county. Pa., under Dr. McMillan and the supervision of the Presbytery of Red- stone. Canonsburg was chosen as the place and the Academy chartered in 1794.

EARLY COLLEGES.

The former institution grew into Washington College at Lexington, Va., and the latter into Jefterson College, being char- tered as a college in 1802. In 1-806, Washington Academy, after varied fortune, became Washington College. The history and work of these institutions, their rivalry, their struggles with pov- erty, the efforts and sacrifices of their friends, the efforts for en- dowment, the plans for union in deference to the demands of the Christian public, form most interesting chapters in the education- al history of the region, but we can not dwell upon them. In

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 3

1865 the efforts for union were partially successful; a plan was adopted, a charter obtained, giving the three higher classes to Canonsburg, and the Freshmen, the Preparatory and the Scien- tific departments to Washington. In 1869 this was abandoned, a complete union formed and the united College was located at Washington and Jefferson Academ}' at Canonsburg. Convenient buildings, located in a beautiful campus and an endowment of $250,000 have been secured. The life of the College is assured, but more buildings and larger endowment are needed.

MISSIONARY CH.^RACTER.

The Presbytery was essentially a missionary Presbytery. Its members not only preached to their own people but they vis- ited waste places, sought out destitute ones and organized them into churches and watched over them till pastors could be ob- tained. The labor performed was wonderful, especially when it is remembered there were no public conveyances of any kind and traveling was on horse-back or on foot, without roads, bridges or ferries, and without comfortable stopping places at night. Often, says the historian, has the preacher been com- pelled to swim the creek or river on Sabbath morning and preach in his wet clothes and then hasten on to fill another appointment. Perhaps after a two days' ride he could not cross the swollen stream and was compelled to retrace his steps without delivering his message. (Hist. Erie Pres., p. 12). Yet their success was great and churches seemed to spring up everywhere. Such was the growth that in October, 1801, the Synod of Virginia, in ses- sion at Winchester, organized the Presbytery of Erie, as we have seen, from the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio. And in May, 1802, the General Assembly organized from Redstone, Ohio and Erie, the Synod of Pittsburgh, mother, daughter and grand- daughter.

At the first meeting of the Synod of Pittsburgh, in Pitts- burgh, September 29th, 1802, it was resolved (ist) "that the Synod of Pittsburgh should be styled the Western Missionary Society. (2d) That the object of the Missionary Society is to diffuse the knowledge of the Gospel among the inhabitants of the new set-

14 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

tlements, the Indian tribes and if need be among some of the in- terior inhabitants where they are not able to support the Gospel." Redstone Presbytery entered heartily upon this work of the Syn- od, aiding the missionary efforts among the Wyandotte In- dians, at Sandusky; the Senecas, near Buffalo; the Ottawas, near Maumee and the Cornplanters on the head-waters of the Allegheny.

CONTRIBUTIONS.

But even before this something had been done in the way of- contributions. We find that on the 20th of Augu.st, 1789, Pres- bytery ordered "that collections be raised from the several con- gregations under the care of this P. b. y. agreeably to the Act of General Assembly, and that the money collected be brought to our spring meeting," (p. 60, min. Redstone.) This was prob- ably to bear the expenses of Commissioners to the General As- sembly, and, indeed, in the earlier history much of the energy of the Presbytery, in the way of raising money seems to have been devoted to this object and to getting arrears in pastors' salaries settled up. But at a meeting held November 12th, 1789, we find this record:

"Agreeably to a recommendation of the Synod of Virginia for raising contributions for the support of missionaries, the P. b. y. agrees to make contributions in the several congrega- tions for that purpose as soon as convenient and that report of success in the same be brought in at next spring meeting," (min. p. 62). Then, April 22d, 1790, the Presbytery makes inquiry and finding that some congregations had not attended to the matter directs them to take collections and pay the same to Mr. McMillan, Treasurer, (p. 65.) This record says the object was to pay missionaries to vacant congregations. In September fol- lowing, the order was renewed, (p. 70.) October 19, 1796, the order was again renewed and the money ordered to be forwarded to the Treasurer of the Commission appointed by the Synod of Virginia. It was again renewed in 1799, (p. 130). In June, 1799, Presbytery "injoined its members to exert themselves in endeav- oring to raise collections for the support of missionaries and to report at our next meeting," (p. 149).

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 5

On p. 152 is the record that the following sums were col- lected for the Missionaries, viz.:

£. s. d. Salem, .... 2 2 6 Little Redstone, . . i 3 io>^

Long Run, ...18 6% Round Hill, . . • 3 I5 i

Unity, .... I 10 8>^

Sewickley, . . . . i 16 o Rehoboth, . . . 5 12 6 Other records follow showing that the Presbytery was alive to Missionary work and their eftorts were the more commenda- ble when we remember the scarcity of money in early days. It is worthy of note that by the efforts of the Synod of Pittsburgh, in which the Presbytery took such an active part, was sown the seed which has grown and ripened into the great work which the church to-day is carrying on at home and abroad in the name of the Lord. Note should be made also of the work of the Pres- bytery in aiding young men of limited means to obtain an educa- tion.

In Joseph Smith's school, at Buffalo, there were four young men, Jas. Hughes, John Brice, Jos. Patterson and Samuel Porter, aided by the ladies of Buffalo, Bethel, Chartiers and Cross Creek Churches, who furnished them a part at least of their clothing. So far as we know this was the first Educational Society in the Presbytery. (See Dr. Smith's Hist, of Jefferson College, Oct., 1 791.) The Presbytery in approving the action of the Synod of Virginia in establishing the two schools, or Seminaries, as the Synod termed them, recommended as follows: "The P. b. y. therefore order their members to use their best endeavors to ob- tain contributions for the above purpose and put them in the hands of Mr. McMillan, who is appointed Treasurer, as soon as possible, and of their diligence therein to render account at our next Spring meeting," (p. 81.) Dr. McMillan faithfully attended to this duty and in pursuance of it attended the meetings of Red- stone Presbytery for eleven years after Ohio Presbytery was formed as faithfully as he did his own.

1 6 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

For a period of 30 years the work of the Presbytery was quiet, yet faithful, under the ministrations of such good men as Dr. Power, Samuel Porter, Rev. Geo. Hill, Wm. Swan, Wm. Speer, Francis Herron, Joseph Stockton, Wm. Wylie, Robt. Patterson, Robt. Johnson, Jas. Graham, Jas. Guthrie, Wm. John- ston, Elisha P. Swift, Ashbel G. Fairchild, John Reed, Aretas Loomis, A. O. Patterson, Jos. Henderson, Francis Laird, Robt. Lee, A.sa Brooks, David Barclay, Geo. Van Eman, John McPher- rin, Thos. Hunt and Thos. Davis. If it were not that we must be brief, it would be interesting to give a sketch of the work per- formed by some of these faithful servants of Christ, whose names and memories are still fragrant in the church.

DRS. SWIFT AND HERRON.

The names of Francis Herron and Elisha P. Swift are inter- woven with the history of the Church in Pittsburgh and Alle- gheny. They did a work there in laying the foundations of Pres- byterianism which will never be forgotten. We doubt not that the historians of these churches will do justice to these godly men.

Samuel Porter did a work in the Congruity Church and Geo. Hill in Fairfield and Ligonier Churches which have made their names memorable in Blairsville Presbytery.

MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY.

We refer to two or three who served the church grandly in the bounds of the Redstone of to-day. Robt. Johnston was one of these. He was of English extraction, a lineal descendant of Oliver Cromwell, born August /th, 1774. He was educated at Canonsburg and Dr. McMillan's "Log College," licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio in 1802, came to this Presbytery from the Presbytery of Erie and settled in Round Hill and Rehoboth con- gregations in 1817, continuing for five years in that relation. He was a successful pastor and a vigorous preacher. During his pastorate these churches enjoyed some precious revivals.

Ashbel Green Fairchild, D. D., was another of Redstone's noble workers. He was born in New Jersey, May ist, 1795, graduated from Princeton in 181 3, licensed by the Presbytery of New Jersey, April 1 8 16, received under the care of Redstone

PRESBYTERV OF REDSTONE.

17

Presbytery, April 21st, 181 8, and July ist following, was ordain- ed as an evangelist. July 2d, 1822, he was settled as pastor at George's Creek, Morgantown ajid Greensboro, at a salary of 5333-00. In '27 he resigned Morgantown and Greensboro and was settled over the Tent Church, giving it half the time and George's Creek the other half, till April, 1854, from which time till his death, June, 1864, he gave his whole time to the Tent Church. He was a faithful and successful pastor. Of wide and varied scholarship, of genial temper, simple, dignified, yet unas- suming, tried and true as a friend, he was greatly beloved by his people and esteemed by his brethren. The historian of the Tent Church has given a most admirable description of this good man. It will be found further on in this book. But we must not tarry longer with these personal sketches.

The first Statistical Report recorded in the minutes of Red- stone Presbytery is as follows, (p. 234, in 1809):

	Total in Communion, April 1st, 1808.	Members	g n'	g en' 3 en" n	c en fD 3 a	H 0 n 0 3 3 c 3 o' 3	Baptized since.
	added.	> CL		H 0
NAMES OF CHURCHES.	0 3 ■"" i.	0 n n 0 9				/)		Si-
Congruity .... Poke Run • • • 1 Plumb Creek . . / Beulah Rehoboth .... Round Hill . . . Laurel Hill . . . Tyrone Rehoboth (New) . Licking 1st Pres. Cong. Pitts	125 136 122 120 90 20 33 45	8 7 7 15 2 8 6	3 I 1 18 25 2	I 2	9 2 2	I	144 122 126 lOI	1 I 7 2 I	45 56 20 22 20 II 15 18	48 57 20 22 27 13 16 18

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

Theological Seminary.	^ CO o ON t^ "^	1>« LO
Educational.	^88	lo O O CM O O r^ M CM
Commissioners' Fund.	o o o o o o ro ro LO	O <-o O O LO LO o O "^ Lo»0 "O
Missionary.	CO 00	LO O O O O o o o o o O) LO LO CO O LO 1^ CM CO
P. P5	Toial.		vO MD 1-1 1-1 CO LO '^ CM CO CM 1-1
Infants.		CM On On cm ^ CM CS 1-1 ►-
Adults.	OO CN ON LO	Ti- t-^ 1-1 (N CO CO
Total now in Communion.	HH CO On f^ r^ cooo O CM (N H- CO	LO c) r-^ i-i oo oo '^ '^ CO O r^oo CM ON CO CM CO
Suspended.	^ -^
Dismissed.	i-i 00 I^ CM	lO NO <^
Died.	c^i ^ 1- r)	t^ -xh HH
Added on Certificate.	LO lO "^	1>.>0 CM CO r< CM -^ 1-1 CM 1-1
Added on Examination.	oo vo O '^ « ^H « -^	rJ-OO -^ O '^ CM CO C^) 1- CO
Total Communicants per last Report.	P-H LO t^ O LO CM oo VO CM CM 1-1 i-i	t^OO cooo O CM 1-1 HH o ON C^l I>« CM 00 CO CM CM
	CO W X D X u o CO W <	Rehoboth and Round Hill Laurel Hill and Tyrone Brown-sville and Dunlap's Creek . George's Creek and Union Clarksburg and French Creek Jefferson and New Providence . Mt. Pleasant and Sewickley . Long Run and McKeesport Greensburg and Unity . Somerset and Jenner . Morgantown, S. S. . . . Middletown, S. S. . . . Uniontown, S. S. .

PRESIJVTEKV OF KEDSTONE. I9

TRANSFER OF CHURCHES.

In the year 1822 the Synod of Pittsburgh set off the churches of Pittsburgh to the Presbytery of Ohio, and in 1825, three years later — in a small measure compensated for tlie loss by transferring to the Presbytery of Redstone the churches of Jefferson and New Providence.

BLAIRSVILLE PRESBVTERV.

Up till 1830 the Presbytery held its north-east border un- disturbed. But at the October meeting" of that year, it request- ed Synod to divide the Presbytery by a line starting at the Mon- ongahela river below McKeesport and running north-east to the Pittsburgh and Stoystown turnpike and thence along the pike to the top of the Allegheny mountains, the ministers and churches north of the pike to be called the Presbytery of Blairsville, leav- ing it optional with the ministers through whose charges the road passes to which of the two they shall belong. (Min. p. 409.) Subsequently Greensburg and Donegal, now called Pleas- ant Grove, were transferred to Blairsville, and the churches of Somerset and Jenner at first in Redstone were set over to Blairs- ville, but after a time restored to Redstone.

NEW AND OLD SCHOOL.

The division into Old and New School affected Redstone at Greensburg, and at Mt. Pleasant and Pleasant Unity, which at that time were one organization. A part, the larger part, went off under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Montgomery, at that time pastor of Mt. Pleasant, to the New School body. A church was organized in the Mt. Pleasant (Middle) Church and another at Pleasant Unity, under the care of the Presbytery of Pittsburgh. After thirty-two years of separate existence, in the year 1869, when the Old School and the New School Assemblies united and the terms Old School and New School were dropped as titles, two congregations under the care of Redstone took the place of the three, viz.: Mt. Pleasant and Pleasant Unity. Subsequently a new church building in the town of Mt. Pleasant was erected and soon after the "Reunion Church," of Mt. Plea.sant, was organ- ized.

20 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

WEST VIRGINIA PRESBYTERY.

The only subsequent change in our boundary was brought about by the organization of the Presbytery of West Va., on the south, by which we lost all south of the Pennsylvania line. With this single exception the Presbytery has occupied substantially the same ground for about fifty-seven years.

NEW CHURCHES.

During these years some new and important churches have been organized, viz.: West Newton, Belle Vernon, Dunbar, Mt. Pleasant Reunion, Scottdale, Fairchance, Leisenring and Mt. Vernon.

MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY.

During this half century the Presbytery has had on her rolls not a few of the excellent of the earth, among whom we may mention the names of Rev. A. O. Patterson, D. D., Rev. N. H. Gillett, Rev. Joel Stoneroad, Rev. Watson Hughes, Rev. John McMillan, D. D., — who rest from their labors — Rev. Sam- uel Wilson, D. D., long the pastor of Dunlap's Creek, who is waiting calmly for the end in Fairfield, Iowa, and Rev. J. R. Hughes, who is still faithfully serving the Master in Dayton, Ohio. In the Presbytery is Rev. John McClintock, pastor of New Providence, who has stood in his lot in that field, faithful and beloved since July, 1839, and Rev. Hugh O. R.oseborough, who has served the church of the "Old Frame," George's Creek, since 1854. During these years, v/hich make up the later life of the Presbytery, we have nothing of unusual character to chronicle. Possibly every church within the bounds of the Presbytery has enjoyed precious revivals of religion and again has experienced seasons of spiritual coldness. Pastors have been released to go to other fields of labor and worthy successors have come to fill their places. Some strong churches have been weakened for a time by strife and division or by immigration and death and have grown strong again or remain in a crippled condition. Others by revival or immigration have grown and are strong — some which were in a healthy state and able to support pastors are about the same still — and a few which had but a name to live fifty or sixty years ago arc still breathing — not exactly dead yet,

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 21

but comatose, with tlic probabilities that in the course of nature they will join two or three others and be numbered among the dead.

We have at this day some eight or nine churches which date their birth before the organization of the Presbytery and are older than the General Assembly.

We believe the Presbyterian church has not ceased to be the leading denomination in this region. In the early days it stood here almost alone; but now there are many others nobly engaged with it in the work of the Master. With our advancement in numbers, wealth and influence, we hav-e made advancement in benevolence and in sj'stematic church work. Now our attention is not so much absorbed in efforts to raise the Commissioners' fund to defray the expenses to the General Assembly, or to se- cure the pa)'ment of the arrears of Pastors' salaries. The whole work of the Church at home and abroad in bringing the Gospel to every creature occupies time and thought and prayer and ef- fort. We are tr)M'ng to build on the foundations our fathers laid in faith and prayer and self-denial and toil, to maintain, enlarge and .strengthen the institutions they founded and hand them down fitted as well to do the work of the future as they were to do the work of the times when we received them. . The brethren of Redstone Presbytery are striving to cultivate well the field in which God has placed them, to care for the strangers that God is bringing into their midst, to extend their influence as far as they are able to "the regions beyond," and so leave the inheritance re- ceived from the fathers undiminished in its glory. The last statistical report to the General Assembly will show the present condition of the churches and something of the progress of the Presbytery.

PRESBYTERIAL CENTENNIAL.

The history would be incomplete without a notice of the Centennial Celebration of the Presbytery, held in Uniontown, Pa., September 22d, 1881. This celebration was held at Union- town, rather than Laurel Hill, because of its greater accessibility and superior accommodations. The Synod of Pittsburgh ar- ranged to hold its eighty-first and last meeting at the close of the

22 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

celebration. Most of the members of the S}'nod were present from the beginning.

After appropriate music, Rev. John M. Barnett, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Connellsville, dehvered the address of welcome at 1 1 a. m. "In the afternoon Rev. Wm. F. Hamilton, D. D., of Washington, Pa., formerly pastor of the Presbyterian church of Uniontown, gave a 'Brief History of the Founders of Redstone Presbytery, Ministers and Elders,' in an exceedingly clear and forcible style." After the singing of a hymn, Rew S. J. Wilson, D. D., since gone to rest, set forth with great vivid- ness and eloquence, "The growth and influence of Presbyterian- ism, west of the Alleghenies during the past century." He was followed by Rev. S. J. M. Eaton, D. D., of the Presbytery of Erie, who gave interesting reminiscences of Redstone Presbytery. The evening exercises were held in the Presbyterian Church, Hon. J. K. Ewing presiding. Addresses were made by repre- sentatives of the Presbyteries occupying territory once covered by Redstone Presbytery. The venerable Rev. C. C. Beatty, D. D. LL. D., represented Steubenville Presbytery; Rev. Wm. O. Stratton, the Presbytery of Mahoning; Rev. Anson Smythe, D. ■ D., the Presbytery of Cleveland; Rev. Wm. M. Robinson, the Presbyter)^ of Allegheny; Rev. Wm. McMichael, the Presbytery of Clarion. Rev. Wm. V. Milligan, D. D., of the Presbytery of St. Clairsville and Hon. John Trunkey, of the Presbytery of Erie, were unable to be present.

At 9 A. M., on the 23d, the exercises were resumed on the Fair Grounds. Rev. W. H. Jeffers, D. D. LL. D., of the Western Theological Seminary, was to have discussed "The Future of Presbyterianism and its part in moulding the Nation," but severe illness in his family prevented his presence. His place was occu- pied by Rev. John Gillespie, D. D., now Junior Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions and Rev. S. F. Scovel. D. D., now President of Wooster University, O. Both made excellent ad- dresses. After singing and prayer, at the request of Rev. Adam Torrence, who was shortly after called home, the 23d Psalm was sung and the benediction pronounced and the Centennial closed.

In its final action, the Synod of Pittsburgh, after extending

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 23

heart}' thanks to various parties, added "also to the Presbytery of Redstone for the invitation extended to the other Presb}'teries to share the enjoyments and benefits of the exceedingly interesting and profitable celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the formation of that first Presbytery west of the Allegheny mountains."

