USA > New York > History of the Presbytery of Redstone : organized by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1781, and under its care till 1788 : a part of the Synod of Virginia, 1788-1802 : of the Synod of Pittsburg, 1802-1881 : and now of the Synod of Pennsylvania, 1881-1889 > Part 10
USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > History of the Presbytery of Redstone : organized by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1781, and under its care till 1788 : a part of the Synod of Virginia, 1788-1802 : of the Synod of Pittsburg, 1802-1881 : and now of the Synod of Pennsylvania, 1881-1889 > Part 10
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Rev. Geo. N. Johnston was called to the pastorate, June 2Ist, 1880. The call was accepted and the installation took place, De- cember 2Ist of the same year. This pastorate was largely one of "strengthening the things that remained," gathering up the fragments and combining the broken elements of the congrega- tion. There was a considerable ingathering, and notwithstand- ing many losses, at the close of this ministry, April 20th, 1884, the membership had increased to 240, the church was united, hopeful and in good condition for future usefulness.
May 19th, 1884, Rev. J. J. McCarrell, the present incum- bent, was called to the pastorate. He accepted, took charge, Oc- tober Ist, and was installed, December 5th of the same year. This relationship has been blessed of God. The membership has increased to 420, the Sabbath School membership to 470. The women, children and young people are well organized for Christian work "at home and abroad." The gifts to benevolence have largely increased, as well as the support of the Gospel at home, beyond any former period in the history of the church. The church property has been improved at an expense of more than $8,000, including a pipe organ. The congregation is free from debt. The outlook is hopeful and promising. Thus God has led this people into a "large place."
The following is the roll of the eldership from the beginning of the organization : Wm. Penney, ordained 1820; died, Febru- ary 5, 1851. Wm. Sill, ordained 1820; died, February 28, 1841. James Evans, ordained 1820. Hamilton Stewart, ordained 1838; died, April 3, 1879. Fauntley Muse, ordained 1838; dismissed 1850. John Gray, ordained 1840; dismissed 1851. H. D. Gam- ble, ordained, September 19, 1847 ; died 1851. Wm. Lawhead, ordained, September 19, 1847; dismissed 1851. John A. Miller, installed, March 6, 1848; dismissed 1865. John McHenry, or- dained 1852; dismissed 1856. Andrew Christy, installed, June 26, 1853; died, May 6, 1880. John Gardner, ordained, June 26, 1853; dismissed 1865. John McIntosh, ordained, June 26, 1853; ceased to act, January 29, 1854. John Lynch, installed, October 5, 1853; dismissed, April, 1856. Hugh Rowland, ordained, Au- gust 28, 1859; died, April 28, 1866. Wm. Douglass, ordained,
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August 28, 1859; dismissed, December, 1866. Thos. Plummer, installed, February 1I, 1866; dismissed 1875. Wm. J. Millar, ordained, February II, 1866; dismissed 1867. Jacob P. Learn, ordained, February 1I, 1866. Jas. H. Gamble, ordained, Febru- ary II, 1866; dismissed Philip Hodil, ordained, Febru- ary 16, 1886; dismissed, December 3, 1866. Alex. Millar, or- dained, August 31, 1873; died, July 18, 1878. Henry Stewart, ordained, August 31, 1873. Dickson Bailie, ordained, August 31, 1873; dismissed, May, I, 1880. Walter Foster, ordained, January 25, 1880. Jas. H. Williamson, ordained, January 25, 1880. Jas. S. Kuhn, ordained, January 25, 1880.
GREENSBORO.
BY ELDER A. V. BOUGHNER.
The church of Greensboro is situated in the village of that name, Greene county, Pa. Little is known of its origin and pro- gress, as there are no records from which to make a full and satisfactory history. Prior to 1822, James Vance, who had been an elder and had emigrated from Morristown, New Jersey, in God's Providence was thrown in this community, where he was enabled to be one of a few in sowing seed.
