USA > Indiana > Contributions to the early history of the Presbyterian Church in Indiana : together with biographical notices of the pioneer ministers > Part 20
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The INDIANA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY was conspicu- ously a child of providence from the first. Reference has been made to the motive in which it originated, and so imperative did this motive become, as year after year the need of ministers increased, that desire advanced to what looks like desperation, and the audacity of the first efforts gives to this chapter of history the tone of romance. Throughout the church and on the floor of the General Assembly there were already most earnest discussions as to. the feasibility of establishing a divinity school in the West. To these debates the little band of pioneers in Indiana listened with unflagging attention, and in the midst of the rivalry between Allegheny Town and Walnut Hills had sufficient assurance to propose as a better location Charles- town, in Clark County ! "An overture was presented requesting Synod to consider what exertions ought to be- made by this body to secure the location of the Western.
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Theological Seminary at Charlestown in Indiana." 1 The next day after the presentation of this overture, in accord- ance with the report of an able committee to which it had been referred, it was resolved :
(1) That Synod approve the resolution of the General Assem,- bly to establish a Western Theological Seminary. (2) That if such seminary is ultimately to become a benefit to the rapidly increas- ing population west of the mountains, it ought to be at present located in a central situation without much regard to the amount of monies offered by the several places now proposed. (3) That Synod consider Allegheny Town as entirely too far east to be con- sidered even as a western town, and Charlestown as more central than Walnut Hills. (4) That Charlestown is a healthful situation and easy of access, and that the maintenance of students and the salaries of professors will be for many years very far less than at the other places, owing among other things to the comparative plainness of our manners. (5) That the seminary may and proba- bly ought to commence on a small scale, and be gradually enlarged, as the funds and the number of students increase. (6) Synod pledge themselves to use their highest efforts to aid the seminary, if located at Charlestown. (7) A committee should be appointed to address a communication to the General Assembly, stating the reasons which induce the Synod of Indiana to recom- mend Charlestown as a suitable site for the intended theological seminary, and that this committee be required to ascertain as far as practicable, by communicating with other Synods, and by any other means they may see proper, how much interest may exist in favor of Charlestown, and how large an amount of money may probably be raised for that place, which also shall be stated to the General Assembly.2
The committee suggested by the last resolution was ap- pointed - Messrs. Dickey, Hamilton, and Bush, strong and true men all of them. But at this interval it will occasion no surprise that their faith was disappointed, and that Bush, describing the Assembly of 1827 and the triumph of Allegheny Town, confessed that he "did not
1 " Minutes Synod of Indiana," Vol. I., p. 13.
2 " Minutes Synod of Indiana," Vol. I., pp. 21-3.
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plead hard for Charlestown, which could have stood no chance against the formidable bids of the other two sites.''
To Crowe, Dickey, and Johnston and their associates this first " Waterloo defeat," however, only furnished new enthusiasm and better discipline. Promptly turning from the more ambitious design to their own smaller resources, in October, 1827, it was resolved "that a committee of three members of Synod be appointed to consider the ex- pediency of taking preparatory steps for the establishment of a literary and theological seminary, under the care of Synod ; and, should such a course be by them thought expedient, that they be authorized to draw up a plan of such seminary and report on the subject at the next stated meeting of Synod."? This committee3 made report at the subsequent meeting in 1828, when, " after some dis- cussion" the further consideration of it was indefinitely postponed "excepting the item concerning a theological seminary," which was postponed for another year.4 At Shoal Creek church, Bond County, Ill., October 16, 1829,
the order of the day, namely, the report respecting a theological seminary, was taken up and the following résolution was adopted, viz .:
WHEREAS, Hanover Academy has been incorporated by an act of the legislature of the State of Indiana, according to which act the Board of Trustees of said Academy are permitted, by special provision, to place it under the care of any body of learned men that they may select ; and
WHEREAS, the board, at a late meeting, appointed a committee of their body to make a tender of the institution to the Synod of Indiana, that said Synod might avail themselves of the corporate privileges granted, in founding a theological seminary, in con- nection with the Academy, therefore,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed, on the part of the
1 Cf. biographical notice of Bush.
2 " Minutes Synod of Indiana," Vol. I., p. 53.