THANK OFFERINGS.

During the sessions of the Synod the following resolution was adopted : "Whereas, the last meeting of the Synod of Pitts- burgh occurs in connection with the Centennial celebration of the foundation of Redstone Presb\'tery, therefore. Resolved, That as a monument of this memorable occasion, the churches in the bounds of the Synod contribute $3,000 to found in the Western Theological Seminary, a scholarship to be named the Redstone Centennial Scholarship." The following Committee, one from each Presbytery, was appointed to suggest the means for carrying out this resolution, viz. : Rev. Messrs. W. W. Moorhead, C. V. McCaig, Wm. P. Moore, W. F. Hamilton and J. B. Reed. The committee reported a plan which was adopted, but was subsequently so modified and changed, that under the management of Rev. C. V. McCaig, D. D., it resulted in the en- dowment of a Professorship of Elocution in the Seminar)' in the sum of $10,000 and the founding of the Redstone Centennial Scholarship in the sum of $3,000. Of this sum $6,000 were contributed by Redstone Presbytery — and of this two members of Uniontown Church gave one half

In the territory occupied by Redstone Presbytery in 1788, there are now, in 1888, the Presbyteries of Allegheny, Blairs- ville, Butler, Clarion, Erie, Kittanning, Pittsburgh, Shenango, Washington and West Va., in the Synod of Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Mahoning, St. Clairs\ille and Steubenville, in the Synod of Ohio.

The eleven Presbyteries in the Synod of Pennsylvania have 340 ministers, 32 licentiates, 58 candidates. 453 churches, 67,299 members, 64,182 Sabbath School members. The}' gave in 1887 to Home Missions, $57,357; to Foreign Missions, $74,654; Edu- cation, $12,942; to Sabbath School work, $7,819; Church Erec-

24 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

tion, ^10,913 ; Relief Fund, ^48,984 ; Freedmen. ,$15,388 ; Sus- tentation, ;^3,77i ; Aid to Colleges, ;$ 18,671 ; General Assembly, ;$5, 398.69; Congregational, $574,686; Miscellaneous, 525.000.

The four Presbyteries in Ohio have 126 ministers, 4 licen- tiates, 18 candidates, 162 churches, 24,047 members, 24,312 Sab- bath School members, and gave to Home Missions, $25,279; to Foreign Missions, $24,641 ; Freedmen, $2,756; Sustentation, ;^7o6; Aid for Colleges, $4,845 ; General Assembly, $2,188.10; Congregational, $2,035.01 ; Miscellaneous, $27,975. In 1888 Presbytery reported 26 ministers, 34 churches, i licentiate, 5 can- didates; members, 4,239; Sabbath School members, 3.989; Home Missions, $2,359.00; Foreign Missions, $3,809.00; Educational, $325.00; Sabbath School work, $456.06; Church Erection, $1,- 094; Relief Fund, $3,353.00; Freedmen, $717.00; Sustentation, $282.00; Aid for Colleges, $656.00; Congregational, $47,172.00; Miscellaneous, $1,281.00. Total, 466 ministers, 36 licentiates, 76 candidates, 615 churches, 91,346 members, 88,494 Sabbath School members, and gave to Home Missions, $82,606.00; to Foreign Missions, $99,295.00; Freedmen, $18,184.00; Sustenta- tion, $4,477; Aid to Colleges, $13,516.00; General Assembly, $758,619.00; Congregational, $778,187.00; Miscellaneous, $52,- 975.00.

Compare all this with the little band that was organized in 1 78 1, or that stood on the picket line west of the Alleghenies in 1788, and we can only exclaim, "Lo what hath God wrought." To his name be all the praise.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 25

HISTORY OF CHURCHES.

DUNLAP'S CREEK.

BY REV. H. H. M MASTER.

Dunlap's Creek Presbyterian Church was organized in the year 1774, nearly two years previous to the Declaration of Amer- ican Independence, by Rev. James Power, D. D. The only record known of its organization is that Dr. Power said he or- ganized it in September, A. D., 1774. It comprised sixty-one members and the following ruling elders, viz.: Charles Mc- Clean, Andrew Frazer, Robert Baird, John Parker, Samuel Ter- ence, David Reeder, Ebenezer Finley and William Frame.

The few Presbyterian families who had emigrated from East- ern Pennsylvania and Old Virginia and settled in this vicinity were visited in 1765 by Mr. Finley, a member of New Castle Presbytery. He was one of the first ministers of the Gospel who crossed the Allegheny mountains in quest of a western field of missionary labor. He first blew the Gospel trumpet in this then unbroken wilderness. He finally settled at Rehoboth and Round Hill, where he enjoyed a long and successful pastorate. He left three sons who became ruling elders in Rehoboth — Jo- seph, William and Michael ; the eldest, Ebenezer, became a ruling elder in Dunlap's Creek. The Rev. Drs. James Power and John McMillan, among the earliest and noblest pioneers of the Presbyterian Church, visited and preached the Gospel here. Dr. Power brought his family here in the fall of 1776 and preach- ed as stated supply for some time, but finally settled at Mount Pleasant and Pleasant Unity. The first installed pastor of Dun-

26 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

lap's Creek was Rev. James Dunlap, who was installed, October 15th, 1782, and continued pastor seven years, when he resigned this branch and gave all his time to Laurel Hill. After a short period of supplies from Presbytery, the Rev. Jacob Jen- nings, M. D., of the Dutch Reformed Church of New York and New Jersey, was called and installed as the second pastor in 1792, continuing to preach here and at Little Redstone until 181 1, when, on account of age and infirmity, he resigned the charge, but continued to preach occasionally until February 17th, 181 3, when he was called to the eternal rest and reward promised by the Chief Shepherd to the faithful pastor. He was a practical physician and did good service in both his professions. His ashes now rest in the adjoining cemetery.

The ruling elders during Dr. Jennings' pastorate were Hon. Charles Porter, Ebenezer Finley, Sr., Robert Baird, Enoch French and George Gallaher.

The third pastor of Dunlap's Creek was Rev. William John- ston, whose charge embraced also the Presbyterian Church of Brownsville. He became co-pastor with Dr. Jennings in 1812 and in 181 3 Dr. Jennings died and Mr. Johnston assumed the pastorate, continuing in that relation until October or November, 1839, making a pastorate of over twenty-six years. He was called to his reward, December 31st, 1841. His dust, with that of his wife and eight children, rests in the old Dunlap's Creek cemetery.

Rev. Samuel Wilson, D. D., was invited to occupy the pul- pit from January ist, 1840, and was installed pastor by "the Pres- bytery of Redstone, November 17th, of the same year. He continued pastor of the church until May ist, 1869; from that time he supplied the pulpits of Dunlap's Creek, New Salem and McClellandtown, until June 20th, 1869, when he removed to Illi- nois. For nearly thirty years he enjoyed a prosperous pastorate in this charge and left many warm friends behind.

The ruling elders in 1840 were Ebenezer Finley, Sr., Hon. Charles Porter, Aaron Baird, George Chalfant, Moses B. Porter, Cephas Porter and Ebenezer Finley, Jr. Others were added during Dr. Wilson's pastorate, viz.: Samuel Linn, Finley Chal-

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 2/

fant, James Evving, and at another time, Ebenezer T. Gallaher and Joshua V. Gibbons; of these Ebenezer Finley, Finley Chal- fant and E. T. Gallaher, still remain the wise and beloved coun- sellors of this congregation.

The Rev. James P. Fulton received and accepted a call from this congregation on November 3d, 1869, (McClellandtown was still included in the charge) and he continued pastor until Octo- ber, 1878. During the pastorate of Mr. Fulton there were added to the Board of Elders on October 31st, 1875, Messrs. Johnston Vankirk and E. Hayden Baird. When Dr. Wilson resigned in 1869, there were 183 members in the church and during Mr. Ful- ton's pastorate of nine years there were added to the member- ship 157.

On the I ith of December, 1878, the congregation of Dun- lap's Creek made a call for the services of Rev. W. G. Nevin, and on March i ith, 1879, he was installed pastor of said church and continued in that office until April 17th, 1883. There were added to the membership during his pastorate thirty-two. It was a prosperous and pleasant pastorate but not long. Ill health disabled him for the work in so large a field, which he resi"-ned for a less extended one.

The present pastor was called to the field on May 14th, 1883, and installed August i6th, of the same year. Of the work of the past four years we have but little to say. During that time there were added to the eldership in 1885, Messrs. H. W. Finley, John E. Finley and Clark B. Campbell, and during these four years past of the present pastorate there have been added to the membership eighty-seven, of whom seventy-two were by pro- fession and fifteen by letter.

The house of worship still occupied by the congregation of Dunlap's Creek was built of stone in 18 14 and took the place of the old log church which was erected a short time after the or- ganization of the congregation. The old stone church has un- dergone many changes in the past seventy-three years, having been several times repaired and remodeled, but like all things earthly it began to show marks of decay. The tooth of time

28 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

had gnawed much of the pointing out of the wall and weakened the roof structure until it was no longer safe.

In the spring of 1887 the people concluded to honor the Lord by making the dear old church almost new, leaving the old walls standing as they were erected in 18 14, only adding a little more to them by raising the gables higher and thus giving a more modern appearance to the roof They put up a new frame ceiling, renewed the doors and windows, repainted the walls and replaced nearly all the old with new and substantial material, so that now we have practically a new house of worship, and yet it is the Old Stone Church of Dunlap's Creek, re-dedicated on the 25th of August, 1887.

But the history of Dunlap's Creek would not be complete were we to make no mention of her eldest and only daughter, the church of New Salem. Many years ago one of the good and brave elders of this Church, Ebenezer Finley, Sr., planted a Sab- bath School in the little village of New Salem, which, by the blessing of God, has became an important ally of the old church. A commodious and substantial brick church was erected, which was dedicated in February, 1853. The New Salem branch has for years been a prosperous and promising field and takes hon- est and commendable pride in bearing half of the financial bur- den of the Dunlap's Creek charge. This congregation, however, has not furnished her quota of ministers to the actual work of the Lord. We can only find a record of six from this large congre- gation in more than a hundred years. To the work of those six the congregation may look with humble pride and congratula- tion.

It gives us pleasure to record that one of our brave and no- ble daughters, Miss Maggie Baird, some three years ago laid her life and talents upon the altar of God's service and with a holy consecration of all to her Redeemer, went out to labor for His glory and the salvation of perishing souls in our mission field in Canton, China. Thus we have recorded a few of the historical facts connected with the rise and progress of the Lord's work in this part of his vineyard during the past 113 years. May the next century by the blessing of God be more fruitful of good,

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 29

more honoring to God and more blessed in winning souls into His kingdom is the prayer of your unworthy historian.

[The pastorate of Rev. H. H. Mc Master ended on the last of September, 1888, by his resignation and removal to Iowa, to enter on a field of labor in the bounds of Ft. Dodge Presbyter}'.]

SEWICKLEY.

BY REV. A. W. EMMONS.

Sewickley Presbyterian Church was organized by the Rev. James Power in the year. 1776 — probably in November — soon after the arrival of himself and family in Western Pennsylvania, or what was then called the "back woods." Two years before, in the summer of 1774, he had spent three months in this new country engaged in missionary work among the settlers. At that time he frequently preached where the first Sewickley church building was erected, "one mile and a half north of the present structure." In the spring of 1779 he became the regu- lar pastor of Sewickley and Mt. Pleasant congregations. He continued the pastor of these united congregations until August 22d, 1787, when he was dismissed from Sewickley Church. Of the faithfulness of this servant of Christ there can be no ques- tion. Many who knew him during their lives testified of his earnest, intelligent presentation of gospel truth both in the pul- pit and the family circle. At his regular visits the children were examined in the Shorter Catechism, "and the young people and heads of families were examined as to their understanding of the doctrines taught in the Catechism and the Scripture Proofs" and "the whole was closed with an address suited to the occasion and with prayer."

30 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

After the retirement of Dr. Power from this church, the pulpit remained vacant for six years and two months, but on October i6th, 1793, the Rev. Wm. Swan was installed pastor of the united congregations of Sewickley and Long Run, and la- bored for twenty-five years, until October i8th, 18 18, when he resigned his pastoral charge.

"In the year 1804 and for some years afterwards this con- gregation was visited with special outpourings of the Spirit of God" and considerable numbers were added to the church.

After the dismissal of Mr, Swan the church was dependent for preaching upon supplies for two years and a half; but this state of things was happily terminated in the spring of 1821, by the ordination and installation of Mr. A. O. Patterson, who on the 1 8th day of April began his labors as pastor of the united congregations of this church and Mt. Pleasant. This connec- tion was a pleasant and a profitable one, and continued until Oc- tober 8th, 1834, when it was severed by the resignation of Dr. Patterson, because both churches had grown so much that each felt able to support a pastor.

In April, 1836, Sewickley gave a call to Rev. Wm. Annan, who was installed in the following June; but owing to the "weak and debilitated state of his health" he was compelled to resign in April, 1838. The vacancy this time was short, as in Decem- ber of the same year Rev. J. B. McKee was installed pastor; he remained in this position for three years and six months. Dur- ing his stay several members in the south-eastern part of the congregation obtained their certificates. Mr. McKee went with them and organized the Harmony Church, at Reagantown, seven miles south-east of Sewickley church building. His successor in Sewickley was the Rev. Richard Graham, who was installed probably in the spring of 1845, and was dismis.sed some time in the year 1 850. Mr. Graham, although a man of some eccen- tricities of character, was a fine scholar and an able preacher, and was generally successful in his labors. He went from here to the State of Ohio, where he died not long after leaving Sewickley.

After Mr. Graham left. Rev. Watson Hughes supplied the pulpit for a time. During his stay several members secured cer-

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 3 I

tificates from the church to organize a church at West Newton, which was done, January 8th, 185 i. Mr. Hughes retired with them and became the pastor of the new organization.

In 1852, Rev. Cyrus Riggs became the pastor and faithfully preached the Gospel and taught from house to house the doc- trines of the Bible until the tenth day of April, 1861, when ex- pediency required him to make a change in his field of labor.

It was two and one-half years before another minister was secured; at the end of that time, November 7th, 1863, the Rev. \Vm. L. Boyd was installed, but only remained pastor until April 4th, 1867, because the congregation having been weakened by the withdrawal of several members felt unable to continue the payment of his salary.

The vacancy of the pulpit this time lasted a year and five months and was terminated October 3d, 1868, by the installation of Rev. J. K. Andrews as pastor; but this connection only lasted until April 26th, 1871, when Mr. Andrews severed his connec- tion with the church. It was during his stay that the organ was introduced into the church.

Now occurred a longer vacancy, succeeded by a shorter pastorate than any which had taken place in the history of this church. For six years and seven months this congregation was without the ministrations of a regular pastor, dependent upon supplies for preaching; the most of these supplies were good and able men who performed their duties faithfully. Among them may be mentioned Rev. J. H. Stevenson, who, it is safe to say, never neglected a known duty. Mr. Stevenson supplied the pul- pit for about one year. During his stay he received about thirty members, more than had been received by any minister of this congregation in the same length of time. Rev. Geo. K. Scott also labored for a time and received a call to become pastor, but, some differences arising in the congregation, the Presbytery, on meeting to install him, deemed it best not to do so and the va- cancy continued.

Rev. \V. G. Nevin, then of the U. P. Church, was called. He accepted and was installed pastor, December 17th, 1877, but he only remained one year, being dismissed, December 24th,

32 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

1878, to accept a call to the Dunlap's Creek Church. Mr. Nevin is now pastor of the church in Sharon, Pa., and is favorably re- membered by the members of Redstone Presbytery. His suc- cessor was Jacob Ruble, a licentiate, who was ordained and in- stalled pastor in 1880. He preached faithfully, meeting with much apparent success in bringing- souls to Christ, until October, 1 88 1, when he was suspended from the Gospel Ministry and from membership in the church by the Presbytery. Another va- cancy of two years now occurred, during which the church suf- ered much from removals and death.

On the nth of October, 1883, the Rev. J. D. Owens be- came the pastor of the church, but for reasons satisfactory to himself he resigned, and was dismissed April 29th, 1885. It was during his short stay of one year and seven months that the parsonage was built. It is a frame building, containing six rooms, a pantry and closets, and is well arranged for a small family. It stands on a lot of about one and a half acres adjoin- ing the church lot.

After the departure of Mr. Owens a vacancy of two years and one month occurred. During this time the church was rare- ly supplied up to the month of July, 1886, when Mr. A. W. Em- mons, the Presbyterial Missionary, a licentiate, was engaged to preach every other Sabbath, which he continued to do until April 1st, 1887, when he began preaching regularly every Sab- bath, and was ordained and installed pastor, May 26th, 1887.

While the church has experienced many severe trials, which have brought it very low at times, God has graciously brought it safely through them all, and has given it many manifestations of his favor, so that at the present time there is good promi.se of a future career of usefulness.

The present membership, as reported, is one hundred and five, but these figures will have to be reduced some because of the removal of several members. The Sabbath School has sixty members and seems to be doing a good work among the child- ren and young people. A prayer meeting was established in May of the present year and is regularly attended by from fifteen to forty persons. The present session is composed of five mem-

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 33

bers, as follows : David Hunter, John Martin, Jacob Edward Robertson, Thomas L. Robertson and David D. Bair; the four last named were installed, June 26th, 1881. The congregation has had three buildings since its organization. The first one is thus described in "Old Redstone:" "Constructed entirely with the axe, no saw, or plane, or even a hammer to drive a nail were used, for naiis or iron in any shape were not employed The roof was clap-boards, kept in their places by logs laid upon them and the doors were of the same kind, fastened together with wooden pins. The windows were small openings cut in adjacent logs and glazed with paper or white linen, oiled with hog's lard or bear's grease. The seats were logs, cleft in the middle and rai.scd a suitable height on blocks. Such was the original house in which Dr. Power preached in Sewickley congregation. It stood about one mile and a half north of the present place of public worship, on the road leading from Alarkle's mill toward Pittsburgh, about half way between the big and little Scwick- lies."

This continued to be the place of worship until 1787 or af- ter. During that year the south side of the congregation de- cided, as they had a large majority of the congregation and many of them many miles to go, to build a house on the south side of the creek; this being opposed by the members on the north side, much trouble arose and was the cause of Dr. Power resigning his care of the congregation. A compromise between the two sides was finally effected by the south side promising to build a bridge at what is now known as Bell's mill.

The second building was built of logs and was about sixty feet in length by thirty in width. There the congregation met and worshiped until 1832, when the pi'cscnt building was erected. This being of stone, si.xty feet long by forty feet wide and thirty feet to top of roof, and having a wall twenty-four inches in thick- ness, was a work of great magnitude in those days, and required the labors of many men for several months. In the meantime the congregation worshiped in the adjoining lot, some sitting in a temporary board tent, in which the pulpit stood and others resting on the ground beneath the shade of large oak trees.

