USA > Maryland > Somerset County > Princess Anne > History of the Manokin Presbyterian Church, Princess Anne, Maryland > Part 5
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"Mr. Berry stated, in substance, that a proposition had been laid before Presbytery to dissolve the connection now ex- isting between this (Manokin) church and that at Salisbury, and unite Princess Anne and Rehoboth. After giving his views at some length on the proposed alteration he submitted the fol-
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lowing question, in substance, to the congregation, Would they consent to the change? The reply was to this effect: That we would consent, though reluctantly, to the change, provided the Salisbury congregation were also willing, and provided Presby- tery will guarantee to us a permanent sum equivalent to the sum now raised by the church at Salisbury."
1842. April 19th. The Session of the Manokin Church met and adopted several resolutions relative to the proposed dissolution of the relation existing between the Manokin and Wicomico congregations ; the third resolution was as follows :
"Resolved, 3d, That if, after Presbytery shall have received the report of the Rev. R. T. Berry, and our commissioner shall, if requested, have given them a plain and candid statement of our condition, and the state and prospect of the sister churches, so far as they are known to us, they shall still think it best to dissolve at this time the connection now existing between this church and that of Salisbury, and unite this congregation to the feeble flock at Rehoboth, however painful it may be to sever old ties, and however doubtful we may be of the experiment when made, confiding in the wisdom and prudence of that body, directed by the great Head of the Church, we will consent to the measure provided that Presbytery will guarantee to us the pay- ment of $240.00 per annum, for an indefinite period of time."
1842. June 12th. Rev. T. W. Simpson was installed Pastor. The sermon was preached by Rev. R. T. Berry, the charge to the people was given by the Rev. Cortlandt Van Rens- selaer. He also gave the charge to the Pastor.
1843. April 18th. The Session met to consider the sub- ject of electing Deacons. It was resolved that it is unnecessary and inexpedient at this time to lay this matter before the con- gregation.
1848. September 18th. At a joint meeting of the Ses- sions of the Wicomico and Manokin churches, it was "Resolved, That there be a joint meeting of the Sessions at least once a year."
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Interesting Events.
1849. August 3d. No mention is made on the Minutes of the resignation and departure of the Rev. Mr. Simpson. The Minute of this date is :
"Whilst the Sessions of these churches are of opinion that the connection which has heretofore existed between them was dissolved by the dissolution of the pastoral relation, yet in order that each church may understand the views and feelings of the other, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted (this was a joint meeting) :
"Resolved, That we are of the opinion that the time has come, in the Providence of God, when the connection which has so long existed under one pastoral charge should no longer exist, and that each church should endeavor to support a Pastor.
"Resolved, That these churches entertain for each other the same affection that has always existed, and that in separating they are impelled by no other motive than duty to themselves and the prosperity of Presbyterianism in this region."
1849. "Mr. James Laird Vallandigham preached his first sermon at Manokin on Sabbath morning, October 21st, 1849."
1850. On the 10th of February, 1850, he was unanimously elected Pastor of Manokin; and on Wednesday, the 3d of April following, was ordained by the Presbytery of Baltimore and in- stalled Pastor of the Manokin Church.
1850. "The church at Rehoboth, desiring to unite with the church of Manokin, for the purpose of forming one charge, did, on Sabbath, February 17th, 1850, also unanimously elect Mr. Vallandigham their Pastor ; and on Saturday, the 13th of July, he was installed at Rehoboth by a committee of the Presbytery of Baltimore. Between these churches Mr. Vallandigham di- vided his time, preaching alternately to each of them."
1850. November 3d. The Session resolved "To establish a Sabbath school in connection with this church, and Mr. Wil- liam T. G. Polk was appointed Superintendent."
1852. October 17th. Messrs. Isaac D. Jones and John H.
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Done were ordained to the office of Ruling Elders, and took their seats in the Session.
1863. November 1st. Judge Levin T. H. Irving and James M. Dryden were elected Ruling Elders. Judge Irving was a distinguished jurist, and greatly beloved by all classes of people. He died August 24th, 1892.
1865. February 18th. "A committee was appointed to make arrangements for a centennial celebration of the building of this church."
