USA > Maryland > Cecil County > A history of the Rock Presbyterian church in Cecil county, Maryland > Part 3
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The Rev. John Evans Finley was the oldest son of the Rev. James Finley. He also graduated at Princeton College ; most probably studied theology with his father, and was ordained at Fagg's Manor, Aug. 21st, 1781. After serving Fagg's Manor for twelve years, the pastoral relation was dissolved, Oct. 15th, 1793, when he went to Bracken, Mason co., Ky. He seems to have been a man after his father's heart, full of devotion to the cause.
The Rev. Francis Hindman belonged to an Irish Family that lived, during his boyhood, one mile and a half south-west of Carter's Mills. His mother was a member of this church.
The Rev. William Maffit was a son of Samuel Maffit, an elder of this church. Having been licensed October 9th, 1794, by New-Castle Presbytery, he went, April 1st, 1795, to Alexandria, Va., in Baltimore Presbytery. He had delicate health, and was pastor there for only a brief period, when he went to Salina, six miles from Washington, and there became principal of a school, which he continued to teach for many years. He married twice, each time to a widow Lee, of the noted Lee family of Virginia. He died in 1828.
The Rev. Thomas Miller was born in 1770. His mother was an earn- est christian member of this church. At an early age he became an active member himself, but was never an elder. About 1808, he joined the M. E. church, and in 1809 entered the ministry of that denomina- tion, and for nearly forty years labored most efficiently in Pennsylva- nia, Delaware and Maryland, for the extension of his Master's king- dom. He died in 1848, and was buried at the Union M. E. Church. He left a large family, that have been active supporters of that society for many years. The Rev. T. B. Miller, of Philadelphia Conference, is a grandson.
The Rev. Isaac Hall, son of Isaac and Mary Hall, was born July 11th, 1805. He labored on the farm until he was 18, and then learned the carpenter's trade. He joined this church Nov. 3d, 1827, and in 1830 entered upon his studies for the ministry, in the' Manual Labor School of the Rev. George Junkin, D.D., at Germantown, Pa. When Dr. Junkin, in 1832, went to Easton and founded La Fayette College, Mr. Hall, with sixteen other students, followed their beloved teacher.
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He entered Princeton Seminary in 1836, was licensed by Newton Presbytery April 24th, 1839, and dismissed to Baltimore Presbytery, October 4th, 1842, where he preached for seven years to Franklinville and other churches. In 1849 he moved to Piqua, Ohio, where he has ever since resided, preaching in various churches as health and opportunity have permitted. He married, April 29th, 1844, Mrs. Ella M. Meng, of Prince Williams co., Va. Mr. Hall is an earnest christ- ian brother, who, amid great physicial difficulties, has striven faithfully" to glorify his Master's name.
The Rev. James Beverlin Ramsey, D.D., son of James and Sarah Ramsey, was born at Cherry Hill, Cecil co., Md., May 20th, 1814. His father died in August, 1820, and soon after his mother moved to the stone house across the creek from this church. Her son went to the school taught by Master Henry, near Fair Hill. In 1826, his mother went to Philadelphia, and for four years her son was a clerk in a lum- ber yard. At the age of fourteen he united with the church, and began the study of the classics under his pastor. He was two years at Germantown Academy, and four years at Easton, graduating, 1836, in the first class ever sent out by La Fayette College. That class only had three members, and they were all natives of Cecil co., Md., viz. : James B. Ramsey, George Kidd, and a Mr. Smithers. He was four years at Princeton Seminary. The Presbytery of Newton received him under its care Oct. 1837, licensed him April, 1840, and dismissed him to Second Presbytery of New York, Nov., 1840. On Feb. 14th, 1841, he was ordained and installed at West Farms, New York; in . 1846 he became a missionary to the Choctaw Indians, and principal of Spencer Academy ; in 1849 he returned to the States, and for five years was unable to do much preaching. July 23d, 1854, he was in- stalled pastor of New Monmouth, Va .. In Oct., 1858, he was installed pastor of a church in Lynchburg, Va., where he labored with great success until April, 1870. He died at Lynchburg, July 23d, 1871, leaving a widow and one child. Dr. Ramsey was a great man, possess- ing a vigorous analytical mind, that was ever thirsting for knowledge and truth. He became a most profound scholar. No one stood higher in the Synod of Virginia as a thinker and a preacher. Much of his laborious life was devoted to teaching, as well as preaching. His writings are valuable. His published works are a sermon on the Ruling Elder, a discourse on the Deaconship, Questions on Bible Doctrine, and Lectures on Revelation. He was a good man. Although fourteen years of age when he joined the church, his mother believed that he was born of the Spirit when only six years old. His confi- dence in God was implicit and abiding, his love for the church most ardent, and his spirit as a christian most humble and child-like. His mother was a devoted christian. She gave her son to the Gospel min- istry when a child ; and her lovely spirit attended him wherever he
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went, almost to the close of his life, for she died as late as Dec., 1866, aged 92 years. His parents were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and at- tended this church. Tradition says that his father was accidentally killed. His grandfather, William Wilson, graduated at some college in Europe, and was a fine classical scholar. After coming to this coun- try he engaged in teaching, and was widely known as Old Master Wil- son. He was one ofthe assistant surveyors employed in running Mason and Dixon's Line. The remains of both the father and the grand- father Wilson repose in the New-Leeds burying-ground. Dr. Ramsey, in 1867, with great pleasure to himself, visited in Cecil co. the old tramping grounds of his boyhood.