34 PRKSBYTF.RY OF REDSTONE.

The present building is in good condition and bids fair to remain a comfortable place of worship for many years to come. At one time, before the bridge was built, in the early spring, a heavy rain so raised the water that the creek could not be forded on the Sabbath. Dr. Patterson, who was then pastor, mounted a stump, the people seated themselves on saddles, logs and stones, sung God's praise and listened to the sermon delivered by the faithful ambassador of Christ.

MOUNT PLEASANT.

BY REV. GEO. P. DONEHOO.

In a paper of this nature, which must necessarily be very brief, it is a difficult matter to know what to omit. Only those events which serve as mile-stones shall be pointed out. In 1774, James Power, a minister of twenty-nine years, "crossed the Allegheny mountains and spent three months in what are now Westmoreland, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette and Greene counties, Pennsylvania." In 1776, probably. Dr. Power moved with his family to Dunlap's Creek, near what is now Browns- ville. During his residence at this place he occupied himself with missionary labors, preaching in the various settlements about him and in organizing new churches. At this time he probably organized the church of Mount Pleasant. In 1779 he became the regular pastor of the Mount Pleasant and Sewickley congregations. It was at this time that the settlement of various other ministers in the then "west," led to the formation of the "Redstone" Presbytery, which was organized at Pigeon Creek, September 19th, 1781. The pastorate of Dr. Power continued until 1 8 17, when he resigned on account of infirmity brought on by old age. He remained among the people of his charge until his death in 1830.

The two congregations of Mount Pleasant and Sewickley were united in one pastorate under Rev. Andrew O. Patterson.

PRE.SHVTEKV OF KED.STOXE. 35

Fie was ordained and installed, April iSth, 1821. He was a <^reat worker among the young people of his charge. The mem- bership of the united congregations in 1829 was about 300. In the year in which he resigned it was over 400. While he was pastor of these churches, houses of worship were built in the towns of Mount Pleasant and Pleasant Unity and the old Mid- dle church was re-built. In 1 834 Dr. Patterson resigned his charge to labor in the interests of the Board of Home Missions.

Rev. Samuel Montgomery succeeded Dr. Patterson in 1835. In 1840, after the division of the General Assembly took place, the church of Mount Pleasant became divided into the Old and the New School branches. About tA\o-thirds of the congrega- tion followed Mr. Montgomery into the New School branch. This left about sixty members and six elders who remained in the Presbytery of Redstone and the Old School branch. The New School branch was very prosperous during this time. Mr. Montgomery remained its pastor until 1844 or '45- The Old School congregations of Mount Pleasant and Greensburg united in one charge and called Mr. James I. Brownson in 1841. He continued pastor until December, 1848, when he resigned to take charge of the Presbyterian Church of Washington, Pa. The other pastors of the New School branch during the division were Rev. Messrs. Porter, Cochrane and Sparks. We have no means of finding out the exact time when these men were at Mt. Pleasant. Rev. John M. Barnett took charge of the Old School branch of the congregation, April 1st, 1862 and resigned October 6th, 1869. The membership at the beginning of his pastorate was 121 ; fifty- three were received on profession of faith, thirty-nine by letter, sixty-three were dismissed and twenty died. The first pastor after the reunion in 1869 was Rev. John McMillan, D. D., who became pa.stor in April, 1870. His charge consisted of the re-united churches of Mt. Pleasant and Plea.sant Unity. On June i6th, 1870, the corner-stone of the new church in Mt. Pleasant town was laid. This building was completed on September ist, 1872. Dr. McMillan was at this time released from the charge of the church of Pleasant Unity and preached at the Reunion and the Mt. Pleasant churches on alternate Sundays. April 25th, Pres-

36 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

bytery in session at Mt. Pleasant, divided Mt. Pleasant church and organized Mt. Pleasant Reunion church, by setting over 170 members, and William B. Neel, William Giffen and John D. Mc- Caleb, ruling" elders — Alexander H. Stricklerand Absalom Schall were elected deacons. Shortly after this time the church of Mt. Pleasant requested that Dr. McMillan give them the whole of his time, as did also the Reunion church. In 1873 Pres- bytery dissolved the pastoral relation existing between Dr. Mc- Millan and the church of Mt. Pleasant and left him pastor of the Reunion church. At the beginning of his labors in the Mt. Pleasant church in 1 870 it had 241 members. Of these 107 be- longed to the Old School branch and 134 to the New School. During his pastorate 126 were received into the communion of the church. At the time of his dismissal, there remained 160. Rev. W. F. Pawing was ordained and installed pastor of this church on June 4th, 1874. "On the 9th of October, 1874, the Presbyterian church of Mt. Pleasant held a Centennial celebra- tion commemorative of the first Presbyterian preaching in the church and neighborhood. The adjoining congregations of Pleasant Unity and the Reunion Memorial church — both daugh- ters of the Mt. Pleasant church — were present by invitation and participated in the celebration." Addresses were made by Rev. J. I. Brownson, D. D.. Rev. J. M. Barnett, Rev. John McMillan, D. D., and others. Rev. W. F. Ewing resigned in the spring of 1884 to travel for the benefit of his health. Rev. M. H. Bradley was installed pastor of the church, October 7th, 1884, and re- signed in the spring of 1886. The present pastor, Rev. George P. Donehoo, was ordained and installed October 6th, 1886.

The members of the Church Session, of whom any record remains, are the following: John Vance, for thirty-two years a ruling elder; died, April 15th, 1845. William T. NichoUs, died 1842. John Giffin, an elder for fifty years ; died, October 6th, 1854. His father was one of the original elders of the church; his son also is an elder. John Giffen, ordained in 1850. John Hunter, served twenty-four years as ruling elder; died in 1854. Nathaniel Hurst, son-in-law of Dr. Power, was for fifty-five years an elder in the church; died 1861. Hugh Wilson, an elder for

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 37

fifty-two years ; died 1869. Samuel Neel, an elder for sixteen years; died in 1862. He was a son-in-law of one of the original elders of the church. James P. Hurst, ordained in 1850; re- moved from the church in 1863. Robert C. McClain, ordained in 1854; died in 1867. Jesse Hunter, ordained and installed, May loth, 1862. William B. Neel, ordained and installed, May lOth, 1862. Joseph Jamison, ordained and installed. May loth, 1862. William Giffen, ordained and installed. May loth, 1862. Jesse Hunter and William B. Neel are now elders in the Re- union Church of Mt. Pleasant; Joseph Jamison and William Gif- fen are elders at Pleasant Unity. John Sherrick, ordained in 1840; removed from the congregation in 1886. James Newell, ordained, December 1843. He is now an active member of the session. Joshua Evans, ordained, November 1858; died, Sep- tember 1 87 1. Samuel Hissem, ordained, September 1867; died, January 30th, 1882. These three were elders in the New School branch before the reunion. Reuben K. Hissem, ordained, 1882; now a member of the session. Wilson Shields, William H. Evans and Abram S. Loucks, were ordained and installed, March 20th, 1887.

The session, at present, is composed of the following mem- bers, viz : R. K. Hissem, Wilson Shields, William H. Evans, Abram S. Loucks and James Newell. There have been four church buildings. The first was made of logs, the second was a frame structure and the last two have been of brick. The pres- ent membership of the church is 181.

LAUREL HILL.

FROM A HISTORICAL SERMON BY REV. JOEL STONEROAD AND BROUGHT

DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME BY THE LATE PASTOR^

REV. .S. S. BERGEN.

From the most reliable sources of information accessible to us, the first pastor of Laurel Hill, was Rev. James Dunlap, D.

38 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

D., a native of Chester county, Pa. He was a graduate of Prince- ton College and studied Divinity with Rev. James Finley, of East Nottingham; was licensed by the Presbyter}- of Donegal somewhere between 1776 and 1 781, and was settled in 1782 as first pastor of Laurel Hill and Dunlap's Creek. (See "Old Red- stone," pages 301-2-3). As to facts and dates no man was more likely to be correct than the author of "Old Redstone."

The same authority informs us that the pastoral relation of Dr. Dunlap to Laurel Hill was dissolved in 1803, when he was elected to the Presidency of Jefferson College. He held this re- -sponsible position until 181 1, when he moved again into the Presbytery of Redstone, shortly after which he was dismissed, at his own request, to the Presbyter}- of Philadelphia, with which his son (Rev. Wm. Dunlap) was connected, as pastor of the church of Abingdon, Pa. With him he lived until his death in 18 18, at the age of seventy-five years.

Tradition, as well as concurrent history, accord to Dr. Dun- lap the character of a very good man and superior scholarship, especially in the classics. It is said he could hear long recita- tions in Virgil and Homer without book and then thoroughly drill the reciting class in the words and sentences, while walking to and fro with his hands behind his back. Tradition, moreover, says that a very difficult sentence from one of the Latin or Greek classics had passed round some half dozen American colleges, challenging translation, when Dr. Dunlap took hold of it and promptly disposed of it to the entire satisfaction of every one competent to pass judgment in the premises.

It is also said that this excellent and learned man was occa- sionally subject, as many others have been, to periods of great despondency. Take the following case: Soon after his settle- ment at Dunlap's Creek, at the close of the forenoon service, af- ter announcing a second service, with the usual intermission and pronouncing the benediction, he withdrew, under dejection of spirit, to his own house, some half mile away from the church, where some of the elders traced him and with great difficult}- and much persuasion succeeded in bringing him back to the churcli, when he preached with more than usual liberty.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 39

VVc have no authentic record as to the general state of the church during his pastorate, though tradition says his pastorate was, in the main, a successful one. The great revival of 1 800-1- 2-3, attended with what was generally called "the falling work" and which visited so many parts of the western country, was felt, more or less, in the churches of Dunlap's Creek and Laurel Hill.

The church of Laurel Hill was probably organized by Dr. Power in the year 1776. Such is the testimony of "Old Red- stone." There is not on record, so far as known to the writer, a single shred of positive testimony giving the exact year of its or- ganization. And where "Old Redstone" speaks with hesitation, it ill becomes us to be positive. But in a case of this sort, un- contradicted tradition ought to be satisfactory, if not entirely conclusive. Admitting the chronological ccfrrectness of the fore- going statement, this year, 1876, is literally and truly our Cen- tennial year.

Laurel Hill just 100 years old! This reminds us of a re- mark made by the great Dr. R. J. Breckinridge, in the Assembly of 1866, at St. Louis, that "one of the hardest things in the world to kill is an Old School Presbyterian Church." Had not the Devil been sufficiently chained he would have crushed old Laurel Hill beneath his feet long, long ago. But thanks to kind Heaven, the Devil is chained by the power and Providence of God; and, like Bunyan's roaring lion, can but reach to the end of his chain.

The question might as well be mooted here as anywhere, viz.: Why was Laurel Hill given as the name of the church ? Though we have no positive evidence as to the reason of the name, yet, we doubt not, 'tis found in the well known fact that this church lOO years ago was the only church near the great mountain range of that name h'ing to the east — much nearer than any other Presb)'terian church. The churches of Union- town and Connellsville had no existence then, nor for more than half a century after that. Laurel Hill and Dunlap's Creek then may be regarded as the mother of Presb)'terian churches in Fay- ette county, Pa., and have now some fifteen ecclesiastical daughters.

40 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

This is swarming pretty successfully, for which we would thank God and take courage.

The first house of worship at Laurel Hill was erected in 1772 — a very plain, rather small log structure. Subsequently it was considerably enlarged with a frame addition. And then in 1852, in the second year of the writer's administration, Rev. Joel Stoneroad, the congregation erected the present very creditable structure in which to worship the God of our fathers.

Dr. Power, who organized the church of Laurel Hill, came from the Presbytery of New Castle and preached as a licentiate for a short season to the congregations of Laurel Hill, Dunlap's Creek and others in the western country. In December, 1776, he moved his family into the bounds of this Presbytery and in the same year organized this church.

The earliest records of the church, if they had any, being lost, we have no sessional records running back farther than 1833. Yet, unofficial testimon)^ says, that, at the time of Dr. Dunlap's settlement at Laurel Hill, in 1782, the elders were John Travis and James Finley. We know- nothing of them save the names. The first election of elders, after Dr. Dunlap's settle- ment at Laurel Hill, resulted in the choice of James McLean, Samuel McLean, Daniel McLean, John Allen, James Wilkin and John Maxwell. The next accession to the eldership were James Parker and Joseph Morrison — the exact time of their election not being given.

Though we know but little of these men — of some nothing — they were doubtless men possessing the confidence of those by whom they were elected. James Parker, grand- father to Messrs. James and W. H. Henshaw, as also to the first consort of the present pastor (Rev. J. Stoneroad), comes down thus en- dorsed by tradition, as a faithful servant of Christ and His church.

It may as well be noted here that it was under Dr. Dun lap that the division on Psalmody occurred in this congregation. The exact time of this is not on record so far as known to us. On the introduction of Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns, fully one- third of the congregation, if not more, immediately withdrew.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 4 1

And to this day, after the lapse of near a century, proportions remain much tlie same — save that the Presbyterian church has grown into some fifteen churches — while the seceding portion (now U. P.) has made no advance whatever in the number of its churches in P"ayette county. [Eds. — We think one or two U. P. churches have recently been organized. A church has been organized in Connellsville within a few years.]

Whatever may be said of Dr. Dunlap's piety, ability and learning, tradition does not give him much credit for prudence and forecast in this matter of division. Kindly and prudentlx' managed, this unhappy division could and should have been avoided. To thrust Watts upon the congregation without con- sulting the views and sentiments of those opposed to the meas- ure was, to say the least, inexpedient, impolitic and unwise. We have a number of churches in our communion, which, to this day, continue to use Rouse's version. And, in doing so, they have the endorsement of our General Assembly, which long ago, authorised the use of Rouse's version in all our churches that preferred to use it — and this endorsement the General Assembly has never withdrawn. It seems a great pity that so small a mat- ter should have kindled so great a fire. United, they could readi- ly furnish a living salary; divided, the salary in both congrega- tions, is necessarily kept, as nearly as possible, at starvation point. In one way or other, God has doubtless accomplished some good by this division — how or what we cannot say. But assuredly the cause of division is too weak and slender to stand the full blaze of millennial glory, and long ere that period, doubtless, "Fuit Ilium" (Troy has been), will be written under- neath it and then consigned to the tomb of the Capulets.

Dr. Dunlap having become President of Jefferson College in 1803, on the 1 8th of April, 1804, a call from the congregations of Laurel Hill and Tyrone for the ministerial services of Re\ . James Guthrie was lodged in the hands of Presbytery.

Mr. Guthrie was a native of Westmoreland county, Pa., a child of the covenant, early renewed by the Spirit and carefulK- instructed in the doctrine and duties of religion. His mind be- ing biased in favor of the ministry, he entered Dickinson Col-

42 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

lege, Carlisle, Pa., of which Charles Nesbit, D. D., was the illus- trious President and graduated with the last class from Dickin- son College during Nesbit's administration. Mr. Guthrie studied Theology with one of the pastors of Redstone Presbytery, whose name we have not been able to learn. There were no Theologi- cal Seminaries in those days.

The above named call being put into the hands of Mr. Guth- rie, after holding it some six months, he accepted it and was or- dained and installed, April 17th, 1805. Rev. George Hill preach- ed the sermon and Rev. Mr. Henderson presided.

The elders composing the session of Laurel Hill when Mr. Guthrie settled here were Samuel Finley, Samuel McLean, James Holliday, James McCormick and John Morrison. The first el- ders ordained and installed by Mr. Guthrie were Joseph Tor- rence, James Allen and Enoch French. The second addition to the session, under his pastorate, were Patrick Watson, Andrew Wylie and John Clark.

In 1826, D. A. C. Sherrard, Esq. and John Larrimer, were ordained and installed ruling elders. In 1833, Thomas Grier, John Morrison, Esq., Samuel A. Russel, Robert Davies, A. C. Byers and Matthew Byers, were also ordained and installed by Mr. Guthrie. Also in November 22d, 1844, by the same, Thom- as McMillan, having been previously elected by the congrega- tion, was duly ordained and installed.

Some five or six months before his death, Mr. Guthrie, feel- ing the infirmities of age creeping upon him, suggested to the session to make out a call for the ministerial services of Rev. Joel Stoneroad, then pastor of Cross Roads Church, Presbytery of Washington, Pa., to become co-pastor with Mr. Guthrie. To this proposition Mr. Stoneroad acceded, a relation both pleasant and cordial, but of very short duration, as Mr. Stoneroad was in- stalled co-pastor, June 6th, 1850, and Mr. Guthrie departed this life, August 24th, 1850, thus making the co-pastorate not quite three months duration. Mr. Guthrie died as he lived and enter- ed into rest.

Mr. Stoneroad continued to be pastor of the two congrega- tions of Laurel Hill and Tyrone until 1861, when, owing to the

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 43

cxtensiv^e territory of tlie combined charge, the difficulty of crossing a river without a bridge and the fact that Laurel Hill proposed to take the whole of the pastor's time, paying the sal- ary of both congregations, Mr. Stoneroad, with consent of Pres- bytery, relinquished his charge of Tyrone and gave all his time to Laurel Hill.

During Mr. Stoneroads first year as pastor of both congre- gations, the additions on examination, at Laurel Hill, were twen- ty-six— not at one time, but at two or three communion seasons. The next year there were ten on examination, the next ten and the next fifteen. We cannot say what were the additions in the same period at Tyrone, as we have not the records before us, though the presumption is that it would nearly equal that of Laurel Hill. After the first four years the additions varied con- siderabl}^, but were generally less up to the year 1870, when twenty-four were added on examination at one time. In 1851 the membership was about 136 and shortly after rose to 150; but owing to fewer additions for some years past, with at least the usual number of deaths and dismissions, the membership does not now probably exceed 140.

The first election for elders under Mr. Stoneroad's pastorate occurred in April, 185 i, which resulted in the choice of James Stewart, John Clark, Wm. H. Haslett and James Allen, who were ordained and installed by the pastor, April, 185 1. The next addition to the session took place in the fall of 1 866, when the following persons were elected, viz.: Wm. Bryson, Robert H. Smith, James Curry, Sr., James Henshaw, Thomas G. Sherrard and Samuel Watson. The two last named refu.sed to serve; the other four were ordained and installed ruling elders by the pas- tor in the church of Laurel Hill.

We have thus endeavored to give a brief histor)- of the church of Laurel Hill from the beginning, chiefly statistical, of course, and on that account dry. The general character of its membership was of the type impressed on the Presbyterianism of Western Pennsylvania, viz.: Solid, intellectual, evangelical. True, indeed, this general rule has many exceptions, yet con- trasted in these particulars with other denominations, the Presby-

44 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

terian church need not hang her head. Yet we have no reason to boast (God forbid), but the strongest reason for self-abasement and humihation. And whatever has been auspicious in the gen- eral character of our educational and religious institutions in Western Pennsylvania, has been largely influenced by the Pres- byterian element pervading our population. This is emphatically true in the matter of education, scientific, linguistic or theologi- cal. The war-whoop of the savage had scarcely died away along the banks of the Chartiers, when McMillan began to lay the foundations of Jefferson College and taught its pupils to sing : " Tityre, tti patiilae rccubans subtegumine fagir

Having thus briefly noticed Dr. Dunlap, the first pastor of Laurel Hill, with some of his excellencies and eccentricities, we pass to notice in a similar way the second pastor. Rev. James Guthrie. As the name indicates, he, too, was of Scotch-Irish ori- gin and inherited its usual characteristics, marked, perhaps, with an occasional exuberance of spirits, enabling him to enjoy a good joke and a hearty laugh. His social qualities were rather re- markable, making him quite acceptable to any society in which duty called him to move.