In 1819 the united congregations of George's Creek and Greensboro promised to A. G. Fairchild $175 for one-half of his time for the term of one year. In 1822, the united congrega- tions of Morgantown, George's Creek and Greensboro, called Rev. A. G. Fairchild, at a salary of $333.33 ; Morgantown to have one-third of his time and to pay $133.33, George's Creek
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another third of his time and to pay $135, and Greensboro one- sixth of his time and to pay $65, making a total of $333.33.
It was in this year (1822) a lot was bought and a church commenced. Several of the German families connected with, or engaged in the manufacture of glass, who had removed from the Fayette county side of the river to this in 1804 to 1806, and who had been brought up in the Lutheran church, became Presby- terians. In the erection of the church building at that day, the cost was not so great as in after years. James. W. Nicholson, the Oliphants and Albert Gallatin, some of whom were interest- ed in the manufacture of glass, assisted and, through the efforts of Dr. Fairchild, succeeded in getting the building up. It would seem strange now, yet the bottle of whiskey was kept where the workmen could get their dram while the wall was going up and no harm thought of it. The German families spoken of had been engaged in the manufacture of glass, at what was known as the "Old Glass Works," on George's Creek, Fayette county. Gallatin was a partner.
On the occasion of the installation of Dr. Fairchild, Rev. Wm. Wiley preached the sermon and Rev. Robert Johnson pre- sided and delivered the charges to pastor and congregations. This arrangement lasted till 1827. From this date the church of Greensboro was without the regular stated ministrations of the Gospel for a considerable period of time. This little, weak church, like many others, has gone through some sad and varied experiences. In the spring of 1836 the building was destroyed by fire. This Providence was a serious drawback on a congre- gation so feeble in numbers and strength. At length, however, through the untiring, persevering efforts of Daniel Boughner and a few others, the work of rebuilding was undertaken, and in 1840, had so far progressed, that the house was in a condition to be occupied. The congregations of Connellsville, Uniontown, George's Creek and New Providence, all gave as they felt able.
I have often heard father (Daniel Boughner) say he should ever remember the kind offices of the elder Judge Ewing (Na- thaniel), in introducing him to his friends, as well as for his per- sonal aid in this trying time in the history of our little church.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
In November, 1840, Rev. John McClintock, pastor of New Providence and Jefferson congregations, began to minister at Greensboro once a month, in the evening.
This arrangement lasted till 1845, when Rev. J. B. McKee became Stated Supply at Greensboro, spending two Sabbaths each month. The labors of Mr. McKee embraced a period of about one year. I think the good old man died at West New- ton. As there were no ruling elders connected with the Greens- boro church, the membership was enrolled with George's Creek. By order of Presbytery, they were dismissed from George's Creek in 1853 and connected with New Providence.
On the retirement of Mr. McKee, Rev. John McClintock again devoted a portion of his time to Greensboro, ministering to the people on alternate Sabbaths, mainly in the evening, at an annual salary of $50 to $75.
In May, 1866, by an agreement with New Providence, Mr. McClintock gave up his charge at Jefferson and devoted that proportion of time to Greensboro, believing he could accomplish more good for Christ's Kingdom. Thus we were every fourth Sabbath supplied with a morning service. For this additional service we were to pay $100. In the winter of 1866, quite a re- ligious interest was manifested, and as a result, thirteen persons were added to the church on examination, two of whom subse- quently became ruling elders.
On the 15th of June, 1867, by order of Presbytery, the church of Greensboro was reorganized by Rev. Joel Stoneroad and Rev. John McClintock. The membership of Greensboro Church in 1840, when Mr. McClintock began as supply, number- ed seventeen. From 1840 up to 1867, the date of reorganiza- tion, forty-five were received on examination. In the above- named time, eleven died. In 1879, repairs to the church building were completed, which had been continued through several years, at a total cost of over $2,100.