3 The committee were Messrs. Dickey, Crowe, and Johnston.
4 " Minutes Synod of Indiana," Vol. I., p. 62.
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Synod, to confer with the committee of the Trustees of the Academy, and to report on the subject as soon as may be practi- cable. 1
The day following the committee reported
that they have conferred with said committee, and have examined the charter of said Academy and inquired into its present pros- ' pects, and they believe that the interests of the churches within our bounds would be promoted by taking said Academy under the care of this Synod. They therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolutions, viz .: (1) That this Synod adopt said Academy as a Synodical school, provided the trustees of the same will permit the Synod to establish a theological department and appoint the theological professors. (3) That this Synod appoint a Board of Directors, to superintend the theologi- cal department of Hanover Academy. (4) That the Synod at this time appoint a theological professor. (5) That the Synod appoint a committee to prepare a plan of union, to be agreed upon by the trustees of the Academy and the Synod of Indiana, and also a plan for the regulation of the theological department.º
The sagacious and prudent men who had had this business in charge did not venture thus far without consid- ering whether for the proposed chair of theology a competent scholar could be obtained. With the Rev. Dr. John Matthews an informal correspondence had been opened, as to the possibility of his coming to Hanover if an invitation should be extended to him. The following reply was addressed to the " Rev. Messrs. J. F. Crow and J. H. Johnston " :
SHEPHERDSTOWN, VA., September 23, 1829.
Your joint letter of the roth inst. was duly received and its suggestions have been the subject of serious consideration. 1 suppose that consideration is all that can be expected from me, in the present stage of the business to which you refer. Materials which would justify a decision, one way or the other, are not yet
1 " Minutes Synod of Indiana," Vol. I., pp. 93, 94.
2 " Minutes Synod of Indiana," Vol. I., pp. 101-3. As the committee here required Messrs. Moreland, Martin, Dickey, Cobb, and Johnston were named.
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furnished, nor is it in your power to furnish them, as they would be derived from events yet future, and over which your ageney may have but a limited influence. I wish to feel, as every minis- ter of the gospel ought to feel, devoted to the great Head of the church. This, of course, implies a willingness to labour wherever he may, in his providence, call me. Altho my labours have not been blessed of late years with the same numbers added to the church as formerly, yet I must consider it my duty to remain and labour here, till a call from some other quarter shall reach me. If this call should come, it will then be the subject of consideration with a view to a decision. If the claims of this call are stronger than those arising out of my present location, they will prevail. One thing indispensably necessary would be, the prospect of use- fulness ;- another would be, a support for my family. I have not for twenty years past attended to anything but the duties of the ministry, have received at no time more than a bare support, and that with the greatest economy. A support is all I expect. My family consists of myself and wife; one daughter grown ; four little boys, the oldest ten; and two sons at the Seminary at Princeton, all dependent on my salary ; with one or two servants. I am not competent to judge what would answer this purpose in your state, not being acquainted with the expenses of living there. You will see therefore that from the nature of the case I cannot give a decisive answer to your proposition, and must of course leave you, and all who may feel interested in the case, to be influenced by your own views of expediency respecting the inter- ests of your institution, and of the church in your growing state. If inclination alone was to guide me, if about to remove from this region, my views would turn to the West, not on my own individual account so much as on account of my sons, whom I must leave before many years, and leave, too, dependent on their own efforts to gain a subsistence in life. I shall have nothing to leave them that would exempt them from these efforts. An education is all that I can furnish myself the pleasure of giving them. I feel a very deep interest in the progress of religion and literature in your state, and indeed in all the western country. It is all important that there should be both Theological and Literary Institutions of reputable character to exert a favourable influence on the growing population of that section of our country. I shall be pleased to hear from you when you may find it convenient.