Mr. Guthrie was four times married. His first wife was a daughter of Joseph Torrence, one of the first elders installed by him and of whom we have already spoken, by whom he had but one son, long since deceased. His second wife was Miss Gal- lagher, of Dunlap's Creek, with an issue of five children, two sons and three daughters, who have all long since deceased, save one, who was long since a member of Laurel Hill, but recently on the score of proximity, of Dunbar, Pa. His third wife was the widow Hunter, of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., who lived a very short time and died without issue. His fourth wife was the widow Heeson, of Uniontown, at that time a member of the writer's charge and whose marriage with Mr. Guthrie he solemnized of course. When a widower the third time and manifestly in search of a fourth wife, the writer told him he knew a lady in his charge (Uniontown) that would suit him well, but doubted if he could get her and on hearing the name he remarked he might try. He did try and succeeded. And as evidence of his fondness for a

PKESI5VTERY OF REDSTONE. 45

joke, as soon as the ceremony was over he reached out the usual fee to the officiating minister, which, of course, was promptly re- fused, when, with a hearty laugh, he said: "Dog don't eat dog." And wlien twitted, as he occasionally was, with having his fourth wife, he would promptly answer: "If I should lose the fourth I would seek a fifth." And personal acquaintance with one of them, as well as tradition, agree in saying his wives were all pru- dent, pious, excellent women.

One of the first elders, as we have seen, that Mr. Guthrie or- dained and installed was Joseph Torrence, a man of mark in his day, and for many years clerk of session. Mr. Torrence reared a large and respectable family, one of whom became Judge Tor- rence, of Cincinnati, whose descendants there are numerous, in- telligent, wealthy and greatly respected, many of them being connected with the church of their fathers. The same is, in a measure, true of his posterity in the line of the Millers and Tor- rences, of Allegheny and Fayette counties, Pa. Want of space forbids any special notice of man}' excellent men in the eldership during the Centennial past. Those elders, with many others, like those of Hebrews II, "all obtained a good report" when living, died the death of the righteous, and entered the Gen- eral Assembly of Heaven. There can be nothing invidious in the statement that of the class of elders ordained in 1833 ^^^ held a most prominent position for usefulness as an officer of the church. A gentleman by nature, of unequivocal piety, portly presence and strong common sense, he was emphatically a pillar in the church and his loss was most deeply felt.

And still there lingers with us one elected, ordained and in- stalled in 1826, completing this year his semi-centennial of fifty- years in the eldership of Laurel Hill, a venerable patriarch of ninety years, calmly waiting an invitation to go up higher. I mean D. A. C. Sherrard, Esq., — having lived through three gen- cration.s — himself the only relic of his own generation left among us. May his last be his best days and in the time ap- pointed may he rest in peace. I must here be permitted to say that having been some forty-six years in the ministry and of course somewhat largely acquainted with the eldership of the

46 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

Presb}'terian church, they constitute as a class, one of the purest, most intelHgent and conscientious body of men to be found on the globe and that their influence in church and state is most fa- vorably and widely felt. (Elder D. A. C. Sherrard died June 3d, 1880, in the ninety-fourth year of his age and fifty-fourth year as elder of Laurel Hill S. S. B.)

We have thus given a brief history of the Presbyterian church of Laurel Hill, the best we can do from the material ac- cessible to us. The sessional records run back to 1833, previous to which no minutes of session seem to have been kept, or if kept are now utterly lost. In November, 1840, session thought it high time to prepare a brief history of the church and from the sources of information accessible to them compiled substantially the his- tory you have just read relative to the first pastor. Dr. Dunlap, and the first elders, John Travis and Samuel Finley, and thence down to 1833, from which time to the present we have the regu- lar minutes of the session. In the foregoing history there is, we acknowledge, a comparative dearth of incident, which is charac- teristic of the great majority of real congregations. But our business now is not to make history but to write it.

A fact here I prefer not to write, but which, if omitted, would leave the history of the congregation imperfect, is this: that though the salary twenty-six years ago was the usual sum of $500, this congregation did not, as was generally done, raise the salary as the price of living rose. This would have been clearly just, and because just and not done, may not God have had a controversy with the congregation, withholding His Spirit be- cause they bring not "the tithes into the store house?" But the opposite course : bringing "the tithes into the store house," that is fully supporting the Gospel, "will open you the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." True, indeed, occasional showers and frequent mercy drops from Heaven have in times past visited the congregation, but not those copious outpourings of the Spirit that sometimes descend upon more liberal congregations. "The liberal soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be water-

PRKSBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 47

ed also himself." Fidelity to truth and history requires that this statement, however unpleasant, be recorded.

It is not out of place here to say, what can be said of but few- congregations lOO years old, that we have had but three pastors averaging thirtj'-three and a half years each. Whether more frequent changes in the pastorate would have proven beneficial or otherwise, must, of course be left to individual decision.

(Prepared by Rev. Joel Stoneroad in the year 1876, the centennial of Laurel Hill's existence as a church.)

.SUPPLE.MENT TO THE HISTORY OF LAUREL HILL CHURCH, BY REV. S. S. BERGEN, OCTOBER, 1 887.

Rev. Joel Stoneroad, author of the previous part of this his- tory, was ordained as pa.stor of Laurel Hill Church in June, 1850, and continued to hold this position until near the close of the year 1878, a little over twenty-eight years. He resigned in the spring of that year, but was still acting as Moderator of the session late in the fall. Feeling the infirmities of age creeping upon him, he resigned his charge and spent the few remaining years of his life in his home, near the village of Dunbar, quietly waiting the summons to come up higher. It was hard for him to give up the active duties of the ministry and spend so many years in apparent idleness, but such seems to have been the Lord's will. I am well satisfied it would have been a great re- lief to his mind and satisfactory to a large majority of the con- gregation, if he had had a co-pastor and had been permitted to preach whenever he felt able. But for some two or three years before his death he was too feeble for any public effort, though not confined to his bed. He died August nth, 1884, and was followed to his final resting place in Laurel Hill grave- yard, mourned by the whole congregation and hosts of other friends. His memory is still precious in every household in Laurel Hill congregation. Truly, "he being dead, yet speaketh."

Mr. Stoneroad was of German descent and was born near Lewi.stown, Mifflin county. Fa., January 2d, 1806. He graduated

48 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

at Jefferson College, Pa., in 1827 and studied theology in the Theological department or Seminary of Princeton College, New- Jersey, taking the full three years' course and receiving a diplo- ma. His ministry covered a period of nearly fifty years. After a short service under commission from the Board of Domestic Missions, he was pastor of the church in Uniontown, F'ayette county, Pa., for eleven years and afterward of the Cross Roads Church, Florence, Washington County, Pa., for eight years and then of Laurel Hill for twenty-eight years. He was a devout student of God's word. As Rev. L. Y. Graham, who was for many years intimately associated with him, testified at his funeral, he was eminently Pauline in his theology and was exceedingly conscientious in his ministrations in the pulpit and out of it. The weather was never severe enough to keep him from his ap- pointments or to prevent him from visiting the sick and dying. On one occasion one-third of his congregation was converted as the result of his preaching, but only three persons were present. As one of the resolutions passed by the congregation at the time of his resignation declares, he literally wore himself out in the service of the Master.

Mr. Stoneroad was twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married, September i ith, 1832, was Miss Rebecca, daugh- ter of David Veech, of Greene county. Pa., by whom he had two daughters, the elder being the wife of Rev. T. P. Speer, of Woos- ter, Ohio, and the younger, Miss Sarah Louisa Stoneroad, who resides with her sister. His second wife, to whom he was mar- ried, June 27th, 1854, was Miss Hannah, daughter of Col. James Paull, of Fayette county. Pa. Of this union are four children — James Paull, now in New Mexico ; Thomas Lewis, a graduate of LaFayette College, accidentally drowned a few years ago ; Miss Mary Belle, at home and Joel T. M., lately attending Wooster University, Ohio. Mrs. Stoneroad, sometime after Mr. S.'s death, moved to Wooster, Ohio, where she still resides.

For the first few months of the year 1879, Rev. J. P. Ful- ton, for eleven years pastor of Dunlap's Creek and McClelland- town, acted as supply. During his ministration, as the result of a series of meetings held in the Laurel Hill church and la.sting

PRESBVTERV OF REDSTONE. 49

for several weeks, quite a number were added to the church and the church members were very much revived. The minutes show that during his short stay with the church over thirty were added on examination. After supplying the church for a few months against the wisli of the congregation, he moved west, to Kansas, where is still living and serving the Master. The report comes back that he has become wealth)-, but we are sure that it is not by preaching.

For a few months after Mr. Fulton left, the congregation made the mistake, so often made by congregations in these days, of listening to various candidates. In September, 1879, becom- ing tired of this and being well satisfied with his ministerial qual- ifications, &c., the congregation called to the pastorate Rev^ R. R. Gailey, then and for several years before, pastor of Little Redstone Church, in the same Presbytery. According to the records he was installed, September 12th, 1879, and remained pastor until April i.st, 1882. Then, at his own request, he was dismissed to the Steubenville Presbytery, within the bounds of which he still lives and labors.

Before the fires went out in the house now occupied as a parsonage, the present pastor (Rev. S. S. Bergen), invited by the congregation to supply the pulpit for a few months, moved in. After preaching for some two months as supply, he was called to the pastorate and installed, August 12th, 1882.

Of the elders ordained and installed in 1866, Messrs. Wm. Bryson, Robert H. Smith and James Curry, Sr., were still living and serving at the time Mr. Stoneroad resigned in 1878. Also. Mr. John Wright, formerly an elder in the Presbyterian church of Monongahela City, was received into the church of Laurel Hill and elected a ruling elder in July, 1864. James Henshaw, ordained and installed in 1866, died October 22d, 1878. He was a godly man, having the confidence of the whole congregation and died as he lived. He was a great sufferer, dying with can- cer, but bore it with Christian fortitude. Two of his children, a son and daughter, still serve the Master in the old church. James Curry, Sr., died March 2d, 1883, during the present pas- torate. He was permitted to serve in the eldership the Master

50 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

whom he loved for seventeen years. Five children, two sons and three daughters survive him. two of whom, a son and daughter, still serve the Master in the old church. One daughter lives in New Haven, Pa., and the other two are in the far west. Wm. Bryson, Robert H. Smith and John Wright are still acting ruling elders at Laurel Hill.

On April 13th, 1878, Messrs. Joseph Reiner, George Yeag- ley, and T. H. Smith were ordained and installed as elders. On November i.st, 1885, Messrs. Jesse A. Oglevie and John John- son, having been previously chosen by the congregation as ruling elders, were ordained and installed. August 15th, 1886, Mr. Henry Cook, formerly an elder in the Little Redstone church, was installed at Laurel Hill. In January, 1881, Mr. Joseph Reiner was dismissed to the Presbyterian church of Morgan- town, West Va., where he still lives and serves his Master as an elder.

During the latter years of Mr. Stoneroad's pastorate, in 1877, preaching having been kept up in a school house near the foot of the mountains for many years, a house, 30x40, was built and named Bethel Chapel. In this house there has been regular service nearly every other Sabbath afternoon or evening since. This chapel is some four miles from the church. In August, 1885, during the present pastorate, another chapel, some six or seven miles on the opposite side of Laurel Hill, size 30x44, was dedi- cated and named Stoneroad Chapel, in honor of Rev. Joel Stone- road, so long pastor of Laurel Hill. Here services are kept up regularly on alternate Sabbath afternoons or evenings. In the year before Stoneroad Chapel was built, 1884, Laurel Hill Church was repaired at an expense of about $500. Bethel Chapel was also repaired in the same year.

The church of Laurel Hill, in all her history, extending over a period of about 1 1 1 years, has never had a home for her pas- tor. Fathers Guthrie and Stoneroad owned homes of their own. Since that the pastor has been compelled to live in a rented house, which would be a smaller matter if it were near the church. In the estimation of the writer and of many others both in and out of the congregation, a parsonage, convenient to the church, is the

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 5I

one thing needed, so far as material things arc concerned, to add to the comfort and efficiency of the pastor and to make Laurel Hill Church a very desirable charge to one who is not afraid of hard work in the Master's service. In the language of one of her elders, now waiting the summons of the Master: "With a congregation scattered o\er a territory ten b\- fourteen miles, with over a hundred families to shepherd, with three places of preaching, involving a ride of from ten to fourteen miles every Sabbath, it is as little as the congregation can do to thus (b\- erection of parsonage) make the work as light for the pastor as possible."'

The first statistical record of number of members that we have been able to find is in April, 1881, when the number given is 153. At the time Mr. Fulton ceased his labors it probabK- numbered as many as i6o, but during Mr. Galley's pastorate a number of families sold out and moved away, as the result of the coal excitement. By this means the church was very much weakened. Since that there has been a gradual increase, the membership last April being 187. A goodly proportion of this increase is due to the comparatively new work at Stoneroad Chapel, though the additions at Laurel Hill from \ear to year have been gratifying. There has been no revival since the begin- ning of the present pastorate, and yet few communion seasons have passed without additions, for which we are devoutly thank- ful.

While the church has been growing in numbers it has also been growing in liberality. During Mr. Galley's and the present pastorate, the complaint made, and no doubt justly, in the previ- ous part of this history, on the question of salary, would not hold good. The salary has been nearer what it ought to be and ever}- year it is paid with increasing promptness. But in the benevolent work of the church the result is especially gratif}ing. The year closing April, 1881, the whole amount contributed to the benevolent work of the church was $221. Year by year there has been a gratifying increase until last year it became ^5385. And still there is great room for improvement. A part of this increase in benevolent contributions, is due to the Wo-

52 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

man's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, which last year gave some ^50 to Home and Foreign Missions, and, besides, made up a box for a family under the care of the Board of Ministerial Relief worth ^25, and to the Sabbath School, which gave $50 to Home and Foreign Missions. When we reach the measure of our abil- ity and thus the measure of the Lord's requirement, in that de- gree will the Lord, I believe, open the windows of Heaven and pour out to us of every spiritual blessing. The Lord loves a cheer- ful giver, and whom he loves he will certainly bless. There is a reflex influence in giving, that, while it should not be the only motive, should not be overlooked.

May the Lord add many centuries, if He delay His coming so long, to the history of old Laurel Hill Church, and gather hundreds through her that will shine as stars forever and ev^er.

TYRONE.

BY REV. JOSEPH L. HUNTER.

The first settlers of Tyrone township were Scotch-Irish. In the midst of these the Tyrone Presbyterian Church was organ- ized. In the year 1774 Rev. James Power visited this region and all available records point to the fact that he organized this church about that time. In October, 1776, he moved from the East to Dunlap's Creek and from that time on preached frequent- ly at Tyrone. Barnett Cunningham and James Torrence were ordained elders by him, not later than 1776 and probably two years earlier. In the year 1784 he preached one-fourth part of his time at Tyrone. The next record we have is, that in 1793 Tyrone was vacant. All the pastoral care this church received

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 53

for the first twenty-eight or thirty years was given it by Dr. Pow- er. The next minister was Dr. James Dunlap, who was Stated Supply for an unknown period, prior to 1803.

Rev. James Guthrie was the first installed pastor. He was a native of Westmoreland county, small of stature and of a ner- vous temperament. He divided his time between Tyrone and Laurel Hill, where he was ordained, April 17th, 1805. He Avas four times married, twice to daughters of his elders. He was pastor of three churches a little over fifty years. On the 5th of June, 1850, Rev. Joel Stoneroad was installed as co-pastor over the two churches. Mr. Guthrie died within three months after this and Mr. Stoneroad became sole pastor until 1864, when he resigned his pastoral charge over Tyrone and gave his whole time to Laurel Hill. About this time the church enjoyed for a short time the ministerial services of Rev. George Paull, a licen- tiate under appointment as a Foreign Missionary. On the ist Monday of June, 1864, Rev. W. L. Boyd, then pastor of Sewick- ley Church, was installed over Tyrone for one-third of his time. Rev. Joel Stoneroad preached the sermon. Rev. W. F. Hamilton presided and charged the pastor and Rev. N. H. G. Fife charged the people. This pastorate was a period of growth in the con- gregation and continued for three years.

From 1867 to 1871 another vacancy occurred, during which time the church had occasional supplies. On the 27th of July. 1 87 1, Rev. Thos. S. Parke was installed over Tyrone and Har- mony, a relation which lasted until 1875. When Mr. Parke left, Rev. J. H. Stevenson became pastor and continued to exercise the duties of his office among us until the fall of 1883. It was during the time of his pastorate that the church of Dawson was dissolved and the membership added to Tyrone.

From 1883 to 1885, Rev. N. G. White acted as Stated Sup- ply. The next two years the church was almost entirely with- out supplies, having had but four days' preaching in all that time. As might be supposed, there was very little spiritual life remain- ing at the end of that time. But during the "week of prayer," commencing on the first Sabbath of January, 1888, there was a gracious awakening. Mr. Wm. ¥. Gault, the only elder left in

54 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

the church began a series of meetings which lasted twenty-four days and resulted in the conversion of twenty-four souls. One peculiarity of the meetings was that they were conducted mainl}- by Mr. Gault himself, without any ministerial assistance ; the)' were brought to a close only when this faithful elder was worn out and all within reach had been brought into the fold of Christ. Such is the poAver of God's Spirit if man will only do his part. The church now revived and awakened, determined to call a pas- tor. Accordingly on May 8th, 1888, Mr. Joseph L. Hunter was ordained and installed pastor over the united churches of Tyrone and Dawson. The meeting which ordained Mr. Hunter was the first meeting of Presbytery ever held at Tyrone. Mr. Wm. Lint was elected a ruling elder and installed on the 24th of the follow- ing June. The church at that time had two elders, viz.: Mr. Gault and Mr. Lint; a membership of seventy-one and a Sab- bath School in a flourishing condition. Of the different houses of worship, something, perhaps, ought to be said. The first two houses were made of logs, the last being an improvement on the first in being constructed of hewn logs. On the 4th of June, 1852, a brick house was erected and dedicated to the worship of God, but on account of a bad foundation the congregation did not enjoy it long. This building soon gave way and on the 4th of May, 1873, the present substantial brick structure was dedi- cated and set apart for religious worship. The church has had in all twenty-five elders, viz. : Barnett Cunningham and James Torrence, the original elders of the organization ; the first died, September 13th, 1808; the latter died, May 12th, 1826, having served in the eldership for fifty years. The next in order are Robert Smith, James Goudy, John Cummings, John Cooly, Wm. Huston, .son of Col. Joseph Huston ; Frank Vance, Wm. Smith, Jo.seph H. Cunningham, Hugh Torrence, oldest son of James; Alex. Johnston, Cunningham Torrence, Nathaniel Hurst, John Stouffer, Joseph Gault, who served the church fortj'-four years; Barnett Cunningham, a grandson of the original Barnett, who served the church thirty-four years; Wm. V. Hurst, Henry C. Boyd, Wm. F. Gault, Jonathan Merritt, T. R. De Yarman and Wm. Lint. Tyrone has had on an average not more than one-

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 55

third of a pastor's time during her existence, yet how blessed the results. This was one of the first churches in all this region of country. In earK' days many came to the Sabbath services from Indian Creek, fifteen miles distant, and some came from beyond Jacob's Creek. Tyrone is the mother of the churches of Con- nellsville, Dunbar, Scottdale. Dawson, Indian Creek and Har- mony; the la.st two dissolved. It is impossible to sum up all the results of the preaching of the Gospel here. The average salarj^ paid by Tyrone to her pastors for the service rendered has been about $200 per year. Had a more liberal policy been pursued and the church better supplied with preaching, possibly Tyrone to-day would be self-supporting.

