USA > North Carolina > Mecklenburg County > Charlotte > The history of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church : Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, North Carolina > Part 6
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His congregational duties were large and laborious. He preached twice each Sunday and rode eight miles, often in rain and mud, to Pleasant Hill to preach. Nothing was allowed to interfere with his preparation for service, and he never disappointed his people if it was possible to reach the pulpit. He was a timely man in service. It was edifying to have him conduct ordination, installation, dedication and communion services. One felt as if he had prayed and thought carefully about his subject as he began the service and announced and read scripture lessons and hymns. He dedicated the church at Shelby, North Carolina, and the new one at Long Creek. He did tasks in a way that strengthened the living links that bind a people together in service of the Master. He did not aspire to leadership and was not conspicuous in advocating reforms; but he could be depended on for his fidelity in every relation in which he served. He was a gentleman always; he was a Presbyterian minister under all circumstances; his private de- portment and public ministrations were refining and edifying and drew his people to him and lifted them into conditions for social and spiritual betterment. There was a being of pleasantry and wit in him that made his presence a pleasure.
Before the Civil War he made a tour in Europe with his wife, Dr. Thornwall and others. He was much benefitted by his observa- tions abroad and helped much in his subsequent ministry. The Spirit of God chastened him and made him a wise and useful advisor to those in trouble and doubt who came to him for comfort and counsel.
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The Reverend Douglas' ministerial service spanned forty-four years, twelve at Steele Creek. He died October 8, 1879, in the seventieth year of age. He was laid to rest at Steele Creek where loving hands protect his sepulchre. A vast assembly attended his funeral, conducted by the late A. W. Miller, D.D., Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.
Steele Creek church is venerable with years and has had many excellent pastors, but none more faithful than the man who ministered in her pulpit and in her homes during the seventies of the 19th century. Mecklenburg County has had distinguished and honored men, but she never had a better citizen or a more exemplary character than the Reverend John Douglas.
(We are most grateful to a Co-Presbyter, the Reverend R. Z. Johnston of Lincolnton, North Carolina, who took the time to prepare a sketch of the life work of the Reverend Douglas quoted freely herein.)
Some Reflections of Reverend John Douglas (1872)
Most all the materials used in this and the previous editions, except for the notes covering the illustrious career of the Rever- end Douglas, came from the original edition prepared by the Reverend Douglas. At the closing of his writings, he offered a number of observations pertinent to our history.
Up to 1872 there were six ministers buried among the dead at Steele Creek. Of these, three were pastors of this church: the Reverend Dr. Humphrey Hunter, the Reverend Albertus L. Watts and the Reverend James Bell Watt, and three of the Associate Church: the Reverend Alexander Moore and the Reverends James and Francis Pringle. Up to this time, nearly every one of those who had been elected and served as elders remained with us till death, and their dust mingles with our dead.
Another very remarkable but humiliating fact connected with the history of Steele Creek is, that out of so many pious parents
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and young men who were professors of religion, generally correct and exemplary in their lives, strict and punctual attendants to the services of the sanctuary, habitual readers of the Word of God, that out of so many, God should have called so few to the work of the ministry. From a church which, in point of numbers, is exceeded by few in the Synod, of all those born and reared in her bosom, so far as our information goes, we find but two who have devoted themselves to the work of the ministry by 1872. One finished his labors and passed away in the early part of this century; the other has just buckled on the harness as a licentiate, and entered the great harvest field of his Master. So far as our agency in this good work has gone, well may we exclaim with the prophet, "My leanness, my leanness, woe unto us!" Can it be that in the production of ministers we are the century plant that blossoms but once in a hundred years? Surely this church which has had an existence so long, and enjoyed the labors of so many different pastors furnished by the church, called by us on our own election, all ready to enter on our work, should feel that this is not only capital borrowed, but a debt upon which the interest has been accruing for upwards of one hundred years. How can we redeem it? By dedicating our sons and daughters to the service of the Lord.
That our ecclesiastical field may not appear so utterly sterile, we may be allowed to mention a few extenuating facts by way of redeeming or retrieving ourselves. What, then, have we done, or attempted to do, in the way of raising young men for the gospel ministry? One young man of this congregation, after graduating at college, did put himself under the care of Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry, but in consequence of ill-health, some bronchial affection which he thought would disqualify him for being a public speaker, afterwards abandoned the idea, but has for many years served as, and is now, a ruling elder.