This communication gave such encouragement that the
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business proceeded without embarrassment in the Synod, and Dr. Matthews was named unanimously for the profes- sorship.1 The Virginia pastor accepted the call to Indiana and at once began to devote himself to the interests of the divinity school. He wrote from New York, March 15, 1830, to Mr. Johnston, as follows :
You will no doubt be surprised to receive a letter from me, dated in this city ; but so it is. I am here as an agent for the Han- over Theological Seminary. My object is to secure, if possible, a moderate salary for a Tutor or Professor of Biblical Literature in the seminary. This proceeds from an earnest desire that the seminary should not commence without an assistant in this depart- ment. I have supposed that if it was known that there was such a teacher in the seminary it would give it more importance, and give a pledge that young men could receive a full course of study for the ministry.
The plan proposed is this : to raise five hundred dollars for five years, and I now hope this object will be accomplished. I have already obtained thirteen subscriptions of $25 each for five years. I am encouraged to believe that seven, perhaps ten, more can be obtained. The clergymen of this city, to whom I have men- tioned the plan, cordially approve of it, and Dr. Spring is one of the subscribers. If the plan succeeds I shall be much rejoiced. Nor can I suppose that the Synod of Indiana, or any friend of the Seminary will object to it. In addition to the annual subscriptions I will receive some donations, and some books; but to what amount is yet uncertain. I expect to spend a few days in Phila- delphia and in Baltimore in the same agency. I find I am a poor agent ; but my desire to secure this Assistant induces me to make the effort. A young man can be obtained from Princeton or elsewhere, qualified for this department. I have supposed that the seminary would not commence till next fall, probably after the meeting of your Synod. The subscriptions obtained here are payable in April in each year, and the first payment to be in 1831. This is the time proposed by the subscribers themselves ; and I suppose it will answer the purpose, as the subscription may be relied on.
Your letter was received shortly before I left home, which was on the ist inst. Numerous engagements prevented me from 1 Cf. " Minutes Indiana Synod," Vol. I., pp. 108, 109.
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writing to you before I set out, and besides, I did not know but my agency would be an entire failure. We expect to remove some time in the month of May, but whether in the early or latter part is yet uncertain. We must accomplish the journey, if possi- ble, before the season for steamboat navigation is over. I expect to find a letter from you when I return home, and will then write to you again, and give you the result of my agency, and if possible fix the time when we may be expected in Indiana.
The professors at Princeton gave me their cordial approbation of the seminary and of the object of my agency, in writing ; so also did some of the clergy of Philadelphia. Upon the whole I hope the great Head of the church will bless the Hanover Seminary, and I hope its friends will not cease to pray for its .prosperity and usefulness.
Still another letter to Mr. Johnston, written from Shep- herdstown, April 13, 1830, indicates, as does the entire history, how insignificant were the resources, and how bold and enterprising the faith, by which these projects were advanced :
I hope you received my letter from New York, giving an account of the agency I had undertaken for the Hanover Theo- logical Seminary. The result of that agency has been that $500 annually for five years has been secured, the first payment to be in April, 1831. This is for the special purpose of securing the assistance of a teacher of Biblical Literature in the seminary, and this it is believed will be sufficient for this purpose. In Philadel- phia $80 has been, and probably $100 will be secured annually for five years, the first payment in May, 1830. Eighty dollars of this I have received. With this $80, and other donations, after deducting my expenses, there is not in my hands $130 for the seminary. The number of volumes I obtained will probably be about thirty, some of them valuable. . . We expect to com- mence our removal early in May-the day is not yet fixed, and will reach Madison, with the favour of God, some time from the 15th to the 20th of the month.1
Meanwhile the committee designated for the purpose
1 These manuscripts of Dr. Matthews all painfully indicate how serious an affliction must have been that "trembling in his hands," referred to by Dr. Woods. Cf. Sprague's " Annals," Vol. IV., p. 294.