ROUND HILL.

BY REV. B. T. DEWITT.

The early history of Round Hill is derived entirely from tradition. The Rev. James Finley visited this region and preach- ed to the scattered white inhabitants about 1772. From this time till 1783, he occasionally returned to nurture and confirm what he had begun. During one of these visits he organized the churches of Rehoboth and Round Hill on the same day. This was probably in 1778. During this period the inhabitants were in great fear on account of hostile Indians. The.se churches be- gan their existence in a time of great peril and distress. The alarms of war between the United States and the Indians re- sounded throughout this entire region. That must have been a period of distress when flour sold for sixteen dollars a barrel and bacon for one dollar a pound.

56 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

In 1784, Round Hill and Rehoboth regularly settled as pas- tor, Rev. Jas. Finley, his services being equally divided between them. Round Hill included at this time an extensive territory, embracing the present parishes of Mt. Vernon and West Eliza- beth and a part of McKeesport, Lebanon and Monongahela City, and on Sabbath days a very large congregation gathered here from all this region. By the death of Rev. James Finley, Janu- ar}' 6th, 1795, these churches became vacant and continued so for two )/ears or more, when the Rev. David Smith was installed over them. He continued their pastor till his death, August 24th, 1803. During the last year of his ministry these churches were visited with a gracious revival of religion, accompanied with remarkable manifestations called at that time "the falling down work."

Mr. Smith was succeeded in this pastorate by Rev. Wm. Wylie, D. D., in 1805. There were then about 130 communi- cants in the two churches together. Mr. Wylie continued pas- tor until the spring of 1817, when he was dismissed at his own request.

In the following June, the Rev. Robt. Johnston became their pastor. This relation was dissolved as respects Round Hill in October, 1831.

In July, 1833, Rev. N. H. Gillett became the Stated Supply of these two churches until December, 1834, when he was in- stalled pastor. In 1841 he was dismissed from Round Hill at his own request, Rehoboth having given him a call for the whole of his services. Thus ended the union of Rehoboth and Round Hill in one pastorate. Round Hill then had 108 communicants.

Round Hill called and settled as pastor. Rev. Wm. Eaton, in 1 841. He remained their pastor until April, 1844, when at his own request he was dismissed. During his pastorate twenty- six were received to membership on examination and three by certificate.

In 1845 Rev. Adley Calhoun was ordained and installed pastor of Round Hill. He was removed by death i;i the spring of 1848. During his brief ministr}' there were added to the church fort}'-five on examination and thirteen by certificate.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 5/

The church was very prosperous at this time both temporally and spiritually.

The congregation of Round Hill was supplied by licentiates until the spring of 1851, when Rev. Joseph Smith, D. D., was called to be their pastor. He was installed, June loth, 1851. He resigned and was dismissed in 1855. During his pastorate thirty were received into church membership on examination and thirty-eight by letter. In 1851 Round Hill congregation built in the town of Elizabeth a large and commodious brick edifice. From that time until the present they have worshiped alternately in the two edifices. In 1854 Round Hill contained 140 commu- nicants.

Rev. James Martin became pastor of this church in 1857. His pastoral relation was dissolved in June, 1863. During his pastorate fifty-three were received to church membership on ex- amination and eighteen by certificate.

Rev. J. Logan Sample was called in September, 1863. He was ordained and installed, June 14th, 1864. The pastoral re- lation was dissolved in 1866. During his pastorate 105 were re- ceived to membership on examination and ele\'en by certificate. While he was pastor a great revival occurred.

In May, 1867, Rev. W. L. Boyd was installed pastor. He was released from this relation in October, 1870. During his pastorate nineteen were added on examination and twenty-six by certificate.

In June, 1872, Rev. J. B. Dickey, was installed pastor. He was released from this relation in June, 1877. During the first year of his ministry the congregation built in Elizabeth a large and beautiful brick parsonage. During his pastorate eighty-four were received to membership on examination and forty six b\- certificate.

After Mr. Dickey's dismissal the church was supplied for about a year b)^ a licentiate.

On January 20th, 1880, Rev. J. D. Shanks was installed pas- tor. In December, 1883, he was dismissed at his own request.

In June, 1885, the present pastor. Rev. B. T. DeWitt, was installed. Additions since, twent)'; whole number of communi- cants, 174.

58 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE,

REHOBOTH.

BY REV. S. F. FARMER, D. D.

The Presbyterian church of Rehoboth was organized about the year 1778, by Rev. James Finley, a member of the Presby- tery of New Castle, who had been doing occasional missionary work in the neighborhood for some two years.

In the year 1784, Mr. Finley became pastor of this church, in connection with Round Hill, in the then lately organized Pres- bytery of Redstone. Mr. Finley continued pastor of the.se churches till the time of his death, January 6th, 1795. His abil- ity and faithfulness as a minister of the Gospel greatly endeared him to the people of his charge. His work was evidently of the kind that abides. He was the father of a church whose good in- fluence has lived and grown for a century. His memory is held in reverence, not only by the church, but the neighborhood. "He rests from his labors and his works do follow him."

After the death of Mr. Finley the church remained vacant about two years, when Rev. David Smith became its pastor. The pastorate of Mr. Smith continued about six years. The last of these years was made memorable by a very remarkable out- pouring of the Spirit of God upon the church of Rehoboth, as also upon most of the neighboring churches. The preaching of the word was accompanied by a power, under which many per- sons fell prostrate and others cried aloud under a sense of guilt. At that memorable period, while in the vigor of his manhood and in the midst of his usefulness, the minister was called from his earthly labors to that "rest which remaineth for the people of God." He died, August 24th, 1803.

Mr. Smith was succeeded by Rev. William Wylie, who was installed in 1805 ^^'^<^ continued pastor of the church about twelve years. At that time the two churches, Rehoboth and Round Hill, numbered about 130 members. During the pastor- ate of Mr. W\'lie the church did not increase, but rather dimin- ished in numbers, although Mr. Wylie was a man of more than

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 59

ordinary ability; brilliant as an orator and diligent as a pastor. The reason of the lack of increase no doubt was, that durin<;- those years many of the people moved west. Mr. W'ylie was, at his own request, released in the spring of 181 7.

In June, of the same year, Rev. Robert Johnston became pastor of the churches of Rehoboth and Round Hill. The records of session show that the church of Rehoboth had at that time sixty-six members and Round Hill fift\-three. During" the pastorate of Mr. Johnston, a period of fifteen years, several revivals occurred and the membership of these churches was nearly doubled. Mr. Johnston was released from the pastoral charge of the church of Round Hill in October, 1831, and of Rehoboth in December, 1832.

Rev. N. H. Gillet began to preach as supply in July, 1833. and was installed as pastor in December, 1834. Several seasons of revival were enjoyed during the pastorate of Mr. Gillett. At one communion thirty persons were added to the church by ex- amination. In 1 841 Mr. Gillett was released from the pastoral charge of the Round Hill Church and accepted a call from Re- hoboth for the whole of his time and in 1848 he was, at his own request, released from the pastoral charge of the church of Re- hoboth. In 1849 Rev. James R. Hughes was installed pastor of the church of Rehoboth. During the pastorate of Mr. Hughes 157 persons were added to the membership of the church. He was dismissed at his own request and removed from Rehoboth in 1865, to take charge of a female seminary at Blairsville, Pa.

Mr. Hughes was succeeded b)- Rev. Loyal Young Graham, who was installed as pastor of Rehoboth Church, October nth. 1865. After a pastorate of six years. Mr. Graham was dismissed at his own request, to accept a call to the 01i\et Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia.

Mr. Graham was succeeded by Rev. G. M. Hair, whose in- stallation took place, December 20th. 1872. During the minis- try of Mr. Hair, which continued one year and five months, for- ty-eight persons were added to the church.

The next pastor was Rev. Marcus Wishart, who was in- .stalled, October 28th, 1874, and continued pastor of the church

6o PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

until April 24th, 1877, when he was dismissed at his own request.

The church remained vacant only till August 30th, of the same j^ear, when Rev. A. F. Boyd, having received and accepted a call, was installed as its pastor. At a called meeting of the Presbytery, held at West Newton, December nth, 1883, at the request of Mr. Boyd, the pastoral relation between him and the church was dissolved, his pastorate having continued six years and five months.

After remaining vacant some nine months, the church ex- tended a call to Rev. W. G. Nevin. Mr. Nevin accepted the call and was installed, October 28th, 1884. Mr. Nevin's pastorate continued two years and three months, at the expiration of which time, February ist, 1887, he was, at his own request, dismissed to accept a call to the Presbyterian church of Sharon, Pa., where he is now laboring.

The present pastor. Rev. S. F. Farnier, D. D., was called unanimously by the church of Rehoboth, April 30th, 1887, and his installation took place, June 30th. of the same year.

LONG RUN.

BY REV. C. P. CHEESEMAN.

History, the accurate record of the past, is an interesting study, whether it relates to church or state. From small begin- nings, our nation has grown to vast proportions. And the same is true of the Presbyterian church in America, and yet it is a fact, in some respects sad, that many of the churches numerically strong in the early days, have weakened, with advancing years, until to-day they are scarcely self-supporting. But when we re- member the good done, the swarms that have gone out from the

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 6 1

old hives, we are encouraged to believe these very churches are deserving our most tender care.

The church of Long Run is said to date as early as Red- stone Presbytery, 1781. Very soon after the organization of the Presbytery, Long Run appeared and asked for supplies, and thereafter for eleven or twelve years this church was supplied with the Gospel without having a pastor. It is not strange they were so long vacant, in view of the great scarcity of ministers in those days.

The Rev. Jas. Finley was, probably, the first supply. Men- tion is made of Revs. Jno. Clark, Jno. Brice, Jno. McFerrin and John McMillan, as supplies.

On Thursday, April 21st, 1790, there appeared a young man before Presb3'tery by the name of Wm. Swan, who asked to be put upon trial with a view to be licensed to preach the Gospel. He was examined on Experimental Religion and Theology and the Presbytery being satisfied, assigned him subjects on which to prepare. He passed the various parts of trial assigned him to the satisfaction of Presbytery, and on the 22d day of December, 1791, Mr. Swan was licensed to preach the Gospel, He was then appointed to supply at Long Run on the fourth Sabbath of March, the first Sabbath of June and the second Sabbath of Au- gust, 1792. The services of Mr. Swan seem to have been much demanded, for at the meeting of Presbytery, held at Pigeon Creek, on the i6th of October, 1792, he had four calls put into his hands, viz.: P'rom the united congregations of Bethel and PLbenezer, Mingo and Horseshoe Bottom, Long Run and Se- wickley, Mill Creek and King's Creek.

At the meeting of Presbytery held April 17th, 1793, Mr. Swan accepted the calls from Long Run and Sewickley. Pres- bytery assigned Mr. Swan Rom. 3:31 as a subject for ordination sermon, and at a meeting of Presbytery held at Long Run, Oc- tober 15th, 1793, he was ordained to the full work of the Gospel Ministry and installed pastor of Long Run and Sewickley. Dr. McMillan preached the sermon from the text. Is. 62:6: "I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night, ye that make mention of the

62 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

Lord, keep not silence. And give him no rest, till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth;" truly, a happy theme for such an occasion. Of these united congregations, Mr. Swan remained pastor for a period of twenty-five years.

At a meeting of Presbytery, held at Polk Run, June 30th, 1 8 18, the sacred ties that held pastor and people in intimate union for a quarter of a century were severed, but it is recorded that at the spring meeting of Presbytery the following year, April 20th, 1 8 19, Mr. Swan was recalled to the pastorate of Long Run alone. Being in poor health he was not able to do full work and was aided somewhat by supplies sent by Presbytery. Declining health compelled him to resign, April i6th, 1822. The first pastor of Long Run, therefore, served them during a period of twenty-eight years. Mr. Swan was a native of Cum- berland, now Franklin county. Pa. He received his education at Canonsburg. What the growth of the church was under his ministry we can not ascertain. But no doubt his work was a good one and his labors acceptable. Dr. Smith, in "Old Red- stone," says: "In the year 1804, and for some time afterward, Mr. Swan's congregations were visited with special outpourings of God's Spirit, and considerable numbers were added to the church. Mr. Swan's health continued to decline and on the 7th of November, 1827, he fell asleep in Jesus in the sixty-fourth year of his age. He was buried in the Long Run graveyard and 'his sepulchre is with us to this day.' "

The church now remained vacant for a period of three years, during which time it was supplied, in part, by the Presbytery and in part b)' ministers from other Presbyteries.

At a meeting of Presbytery, held at Beulah, October 19th, 1824, the congregation presented a call for the ministerial ser- vices of Mr. Alexander McCandlass for two-thirds of his time, at a salary of ^300. At the same meeting the congregation of McKeesport presented a call for one-third of Mr. McCandlass' time, offering him a salary of $1$^- These calls were accepted and at the next meeting of Presbytery, April 19th, 1825, held at Long Run, he was ordained and installed over these congrega- tions. Mr. McCandlass served these people for twelve years.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE, 63

In October, 1837, he resigned the charge of McKeesport and leave was granted the congregation of Long Run to employ him the whole of his time. But the following year, owing to the state of his health, Mr. McCandlass asked to be released from Long Run. His request was granted, but at the meeting of Presby- tery held, October 2d, 1838, the congregation asked and obtained leave to employ Mr. McCandlass as Stated Supply for six- months. And after an experience of twelve years as pastor and six months as supply, the congregation concluded to recall Mr. McCandlass. He accepted the call and Rev. Messrs. Johnson and Montgomery were appointed a committee to install him. This relation continued till April 8th, 1845.

Mr. McCandlass' pastorate extended over a period of twenty years. It is impossible to ascertain what was the condition and growth of the church during the time it was united with Mc- Keesport. The statistical tables for that period, included both congregations, just as if they had been one. But during the time Mr. McCandlass was pastor of Long Run alone, the church seems to have been in its most prosperous condition. This is the period when the membership reached the highest number and when the contributions of the church were the largest. In 1839 the membership was 228. From that to 1844, there was a .steady growth, when the number reached 272. Upon one or two occasions during this period, there were added as many as twenty on examination. Long Run was Mr. McCandlass' first and onl}' charge. After his release from his pastoral work he spent some time in New Jersey, after which he went to Monroe county, Ohio, where he died on the loth of April, 1848.

Mr. McCandlass was succeeded as pastor of this church by Rev. W. D. Moore. Indeed, the congregation could hardly be said to be vacant at all; for at the same meeting at which the pastoral relation between Mr. McCandlass and this church was dissolved, a call was presented for the services of Mr. W. D. Moore, then a licentiate, under the care of the Presbytery of Ohio.

This call was accepted and Presbytery met at Long Run, June nth, 1845, to ordain and install the pastor elect. In this

64 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

service Rev. Jos. B. McKee preached the sermon, Rev. Saml. Wilson presided and deHvered the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Jas. I. Brownson gave the charge to the people. The pastorate of Mr. Moore continued a httle over four years and then termi- nated, neither at his own request nor that of the congregation. This unusual transaction is explained in the following manner : Mr. Moore received, in the year 1849, calls from the united churches of Greensburg and Mt. Pleasant, and not being able to decide what his duty was in the matter, left the question in the hands of Presbytery to answer; they assumed this responsible duty and advised Mr. Moore to accept the calls, and at once dis- solved the relation existing between the Long Run congregation and Mr. Moore. Against this action of Presbytery, Long Run remonstrated. Mr. Moore had a hold on the hearts of the peo- ple, which but few pastors are able to gain. He was a man of scholarly attainments, an earnest and eloquent preacher.

The congregation now remained vacant about one year and a half, when they gave a call to Rev. F. A. Shearer. Mr. Shear- er remained with this people less than one year. He was in- stalled, June 19th, 185 1. Rev. Jas. R. Hughes preached the sermon. Dr. Jos. Smith presided and charged the pastor and Rev. W. D. Moore charged the people. The following Septem- ber, 1 85 1, Mr. Shearer was released from this charge. It seems this pastorate was entered upon with a good deal of opposition and for this reason so soon terminated. The difficulties in this church had assumed such proportions it became necessary, in the judgment of Presbytery, to take some action ; and this the Presbytery did in writing a letter to the church and also holding a meeting of Presbytery in the church. Their efforts seem to have been blessed.

On the 22d of September, 1852, the congregation called to be their pastor, Mr. J. A. Means, and on October 19th, of the same year, Mr. Means was ordained and installed over Long Run Church. The ministry of this brother was brief His work for the Master was, however, done, and he said : "It is enough." Mr. Means died, June 3d, 1854, not quite twenty-six years old, having been ordained to the full work of the ministry

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 65

and having" served this church as its pastor not quite two years. The November following the death of Mr. Means, the con- gregation extended to Rev. S. M. C. Anderson, a call, which Mr. Anderson declined to accept.

The congregation remained vacant till March 19th, 1855, when they called Mr. Alex. McGaughey, who accepted the call, and at a meeting of Presbytery, held at Long Run, May i6th. 1855, Mr. McGaughey was ordained and installed. He opened Presbytery with a sermon on the subject assigned him, Eph. 3:8. Rev. Jas. R. Hughes preached, Rev. Dr. West presided and charged the pastor and Rev. C. C. Riggs gave the charge to the people. This pastorate continued about eight years. Mr. Mc- Gaughey offered his resignation in April, 1862, but the congrega- tion refused to accept it and he remained pastor till near the close of the following year, when he felt it to be his duty to resign, which he did and was released from the pastoral labors of this church.

Mr. McGaughey was succeeded by Rev. W. D. Moore, who had served this congregation as its third pastor. Mr. Moore was elected February 1st, 1 864, but was not installed and served the church as Stated Supply. This was owing to the disturbed con- dition of the country. Mr. Moore could not get his letter from the Southern Presbytery, where he had been preaching, and in addition to this Long Run had granted him leave of absence for one year to serve as chaplain in the army. Mr. Moore preached for some time after his return from the army, but soon drifted into politics and being defeated in his early aspirations he entered the practice of law, and to this day practices his profession in the city of Pittsburgh.