On the 15th of June, 1867, the church was organized and Alexander Vance Boughner and John Minor Crawford were chosen elders. They were ordained by Revs. Messrs. McClin- tock, Stoneroad and Rosborough. Mr. McClintock continued
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to serve our church till March, 1873, when, on account of age and growing infirmity, he regarded it a duty, as well as a matter of necessity, to relieve himself of the Greensboro charge and de- vote his whole time to New Providence. Although all our mem- bers seemed to realize that Mr. McClintock was perfectly justifia- ble, yet it was a sad parting, indeed. At the close of the sermon, he made the farewell announcement in a very feeling manner. He spoke of many endearing associations he had formed and of the necessity of the separation. The congregation, on hearing the sad announcement, seemed to be entirely overcome and could only express their love by weeping, some of them aloud. Aged members went forward, embraced and kissed him, whilst others gave their hand and a God bless you! It was a scene that will not be forgotten by those present while life lasts. We can- not drop that good man's name in our little history. He organ- ized our Sabbath School in July, 1855, and it has been kept up to this time. Yes, it is hard to part with a friend, but it is more trying to be separated from a godly man, under whose religious teaching and influence many of us had grown up from infancy. He cared for us "as a father careth for his children," and made sacrifices no other man would make for our spiritual good. The wreath is woven, the crown prepared for such a friend of Jesus.
From 1873 to 1874, we depended on supplies.
In 1874 we made a call for Rev. D. B. Rogers. On account of the Sustentation Board not paying the amount expected, Mr. Rogers resigned the charge before the close of the year. We then drifted along till 1876.
In the spring of 1876, we called Rev. H. O. Rosborough for one-fourth his time, at an annual salary of $200. This arrangement lasted till the spring, 1887. During Mr. Rosborough's labors with us, the membership increased from thirty-nine to eighty- four. There are now about sixty-eight communicants. Mr. Ros- borough's eleven years' service with us has been successful. He resigned on account of bodily affliction. He has been a faithful servant of Christ. At this date we are without a shepherd, with no certain hopes of getting one. (This congregation now has a pastor in connection with Jefferson, Rev. C. J. Forsythe.)
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PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
UNIONTOWN.
PREFACE.
This history is taken mainly from a history carefully pre- pared by Rev. S. S. Gilson and published by the church in 1876, and brought down to the present time, April, 1888, by Hon. John K. Ewing, a member of session. A few foot notes are ad- ded by the pastor, A. S. Milholland.
THE PREACHERS.
There was Presbyterian preaching here before there was a church building or organization.
It is quite certain that Uniontown was occupied by Presby- terian ministers as a place for preaching more than a century ago. There were Presbyterian churches in this county with the minis- try of the word in 1774. This place was embraced in the bounds of Dunlap's Creek Church as early as 1776 and when ministers were so near they would not neglect this point. The earliest record is found in the minutes of Redstone Presbytery, as follows :
At a meeting of the Presbytery, at George's Creek, October 15th, 1799, application for supplies was made by the vacant con- gregation of Uniontown. Rev. James Power was appointed for one Sabbath and Rev. Samuel Porter for another. During the following twelve years application was made at irregular intervals for supplies which were appointed. No record can be found of the date of the organization of the church.
About 1812, Rev. James Dunlap, a man of considerable ability, an ex-President of Jefferson College, came and remained about two years. He was Principal also of an Academy, which occupied the Madison College building. He preached occasion- ally in the old Court House. In 1816 he went to reside with his son, Rev. Wm. Dunlap, in Abingdon, near Philadelphia, where he remained till his death, November 22d, 1818, in the seventy- fifth year of his age.
Up till 1817 the preaching was very irregular.
Rev. William T. Wylie, a native of Washington county, came in 1817, on the invitation of John Lyon, an eminent law-
HON. NATHANIEL EWING. See Appendix also.