1870. July 9th. The Session resolved to overture the Presbytery of New Castle "to devise some plan by which an insti- tution for the education of the daughters of our people may be established within the bounds of this Presbytery and within the field of Rev. Francis Makmie's labors-to be called the Makemie School for Girls, or some such memorial name. The Session further overtures Presbytery to fix Princess Anne or its vicinity as the place of the location of such institution."
1870. July 10th. William Broughton and John Elsey Fontaine were ordained as Ruling Elders.
1872. September 2d. The Session met in the court house, where this congregation is at present worshipping, whilst the church is being repaired.
1876. January 15th. Messrs. Rudolph S. Cohn, William C. Fontaine and E. B. Cook, and Dr. A. D. Woodruff, were elected Ruling Elders.
1880. November. "Resolved, That we hereby record our high appreciation of our late Pastor, Rev. A. C. Heaton, whose resignation, after a pastorate of twenty-five years, makes the appointment of a stated supply necessary."
1881. March. Rev. H. V. Voorhees was called to the Pastorate and accepted.
NOTE .- The foregoing records were taken from the oldest book now in possession of the Session.
DR. JAMES L. VALLANDIGHIAM 1850-53
DR. AUSTIN C. HEATON 1855-80
REV. HENRY V. VOORHEES 1881-89
REV. WILLIAM H. LOGAN 1891-1900
REV. R. A. ROBINSON 1900-03
PASTORS. LENGTH OF SERVICE.
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HISTORICAL SERMON DELIVERED BY REV. A. C. HEATON, D. D., Sunday, May 4th, 1865.
[After reviewing the important events which had taken place in the history of the world since the organization of the church, Dr. Heaton, who was the honored Pastor of the Manokin Church from 1855 to 1880, thus continued his very interesting historical discourse.]
It would be exceedingly interesting to go up to the very first organization of this congregation, by Francis Makemie, not long after his arrival in America, which must have been some time in the year 1681,* and trace its history down under the ministerial labors of McNish, Stewart, Hamilton and Hugh Henry, but our limits will allow us only to commence with the erection of this building, which took place early in the summer of 1765.
At this date, this congregation, in conjunction with the neighboring congregation, Wicomico, was under the pastoral care of the Rev. Jacob Ker, who must have been a gentleman of great personal and professional merit. He, together with the Rev. Dr. Ker, of Goshen, New York, was a grandson of the noted Walter Ker, who, on account of his unwavering adherence to Nonconformity, was banished from the parish of Dalsey, Lanark- shire, Scotland, September 3d, 1685, and on his arrival on this continent settled in Freehold, New Jersey, and who, according to Webster, was greatly serviceable in promoting the interest of religion, and who died in 1744, having lived long enough to wit- ness the great religious awakening for which that period is remarkable. As Mr. Ker was a native of New Jersey, it is pre- sumed that he was educated at Nassau Hall, that he was licensed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, from which it is recorded
* Written before the discovery of the Minutes of Laggan Presby- tery. See page 95.
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he was transferred, August 24th, 1764, to that of Lewistown, with the commendation that he was "a gentleman of unspotted character, and in good standing with the Presbytery."
It appears from the Sessional records of both churches (Wicomico and Manokin) that Mr. Ker made his first visit to these congregations early in July, 1764, and preached in their respective pulpits, and it must be admitted that his first labors were eminently successful in producing a deep impression upon all for usefulness. This is evident from the fact that early in the following August, a united call was extended to him from both congregations, and from the extraordinary language in which it is expressed. [See page 48.]
The call was signed by a very large delegation from both congregations, embracing many gentlemen of the highest stand- ing in the community.
This call Mr. Ker, after mature deliberation, accepted, and on the third Wednesday of the following November was installed over the united congregations by the Presbytery of Lewistown. Rev. Mr. Miller, father of the late Dr. Samuel Miller, of Duck Creek, now Smyrna, Delaware, preached the sermon; and Mr. Harris, of Indian River, presided and gave the charge to Pastor and people.