What is still more remarkable, in following out the history of all those who were born among us, but removed to other parts of the
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country, we do not hear of more than three or four who became ministers of the gospel. Of these it may not be amiss to speak with some particularity, to mention their names, and state where their lots were cast.
John Allison, the fourth son of Andrew and Margaret Allison (who had ten children in all - seven sons and three daughters), was born in the bounds of Steele Creek congregation. John, when a boy, is said to have been fond of books, apt to learn, and very anxious to obtain a liberal education, and often expressed in early life a desire that he might be prepared to enter the ministry. But he had no means of obtaining an education, and his father was not able to assist him. A generous neighbor and ruling elder of the church, Captain Hugh Parks, kindly offered to educate him. This offer the father strangely declined to accept, and for no other reason, as he stated, than that it would elevate his son above his other children, and his wished no distinctions to be made in his family. The consequence was John grew up like the other children, with very little education, married and settled down in life. After they had two children, he concluded to move to Tennessee. There he still felt, and was often heard to express, the desire to enter upon the work of the ministry. The Presbytery (a "New Light") in whose bounds his lot was cast, learning something of his views and feelings and long cherished hopes on this subject, did "take him up" and assisted him in obtaining an education. Afterwards he became a minister of the gospel. He never united with the body that educated him, but remained a Presbyterian. Of his after history we know nothing. Steele Creek can claim no credit for what he was, or what he became, beyond the mere fact it gave him his birth.
Another case in which this church not only claims the birth but the training of one who did actually enter the ministry is that of Lycan B. Parks, eldest son of Captain Hugh Parks, who studied divinity and was licensed in 1813 or 1814 to preach the gospel. He
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soon after went South, and during the early part of his ministry we find that several places in lower Georgia were occupied by him. Afterwards he moved over into the lower part of South Carolina, and settling near old Dorchester, he preached there, at Walter- boro, and near Wilton.
William McKnight was born in Steele Creek congregation in 1827. His father died when he was quite young, and left him heir to a small estate. He was left to the care, perhaps the guardianship, of his grand uncle, Neely, who moved when William was quite young, to the West. There by the proper husbanding of young McKnight's estate, he was enabled to give William a good educa- tion. He became a minister of the gospel, but where he preached, how long, or when he died, we have no means of knowing, nor do we know anything of his subsequent history.
John Franklin Watson, son of the Reverend Samuel L. Watson, was born in Steele Creek congregation, but his father moved into York district, South Carolina, before John was two years old. He became a minister but received no part of his education in Steele Creek. His ministerial life, labors and death were recorded earlier in this history.
Thus the mysterious and extraordinary fact is brought home to us, that of all whom God has brought into this church during the past century, only two of our young men have felt themselves called to the work of the ministry. And to do full justice to our history, it is but fair to state that as few comparatively have entered either of the other learned professions; more perhaps, have devoted themselves to the healing art. What plausible or satisfac- tory reason can be assigned for these things? It was not owing to the want of intelligence, morality, or pecuniary means on the part of our people, nor to any aversion or unwillingness on the part of parents for their sons to be ministers. In our judgment it is mainly attributable to one fact, and that is a most lamentable and culpable neglect. At no time since the organization of this church has there
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been anywhere in the bounds of the congregation anything like energetic efforts made to establish and keep up a first-class classical school, where young men of every rank could obtain an education that would fit them for the duties and professions of life.
One thing should be recorded to Steele Creek's credit - our good church music. For years past it has been excelled by few churches in all the land for good vocal music. Schools are regularly taught by competent teachers and all classes well-drilled in the rules and principles of singing.
We will not, however, dwell longer on the dark side of this picture, but throw the mantle of charity over our many faults and shortcomings, and hope that there may be a brighter and more prosperous future in reserve for us.