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yer, John Kennedy, afterward Judge, and John Miller, a citizen of influence. His preaching gave great satisfaction, and after two years of labor as Stated Supply he was called as pastor.
At a meeting of Redstone Presbytery held at Long Run, April 21st, 1819, a call was presented from this church and ac- cepted, and arrangements were made for his installation on the first Thursday of May, 1819. Rev. Messrs. Francis Herron, Robert Johnson, James Guthrie and William Johnson, were ap- pointed to install him as pastor.
The salary offered was unusually large-$1,000 annually, in regular quarterly payments. It is believed to have been one of the largest paid to a minister of the Gospel anywhere in the United States at that time. Report was made to Presbytery at Mt. Pleasant that Mr. Wylie was duly installed. Reverses came on the congregation, and at Long Run, in 1822, "Mr. Wylie presented a request from the trustees of the congregation, stating that in consequence of the embarrassment of the times, and the removal and the contemplated removal of some of their most effi- cient subscribers, the congregation were unable to engage to Mr. Wylie more than $300 a year for one-half of his ministerial ser- vices, and that they were reluctantly constrained to desire the Presbytery to release them from their former engagements to Mr. Wylie, and Mr. Wylie agreeing to the request it was granted." From this time Mr. Wylie preached occasionally at Wheeling. He resigned his charge in October, 1823, and was dismissed to the Presbytery of Washington.
Mr. Wylie's labors here were very successful. The growth of the church was steady till near the close of his pastorate. His physical appearance was imposing. He was tall, slender and over six feet high. He was pleasant in conversation. He entered the pulpit with great solemnity and was regarded as a very popular and powerful preacher. He was searching and faithful in his style, bold and pointed in his denunciation of sin and spoke without notes. He preached in the old Court House. He was again called as pastor in 1827, but declined the call.
From Uniontown, Mr. Wylie went to Wheeling, thence in 1832, to Newark, O., and in 1854 to Port Gibson, Miss., where he
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married his second wife. He returned to Wheeling in 1855, and died there, May 9th, 1858, nearly eighty-two years of age. His first wife was a daughter of Rev. David Smith, who preceded him at Rehoboth and Round Hill, where he labored before com- ing to Uniontown. She was a sister of Rev. Joseph Smith, D. D., auther of "Old Redstone," and was the child born as related on page fifty-seven of that book. She was a good woman and deserves to be remembered as the mother of the Sabbath School of this church.
For five years the church was supplied by Presbytery. During this interval Rev. Dr. Fairchild preached very frequently.
In December, 1827, Mr. John Holmes Agnew, a licentiate from the Presbytery of Carlisle, was received under the care of Presbytery and accepted a call to Uniontown. January 26th, 1828, the Presbytery met here and ordained and installed him as pastor. His salary was $400 per annum. He was the son of a prominent physician of Harrisburg and a graduate of Dickinson College. He was small and had a weak voice, but was a fine scholar and writer and read his discourses. He was a good pas- tor. Toward the close of his labors here he hardly came up to the standard of orthodoxy, especially as he was thought to make salvation depend too largely on the human will. In the disrup- tion of 1838 he went with the New School branch. Mr. Ag- new resigned in 1831, chiefly on account of ill health and at once accepted the Chair of Languages in Washington College and was dismissed to Washington Presbytery. Afterward he was a Professor for a short time in Michigan University; conducted a Ladies' Seminary at Pittsfield, Mass .; became editor of the Eclec- tic Magazine in New York; also taught in a Female Seminary near Cincinnati, and died several years since at his home on the Hudson river. While in Uniontown he married Miss Taylor, of Brooklyn. She was an estimable lady, earnestly desiring to aid her husband in his work.
Mr. Joel Stoneroad preached the next Sabbath after Mr. Agnew left and was ordained and installed as pastor, December 14th, 1831, on a salary of $500. As a fuller notice of Mr. S. will appear elsewhere, it is only necessary to say that this pastor-
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ate continued for ten years and a half, the longest in this history. It was signally blessed, the average admissions on examinations being twelve persons each year. Mr. Stoneroad resigned, April 12th, 1842, and went to the Cross Roads Church, Presbytery of Washington.