The Rev. Samuel J. Donnelly was born Sept. 23d, 1829, near Mount Rocky M. E. Church, Chester co., Pa. ; was educated at New-London Academy, Delaware College, Bangor and Princeton Seminaries, grad- uating at the last institution, April, 1863. He united with the Rock, on examination, Dec. 5th, 1858, and was ordained as an Evangelist by New-Castle Presbytery, in April, 1863, and in May he began laboring as stated supply in Hancock, Md. While at Hancock, he preached twelve miles north, in Buck Valley, Fulton co., Pa., where he suc- ceeded in building a neat little frame church. He was faithful and beloved as a pastor, and instructive as a preacher. His health failed and he had to resign his work, 1865. He died of consumption, in Washington City, Nov. 15th, 1868, and was buried at Havre-de-Grace, Md. His last words were, " I'll trust Him as I go."
The present pastor came to this locality when six years old ; spent his boyhood one mile west of Lewisville, Chester co., Pa .; attended Sabbath school and religious services of this house ; joined this church Oct. 27th, 1849 ; was never a member of any other church, and has been preaching here since the first Sabbath of Nov., 1861.
Colonies .- Through Mr. Finley's influence, many of the early citi- zens of this region, as well as members of the church, settled in Western Pennsylvania. In about twenty years, thirty-four families, chiefly young married persons connected with this congregation, mi- grated to that locality. They being neighbors, and closely related, sought settlements near each other, but were unable to do so, and had to scatter over a district forty miles long. Thus scattered, they united with different churches. and became the very pillars of many struggling congregations. They were most efficient men, and, by their piety, generous efforts and gifts, did a great work in sustaining the first ministers of Western Pa. Out of the thirty-four families, twenty-two of their heads became elders, among whom were Judge Allison, Judge McDowell, James Bradford, Henry Graham, Robert Barr, James and Samuel Fleming, John Wright, Robert Moore, John Powers, John Allen, and Samuel, Ebenezer, Joseph, Michael and William Finley, all sons of the Rev. James Finley. About the same
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time this colony went West, many families went to North Carolina, among them were four sons of Thomas Sharpe, and a number of the Alexander family, through the influence of the Rev. Joseph Alexander.
OLD-TIME CUSTOMS.
The people were widely scattered, and preachers scarce ; and the amount of preaching at any one place, in the year, even though fa- vored with a pastor, was small. When they did come together it was important to hear as much as possible ; hence the sermons were long, usually over an hour, and there were always two of them in a day, with an hour or half hour interval. "Taking the Sacrament " was a great event, the preparation and attendance alike large. The Thurs- - day previous was observed as a fast day, with preaching on Friday and Saturday, as well as on the Monday following. The communi- cants had to provide themselves with small leaden " Tokens," with the letter M (member) or initials of the church on them. They gath- ered around the long bench-like tables that stood in the aisle, and gave in their tokens. The minister then " fenced the table," by deliv- ering a most solemn charge to those about to partake of the emblems. While the tables were changing, one of the elders lined out the Psalm for singing. The salary each one paid was called " stipends ;"' was expected to be in amount according to the pecuniary circum- stances, and was paid on the Monday after the communion. The Presbyterian churches of this country for many years sang the Psalms of David, as translated by Francis Rouse, of England. The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts were introduced between 1780 and 1790, and as our ancestors disliked new measures, this great change in the psalmody of the church must have awakened much feeling and discussion. The singing was congregational, with a " precentor, or clerk," standing in front of the pulpit to lead. "Lin- ing out the hymns " was a general practice The people, in going to church, either rode on horseback or walked. It was nothing unusual to walk eight or ten miles to church. The ladies rode on horseback, holding the rod and reins in one hand, and a large pan, instead of a parasol, in the other. The funerals differed very materially from our modern burials. The hearse had only two wheels, with slats nailed across the shafts, on which rested a large coffin shaped box, which re- ceived the coffin containing the corpse. The coffin was often tied on the naked slats. The undertaker either walked or rode one horse and led the horse in the shafts. A disgraceful custom was very com- mon at those old-time funerals, of treating the people assembled to cakes and liquors. They were arranged in a row, and the liquors passed along. Often those in front, after the cup had passed them, would, for the sake of another cup, slip around and take their station in the rear. The last cup taken just before the procession moved off was called the " stirrup-cup," because almost everybody rode on
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horseback in those days. The custom of drinking was at that time not only very common, but rather respectable, and yet getting drunk was very censurable. Drunkards were numerous, and drunkenness a great disturber of the peace of God's house. On the question of tem- perance, the church has made great progress in the last half century.