The next pastor of this church was Rev. N. H. G. Fife, who was installed, June 23d, 1868. At this service Rev. Watson Hughes, presided; Rev. O. H. Miller, preached; Rev. J. M. Bar- nett, charged the pastor, and Rev. W. W. Ralston, the people. Rev. Mr. Fife was pastor of this church a little over five years. He offered his resignation, September 25th, 1873, which was at first declined by the congregation, but upon the urgent request

66 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

of Mr. Fife, the congregation reconsidered their action and grant- ed his request. The pastorate of Mr. Fife is said to have been very harmonious.

Rev. John W. Little became the next pastor. He was in- stalled, May, 1874. Rev. J. W. Wightman preached the ser- mon, Rev. J. B. Dicky charged the pastor and Rev. Henry Ful- ton the people.

March 21st, 1875, Mr. Little offered his resignation. With his request the congregation complied and the church was once more vacant and remained so till November 25th, 1875, when the con- gregation extended to Rev. W. P. Moore, a call, which he ac- cepted and was installed, June 13th, 1876. Rev. W. F. Ewing preached, Rev. J. W. Wightman delivered the charge to the pas- tor and the Rev. R. T. Price the charge to the people; Rev. W. P. Moore was pastor of this church seven years.

April 20th, 1883, the congregation made out a call for the services of the present pastor, C. P. Cheeseman, who was ordain- ed and installed, June, 1883. Rev. J. D. Shanks presided; Rev. J. C. Meloy preached the sermon; Rev. A. Z. McGogney charged the pastor and Rev. Geo. H. Johnson, the people. This congregation has had ten pastors, which is truly a good record, when we remember the circumstances. One fact is worthy of re- mark; they recalled the first three — Swan, McCandlass and W. D. Moore. Six of these ten, namely : Swan, McCandlass, W. D. Moore, Means, McGaughey and Cheeseman, came to this field as their first charge and were here ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry. Four of these have been called from earth, namely — Swan, McCandlass, Means and McGaughey.

We have heard it remarked, and for some time thought it true, that Long Run changes pastors very frequently. Let us see — three of the ten remained as long as health would permit — almost to the end of their lives; two more could have remained as long as they wished, it would seem. Indeed, the people of this congregation are slow to part with the pastors whom they have chosen.

The following is as correct a list as could be .secured of those who have served as ruling elders in this church: Jos. Collins,

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 67

John Barns, Adam Kuhn, Jas. Cowan. Robt. Fulton. David Fleming, Jas. Caldwell. John Gray, Jas. Gray, Boyd Ward, Saml. Fleming, Andrew Christy, Saml. Black, R. M. Cavett, J. J. Cow- an, Wm. Weston, Mathew Hawkins, John Lynch, Jas. Simpson, David Kuhn, Jos. Perkins, Jas. Black, Finley Byerley, Wm. Ford, J. M. Brown, J. M. Shaner.

The records bear witne.ss to the faithfulness of the eldership. They have been men of real worth, who dared to do right. True, they were not always right, but their aim was to keep pure the church and advance the cause of Christ. Their names will go down to their children's children in honorable mention.

The Sabbath School was organized about 1823. by Mr. Jas. Cowan, and has been kept up, in the summer season ever since. Mr. Swan organized in his day a week-day Bible Class, which he taught as long as health permitted.

Our duty would not be done in this brief work, should we fail to mention the organization and maintenance of the Ladies' For- eign and Home Mi.ssionary Societies. In the work of the Lord they have taken a lively interest and are adding year by year to the motive power of the church. Their work is the quiet kind that tells for good.

The church of Long Run has passed through about one hundred and seven years of recorded time. How great the changes and how many, in both church and state ! The first preaching was out of doors, under the shadow of the great oaks. There Finley and Clark and McMillan preached Christ to anxious souls, burdened with the same infirmities that hinder our pro- gress in our journey to the promised Canaan.

The first meeting house was a log building, the second was of brick, near the site of the present house of worship. The present church building was erected during W. D. Moore's second ministry among the people.

In the preparation of this history the writer is greatly in- debted to the Rev. W. P. Moore, now of Fredricksburgh, Ohio.

68 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

JEFFERSON.

BY REV. JOHN m'CLINTOCK.

Of the early history of this church there are no available ma- terials extant. It is supposed to have existed at the time or soon after the organization of Redstone Presbytery.

As early as October, 1783, the South Fork of Tenmile is mentioned in the minutes of the Presbytery, at which time Rev. Thaddeus Dodd and afterward other ministers were appointed supplies. As Jefferson is located on the South Fork of Tenmile and no other church in the Presbytery is mentioned by that name, the inference is that was then the name of the church. This seems the more probable from the fact of the contiguity of Jefferson to Muddy Creek or New Providence Church, the two being often spoken of in conjunction when supplies were appoint- ed. In a statistical report made to Presbytery in April, 1824, the total membership of the church, as stated, was thirty. At the beginning of Mr. McClintock's pastorate, in 1839, there were some twenty-five members : ten males and fifteen females. The ruling elders were Abijah McClain, John Gilland and Henry Black. It was not till April, 1 841, a call for the one-third time of Mr. McClintock's time on a salary of ;^ioo was made out, which being accepted. Rev. William Johnson and Rev. Samuel Wilson were appointed to officiate at the installation, which oc- curred on the 29th of June, 1841. This relation continued up to April nth, 1849, when, at the request of the pastor, it was dissolved, that he might give his whole time to New Provi- dence Church. Being thus left vacant, the church of Jefferson united with Waynesburg Church and was statedly supplied for some time by Rev. J. Y. Calhoun, but again became vacant and had only occasional supplies.

In 1854 application was again made for part of the time of the pastor of New Providence Church, who consented to become

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 69

Stated Supply and continued to serve in this relation till May, 1866. The whole period of service there, including his pastorate and term of supply, was about twenty years.

In 1870, Rev. Asahel Bronson, D. D., then serving the church of Waynesburg, became Stated Supply part of his time. Dr. Bronson continued to supply that church for some three years. He was succeeded as Stated Supply by Rev. John W. Scott, D. D., in 1874. His term of service was about seven years. Being one of the Professors of the College at Jefferson, the Dr. was accustomed to preach only on alternate Sabbaths, which, at his advanced age, he found to be as much as he could well do.

The cemetery ground and the lot on which the church in Jefferson stands, were conveyed by deed of Mr. Thomas Hughes, an old residenter of that place, to trustees, for the use and bene- fit of the Presbyterian congregation.

The building occupied by worshipers in 1839 was a clumsy, antiquated frame, with one door in the side and a broad aisle leading to the pulpit, in front of which there was a stove, only about four feet distant, the steam of which, when heated, was lit- tle less than suffocating to the speaker. As nearly as I can re- member, the dimensions of the house were 25x30 feet, with up- right seats, some of which were claimed as the property of occu- pants. In this house, trying to the flesh, they continued to wor- ship for several years, when at the urgent request of the pastor, it was torn down and the present neat and comfortable brick building was erected at a cost of about $1,100.00. It is some 30x35 feet and stands upon a solid rock. Not a few of the wor- •shipers, we trust, who once gladly made it the place of their re- sort, have long since been translated to seats in the upper temple.

During Mr. McClintock's ministrations at Jefferson, there were sixty additions, forty-eight on examination and twelve on certificate.

In Dr. Bronson's time six were admitted on examination and in Dr. Scott's time twenty on examination and eight on certifi-

JO PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

cate, making altogether ninety-four. Mr. McClintock's bap- tisms there were: infants, twenty-eight; adults, twenty-five; mak- ing fifty-three; other baptisms, fourteen; total, sixty-seven. The marriages solemnized were eleven. Deaths during his time and the time of others, thirty-eight. Dismissions, twenty. Left without certificate, ten.

During Dr. Scott's ministrations, contributions for benevo- lent objects, in seven years, as reported on the minutes, were $151.00. What may have been done during the ministry of others is not reported in the sessional records and cannot now be stated.

For many years there has been a Sabbath School in con- nection with the church; also a Ladies' Missionary Society. At present, however, the latter, we think, has been disbanded.

From the foregoing narrative, it will be seen that the Jeffer- son Church has at no time been in a flourishing condition. To this result, inconstant supplies and other causes have doubtless contributed. Probably not more than twenty members can now be counted as enrolled. The present elders comprise Mr. James Eaton and Samuel Braden.

One of the former elders, Charles Gilland, made a donation to the church for the support of the Gospel of the sum of $1,000.00 and Mary Gilland, his sister, left a legacy of $500.00 for the same purpose, the interest only to be used.

We omitted to state in the proper place that Rev. Wm. Mc- Clintock Eaton, one of the sons of Jefferson church, in the year 1 884 served the church as Stated Supply several months. In his time, two persons were, on examination, admitted to membership. At sundry times additions were made to the eldership.

In 1843, David Bell and Wm. Cree, having been chosen, were, on the second Sabbath of September, ordained and installed. November 22, 1858, Charles Gilland and Thomas Scott were ad- ded to the number. Again, January 28th, 1872, James Gil- land and James Eaton were inducted into the ofifice of ruling el- der. Afterward Samuel Braden was elected, having previously been ordained to the office.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 7 1

NEW PROVIDENCE.

BY REV. JOHN M CLINTOCK.

The locality of this church is said to be the oldest settled west of the Monongahela river.

In his secular history of southwestern Pennsylvania, the Hon. James Veech says: "Of its river border, that formed by the Monongahela was the soonest settled; and of this, that por- tion which after 1767 was found to be in Pennsylvania was the earliest. This was the settlement on Muddy Creek, in (now) Greene county, spreading out northwards toward Tenmile and southwards towards Whiteley Creeks. Like the early settlers in corresponding parts of Fayette county, they had come mostly from the Potomac borders of Maryland and Virginia, the Kittatinny Valley, a few from the Nursery and some from Ireland. John Armstrong's, where Rev. Dr. McMillan preached his second ser- mon in the West, was on Muddy Creek, and in that vicinity is the oldest Presbyterian church in Greene county, for a while the only one. Mr. Armstrong was, doubtless, an acquaintance of Dr. McMillan. Lower down the river in choice locations and up its large affluents, settlements were easily formed. Old Virginia had for a long time made a special business of persecuting the Baptists. Hence, they took refuge on Muddy Creek, Whiteley and Tenmile, lower down on Pikerun and Peter's Creek, at an early day, when they were ministered to by Elders Corbley and the Sutton brothers."

In this beautiful valley, washed by the waters of the Monon- gahela, our Presbyterian forefathers sought for themselves a home amid the wild woods, set up their altars, planted the stand- ard of the cross and began work for Christ. Theirs was a dan- gerous, as well as a difficult and laborious task. P'or many suc- cessive years these border settlements were subjected to trials and hardships, which none but hardy pioneers could well sur- mount. Besides enduring untold privations, they were annoyed

72 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

by a constant feeling of insecurity, arising from the stealthy and frequent incursions of the much dreaded Indian. On assembUng for rehgious services, it was no uncommon thing for the men to carry with them their trusty rifles, ready for defense. If the cul- ture and polish of those early times were less conspicuous and graceful than the present, the defect was more than compensated by a robustness which served largely to give power of endurance and stability of character, qualities indispensable in that formative period.

The early settlers were thus better able to breast the storm and bear the winter's severity when houses of worship were few and far between. In allusion to those early times, Doddridge, the author of "Notes on the Life and Manners of the Western Settlers," says: "It was no disparagement to them that their churches were the shady groves and their pulpit a kind of tent constructed of a few rough slabs and covered with clapboards."

Keeping in mind these things, we shall be better able to comprehend the situation and properly estimate the preliminary work done by our heroic ancestors and feel more sensibly our obligations to them for the precious heritage which, through their toils and prayers, has come down to us.

Prior to the year 1840 there are no available sessional re- cords of New Providence Church, from which materials can now be gathered for historical detail. Up to that date the chief sources of information are fragmentary items gleaned from the records of the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio, together with oral statements, the most reliable that could be obtained from persons living and connected with the church.

At the organization of Redstone Presbytery, in September, 1 78 1, Muddy Creek congregation, jointly with the South Fork of Ten Mile, made application for supplies. Being then recog- nized as a church, its informal organization seems to have been .several years before that date. On the records of the Presby- tery, it is distinguished by the two names. Muddy Creek and New Providence. It has also been popularly called the Glade's Church. As appears from the Presbyterial records for several successive years. Revs. James Power, John McMillan, Thaddeus

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 73

Dodd, James Dunlap, Joseph Patterson and John Brice, a licen- tiate, were appointed supphes.

April, 1789, New Providence Church united in a call with the South Fork of Tenniile for the ministerial labors of Rev. James Hughes, which he declined to accept.

From September of the same year, till some time in 1790, licentiates John McPherrin, John Brice, Robert Marshall and Revs. James Dunlap and James Hughes, officiated as supplies. They were succeeded by Rev. Robert Finley, a minister from North Carolina.

In 1 791 Rev. Jacob Jennings became a member of Red- stone Presbytery and was appointed to supply New Providence Church part of his time. April 17th, 1792, this church united with Dunlap's Creek in calling Mr. Jennings to the pastorate. In this relation he continued five and a half years and was then al- lowed to devote his whole time to the church of Dunlap's Creek. Of the fruit of his labors here no record is extant.

By order of the Synod of Virginia, of which the Presbyter}' of Redstone was an integral part, the latter, in 1793, was divided and the Monongahela river was made the boundary line between it and the new Presbytery of Ohio. By this division New Provi- dence Church was placed under the supervision of the latter Presbytery.

In October, 1798, permission w^as given to New Providence to join with Union (now Kent) Church and also George's Creek, to put in a call for the labors of Mr. James Adams. On accept- ing the call, Mr. Adams was ordained and installed pastor in Oc- tober, 1799. After serving in this relation two and a half years, Mr. Adams was released from the charge of New Providence Church. Of his ministerial success we are unable to speak.

October 20th, 1802, this church united with that of Jeffer- son in asking for Mr. Cephas Dodd as supply for one year, but for reasons not given in the minutes of Presbytery, the request was not granted. About this time this western region was vis- ited with a gracious baptism of the Holy Spirit. Tradition says it extended to this church, accompanied by the usual bodily af- fections. October 19th, Mr. Cephas Dodd was appointed to

74 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

supply for one year the united congregations of New Providence. Jefferson and Ruff's Creek the whole of his time and order was taken for his ordination at the next meeting of Presbytery. Af- ter his induction into the ministry, Mr. Dodd was married to Miss Ruth, daughter of James Flenniken, one of the ruling elders of this church.

On closing his ministry here, he became the honored suc- cessor of his father, Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, in the pastoral charge of the churches of Upper and Lower Tenmile. At this juncture. New Providence Church seems to have been left vacant for sev- eral years. In the Presbyterial records it is stated that on the 20th of October, 1807, a call was presented by the united con- gregations of New Providence and Jefferson, for the ministerial labors of Mr. Moses Allen, of which he declared his acceptance, and on the 24th of the December following he was ordained and installed, in which services, Rev. Boyd Mercer preached the sermon and Rev. A. Gwyn presided and delivered the charges. Mr. Allen was son-in-law of Rev. John McMillan and is said to have been an able preacher. In this field he remained nine years and was then dismissed to take charge of the church of Raccoon. His successor in this church was Rev. Boyd Mercer, who, in April, 1 81 8, was appointed Stated Supply for one year. He seems not to have attained much distinction in the ministry.

After remaining vacant for some time, in October, 1820, this church, in union with that of Jefferson, obtained as a supply. Rev. George Van Emmon. On the i8th of April, 1821, a call from said churches for the whole of Mr. Van Emmon's time was given to him, and being accepted, he was installed on the Mon- day following. The Rev. William McMillan preached the usual .sermon and the Rev. Matthew Brown presided and delivered the charges. By order of the Synod of Pittsburgh, in 1825, Mr. Van Emmon and his charges were set over from the Presbytery of Ohio to that of Redstone. F"or the term of fourteen and a half years, Mr. Van Emmon continued to sow in this field the precious seed of gospel truth. His social qualities and evangeli- cal preaching commanded the esteem and approval of his people. On resigning his charge here, April, 1835, Rev. James Baber,

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 75

from Eastern Virginia, succeeded him in October, 1835, minis- tering as Stated Supply for two years. This church then be- came vacant and was occasionally supplied by Revs. Guthrie, Gillett, Henry, Bristol and Davis, and by licentiates Joseph H. Chambers, John M. Smith and William McMichal.

RULING ELDERS.

Of the ruling elders of New Providence Church the first set comprised James Flenniken, John Armstrong, John Crawford and John Flenniken. The first mentioned was esteemed as a pil- lar in the church and ceased not to command the respect and con- fidence of his associates and neighbors. In the spring of 1802 he was a commissioner to the General Assembly. He died, Au- gust 25th, 1823, aged seventy-six years.

John Armstrong was a fair representative of the Scotch-Irish type of religion. Tenacious and firm in his adherence of accept- ed principles, his predilections were strongly in favor of the old paths and his mind firmly set against innovation upon established forms and usages. Having served the church acceptably for many years, he at length laid aside the badge of office for the crown of life.

For lack of information, we cannot speak of John Crawford with certainty, either as to his Christian attainments, his term of service in the church, or of his ascension to join the sacramental host in Heaven.

At an early period in the history of this (Greene) county, Elder John Flenniken came from North Carolina and permanent- ly settled in this locality. Prior to his immigration, he was a member of the convention, which met at Charlotte, in the county of Mecklenburg, on the 19th of May, 1775. He was also a signer of the famous Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence adopted by that convention, from which Thomas Jefferson drew some of his glowing, patriotic sentiments, embodied in the one adopted in 1776. From this county Mr. Flenniken once was honored with a seat in the Legislature. For a number of years he was also an Associate Judge. Being twice married, he was the father of a numerous family, one of whom, Robert P., was a lead- ing member of the House of Representatives, a Minister to Den-

76 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

mark and a Territorial Judge. Hannah, his daughter, became the second wife of the Rev. Asa Brooks, pastor of the churches of French Creek and Clarksburg, West Virginia. Mr. Flenni- ken died at an advanced age crowned with many honors and blest with a hope full of immortality.

As successors in office, Andrew McClelland, Henry Jen- nings, Robert Morrison, Josias Lowrie, William McClelland and Samuel Harper are worthy of mention.

In this community Mr. Harper was a prominent member. He was son-in-law of Dr. John McMillan, having married Mrs. Jane Moorhead, then a widow. Mr. Harper is spoken of as hav- ing been a very hospitable and worthy citizen, once honored with the Sheriffalty of the county. Of the character and standing of his associates in the eldership, we are unable to speak, as no available materials are at hand.

David, father of Hon. James Veech, having served as an el- der in this church for a number of years, in 1832 removed to Dunlap's Creek Church and afterward to Uniontovvn, where he became a member of the session of that church and where he died in the eighty-fifth year of his age. Before leaving New Providence Church, Mr. Veech gave in marriage his only daughter to Rev. Joel Stoneroad, then pastor of the church of Uniontown.