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was perfecting a plan for uniting the divinity school with the Hanover Academy, and in 1830 the Synod adopted their report. In accordance with this compact the trustees gave to the Synod the supervision of the academy, upon condition "that the Theological Seminary about to be erected by the Synod of Indiana shall be located at, Hanover Academy, or its immediate vicinity, in Jefferson County, ... the seminary being considered the theological department of said academy." The Synod was to have the whole control of the theological department, appoint- ing its directors, choosing the professors, governing the pupils, and managing the funds. The negotiations were completed by the selection of the following gentlemen to constitute the first. board of directors of the seminary : Ministers, J. F. Crow, J. R. Moreland, William W. Martin, A. Wylie, L. Cobb, James Thomson, B. C. Cressy, Samuel Gregg, William Sickels, S. R. Alexander, Alexander Williamson, S. G. Lowry, J. M. Dickey, J. H. Johnston, C. Butler ; Elders, Samuel Smock, Jeremiah Sullivan, Victor King, Alexander Walker, Samuel S. Graham, Williamson' Dunn, Andrew Wier, Joseph Hart, James H. Thomson, W. B. Laughlin, John Hendricks, James M. Ray, Ebenezer Sharpe, James Scott, and Dr. B. Bradley. A teacher of oriental and biblical literature was at the same time chosen, John W. Cunningham having no competitor. It was understood that he should be permit- ted, upon his acceptance of the place, to spend six months in further study at Andover. It was also resolved "that the salary of the professor of theology be for the present fixed at six hundred dollars per annum, and that it com- mence on the first day of May, 1830."
The inauguration of Dr. Matthews as professor of theol- ogy occurred June 29, 1831, when he delivered a thought- ful address upon " Ministerial Qualifications." 1
1 This discourse, together with the Rev. B. C. Cressy's address on the same occa- sion, was printed by Arion & Lodge, Madison, 1831.
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Financial questions of course at once began to assume a commanding prominence. Even upon the modest scale of prices suggested by the chief professor's salary more money was required than the woods of Indiana could pro- vide. An agent was accordingly appointed to solicit aid in the older states-the Rev. Benjamin C. Cressy, a man of scholarship and discretion. At Boston, December, 1832, he printed an appeal for the seminary. He said :
The prosperity of this institution has thus far exceeded the most sanguine anticipations of its founders, and for this very reason now labors under the most serious embarrassment. Enlarged accommodations are immediately needed ; but to go forward with- out the prospect of assistance will be presumption, to go back will blast the hopes of thousands. Under these circumstances we appeal to the friends of learning and religion to aid us. Our funds are exhausted, our instructors are to be supported, our library is small, applications for the reception of students are constantly increasing, and yet we have more already than we have room to accommodate. For the want of better accommodations many of our students have been under the necessity of occupying contracted log-cabins. In the midst of difficulties, with a spirit of tireless perseverance and great personal sacrifices, the professors "have labored and have not fainted." The friends of the institu- tion in the vicinity have been liberal, and are ready to do all in their power, but the necessary aid cannot there be obtained. And what shall be done ? . We believe that He, whose is the silver and the gold, will incline the friends of learning and religion to aid us in sustaining this enterprise.1
The anticipations of adequate financial support were not realized. At the Synod in 1831 a subscription paper was circulated, once and again. In 1832 there is mention of one agent at the East, and of another "to enter on his agency shortly," still another being under appointment to visit the churches at home. There is allusion in 1833 to the "arrears in which the seminary is now involved." . It
1 " An Appeal in Behalf of the Indiana Theological Seminary Located at South Han- over, Indiana." Boston, 1832.
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is attempted in 1834 to unite with Indiana the Synods of Illinois, Kentucky, Cincinnati, and Ohio in the care of the seminary. The following year Dr. Crowe explains a plan to raise twelve thousand dollars in Indiana. Similar labo- rious methods are perseveringly prosecuted, including as- sessments upon the Presbyteries and congregations-the difficulties largely increased by the controversies of 1838, until in 1840 the "proposition of Mr. E. Ayres for a change in the plan of the seminary" was adopted, and the institution was transferred to New Albany.
In the new location it was still a burden upon the poverty of this new region; but when there was little money there was more faith, and the self-denying work of professors and di- rectors was rewarded by its undoubted utility. The ability of the faculty was conspicuous and the spirit with which they imbued the students is blessing the church to-day. For nearly twenty years the school held on, always hindered by insufficient financial resources, until in 1859, amidst the commotions preceding the War of the Rebellion, it was committed to the General Assembly and by that body established in the city of Chicago, as the Seminary of the Northwest, later to be known as McCormick Seminary.'