Rev. Andrew Ferrier, D. D., a minister of the United Seces- sion Church, Scotland, a member of the Presbytery of Glasgow, and recommended by the Presbytery of New York, was sent as a supply. On the 29th of November, 1842, he was installed as pastor, on a salary of $500. He was a man of decided ability and preached fine old orthodox sermons. But his Scotch brogue made him hard to understand. He resigned his charge, August 6th, 1844, and went to the Scotch Church in Canada, and of his subsequent history nothing is known.
Next came Rev. Griffith Owen, who was installed here on a salary of $500, June 26th, 1845. He was a zealous, whole soul- ed, off-hand Welshman; a good pastor and a very good preacher, whenever he applied himself. He was noted for his itinerancy, both in preaching and visiting from house to house. He re- signed, November IIth, 1847, being called to the Third Pres- byterian Church of Baltimore. (He was also pastor of the South Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, and General Agent of the American Sabbath School Union in the State of Maryland. He died in Baltimore, Md., January 14th, 1870).
Rev. Moses Allen Williams was installed pastor, November 20th, 1849. His salary was $500. He had labored as Stated Supply from February till this date. Mr. Williams resigned this charge in 1852. He was the son of a ruling elder, Benjamin Williams, in Mingo congregation, and was born, September 20th, 1841, and graduated at Jefferson College in 1839. Mr. W. was a godly man and an excellent pastor and a fair preacher. He wrote his sermons in full and read closely. After leaving this he labored in Valparaiso, Chili, S. A., till 1856, when he came back to the Pacific coast, which he has thoroughly explored, enduring great hardships in doing it. He organized a church in Napa City and one in Jacksonville. "In 1858, in the fall," he writes, "I returned to Roger's River Valley, where I have been laboring
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ever since. I scarcely ever see the face of a Presbyterian minister. This valley is surrounded with high, grand mountains and pos- sesses the finest climate in the world. I am sixty-five years of age and can ride all day almost as well as ever. Uniontown was technically my first and last pastoral charge."
Rev. James H. Callen came next in the pastorate and was installed, April 27th, 1853, on a salary of $500. He was an Irishman, with very pleasant manner. His sermons were brief, finished in bright style and well read. As a pastor he was ordi- nary. He was of medium height, with good appearance in the pulpit. He resigned, April 10th, 1855, to accept a call to a church in the east. When this history was prepared he was an evangelist in Brooklyn and had received the title of D. D. (His name is not now, 1888, on the roll and he is probably dead.)
Rev. Wm. F. Hamilton was called, April, 1856, having preached from October previous, and installed as pastor, May 13th, 1856. His is the second longest pastorate of this history. Mr. Hamilton was born in Monongahela City, Pa., March 24th, 1824; graduated at Washington College, 1844, at the age of twenty; the Western Theological Seminary, 1849; licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio (now Pittsburgh) in '49, and ordained and installed by the same Presbytery as pastor of Center Church, near Canonsburg, Pa., in 1850.
Mr. Hamilton is a man of far more than average talent and ability. He is a fine writer, with a keen, pointed and discrim- inating style. He resigned his charge here, May 31st, 1866, af- ter a pastorate of ten years. In 1868, September 7th, he took charge of the churches of Salem and Livermore, in Blairsville Presbytery, where he labored with great acceptance for seven years. After resigning this charge he removed to Blairsville, where he lived a short time and then went to Washington, Pa., where he still resides and is Stated Supply of Mt. Pleasant Church. He was Professor for a time of Intellectual Philosophy and Ethics in Washington and Jefferson College. This College bestowed upon him the title of D. D. Dr. Hamilton's salary was $600 at first and was after raised to $800. (He was com-
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pelled on account of ill health to give up preaching a year ago. He is a Trustee of Washington and Jefferson College.)