OTHER ITEMS.

In this connection certain historical items may be now in- troduced. The exact date of the first house erected by New Providence congregation cannot now be determined. Tradition says it was a log structure, located about a quarter of a mile dis- tant from the present building. In that house of primitive style, among others who proclaimed the Gospel, was the distinguished Dr. Ewing, of Philadelphia, while on his tour as one of the Com- missioners to locate the Mason and Dixon's line, in the year 1784. The ground on which stands the present edifice was pur- chased from John Crawford, on which was erected a log build- ing, 30x35 feet. In this house the congregation worshiped for more than a quarter of a century. In describing the building, Hon. James Veech says: "When we first began to attend church

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. TJ

and during all our residence there, the building was an old log one, in which I have listened to long sermons in the winter, with- out fire. It was an open house, two stories, no floor aloft and the windows often broken." In the year 1836 this old uncomforta- ble house gave place to a new brick, 43x53 feet, at a cost of some $1,500. A brick church of similar dimensions, in the year 1852 was erected in the village of Carmichaels. The cost of the ground, house and fixtures was some ^2,300.

ENDOWMENTS.

By will of William Hale, bearing date, April ist, 1803, this church became legatee to a farm of 130 acres. To the trustees possession was given, March 31st, 1804, by the executor, Joseph Brant, at which time one year's rent of $80 became due, payable in "good whiskey" at forty cents per gallon. In this era of ad- vanced temperance sentiment, the trustees could not be induced to risk their reputation, by contracting for the payment of rent in whiskey, either good or bad, as a means to procure material aid for the support of the ministry and for other purposes.

TRUSTEES.

From an early period the finances of this church have been managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Legislature in 1804. With few exceptions these men have passed away. For their work's sake they deserve to be held in grateful remem- brance. Theirs has been a work not only gratuitous and re- sponsible, but oftentimes perplexing, demanding much thought, wise counsels and forecast.

RULING ELDERS OF 1 839.

At the begining of the present pastorate, the ruling elders were six in number. They were men high in reputation in the community, men of integrity and moral worth, men of piety and large influence.

Of John Rea, Sr., it may be said his religious character was strongly marked by tender devotional feeling. Under the preach- ing of the word he was often seen in tears and could seldom lead in social prayer without evincing strong emotion. In 1836 he was Commissioner to the General Assembly in Pittsburgh, prior

78 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

to the disruption of the church. He died in hope, November, 1847.

Daniel, son of Hugh Stephenson, was a man of exemplary character, a regular attendant on the public means of grace in summer and winter, although living some seven miles distant from the church. His translation to the better land was preceded by a long series of afflictions, which he bore with commendable submission. He died trusting in the merits of the Redeemer, September, 1856.

George Davis, early indoctrinated in Bible truth and firmly adhering to his religious convictions, shared largely the respect and confidence of both pastor and congregation. Unostenta- tious and without guile, he sought to please God by a life con- formable to his will. He fell asleep in Jesus, November, 1861.

William was the son and successor in office of John Arm- strong. From choice and sympathy he was in full accord with the church in which he had his birth and training. Naturally he possessed, in a high degree, those domestic and social qualities so well suited to please and ingratiate. A lover of hospitality, his house was ever open for the entertainment of guests. Few excelled him in the kindly greetings he was wont to give to a large circle of acquaintances and friends. Presbyterial and Syn- odical meetings were to him occasions of special interest and en- joyment. Supported by the gracious assurances of the Master, he departed this life, December, 1861.

Henry was the son of Hugh Barclay, an early settler and representative in the Legislature from this county. In his offi- cial life Elder Barclay possessed largely the esteem of the con- gregation and of the members of session. In the spring of 1858, he, with his large and interesting family, emigrated and became a resident of Iowa.

Elder Charles Swan, of English ancestry, was the son of Charles, one of the early .settlers on Muddy Creek. Prompt, conscientious and exemplary, he ruled well, both in his own and in the house of God. For twenty-eight years he was a member of the Board of Trustees and as treasurer, did much to keep the finances of the church in a ^ood condition. On three of his sons

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 79

the mantle of the eldership has fallen. To the regret of his many friends, Mr. Swan removed to Ohio, where he closed his useful life.

SKETCH OF THE PRESENT PASTORATE.

At a meeting of the Presbytery of Washington, in June, 1839, a licentiate of that body had just obtained permission to itinerate beyond its bounds. His face was set westward and his purpose formed to pitch his tent somewhere in the widening mis- sionary fields then open in the new States and territories. Before taking leave of Presbytery, however, a fellow licentiate, Mr. John M. Smith, appeared, and through his urgent solicitation, the present writer, with some hesitation, was induced to visit this field. On the first Sabbath of July, 1839, he delivered to the church of New Providence, his first message, from 2 Cor. 9:15. After preaching some two months as supply, a unanimous call for two-thirds of his time, on a salary of ;^300 was made out, moderated by Rev. Joel Stoneroad. The call having been duly accepted, January 15th, 1840, was fixed as the time for ordina- tion and installation. Rev. A. G. F'airchild was appointed to preach the usual sermon and Rev. Joel Stoneroad to preside and deliver ihe charges. The other third of the pastor's time was to be given to the church of Jefferson, on a salary of $100. This arrangement continued until the spring of 1849, ^^hen at the pas- tor's request, he was released from the charge at Jefferson, with a view of giving his whole time to New Providence Church, with a promise of $350 salary and permission to preach on alternate Sabbath evenings at Greensboro.

January 14th, 1848, Paul Rea, John N. Flenniken and Wil- liam Crawford were added to the eldership. After serving in this office ten years, Mr. Flenniken emigrated and made his home in Iowa. Mr. Crawford, after twelve years acceptable ser- vice, rested from his labors and entered into rest, May 19th, i860.

MEMBERSHIP.

The enrolled membership of this church in 1839 numbered fifty-five, of whom sixteen were males and thirty-nine females. Since that date there has been a steady, though moderate growth, by accessions, mainly on profession. At the close of the first

8o PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

decade there were fifty-eight additions; in the second decade, ninety-five, and during the third, seventy-one. In the mean time our membership has been greatly depleted and our moral and pecuniary strength annually diminished by deaths and re- movals. Since January, 1848, two additional sets of elders have been invested with official authority. These were Solon B. Swan, John Rea and Thomas L. Cummins, December 12th, 1858; also, February, 1873, Ralston Williams, Aaron Gregg and Sam- uel Bunting. Mr. Cummins, after serving many years with much zeal and ability, together with his large, intelligent and well trained famil}^, left us and became a resident of Des Moines, Iowa. Ralston Williams, also, after a brief term in the elder- ship, left this for another church in Monongahela City.

For many years in its official acts the session of this church has had the good fortune to harmonize. With few exceptions, church members have also been careful to study the things that make for peace.

Until the spring of 1873, New Providence Church never sustained a separate and independent existence. From its earli- est recognition, it had a connection with Dunlap's Creek, George's Creek, Ruff"'s Creek, Tent, Jefferson and Greensboro. While Jefferson made part of the pastoral charge, there were in that church fifty-three additions. The members at Greensboro were mainly connected with New Providence and so continued until June, 1867, when, by order of Presbytery, they became a sep- arate organization, with a membership of thirty-eight, increased to fifty in 1873.

BEQUEST.

In October, 1866, a bequest of ;^500 came into the hands of the trustees from the estate of Alexander Davidson, Captain of Company F, of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. This bequest was applied in 1867 to the repairing of the two houses of wor- ship belonging to the congregation.

BENEVOLENT CONTRIBUTIONS.

During a period of thirty-seven years contributions were as follows : P"or Home Missions, Jg866; Foreign Missions, ;^i,- 402; Education, $1,436; Publication, 1^147 ; Church Erection,

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 51

S404; Ministerial Relief Fund, $26^; Freedmen, $155; Sustenta- tion, 530; making an aggregate of ;^4,697.

For several years the plan adopted by the session for raising money for benevolent objects, is that of districting the congrega- tion and appointing collectors to receive the offerings at specified times, usually every two months.

For contingent expenses Sabbath collections are taken up. And for the payment of the pastor's salary, voluntary subscrip- tions are secured.

In commemoration of the reunion of the Old and New School branches of the Presbyterian Church, the General As- sembly recommended the raising of a five million fund. To this fund this church contributed the sum of ;S550, about one-half of which was expended on home objects.

RELIGIOUS MEANS AND OBSERVANCES.

Besides the usual Sabbath services, the weekly prayer meet- ing, family religion and Christian education have received a measure of attention. Many of the children and youth in years past were encouraged to memorize and recite the Shorter Cate- chism. For these recitations copies of the Bible were donated.

PASTORAL WORK.

In summarizing the pastoral work done in the congregation from 1839 to 1887, the following items may be reported, including a period of forty-eight years :

Sermons delivered, not including addresses and lectures, 4,540. Additions on profession and certificate, 400. Baptism of infants, 159, and of adults, 102; total, 261. Members dismissed to other churches, 125. Removed without certificate, stricken from the roll and dealt with by the session, fifty-eight. Deaths, eighty. Present number, 105.

TEMPERANCE.

Most of the members of this church for many years have been pledged to total abstinence from all intoxicants. Members of the Sabbath School, also, of proper understanding, are en- couraged to thus pledge themselves. A member who for some

82 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

time embarked in distilling was suspended. Others known to drink to intoxication have been disciplined.

CO-OPERATION OF LADIES.

As helpers in beneficent work in the interest of the church, the lady members have been greatly useful. In their social meet- ings for prayer and other purposes and in their private devotions and missionary efforts, they have done much to encourage the pastor and to strengthen his hands. In June, 1872, the ladies or- ganized a Missionary Society, the second formed in the bounds of the Presbytery. This society meets monthly for prayer, con- ference and other objects in the interest of the cause and does much to swell the contributions to the cause of missions.

SABBATH SCHOOL.

In the department of church work the Sabbath School holds an important place. It is matter of regret that in the schools of this church but few materials have been preserved for historic de- tails. Of the exact time of organization there seems to be no ex- isting record. It is supposed to be one of the earliest schools, as to organization, in the county. For a considerable time after its formation, the method of instruction comprised Bible reading, reciting Scripture, Hymns and the Catechism. In some in- stances large portions of Scripture and sacred poetry were memorized.

Since the erection of the church in Carmichaels, two schools have been in working order. Both are regularly supplied with the periodicals of the Board of Publication. By contributions raised in the schools, the publications are paid for.

ADDITIONAL ELDERS.

On the eighth day of August, 1880, Mr. Josiah H. Rea and Mr. Ellis B. Bailey, being duly elected and having signified their acceptance of the office, were ordained and installed ruling elders.

As a church, God has given to us many proofs of his pa- ternal favor. In a spiritual point of view, he has fulfilled his pledge to the children of the fathers, favored as they are with the means of grace and with a place in Israel.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 53

Though it is not our joy to speak of any powerful and ex- tensive revival, yet upon us mercy drops have occasionally fallen and seasons of refreshing and ingathering have marked our pro- gress. These tokens of the divine favor have nerved us for toil in the vineyard and cheered us in our pilgrimage. When the Lord Cometh to write up the people, it will be found that this and that man were born in Zion. On various occasions, besides quickening the zeal and imparting fresh vitality to the member- ship, accessions of ten, twenty or more have served to swell our ranks. A survey of the past may well beget serious reflections. The fathers and mothers in Israel, where are they ? Active once in laying the foundation for the church's growth, long since their mortal remains have been laid to rest in the adjacent cemetery. From their lowly resting place, a voice silent, though eloquent, seems to say to us: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."

Recalling past historical details may serve also the end of prompting to humility. Unlike others we could name, this church has done little towards furnishing the Gospel field with laborers. Of the youth who became pious under former pas- tors, we can point to no one in the ministry. And since the be- ginning of the present pastorate, though several young men re- ceived a college education, only two members of this church have entered the ministry — Hugh Aretas Barclay and John Calvin Mc- Clintock. The former of these is no longer enrolled among the ministers of the Gospel. This fact is humiliating and calls for serious thought. That this review may serve to strengthen the bonds of Christian brotherhood and lift us up to a higher plane of personal consecration is the earnest prayer of the author of these lines.

SUPPLEMENTARY.

On September 8th, 1876, New Providence Church held a centenary meeting which proved to be an enjoyable occasion. At the hour of 10 o'clock, a. m., the congregation convened and was organized by the election of Paul Rea, as President ; S. B. Swan, as Vice President and John Armstrong, Secretary.

After prayer by Rev. Francis Downey, a Baptist minister.

84 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

the congregation sang the Coronation hymn. The pastor then .stated that Rev. Joel Stoneroad, who was expected to be present, could not attend. A letter was read from Hon. James Veech, who had been invited, expressing regret that he could not be present.

Rev. J. C. McClintock, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, of Burlington, Iowa, read selections from the Scriptures. Hymn 647, of the Hymnal, was now sung, after which the historical discourse prepared by the pastor was delivered, at the close of which the choir sang from "Pure Gold" the good old way.

Revs. McClintock, son of the pastor, H. O. Rosborough, John Huston, of the M. E. Church and W. S. Danley, of the C. P. Church, being called on, entertained the audience with remin- iscences and appropriate remarks.

ADDENDA.

In the year 1882, the congregation took down and rebuilt the church in the country on a more eligible site, at a cost of about ;^i,5oo.

The church in Carmichaels has also been rebuilt in modern style and neatly refurnished at a cost of some ^2,500. At the rededication in April, 1887, Revs. M. C. Bailey, and Dr. James I. Brownson and Dr. James Dinsmore, classmates of the pastor, were present and took part in the services.

Of the members in communion in 1840, only three are now on our roll as survivors.

The marriages solemnized number 207.

The pastor is now in his forty-ninth year of service in this congregation and is hopeful of doing still further service for the Master, to whom he is greatly indebted and to whom be all the praise for any good accomplished.

GEORGE'S CREEK.

BY REV. H. O. ROSBOROUGH.

The congregation of George's Creek was collected by Mr. James Power, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Castle, who

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 85

visited this county in the spring of the year 1774. There is no one living, perhaps, who knows when the first sermon within its bounds was preached. It is presumed, however, that at least three years before the Declaration of American Independence was made there was Presbyterian preaching in the neighborhood ; for the lot of ground on which Mt. Moriah Church is erected was conveyed to the Presbyterians by Joseph Caldwell in the year 1773. The same year a small log church was commenced and this is known to have been the first house of worship built by any denomination within the limits of what is now Fayette coun- ty, Pa. The house and location were called Mt. Moriah, but the people worshiping in it were called the congregation of George's Creek. After standing about half a century it was so far decay- ed as to be no longer fit for occupancy ; it was removed and near its site a school house was built which long served as a place for regular preaching. Finally, in the year 1858, the school house becoming unsuitable for the size and convenience of the congre- gation worshiping there, the third and present house, on the same ground, was built at an expense of ;gi,ioo, and on the 3d of March following, it was free from debt, dedicated to the worship of the triune God. About ten years after the first preaching at Mt. Moriah, the members of Presbyterian families on the north side of the creek had so far increased that Presbytery granted them as many supplies as were granted to Mt. Moriah, and this part of the congregation was called Lower George's Creek and the old place Upper George's Creek. Mr. Power re- turned cast of the mountains in the fall of 1774, and having re- ceived ordination from his Presbytery, finally, in 1776, removed with his family to this county and took up his residence on De- lap's Creek, now called Dunlap's Creek. Here he remained about two years and extended his labors over the greater part of the territory now embraced in the counties of Westmoreland and Fayette. At this time the principal Presbyterian families on George's Creek were the following, viz.: Henry Robison, Jo- seph Caldwell, David Frame, Robt. Ritchie, Wm. Hill, Robt. McClain, Theophilus Phillips, Sr., Philip Dils, Sr., John Hill, John Pollock, James Barclay, Thos. Ramsay, Enoch Abraham,

86 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

Paul Laish, Jas. Cross, Henry Jennings, John Wilson and George Wilson, from whom George's Creek and George's township re- ceive their names. In 1778 Mr. Power removed to Mt. Pleasant, 'out continued to supply occasionally at George's Creek, as did also the Rev. James Dunlap, afterward settled at Laurel Hill.

In 1 78 1 the Presbytery of Redstone was constituted by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia and held its first meeting at Pigeon Creek in the fall of that year. P"rom that time the congregation received occasional supplies from the Presbytery. The church was not regularly supplied until the year 1788, when the Rev. James Finley, by appointment of Presbytery, ordained to the eldership, Henry Robison, Jas. Caldwell, David Frame, Robt. Ritchie, Wm. Hill and Robt. McCIain. The number of communicants was now about fifty. Among the supplies which at that period were sent them by Presbytery we notice the names of Thaddeus Dodd and John Brice.

In 1789 the people of Lower George's Creek purchased a lot of ground of Richard Brown and erected a log building about twenty feet square, which they occupied as a place of worship in the winter. In the summer, in pleasant weather, they held their services in the grove. In the following winter they united with Dunlap's Creek in presenting a call to Rev. Samuel Porter, which he declined in favor of one from Polk Run and Congruity.

In the fall and winter of I790-'9I they were regularly sup- plied by the ministrations of the Rev. Robt. M. Finley, who had recently come from South Carolina. He introduced Watts' ver- sion of the Psalms, in consequence of which, some of the con- gregation, among whom were 'Squire Ross, Thos. Ramsay and James Cross, withdrew and connected themselves with the Asso- ciate Reformed Church. Mr. Finley soon afterwards removed to Kentucky, where having been suspended from the ministry for intemperance, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1 79 1 the congregation north of the creek enlarged their church lot by a purchase from Lsaac Phillips, Sr., and set about erecting a frame meeting house 48x36. This was not finished for a long time after; standing so long the people called it the "Old Frame." From this time the congregation enjoyed the

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 87

visits of more frequent supplies, among whom were Wm. Swan, Geo. Hill, Thos. Marquis, Boyd Mercer, Jacob Jennings, Thos. Moore and David Smith. In the year 1816, this building, which had become quite untenantable, was thoroughly repaired and partly renewed at an expense of near ^1,000. About this time Alex. McClelland attempted to alienate the property from the congregation, but was defeated by A. Oliphant, Philip Dils and J. W. Nicholson, who succeeded in perfecting the title to the Pres- byterian church. Again, in 1836, the house was repaired at a cost of about $6oo. The pulpit was at this time changed from the west side to the north end, closing the door at the north end and still leaving the doors at the south end and east side. Finally, in 1865, this house was again repaired, at a cost of ^i,- 100. The house was now for the first time plastered, the pulpit was lowered and the door in the east side closed up, leaving the double door in the south end and making the house more comfor- table than at any period of the seventy-four years of its existence ; and this arrangement remains to this day, July, 1887. The early supplies were Dr. J. Power, Dr. John McMillan, Thaddeus Dodd, John Brice, James Hughes, Joseph Patterson, Jas. Dunlap, Jos. Smith, John McPherrin, Sam'l Porter, Boyd Mercer, Robt. Mar- shall and Wm. Swan, who probably preached the first sermon at Mt. Moriah, or at least, in the neighborhood, George Hill, Thos. Marquis, Jacob Jennings, Thos. Moore, James Finley, &c.