It would seem that Mr. Ker entered upon his work in these fields with great earnestness and enterprise, as we find that in the very next month after his installation he stimulated the peo- ple of this congregation to commence the work of erecting a new church edifice. The record in the Session Book touching this matter is as follows :
"The Session, finding that the meeting house was decayed in almost every part, and not worth repairing; and that it is too small to contain the people that often attend, do determine to build a new one of brick, 50 by 40 in the clean, 16 feet from the water table to the plate, to be covered with inch cypress shingles, to have a gallery at each end for Negroes, with such
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windows, doors, pews and other matters as shall be convenient."
It will be seen from this record that this building is the second one erected upon this site; and from the fact that the former building was so thoroughly decayed, and as there is recorded evidence that it was standing in 1705, it is but reason- able to suppose that the first house was erected some time ante- rior to the commencement of the eighteenth century.
But our duty to-day is in connection with the present struc- ture; and we find from the records of the Session that it was built on contract by Mr. Samuel Wilson for the sum of 600 pounds. It may not be improper to remark here that the sum which was first agreed upon for the construction of the building was 790 pounds, but the congregation, finding themselves unable to raise the stipulated sum, obtained a release from the contract, and Mr. James Wilson afterward consented to build it for the sum of 600 pounds.
Also from the records of the Session of the Wicomico Church it appears that almost simultaneously with this action of the Manokin congregation, a similar effort was made on the part of that congregation, which resulted in the erection of a large and commodious house of worship in the second year after. Thus it appears that the commencement of Mr. Ker's labors in these two congregations was attended with the happiest results.
Moreover, it must be evident, from the fact that the meeting house was too small to contain the people, that his public minis- trations were popular, and that the congregation was in a pros- perous and flourishing condition. This would also appear from the size and respectability of the Session. This body, at this time, was composed of Messrs. James Polk, Ephraim Wilson, Thomas Pollitt, David Wilson, Nehemiah King, Thomas Jones, Levin Wilson, Samuel Wilson, William Skirvin, George Irving and William Polk.
To any one who has any familiarity with the history of this part of the State, it cannot be unknown that the majority, if not
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the entire number, of these eleven gentlemen, were persons of high social standing and of ample worldly fortunes. And it will by no means be invidious to remark that one of them, Mr. Samuel Wilson, was an accomplished lawyer, having had under his in- struction the celebrated Luther Martin, who was Attorney Gen- eral of the State of Maryland for more than forty years; and the distinguished Hugh Brackenridge, who afterwards became Chief Justice of the State of Pennsylvania. This Mr. Wilson was the founder and chief supporter for many years of that liter- ary institution now known as Washington Academy, and doubt- lessly contributed more than any other man of his own or any other time to the educational interests of his native county.
It was Mr. Ker's good fortune, not long after his installa- tion over this congregation, to form a conjugal alliance with Miss Esther Wilson, daughter of David Wilson, Esq., and sister of Messrs. Ephraim, David and Samuel Wilson. This marriage relation was continued until June 16th, 1778, when it was ter- minated by the death of Mrs. Ker.
By reference to historical dates, it will be found that the commencement of Mr. Ker's labors with these congregations was almost exactly synchronous with the commencement of the trou- bles between the colonies and the home government. Indeed, it was the very year this church was erected, 1765, that the cele- brated Stamp Act passed the British Parliament; and it will also be found, by comparison of dates, that his ministry covered over the whole and extended slightly beyond the period that is em- braced between the commencement of hostilities and the adop- tion of the Federal Constitution. Tradition has it that both pastor and people espoused warmly the cause of the colonies, and that on the Sabbath both went up to the sanctuary clad in the popular costume, fustian, and unitedly lifted up their prayers for the blessing of God upon their cause.
But the time was drawing nigh when this faithful man of God must leave his earthly labors and ascend to his heavenly
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reward. On the 29th of July, 1795, Rev. Jacob Ker departed this life, most graciously sustained by a good hope of a glorious immortality. Thus terminated a ministerial career of more than thirty years' duration.
The record which the Presbytery made at their next meeting upon the event of his death, is as follows :
"The loss of this great and good man, who departed this life July 29th, 1795, was sensibly felt by the churches in gen- eral, and by this Presbytery in particular. He was a bright luminary in the Church, who lived exemplarily, preached warmly and prayed fervently. A pattern truly worthy the imitation of his brethren."