Rev. Walter W. Ralston was installed pastor of this church, April 28th, 1867, on a salary of $1,200 and a house rent free. He is a native of Ohio, a graduate of Jefferson College and Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a good preacher, with an excellent voice. He usually read his discourses. He was a fair pastor. October Ist, 1873, he resigned this charge to accept a call to Xenia, Ohio. In 1875 he resigned his charge in Xenia and labored for a time as agent for Washington and Jefferson College and then settled in Bridgewater, Pa., in 1876, where he now labors. (Afterward Dr. Ralston was pastor at Dennison, Ohio, and is now pastor of Beulah Church, Presbytery of Blairs- ville.)
This closes the succession to the present pastorate. There have been ten ministers. Five were here less than three years, and the average length of their pastorate was about six years.
The present pastor, Rev. Samuel S. Gilson, was born in Westmoreland county, October 28th, 1843, graduated at Wash- ington and Jefferson College in 1866, at the Western Theologi- cal Seminary in 1869 and took a fourth year at Union Theological Seminary, New York. He preached two summers at Garrison's, on the Hudson. He was called to Bowling Green, Ky., April Ist, 1871 ; in just three years he was called to Uniontown, and was installed pastor, May Ist, 1874. Rev. J. P. Fulton presided and preached the sermon, Rev. John M. Barnett gave the charge to the pastor and Rev. George Hill, D. D., to the people.
(Mr. Gilson resigned in 1879 and labored from '80 to '83 in Dennison, O., when he was called to a place on the editorial staff of the "Herald and Presbyter," Cincinnati, Ohio, where he still continues.
THE ELDERS.
(Want of space compels the omission of much of the ex- cellent history of the members of Session and its acts, prepared by Mr. Gilson.)
In the old Session Book of this Church, the first record made in 1825, is signed by Joseph Kibler, Thomas Lewis and S.
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Y. Campbell. These were the first elders of this church. Be- fore this, at communion seasons, assistance was rendered by el- ders from neighboring churches.
Joseph Kibler is spoken of as a godly and active man, faith- ful and punctual in all his duties as a man and an officer. He moved, October 8th, 1832, to Hillsboro, Ohio, where he was a Ruling Elder till his death.
Thomas Lewis was faithful in all the duties of a Christian and officer and was clerk of Session from the beginning of the records till March 27th, 1832. His membership was transferred to the Tent Church in 1841, within the bounds of which he died, December 21st, 1849, aged sixty-one years.
S. Y. Campbell appears to have acted as elder about two years ; until 1827.
In 1829, September 28th, John Kennedy Duncan and Dr. Hugh Campbell were ordained to the sacred office. Mr. Dun- can was born and raised in Carlisle, admitted to this church upon certificate, and at once elected elder and served faithfully for one year and was dismissed in 1830 to the Tent Church. Thence he removed to Springhill; thence to Iowa City and thence to Du- buque, where he died in 1869.
Dr. Hugh Campbell was born in Uniontown, Pa., May Ist, 1795, and died there, February 27th, 1876. His father was Ben- jamin Campbell, who was born at New London Cross-roads, Chester county, Pa., and his mother was Mary Adair, of Cooks- town, Ireland, and afterwards of London, Franklin county, Pa. His father was a silversmith, who removed from Hagers- town, Md., to Uniontown, about 1778, where he died, September 24th, 1843. He was a man of modest means, with twelve child- ren, to whom he could of course give but small advantages of education. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Uniontown from its organization. Dr. Hugh Campbell obtained what education he could at his home and attended Jefferson Col- lege one year, 1812-13. He studied medicine with Dr. Daniel Marchand, of Uniontown, and attended the University of Penn- sylvania, at Philadelphia, where he graduated and in 1817 opened his office as a physician and surgeon in Uniontown. In
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