THE ELDERS.
Abraham Emmet, Sr., lived near the Delaware line, active in organ- izing the church, died 1730.
Robert Finney lived in Penna., elder until the organization of New London.
Andrew Steele, one of the first elders, probably lived in Penn.
Robert Linton, commissioner Sept. 14th, 1724, and became elder.
John Hogg lived near Blue-Ball, was commissioner, and may have been an elder.
Thomas Sharp, Sr., lived near Centre school house, was commis- sioner June 28th, 1720, became elder, and died 1749.
Roger Lawson came from Ireland in 1723, lived at Fair-Hill, died 1733.
John Thompson lived in South-Milford, died 1742.
Rowland Chambers, one of the early elders.
Robert Mackey lived near the church, appears as elder 1745 and 1769.
Robert Rowland lived at Brick-Hill, elder forty years, died 1780.
Theophilus Alexander lived in New-Munster, remarkable for good sense, died 1768.
Amos Alexander, brother of Theophilus, lived in New-Munster, died 1780.
Matthew Taylor, died 1784.
Thomas Sharp, Jr., lived near Centre school house, elder over thirty years, died 1785.
Philip Tanner owned fulling mill where the road from Rock church to Hickory Hill crosses little Elk, elder nearly 40 years, daughter married Rev. James Power, died 1795.
Samuel Whan bought White-Hall farm, in 1787, of Rev. James Fin- ley, elder as late as 1792.
George Lawson, grandson of Roger, lived at Fair-Hill, died 1791.
John Lawson, brother of George, lived at Lewisville, Penn.
David Wherry lived near Hickory Hill, Penn., elder many years, died 1800.
Samuel Mc Keown lived near North-East, died 1804.
William Mackey lived near the church, was elder in 1792.
James Mackey, cousin of William, and elder about the same time.
Samuel Maffit lived near Union M. E. Church; earnest christian, elder nearly forty years, died 1815.
Thomas Maffit, brother of Samuel, lived in North-East, wise, prudent and very pious, elder many years, died 1815.
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Samuel Beatty lived in Penn., was "clerk," went west about 1809.
Andrew Mearns, lived near Zion, elder about fifteen years, died 1824. James Kilgore lived above Lord's factory, died 1834.
James Steele lived near Blue Ball, died 1838.
Joseph Steele, son of James.
William Cochran lived near Kansas school house, fine scholar, died 1839.
William Boone lived where the road from Rock church to Hickory Hill crosses Mason and Dixon's line ; moved to Christiana, Penn.
Robert Christie lived near Centre school house, died 1841.
William Mackey, nephew of William the elder, lived near the church, died 1845.
William Wherry, son of David the elder, lived near Hickory Hill, died 1854.
Abraham D. Mitchell lived at Fair-Hill, died 1841.
John Mearns lived near North-East, died 1869, and buried at North- East. The three last named elders were ordained Oct. 6th, 1837.
Matthew Gallagher lived near Providence paper-mill, ordained July 9th, 1843, died 1862.
C. C. Brokaw, Walter Armstrong and James Mackey, ordained Nov. 9th, 1851. The last named lived near the church on road to Fair-Hill, died 1868, buried at Kimbleville, Penn.
Robert H. Hodgson, ordained June 19th, 1859.
John T. De Witt, ordained Nov. 6th, 1870.