From the records of the Session, we find that the following gentlemen were successively added to the Session, though there is no mention of the precise time of election or of the mode of induction into office : Messrs. Thomas Irving, Benjamin Polk, William Heath, Thomas King, Denwood Wilson, James Wilson, Sr., James Wilson, Jr., John Wilson, Jonathan Pollitt, Samuel Pollitt and Gillis Polk.
After the decease of Mr. Ker, the pulpit remained vacant for some months; but it appears from both the records of the church Session and those of the Presbytery, that the Rev. John Collins, a former Pastor of the church at Rehoboth, and a son- in-law of Mr. Ker, became their stated supply during the summer of the following year; and it also appears from the Sessional records that on the 29th of August, 1796, Mr. Collins was invited to become the Pastor of the united congregations, at a salary of 150 pounds per annum. But this invitation Mr. Collins declined.
From the same authority we learn that about this time, Dr. Samuel Ker, son of the former pastor, and who for more than half a century adorned the office of Ruling Elder, became a mem- ber of the Session.
The next year, 1797, these churches were visited by two licentiates of New Castle Presbytery-Messrs. Slemons and
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Patterson; and the result of this visit was that during the fol- lowing year Mr. John Brown Slemons was called to be the Pastor of the united congregations, at a salary of 180 pounds per annum. This call Mr. Slemons accepted, and in July, 1799, he was installed Pastor of these churches.
The Session at this time was composed of the following gentlemen-Messrs. William Polk, William Jones, James Wilson, Jonathan Pollitt, Samuel Pollitt, John C. Wilson and Samuel Ker.
From the Sessional records, it appears that for several years from this date the congregation had little or no trouble in raising their proportion of the stipulated salary, but that their chief difficulty was in finding and arranging seats for the regular sup- porters of the Gospel. For many years, Mr. Slemons was a powerful and popular preacher, and his praise was in all the churches. The records of the Session during the pastorate of Mr. Slemons show that the discipline of the church was, in a most commendable degree, enforced, and that public scandals and unworthy members were faithfully removed.
In the year 1816, this congregation became so large that it could not be comfortably accommodated in this house, and it was the determined purpose of the officers of the congregation to enlarge and remodel the whole construction of the building. It was contemplated to raise the walls and extend the length of the building, and place the pulpit in the west end. This purpose was contemplated. and discussed for one or two years, but on account of the financial difficulties of the country, it was con- tinually postponed.
Mr. Slemons' pastoral relation terminated in 1821. He con- tinued to reside within the bounds of this congregation and officiated within his sacred office whenever invited. He departed this life in 1832, deeply lamented by a large number of friends, who never ceased to cherish for him the strong affection of a beloved Pastor.
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For several years after the sundering of this pastoral rela- tion, the pulpit was unsupplied, except by occasional visits from clergymen from abroad.
In the autumn of 1822, the Rev. William C. Kidd, an emi- grant from Scotland, and a reputed son of Professor Kidd of Aberdeen, was appointed Principal of Washington Academy ; and having the reputation of being a regularly ordained clergy- man, was invited to supply the pulpit. He was a man of bril- liant parts, of great personal attractions, and consequently drew large assemblies. Hopes were entertained by not a few that a brighter day was dawning, and that Mr. Kidd would soon become the stated Pastor. But in this the people were doomed to a bitter disappointment. Soon it was found that this man, who had effectually kindled earnest hopes, was very different from what he should be. And thus the prospects of the afflicted church were, if possible, more gloomy.
But although the great Head of the Church had, for a small moment, forsaken these branches of His kingdom, yet it was His intention to gather them with great mercies.
Before entering upon another important era in the history of this congregation, it will be important for us to look back and notice what changes had taken place in the Eldership. During the period which we have just considered, Messrs. William Polk, James Wilson, Jonathan Pollitt and Samuel Pollitt had been removed by death. Col. George Handy, Mr. Josiah W. Heath, Mr. Thomas Poilitt, Mr. Elias Bagley, Dr. Thomas Handy, Mr. Jesse Wainwright and Mr. William Stewart, had been added to the Session.
The only noticeable changes that occurred in the external history of the congregation took place in 1817-the churchyard, which hitherto had been an open common, was enclosed by a substantial railing; and that part of the grounds (that which is embraced in the adjoining lot on the south), was sold.