Tenth Pastor - Reverend J. T. Plunkett (1881-1882)
The Reverend Plunkett was a senior student in the Theological Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina, when he accepted an invita- tion to attend communion on the fourth Sabbath of April, 1880. The service was conducted by the Reverend William E. McIllwaine. Following this service the Reverend Plunkett preached five sermons. The congregation was unanimous and cordial in their invitation to him to return when through his seminary course and be a supply pastor with a view to a call. He accepted the invitation as pastor June 4, 1881. The Reverend A. W. Miller, D.D., presided, preached the sermon, and propounded the constitutional questions. The Reverend W. W. Pharr, D.D., charged the pastor and the Reverend W. R. Atkinson the people. The Reverend Plunkett's first ministerial act was to baptize twenty-four infants.
Historical records do no tell us for certain when Steele Creek and Pleasant Hill churches ceased to share a pastor; nevertheless, there is evidence that Reverend Plunkett and subsequent pastors were not shared. We are certain that ties had been severed by the
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time of the Reverend Wharton's arrival. As will be shown later he was engaged for service at Steele Creek and Beatty's Chapel.
In the year 1880, the congregation bought twenty acres of land from Dr. I. W. Herron for three hundred dollars and erected thereupon a suitable manse with the necessary out-buildings. This was the first time the church had furnished living quarters. The Plunkett family was the first occupants.
The year 1880 also saw the organization of "The Ladies Aid Society" of Steele Creek church. In May, 1881, the ladies covered the aisles of the church with matting at a cost of forty dollars.
During the Reverend Plunkett's pastorate, ninety members were admitted by examination and twenty by certificate. He labored faithfully all the time to revive professing Christians, to reclaim back-sliders, to awaken and show the impenitent their hopeless and lost condition, and to point them to Jesus as their only refuge. He was described as a very popular preacher of more than ordinary ability.
The Reverend Plunkett received a call from Covington, Ken- tucky. Our people, at his request, consented to unite with him in asking Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation which was done on August 7, 1882. His last service was held August 20, 1882.
W. H. Clark, a deacon, died March 1, 1881, and was buried at Steele Creek.
Before moving to the era of our next pastor we digress to quote a tribute paid by Reverend Plunkett to the congregation and especially the women of the church. We do not know where Reverend Plunkett set forth his tribute; nevertheless, it serves to show the warmth and dedication of the people of Steele Creek.
"When we took possession of it (manse), we found thoughtful hands had anticipated our coming by cleansing and scouring the premises and left for us to occupy a clean new home. This was not all, for we found every closet, storeroom and pantry filled to overflowing with every substantial and delicacy needed in the
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housekeeping department. It was such an abundance as to supply us for several months. The barn too, was handsomely remembered with corn, hay and fodder stored away most liberally. An elegantly stitched saddle and bridle with the compliments of the young men was found. I may also add that the horse itself, a fine bay, was presented to me recently by these same loving people. Mrs. Douglas, widow of my lamented predecessor, also remembered us liberally by making us recipients of her husband's handsome study table and by furnishing us a complete orchard of apple, peach, cherry and plum trees, together with a fine quality of grapevines. Indeed, ever since our coming here, this dear woman has been a mother to me and mine, but I have not yet told all, for such a welcome as we received upon being installed into our new quarters. Such good, honest handshaking and many wishes for our long and happy lives were sincerely spoken, God bless you and all your belongings. None of these can ever be forgotten and I love my dear, devoted people. Why cannot other churches follow this example and do what they can for comfort and happiness to their ministers. Perhaps they can offer no manse, but maybe they can gladden him with some unexpected visitation and surprise, if not the quality but the will he will enjoy."
Eleventh Pastor - Reverend A. P. Nicholson (1883-1886)
By invitation Reverend A. P. Nicholson of the South Carolina Presbytery preached his first sermon at Steele Creek on December 31, 1882. After it a call was made for his pastoral services at a salary of $900.00 and manse. He preached his first sermon as pastor-elect March 18, 1883. He was installed on May 12, 1883.
Mecklenburg Presbytery met at Steele Creek April 30. During the summer, fall and winter of that year, the graveyard was enlarged by including the space between the two old graveyards. Preparation costs amounted to $425.00.