The elders are selected from families that are usually active in the church, and it would be interesting had we the facts and the space, to record more of their history. How very few of those names once so prominent in this church, and familiar in this community, are known here to-day ? The Lawsons, the Sharps, the Whans, the Alexanders, the Tanners, the Maffits, the Halls, and the Mitchells were large families and extensive land-holders, and for many years the chief sup- porters of this church, but they have left us and to most of us their very names are strange sounds. How soon they that know us shall know us no more forever ! The mortal remains of many of those fathers and mothers in Israel, repose in the Stone and Sharp's graveyards, but the precise time of their decease, as well as the location of their graves, are unknown. "They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
THE ROCK CHURCH IN 1872.
It was rededicated July 4th. Rev. R. H. Allen, D.D., of Philadel- phia, preached at 11 o'clock A.M., from Deut. xxxii. 31 : " For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges." In the dedication, Rev. J. H. Johns made the address, and Rev. A. De Witt the prayer. At 2 o'clock P.M., addresses were delivered by Rev. R. P. Du Bois, on "The Old Churches of New-Castle Presby-
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tery ;" by Rev. A. DeWitt, on " Recollections of My Rock Pastor- ate ;" by Rev. J. D. Rigg, of M. E. Church, on " Christian Union ;"' and by Rev. J. G. Porter, on " Church Building." At 7.30 P.M., this Historical Discourse was delivered.
The present church is a gothic stone building ; has pews of grained ash, with walnut trimmings, a walnut pulpit, three chandeliers, and stained glass windows ; a most comfortable session house, a very neat yard of walls and fences, and seventeen horse sheds.
It has 60 families, 130 members and 100 Sabbath-school scholars. The salary and current expenses are raised by the Envelope System. which was introduced October 1st, and promises success. This con- gregation was never large, nor the mass of its members wealthy ; but it has had among its members many devoted christians. The Rock has, in its history, had some severe trials, when its friends feared that it would never weather the storms or survive the spiritual famine ; but it can truly say : " I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."
A son of Thomas Sharp, sr., was a member of the Continental Congress.
In the latter part of the last century, Abraham Mitchell came from Lancaster co., Pa., located at Fair Hill, and practiced medicine many years. Abraham D. Mitchell, the elder. was his son. His son George E. Mitchell was a colonel in the war of 1812, an eminent physician, and practised in this comnrunity. He was popular as a politician, was sent to Congress, died in Washington 1833, and was buried in the Congressional Cemetery. Arthur W. and Dr. H. H. Mitchell, of Elk- ton, are his sons. Captain John Evans, son of Robert Evans, and brother-in-law of Rev. James Finley, was a very active and influential citizen, a member of this church, lived at the rolling-mill east of Cherry Hill, and died March 3d, 1823. His son, Amos Evans, practiced medicine in Elkton, and the Hon. Alexander Evans is a grandson.
The tall bony frame of Richard Brookens, M.D., was a familiar form in the families of this vicinity for years. He died January 9th, 1852, aged 45 years, and was buried at North-East, Md.
William Mackey, the elder, who died in 1845, was a general in the militia of 1812.
Old Master Henry and Master James Patton were thorough teach- ers, and made lasting impressions on their numerous pupils. Of these persons, and many others, we might write with interest ; but our aim has been to record a history of the Rock Church, and to confine our- selves to the influences acting upon, and exerted by, this religious society. We have striven to embalm the memory of the saints of other days, and to exhibit the life and labors of this church in its past history, with the fond hope that these things may strengthen the faith and fire the zeal of God's people in the ages to come.
APPENDIX.
A.
THE CONSTITUTION OF ROCK CHURCH.
ROCK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, in North Milford Hundred, September 5th, 1803.
In pursuance of an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, for incorporating certain persons in every Christian church or congregation, passed November session, 1802, and after public notice given in said congre- gation, the heads of families met at their church, the Rev. Samuel Leacock, Moderator, and Samuel Maffit, Clerk, constituted with prayer. They having read, considered and approved the law, agreed to carry it into effect; and adopted the following rules as the Constitution of their corporation :
First. That in all gifts, conveyances, or other. instruments of writing be- longing to, and for the benefit of said congregation, it shall be known and denominated and be distinguished by the Rock Presbyterian Church in North Milford Hundred, Cecil county, State of Maryland.
Secondly. That for the better management of the temporalities of the said Rock Presbyterian Church, there shall be a corporation, or body politic, vested in a number of trustees, not exceeding nine. That three of said nine trustees first named sliall go out of office annually, by rotation, and shall be replaced by other three persons, to be chosen by the congregation at their annual meeting for that .purpose.
Thirdly. That whereas, by the said General Act of Incorporation, the qual- ifications of persons to be elected trustees, and to be particularly known and described, and whereas, the duties of the deacons mentioned in the Directory, or Constitution, authorized by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, are transferred to the trustees of this corporation; Resolved, there- fore, that the said trustees shall possess the same qualifications, and be received into their office on the same conditions as formerly were the deacons.