In 1819, this congregation, by an Act of Legislature, became
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an incorporated body, since which time the secular affairs of the congregation have been attended to by a committee of the same rather than the Session of the church.
In May, 1823, Mr. Robert M. Laird, a graduate of Washing- ton College, Pa., and of Princeton Seminary, and a Licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, made a visit to the church and preached several times. The impression he made was a very favorable one, and he was earnestly solicited to settle among this people. But as he had his heart upon a missionary field in the extreme northwestern part of our country, he did not then consent to entertain the proposition of becoming their Pastor.
During the following summer, he was ordained in Pitts- burgh, and entered upon his missionary labors in that distant land. But while there, he still corresponded with Dr. Ker, and from some intimation in his letters, it was believed that he would accept a call from this people; and, accordingly, a large and harmonious meeting was held in this church in March, 1824, by which an earnest invitation was sent to Mr. Laird to return. This invitation he accepted, and returned from the west and entered upon his labors in this field in October of the same year.
During the ensuing winter and spring, he preached and spent much time in visiting the people, in holding Bible classes, and putting forth direct and personal efforts for promoting the spiritual interests of the congregation. His efforts were attended with much success, and the most sanguine expectations were kindled of an abiding union being formed.
At this time, many important additions were made to the church, but in the autumn of 1825, Mr. Laird, fearing the effects of the climate, determined to leave. This was a matter of deep sadness to the congregation, as the general condition of affairs was becoming very happy.
Some effort was made to induce Mr. Laird to return, but as it was ascertained that they would not result successfully, a
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correspondence was opened with the Rev. Joshua Moore, of Wash- ington City, which resulted in his acceptance of the offered charge. Mr. Moore came to Princess Anne in 1826, and com- menced his labors. He was very acceptable, and his congrega- tions were commonly large. In June of that year he was, accord- ing to the usage of the Presbyterian Church, installed Pastor of these united charges.
For a season, the general affairs of the field seemed to pros- per, but it was soon found that this union was one which would not tend to the edification of God's people, and the prosperity of this particular part of His heritage. Accordingly, in Septem- ber, 1828, by mutual consent of both Pastor and people, this pastoral relation was dissolved.
In November of this year, 1828, Mr. Laird visited this peo- ple again in the prosecution of the work of an important agency ; and at this time renewed efforts were made to secure his services as Pastor. And as Mr. Laird at this time received an invitation to become Principal of the Washington Academy, he also con- sented to take charge of these churches. The congregation was anxious to give him a call, but he objected, preferring to labor with them as stated supply.
This was the condition of affairs at the commencement of the year 1829. Mr. Laird was diligently laboring in this field in connection with his duties as a teacher. He continued to dis- charge his laborious duties with great acceptance, usefulness and success until some time about the close of the year 1834, when his health became so impaired as to compel him to relinquish this field and seek the remedial aid of a more southern climate. He went to Macon, Georgia, where he preached his last sermon. He removed to Montpelier Springs, where the exhausted taper of life, after a few fitful flashes, expired. The Hon. Isaac D. Jones wrote of him, "His kindness of heart and conscientiousness of person greatly endeared him to all who knew him best." The
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closing paragraph of his obituary shall be the termination of our record of one whose memory we so fondly love to recall.
"Far from the home of his affections, though kind hearts were open to his claim for sympathy, and hospitable families received him into their homes, no loved one hovered over his dying bed to minister to his wants and perform the last offices of humanity. Stranger hearts received his dying blessings ; stranger bosoms pillowed his sinking head, and stranger hands closed his eyes. But in all these bitter trials he was more than conqueror. To the last, his strong mind retained its faculties. Like the dying patriarch, he blessed the friends that wept around, and died in the full assurance of faith, with the exclamation upon his lips, 'O what a glorious prospect !'"
We find that during the interim embraced between the dis- solution of the pastoral relation of Mr. Slemons and the removal of Mr. Laird, Col. George Handy, Mr. George Irving, Mr. Josiah Heath, Mr. Thomas Pollitt, Mr. Elias Bagley, and Mr. Jesse Wainwright, had been removed by death from the Session, and Dr. Thomas Handy by removal from the county. Also we find that Mr. Robert Patterson was, on the 26th of July, 1829, ordained to the office.
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