The first pastor was David Smith. Presbytery met at George's Creek, August 20th, 1794, and ordained him pastor of George's Creek and Tent (the Tent at that time including Union- town.) This relation was dissolved in the fall of 1797.

James Adams was the second pastor. He was ordained and installed at George's Creek, October i6th, 1799. His pastoral charge included New Providence and Tent, or as then called. Muddy Creek and Union. In 1808 he resigned George's Creek.

Ashbel Green Fairchild was the third pastor. In the fall of 181 7, Mr. Fairchild, then twenty-two j'ears of age, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Jersey, began preaching in this region, under the direction of the Western Missionary Society. In the follow- ing spring he was appointed supply, for one-half his time, and

88 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

in July, was ordained as an evangelist. For the first three years he supplemented his salary by teaching. When he came, the church numbered ten members, one of whom. Henry Jennings, was an elder. In 1822 Dr. Fairchild was installed pastor of the churches of George's Creek, Morgantown and Greensboro, with a salary of ;$333.33. In 1827, he resigned Morgantown and Greensboro, and was installed over Tent one half his time at a salary of ^200. In 1829 there was a great revival in the George's Creek Church. Within one year eighty persons united with the church. On account of an attack of a disease of the lungs, Dr. Fairchild spent the winter of 1833 and '34 in the South and his pulpits were supplied by Rev. James McDougall, his brother-in- law. In 1836 his salary was raised to ^500, in consequence of a call he received to Pigeon Creek. In April, 1854, Dr. Fairchild resigned his charge of this church, having served it as supply and pastor for thirty-six and a half years. Dr. Fairchild remain- ed pastor of the Tent church until his death, June 30th, 1864. On July 2d the four elders of Tent church deposited his body be- side kindred dust in the cemetery, at Old Frame, Pa. On this solemn occasion a large assembly listened to a sermon by Rev. H. O. Rosborough and to an eloquent oration on the character of the deceased, by his old and much attached friend, Rev. Sam'l Wilson, D. D. Nine years after, Dr. F's. devoted wife was buried by his side. No man ever lived in this neighborhood who let his light shine more widely or more brightly. He was a pro- found classical scholar, a sound theologian, an impressive preach- er, a dignified and influential Presbyter and a model Christian gentleman.

Hugh O. Rosborough, the fourth pastor, a licentiate of Washington Presbytery and twenty-seven years of age, com- menced preaching in this church the last Sabbath of July, 1854. On the 5th of June, 1855, he was ordained and installed by Red- stone Presbytery, with a salary of $500. On this occasion Rev. Mr. Wallace preached. Rev. John McClintock charged the pastor and Rev. Joel Stoneroad the people. During the last twenty- •seven years Mr. Rosborough preached one-fourth of his time in adjacent churches, viz.: Four years at Mt. Washington, twelve

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. . 89

years at Springhill Furnace and eleven years at Greensboro. In September, 1872, the salary at George's Creek Church alone was increased to $600. Old Frame, on north side of creek, was built in 1 79 1. Mt. Moriah Church, five miles distant and on south side of the creek, also a frame, was built in 1859. Rosborough Chapel, in Smithfield, a brick building, was built in 1885, the house and ground costing about $2,700. Also George's Creek Church has a part interest in the stone church at New Geneva and a part interest in the Frame church at VVoodbridge town. A frame house, with seventeen acres of land attached was bought. March 31st, 1866, of L. S. Hough, Esq., executor of the estate of A. G. Fairchild, D. D., the same being the house of Dr. F. and the home of his widow, until it was sold for the sum of $2,188. Members, who have become ministers, are the following: Revs. George Hill, John Crozier, John VVray, Jacob Pentzer, Valentine Pentzer, Wm. Hanna and Geo. L. Diffenbaugh. During Dr. Fair- child's pastorate 417 members were received. After deaths, dis- missions, suspensions, &c., 118 members remained when he re- signed. Upwards of 200 had been dismissed to other churches. During Mr. Rosborough's pastorate to date, July, 1887, 313 members have been received. About 175 are now living within the bounds of the congregation. On account of an attack of of vertigo, March 14th, 1886, Mr. Rosborough was not able to preach for a year. He is now preaching occasionally, as health permits.

[And at this date, November, 1888, regularly, and with health almost, if not entirely restored. — Eds.]

LITTLE REDSTONE.

BY REV. B. M. KERR.

This church was organized by the Rev. Jacob Jennings in a log cabin that stood close to where the Township Hall now stands. The year of its organization is uncertain. The author

go PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

of "Old Redstone," Rev. Dr. Joseph Smith, fixes its date in the year 1785. There is no evidence that this was the case. The year of its organization is supposed to have been 1797, although the loss of the early church records renders positive evidence upon that point unobtainable. For the same reason the names of the constituent members of the organization cannot be given. The first ruling elders chosen were Joseph Lyon, ordained about 1799, John Blythe and John Wells, 1805. Among those who served as elders in the early history of the church may also be mentioned William Steele, John Johnston, John Hazlip and Da- vid Hough, ordained, 181 5; then John McKennan and Peter Umrickhouse, 1820; John Gormley and Wm. Forsythe, 1832; John Steele, Nicholas Baker and Jesse H. Duncan, 1836; Henry Barkman, 1853; William Hough, Joseph Wells and James Cum- mings, January 23d, 1858; Joshua V. Gibbons and Wm. Parkhill, April 9th, 1859; S. R. Nutt, Wm. F. Hough, John Reed and Henry Cook, July 5th, 1873, and Sam'l Wakefield, 1884.

Little Redstone Church was supplied with preaching by the pastors of Dunlap's Creek Church, and when Mr. Jennings ended his pastorate. Rev. Wm. Johnston took charge. During his term of service the organization of Little Redstone was discon- tinued and its members transferred to the Brownsville Presby- terian Church. In 1844 Little Redstone was reorganized by the election of William Steele, John Steele, John Blythe and John Wells, as ruling elders. A brick church was built in 1845, about a half mile north of the old location, William Elliott, William Forsythe and William G. Patterson being the building commit- tee, and a burying ground laid out.

The Rev. Thomas Martin assumed the pastorate and re- mained until April 13th, 1852, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Robert M. Wallace, January 28th, 1853, and ordained and installed, June 15th, 1853. This relation continued until Febru- ary, 17th, 1864.

The Rev. Joseph H. Stevenson followed. May 4th, 1864, and was ordained and installed, October I4tli, 1864. On the 24th of April, 1866, Mr. Stevenson presented to the Presbytery a request from the two churches to be recognized as separate and

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 9 1

distinct organizations. The Presbytery acceded to the request, and constituted the elders residing in the bounds of Little Red- stone Church, together with the pastor, as the Session of the Lit- tle Redstone Church.

After a pastorate of nearly four years, Mr. Stevenson re- signed and was released by the Presbytery, April 29th, 1868. His successors to the present time have been, Revs. George Scott, Stated Supply, 1868; Robert R. Gailey, ordained and in- stalled, June nth, 1872; C. C. B. Duncan, installed, May 20th, 1880; J. T. Crumrine, installed, May, 1883. and B. M. Kerr, Sta- ted Supply, April 17th, 1887. The present membership is about eighty-seven. The Sabbath School, under the efficient Superin- tendent, Mr. Wm. F. Hough, is kept open only during the sum- mer season and is quite flourishing.

SOMERSET.

BY REV. J. C. MELOY.

Somerset, the county seat of Somerset county, is one of the most beautiful towns in Western Pennsylvania. It is delight- fully situated on a sandy knoll looking out to the east upon a fertile scope of countrj'- and a mile away to the west, upon the foot-hills of the Allegheny mountains. It is a very pleasant summer resort and is visited by a goodly number of people who desire a quiet resting place during "the heated term." The church here, was doubtless organized, near the close of the last century, probably in the year 1796, but by whom, or under what circumstances, is unknown at the present time, all the earlier records of the church having been lost in a disastrous fire which occurred in 1872. The name of Somerset appears for the first time in the minutes of Redstone Presbytery, in a list of churches asking for supplies, at a meeting held on the i8th of October,

92 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

1796. We infer from this record that the church was organized a short time before that, the Presbytery having failed to make any note of the fact. The congregation, probably, depended upon supplies, on up to the year 1817. as there is no evidence that a pastor had ever been settled among them before that time. The first record of a settlement is dated, October 21st, 1817, and reads as follows: "It was resolved to hold a meeting at Somer- set, on the first Wednesday of December, at 12 o'clock, for the purpose of ordaining and installing Mr. Ross in his charge." At the October meeting "Mr. John Ross was examined on his ex- perimental acquaintance with religion, theology, the learned lan- guages and church history," and Presbytery sustained his an- swers as parts of trial for ordination. The meeting at Somerset was held on the 3d of December, with three ministers present, viz.: Revs. Francis Herron, James Graham and Thomas Hunt. After the propounding of the constitutional questions, Mr. Ross was ordained and installed. Mr. Graham preached the sermon and Mr Hunt presided and gave the charge. This relation con- tinued a little less than two years and in October, 18 19, Presby- tery granted the request of Mr. Ross to be released. After this there was a protracted vacancy, during which time the church resorted to its long accustomed plan of asking Presbytery to send supplies. An old member of the church affirms, that about the year 1827, Rev. Stephen Frontis, a Frenchman, was pastor for about twelve months, a fact not referred to in the minutes of the Presbytery. It is recorded, that at a meeting of Presbytery, held in the Congruity Church, on the 15th of June, 1830, "a call was presented to the Presbytery, from the congregation of Som- erset, for one-half of the ministerial labors of Mr. S. Howel Ter- ry, with the exception of every eighth Sabbath, in which they promise him all they can raise by subscription. A like call was presented from the congregation of "Genner," for the other half of Mr. Terry's labors, with a similar exception, in which they prom- ised him ;^I20 per annum, it being understood that the balance of Mr. Terry's support would be furnished by the Board of Mis- sions of the General Assembly." Mr. Terry accepted and was ordained and "installed as the regular pastor of the united con-

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 93

gregations of Somerset and Genncr," July 7th, 1830. He con- tinued pastor until the autumn of 1833.

About 1836 Rev. Robert M. Finley became pastor or Stated Supply and served the church for a number of years. In April, 1841, supplies are again appointed by Presbytery and so contin- ued to be for sometime. His successor was Mr. Henry Davis, who took charge of the congregation about the year 1845 and con- tinued one year.

He was followed about the year 1849, by Rev. Peter Has- singer, who was pastor for two years.

After this there appears to have been another long vacancy, ending with the short pastorate of Rev. B. F. Myers, in 1859. And now, once more, the supply system was adopted, and a num- ber of young men, either from the seminary, or but recently graduated, filled the pulpit, among whom the names of Lyon, Agnew, Graham and Kuhn are still held in remembrance. Of these, Rev. Loyal Young Graham afterwards settled and con- tinued to discharge the duties of the pastoral office for a period of five years, commencing with 1861. Mr. Kuhn was here for about one year, but was not installed. Rev. Henry Bain also supplied the church for one summer.

In 1870 Rev. Wm. Edgar became Stated Supply and served the church for a year and a half

After this there followed three pastorates, viz. : Rev. S. S. Bergen, from 1876 to 1878; Rev. C. B. Wakefield, from 1880 to 1882, and Rev. C. C. B. Duncan, from September, 1882, to May, 1885. Since the release of Mr. Duncan, the church has been vacant, but is now earnestly seeking a pastor who shall go in and out before the people.

The first church building in which the congregation was in- terested was of stone, held jointly by the Reformed and Presby- terians. This arrangement was not satisfactory to either congre- gation and the Presbyterians sold out their interest to their neigh- bor for the sum of ^8300. On the ist of April, 1856, the congre- gation, through their trustees, Daniel Stahl and Andrew Stewart, bought a lot on Union street of G. B. Fundenberg, M. D., at a cost of $450, on which a beautiful brick church, 36x52 feet was

94 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

built, at a cost of ^1,650, and dedicated, April 15th, 1857. This house was burnt in a disastrous fire, which fairly swept the town, on the 9th of May, 1872. Fortunately the congregation had an insurance of ;^2,ooo on the old building. With this and the lib- eral assistance of many friends, they began to rebuild in 1874, and in the following year had the pleasure of worshiping in a building which had cost them ^9,000. It is a beautiful structure, a model of neatness and architectural skill, and a credit alike to the congregation and town. The congregation has always been small but spirited, embracing many of the very best people in the community. Their Board of Elders are the following, viz.: Geo. W. Benford, Wm. Stahl and Geo. H. Love.

We close this imperfect history, secured mainly from the lips of an aged member of the church, whose memory has sup- plied the place of the records lost in the fire, with the last statis- tical report. The only explanation we make of it is, that the ad- ditions in the column "on examination" were received during a delightful season of grace in February, 1888. Elders, three; ad- ded on examination, seven ; by certificate, two ; whole No., thirty- five; adults baptized, three; Sabbath School members, sixty-five; Home Missions, $^ ; Foreign Missions, ^5 ; Sabbath School work, $4; Relief Fund, ;^io; Freedmen, $2; Sustentation, $2; General Assembly, ^3; Congregational, ;^I27.

JENNER.

The village of Jenner is a little hamlet on the northern turn- pike in Somerset county, twelve miles north of the town of Som- erset. When the first Presbyterian sermon was preached here, or by whom, is unknown. The records ot Redstone Presbytery show that Mr. James Adams, who was licensed to preach at

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 95

Fairfield, April 20th, 1797, was appointed to preach at "Summer- set" on the fourth Sabbath of June following and at Quemahon- ing (afterwards called Jenner) on the fifth Sabbath.

Rev. John Ross was ordained and installed pastor of Som- erset Church, December 3d, 18 17. It is claimed that the minis- ters supplying Somerset also preached at Jenner. It is probable, therefore, that after Mr. Adams preached, the church was still dependent on supplies till the pastorate of Mr. Ross. When the organization took place we cannot tell. Mr. Ross' pastorate continued at Somerset, till October, 18 19. Then was there at both places, doubtless, dependence on supplies for a long time. A venerable member of the Somerset Church says, that about the year 1827, Rev. Stephen Frontis, a Frenchman, preached for twelve months.

At Saltsburg, April 2d, 1828, Rev. Samuel Swan was ap- pointed to administer the communion at Jenner and Rev. John H. Kirkpatrick to assist, and Rev. John H. Agnewto preach one Sabbath at discretion.

June 1 5th, 1 830, Rev. S. Howell Terry was called to Somerset and Jenner, each place to have one-half the time, except every eighth Sabbath. Mr. Terry was ordained and installed on the the 7th of July, 1830, and continued as pastor till the autumn of

1833-

In 1836, probably, Rev. Robert M. Finley became Stated Supply and continued till 1840, when supplies were appointed. In April, 1837, Somerset and Jenner are reported as having an addition of ten on examination, a membership of 120, six adults being baptized and twenty-seven infants. How many belonged to each church we cannot tell. In 1838 nine were added on ex- amination and one on certificate, and the membership was 127. Fifteen children were baptized.

In October, 1842, the following resolution was adopted by " Presbytery: "Resolved, That this Presbytery memorialize the Board of Missions in reference to the declining state of Presby- terianism in the churches in Somerset county and earnestly en- treat said Board to locate in that county some efficient mission- ary, with a competent support, in hope that the cause of truth

96 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

and sound Presbyterianism may be revived and promoted." What the result of the appHcation was is not shown by the min- utes of Presbytery.

In 1844 the committee on Domestic Missions were instruct- ed to aid Somerset and Jenner to the amount of $150, in sup- porting some one whom they might obtain to serve them. Ap- plication was made for aid several times.

In 1848, April, Mr. Henry Davis a licentiate of the Presby- tery of Hocking, was employed as Stated Supply for one year.

He was followed by Rev. Peter Hassinger, who continued two years or more.

After a long vacancy and dependence on supplies, Rev. B. F. Myers, licentiate, was duly ordained and installed as pastor, June 23d, 1859. This pastorate was brief, ending May 9th, i860.

Messrs. Lyon, Agnew, Graham and Kuhn supplied for some time.

Rev. Loyal Young Graham became pastor in 1861 and con- tinued for five years. Mr. Bain supplied the church for a season.

In October, i860, Somerset and Jenner were set over to Blairsville Presbytery and continued in that relation till during the time when Rev. Mr. Edgar was Stated Supply, from 1870 to 1872. Rev. S. S. Bergen was pastor from 1876 to 1878; Rev. C. B. Wakefield, from 1880 to 1882 and Rev. C. C. B. Duncan, from 1882 to 1885.

Since that time this feeble vine has had but little of the cul- tivation so essential to its health and growth.

At one time there was a large Presbyterian community, em- bracing amongst others, the Duncans, Hanlins, Rushabcrgers, McMullins, Dennisons, Murphys, Howards, Landers, Coopers, Boyds, Griffiths, Barclays, &c. Nearly all these are gone and only a few members are left.

In the early day, a large log building stood about a mile east of Jenner, near the creek, called the "Log House." This was followed by a brick house in town, on the site of the present building. This second house gave place to the third, also of brick, erected and dedicated about 1871, and cost ;$ 1,300.

PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 97

Daniel Stahl, elder at Somerset, for many years attended communions at Jenner.

Abram Biesecker, one of the present session, was ordained in '71 or '72. Worth J. Picking and Wm. Klein were ordained and installed during the pastorate of Rev. C. C. B. Duncan.

TENT.

BY REV. M. C. BAILEY, PH. D.

It is probable that the earliest Christians of this region wor- shiped in a sanctuary known as Union Church. It was located near the Morgantown road, on the land now possessed by Mr. Samuel Robinson. The location was then known as "the Cataba War Path." People came here to worship from Uniontown and the surrounding" country. They were chiefly Presbyterians and Baptists. Some items of this account are disputed. Whatever may be the exact history, it is certain that the Presbyterian body worshiped at a very early day at a place about a mile north of this. They came long distances, bringing their tents with them and remaining from Friday till Monday. A special tent was provided for the speaker and from this the place came to be known as the Tent, which name it still bears. It appears to have been called also for a long time afterwards the tJnion Church, probably on account of the old church, referred to above, bearing that name. The services held at the Tent seem to have been somewhat of the nature of the modern campmeeting. Services were had continuously from Friday till Monday. It appears that some of the worshipers were seized with "the falling sensa- tion," as it was known in the South.

98 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.

In 1780 the old log church on the Cataba war path was burned down and in 1791 or '92 a meeting house was erected at the present site of the Tent. It was a log structure, thirty-five feet square, had a gallery on three sides and a bird's nest pulpit on the fourth side.

So far as can be known, this church was organized about 1792 or '93. Previous to this time, members of the church liv- ing within the bounds of the congregation were connected with the churches of George's Creek and Laurel Hill. The Union- town church was not organized till thirty years later. At the time of the organization the number of communicants was small. Three elders were ordained, viz. : James Orr, Joseph Hadden and John Bell.

In October, 1793, the church united with