JOHN MATTHEWS, who received the first appointment to
1 The Assembly of 1859 (Old School) held its sessions at Indianapolis. On Monday afternoon, May 23, the order of the day was taken up-" the report of the Standing Committee on Theological Seminaries upon the papers connected with the transfer of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of the Northwest. The whole report of the committee was read, as also were proposals, from different localities, of gifts of money and land toward the endowment of this institution, and the following resolutions were adopted unanimously, viz .:
" 1. Resolved, That in accordance with the overtures, emanating from eight Synods, this Assembly does now accept the direction and control of the seminary known by the corporate name and style of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of the Northwest.
"2. Resolved, That this Assembly during its present sessions will decide by a majority of the votes of its members, what place within the limits of these eight Synods be selected as the seat of said Seminary."-" Minutes Assembly of 1859," pp. 516, 517.
The debates affecting the seminary were protracted and noteworthy. Besides the problem as to location were most interesting personal matters, while the jealousy be- tween North and South, everywhere apparent at this period, added to the heat.
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1
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the chair of theology in the seminary, was born in Guilford County, N. C., January 19, 1772. His father, who in early life had emigrated from Ireland, was a small farmer. The son, having until he was twenty years of age wrought at various mechanical employments, then began a course of study under the Rev. Dr. David Caldwell, in whose family he for a time resided. He received licensure, March, 1801, from the Presbytery of Orange, and a few months later went as a missionary to Natchez, Miss. Re-
turning in 1803 to North Carolina he became pastor of the Nutbush and Grassy Creek churches. Three years later, resigning this charge, he was installed over the church in Martinsburg, Va., but soon afterward received an urgent call to the pulpit at Shepherdstown, Va., made vacant by the transfer of Dr. Hoge to the presidency of Hampden Sidney College. This church he continued to serve until his removal to Indiana, a period of twenty-four years. During portions of this time he also served the Charles- town and Martinsburg churches, preaching frequently besides at Harper's Ferry. In connection with the semi- nary he resided at Hanover, and at New Albany, until his death, May 19, 1848.
Dr. Matthews was twice married-December 8, 1803, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Daniel, of Charlotte County, Va .; and in April, 1818, to Elizabeth, daughter of James Wilson of Berkley County, Va. Of his six sons three became clergymen of the Presbyterian Church.
Besides a large number of sermons and addresses, and articles in literary and theological journals, Dr. Matthews was the author of two more extended treatises entitled, " Letters on the Divine Purpose " and "The Influence of the Bible.'' 1
1 See Sprague's " Annals," Vol. IV., pp. 292-4. Letters from the Rev. Drs. James Wood, James M. Brown, Samuel B. Wilson, and William C. Matthews are appended to Sprague's biographical sketch.
1
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Born in revolutionary times Dr. Matthews was the contemporary and friend of a body of ministers, including Drs. Alexander, Spence, Waugh, Moses Hoge, John H. Rice, and others, whose solid, scriptural, spiritual theology constituted them almost a distinct school of divines. Dr. Matthews was the peer of any in that honored group ; and it is scarcely extravagant to say that had he and Dr. Archibald Alexander exchanged places, the history'of the church had not been materially different. The great charac- teristic of his mind was simplicity. He defined everything to its ultimate elements. He traced everything through all its history to its remotest possible and logical uses. His mind seemed to be a case of pigeon-holes, where every thought seemed to lie by itself, wrapped in its own proper word, which would rarely, if ever, be changed, and always ready for immediate use. His power of definition was inimitable, and gave him signal and speedy success in controversy. Whoever in debate with him failed to detect mistake or fallacy in definitions might as well concede the whole argument. His sole text-book as professor was the Confession of Faith, out of which he drew an extensive scheme of both didactics and polemics. His course was prefaced by lectures upon mental philosophy and logic, as bearing upon the ministerial office and work. His method was the Socratic, both for instruction and disputation. His observation had been care- ful, his experience varied, his thinking deliberate and thorough ; so that while never voluble he was always ready to enter at once upon any train of remark or discussion, and always with the right word for every place. His promptitude indeed resembled special preparation.
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