J. W. Potts, A. H. McCombs and B. T. Price were elected and
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ordained deacons on March 23, 1884. J. B. Swann, J. W. Potts and B. T. Price were elected and ordained elders on June 14, 1885. On December 20 of the same year R. C. Freeman II, L. W. Robinson and A. W. Clark were elected and ordained deacons. The Rever- end De Witt Burkhead commenced a ten-day meeting July 31, 1885. This meeting brought fifty-six new members on profession of faith and one by certificate.
On April 18, 1886, the Reverend Nicholson asked the congrega- tion to unite with him in asking the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation. The request was granted by the Presbytery at their meeting at Shelby on April 30, 1886.
Mr. A. W. Crawford, a student at Union Theological Seminary, supplied the congregation with great acceptance from the first Sabbath in June until the first Sabbath in September, 1886.
Twelfth Pastor - Reverend W. O. Cochran (1887-1889)
The Reverend W. O. Cochran of Crittenden, Kentucky, was called as pastor on September 27, 1886. He accepted the call and began his work as pastor-elect November 7, 1886. He was installed January 8, 1887, by the Reverend William R. Atkinson, D.D.
The Reverend Cochran was born in Mecklenburg County on September 29, 1854. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Erskine College in 1878.
The church with all its furnishings, including the sessional records, was burned January 24, 1888. Four days later the congre- gation decided to rebuild on the same site. Members of the building committee appointed were Captain A. G. Neel, Captain H. D. Stowe, Colonel B. F. Brown, Dr. I. W. Herron, R. D. Collins, J. S. Collins, J. W. Potts, W. R. Berryhill, A. H. McCombs, B. T. Price, T. W. Neely, and A. H. Brown. Captain Neal served as chairman. The present (1976) commodious church building was erected by this committee. Mr. H. J. Norris served as contractor.
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The church was finished in March, 1889, and dedicated by the Reverend J. B. Shearer, D.D., President of Davidson College on April 7, 1889. This was the fifth building erected.
The ladies of the church furnished the new church with carpets, chandeliers, in fact, everything, except the pulpit, which was furnished by the Reverend Cochran. A Bible was furnished by the students of Davidson College. A hymn book was furnished by Mrs. P. D. Price (nee Miss Minnie Robinson), and a baptismal bowl and Sunday school bell were gifts by a Sunday school class led by Miss Maggie Whiteside.
In 1888, "The Young Ladies Foreign Mission Society" was organized, having seventeen members with Miss Addie Herron as its first president.
The first service in the new church was the funeral service of General William H. Neel. For fifty years General Neel was a leader of the music and without the organ this congregation sang with great force and fervor the psalms and hymns of our church. He was a man of great liberality, and every good cause found in him a ready helper.
Elder Robert W. McDowell died October 14, 1889, and was laid to rest with his family in the cemetery.
During the pastorate of the Reverend Cochran there were seventy-three accessions on profession of faith, and fourteen by certificate, sixty infants and nine adults baptized, forty funerals and twenty marriages.
The pastoral relation of the Reverend Cochran was dissolved January 17, 1889. He accepted a call and became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Bristol, Tennessee.
Thirteenth Pastor - Reverend Turner Ashby Wharton (1889-1894)
The Reverend T. A. Wharton of Waynesville, North Carolina, was called for service in April, 1889. He accepted and was installed as pastor on June 8, 1889, by the Reverends J. J. Kennedy and J. W.
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Siler.
The Reverend Wharton was a native of Guilford County, North Carolina. He was educated at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and pursued his theology studies at Union Theologi- cal Seminary located at Richmond, Virginia.
During the early part of the Reverend Wharton's pastorate, the first organ ever used at Steele Creek was purchased. An early event in his ministry was the dedication of the new church building. Dr. James B. Shearer, President of Davidson College preached on that occasion.
On January 18, 1890, J. S. Collins, A. H. McCombs, John McDowell, and C. A. Spratt were ordained and installed ruling elders. The following day C. B. Campbell, J. A. Berryhill, J. C. Bigham, J. W. Sadler, S. W. Whiteside and F. B. Brown were ordained and installed as deacons. During the Reverend Whar- ton's time there were about ninety-three additional members by profession of faith, twenty-two by certificate, and one hundred and four infant and eleven adult baptisms.
In the year 1891 a room was added to the manse through efforts of the ladies of the congregation at a cost of $117.00.