Fourthly. Resolved, that all free white male inhabitants being members of said church, and twenty-one years of age, contributing to the support of the Gospel in said congregation, shall vote for, and may be voted in as, trustees; and that the said free male white inhabitants of the Rock Presby- terian Church shall meet on the fifteenth day of this inst., in said church, and then and there elect, by ballot, nine of the most sober, sensible and dis- creet members of said church; whichi nine persons of said church shall be styled Trustees of the Rock Presbyterian Church: and that the said trustees, or a
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majority of them, shall be a board to transact all business relative to said cor- . poration; and that in case of death, removal or resignation of any of the trustees, so that the number be reduced under the number of five, then, and in that case, after public notice being given in said church, the members of said churchi may meet, as aforesaid, and elect other Trustees to fill the va- cancy that may hereafter happen in said congregation.
Fifthly. We resolve, that a registry shall be made of all the present mem- bers of our church and congregation, and also of their children who are twenty-one years old, and of all other professing christians who may here- after be admitted members of this church by its elders; and that in the said registry there shall be a true record made of all baptisms and of all mar- riages happening in the bounds of this congregation. Said registry shall be kept by the Clerk for the time being, of the said corporation.
Sixthly. Resolved, that in the first week of September, 1804, and in the first week in September annually forever, public notice being first given, the members of said church shall there meet, and there elect by ballot, three of the most sensible, wise and discreet members of said church, according to rule the second.
Concluded with prayer.
ROCK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, North Milford Hundred, September 15th, 1803.
The heads of families of said church met according to public notice given; constituted with prayer; Rev. Samuel Leacock, Moderator, Samuel Maffit, Clerk; when it appeared, a fair vote being first taken by ballot, that James Mackey, Esq., Samuel Maffit, Esq., Robert Cochran, Thomas Maffit, Esq., James Mackey, jr., Ebenezer Wherry, Andrew Marns, John McCrery and Hugh Guy were duly elected as trustees of the Rock Presbyterian Church " in North Milford.
Concluded with prayer.
STATE OF MARYLAND, {ss. 1
CECIL COUNTY,
Be it remembered, that on the first day of December, 1803, came before us Tobs. Rudolph and John Evans, two of the Justices of the Peace for said county, Samuel Maffit, Robert Cochran, Thomas Maffit, James Mackey, jr., . Andrew Marns and John McCrery, trustees, or members of the Corporation of the congregation of the Rock Presbyterian Church in North Milford Hun- dred, in the county of Cecil aforesaid, and did jointly acknowledge the aforegoing plan, agreement or regulations, to be those adopted by the said church, pursuant to the Act of Assembly for incorporating certain persons in every christian church or congregation in the State of Maryland, passed in the session of 1802.
TOBS. RUDOLPH, JOHN EVANS.
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B.
CHURCH ORGANIZATION, 1872.
PASTOR, REV. J. HENRY JOHNS. RULING ELDERS,
C. C. Brokaw, Walter Armstrong,
Robert H. Hodgson, John T. De Witt.
TRUSTEES,
John McCrery, President,
Thomas Strahorn,
C. C. Brokaw, Secretary,
James A. Mackey,
Dr. S. W. Morrison, Treasurer,
Walter Armstrong,
Robert H. Hodgson. SEXTON, Jonathan Lewis.
C.
MEMBERS OF ROCK CHURCH, 1872.
Rebecca Fulton, Catharine Janes,
Samuel Mearns, Sarah Gary,
James Hodgson,
Mary McConnell,
Elizabeth Steele, Sophia Simpson,
John McCrery, Walter Armstrong, Jane Mackey,
William Armstrong,
Catharine Mackey, Elizabeth McCleary, P. Jane Thompson, Emma Armstrong, Jacob D. McConnell, C. C. Brokaw, Phebe Brokaw,
Sarah Steele,
Mary J. Armstrong, R. H. Hodgson, Elizabeth G. Pierce,
Rachel J. McVey, Anna T. De Witt,
Anna M. De Witt,
Susan J. Bye, John T. De Witt,
Lydia Tyson, Joshua Green,
Harriet Green, Alethe Green, Grace Green, William H. Brokaw, Charles Ramsey, Jesse McFadien, Anna M. Levis, James C. Armstrong,
John B. Mackey, John T. De Witt,
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Emma L. Brokaw,
Margaret A. Hodgson,
Martha R. Holland.
Martha E. Mackey,
M. Louisa Mackey,
Elizabeth Morrison,
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