The work at Beatty's Chapel was begun under the Reverend Wharton, but when he first served, we are not certain.
The Reverend Wharton closed his pastoral labors August 23, 1894. He later served as pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church of Memphis, Tennessee.
Fourteenth Pastor - Reverend Archibald Alexander Little (1895- 1901)
The Reverend A. A. Little of the Synod of Virginia was called April 1, 1895. He accepted the call and preached from May 5 to June 1 of that year as pastor-elect when he was installed as pastor by the Reverends J. H. Boyd, D. C. and Roger Martin, D.C.
During 1895, a series of meetings were held by the pastor. At
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that time sixty-six new members came to the church upon profession of faith and twenty-two by certificate.
On June 24, 1895, T. B. Price, a ruling Elder, died and was buried in our cemetery.
W. W. Davenport and R. C. Freeman were ordained and in- stalled as ruling elders on October 24, 1896. At the same time C. F. Brown, J. K. Price, G. A. Cathey and L. H. Grier were ordained and installed as deacons.
Captain A. G. Neel, a ruling elder and clerk of the session, died February 25, 1898. He was buried in our cemetery. He was a ruling elder for fifty-five years. His knowledge of church government and parliamentary law was equalled by few ministers. In the meetings of the Presbyteries and Synods, he was always conspicu- ous. He was distinguished for the clearness of his mental vision, for the depth of his intellectual penetration, and for the lucidity with which he stated a question and argued it. He was a wise counsellor, a safe leader, and the church owes much to his devotion to her interests. One of his last assignments was to serve as chairman of the Historical Committee which was charged to update our history from the Reverend Douglas' labors up to 1900.
June 26, 1898 deacon A. H. Brown, serving since 1858, was laid to rest in Steele Creek Cemetery.
In December, 1899, Reverend William Black, Synod evangelist for the State of North Carolina, held an eight day revival meeting at Steele Creek. As a result of this meeting, the church was very much revived, and twenty-eight were admitted on profession of their faith.
On April 29, 1900, J. S. Collins, a ruling elder died and was buried at Steele Creek. He was a man of great musical ability having taught many music schools in our church and others. He was long a leader of our choir. Much of the excellent music for the services over many years was attributed to the devoted efforts and enthusiasm of him and his brother.
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These notes are incomplete on the pastorate of the Reverend Little. This is because our main guides for preparation of this edition of our history consisted of the previous editions and limited outside sources. Our second edition was prepared in 1899 and published before the Reverend Little's departure in 1901. We know, for example, he did a great deal towards getting a sanctuary completed at Beatty's Chapel. He also devoted much effort to launching Freeland's Chapel and waged an active campaign for the support of missionary work. Perhaps modesty was a factor as the Reverend Little served as a member of the committee charged to up-date the church history to the turn of the century.
The Turn of the Century (1899-1900)
Although the years 1899 and 1900 do not deserve special attention as a period in history, it is a timely point to give "a status report" on the church. Our predecessors as a Historical Commit- tee were kind enough to do most of the labors. Their report is included with minor editing. As in the previous edition of our History, we are using sub-headings for ready identification.
Beatty's Chapel
On February 24, 1893, Adam Harrison McComb donated two acres of land approximately four miles northwest of Steele Creek Church and near the Catawba River for the purpose of establish- ing an outpost chapel to be known as Beatty's Chapel.
For some years preaching was held at Beatty's school house. During the pastorate of our Reverend Little, a frame building to serve as a chapel was erected in 1895 on the land deeded by Mr. McComb. By the turn of the century the northwest portion of the congregational area had a very neat and comfortable place for preaching services. For many years services were held each first and third Sabbath afternoons. A Sabbath school was held each Sunday afternoon in the spring, summer and fall. Quite a large
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number of additions were made to Steele Creek Church as a consequence of the work at the Chapel. Still, many more were given the privilege of gospel through the Chapel.
During the winter of 1899, the Chapel was furnished with an organ and new hymnals. In this year the church school officers were W. W. Davenport, Superintendent; A. H. McCombs, Assis- tant Superintendent; and George A. Cathey, Secretary-Treasurer. There were five Sabbath school teachers and sixty-eight scholars.
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