USA > Ohio > Erie County > History of the Presbytery of Erie : embracing in its ancient boundaries the whole of northwestern Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio : with biographical sketches of all its ministers and historical sketches of its churches > Part 29
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charge in 1887. The next pastor was Rev. Nathaniel West (47). His pastorate extended from June, 1838, to July 17, 1841. Rev. Miles Doolittle served from 1842 to 1844. Then Rev. Samuel Montgomery in 1844; then Rev. Mr. Paine in 1848 ; then Rev. Mr. Cochran in 1850; then Rev. D. D. Gregory in 1852 ; then Rev. A. H. Car- rier in 1859. Mr. Carrier was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. T. B. Hudson. At the division of the church in 1838, this church adhered to " the other branch."
SCRUBGRASS.
Tis church is in Venango County, Pa., and at pres- ent under the care of the Presbytery of Alleghany. It was organized in 1802 or 1803. The first elders were John Lowrie, father of Hon. Walter Lowrie, senior Sec- retary of the Board of Foreign Missions, John Craw- ford, and another, whose name is illegible on the manu- script. The first pastor was Rev. Robert Johnston (14). Hle was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Erie, October 19, 1803. Ilis charge was Serubgrass and Bear Creek.1 This was a most successful pastor- ate. A wonderful work of Divine grace attended Mr. Johnston's labors. Ile was released from his pastoral charge January 2, 1811.
Mr. Johnston was succeeded by Rev. Cyrus Riggs (18), who was installed April 6, 1814; released from his pastoral charge April 2, 1834.
The next pastor was Rev. John R. Agnew. He was installed April 3, 1838; pastoral relation dissolved October 21, 1815. The next pastor was Rev. Ebenezer Henry. He was ordained and installed November 10,
1 Bear Creek many years ago became connected with the Associate Reformed Church.
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. 1847 ; relation dissolved, November 5, 1856. The pres- ent pastor is Rev. J. R. Coulter, who was ordained and installed August 25, 1857. This church has been un- der the care of the Presbytery of Alleghany since the year 1820. It has furnished ten ministers of the gos- pel : 1 namely, John Redick (26), John Coulter, Cyrus C. Riggs, D. D. (son of one of its pastors), Thomas W. Kerr, Thomas S. Leason, William B. Stewart, Samuel Mc Anderson, D. D., Samuel Williams, Thomas C. An- derson, and M. L. Anderson. Another member of the church, James F. Craig, died whilst a theological student.
The first church edifice was of logs, afterwards en- larged by cutting out one side and adding a shed. Afterwards a frame building was erected, and at a late date the present edifice, which is of stone.
SLIPPERY ROCK.
Tins congregation is in Beaver County, and was probably organized in 1801 or 1802. In the records of Presbytery in 1802, it is reported as able to support a pastor, in connection with New Castle.
The first pastor was Rev. Alexander Cook (12). Ile was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Erie, June 22, 1803. . This relation was dissolved June 14, 1809. The next pastor was Rev. Robert Sample, or- dained and installed October 23, 1810 ; released, 1834. The next pastor was Rev. B. C. Critchlow, ordained and installed September 5, 1838 ; released from his charge, February 18, 1845. Rev. James S. Henderson, or- dained and installed October 22, 1845 ; released, Octo- ber 1, 1850. Rev. A. S. Biblingsley, installed second
1 Dr. Young states that twenty minister's have been licensed, who were brought up in this church.
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Tuesday of January, 1854; released, December 24, 1856 ; Rev. Henry Webber (83), installed June 10, 1862; released, January 11, 1865. The present pastor, Rev. R. S. Morton (80), was installed February 21, 1862. It is now under the care of the Presbytery of Beaver.
LOWER NESHANNOCK, now NEW CASTLE.
Tins congregation is in Lawrence County, Pa. It was organized about the same time as Slippery Rock, and with it constituted a pastoral charge for nearly forty years. Rev. Alexander Cook was the first pastor, ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Erie, June 22, 1803; released from his charge, June 14, 1809. The second pastor was Rev. Robert Sample, ordained and installed' October 23, 1810; released from his charge, 1837. The next pastor was Rev. Wells Bush- nell, installed 1839 ; pastoral relation dissolved, June 29, 1853. The next pastor was Rev. E. E. Swift, in- stalled, September 27, 1854 ; pastoral relation dissolved, February 19, 1861. The next pastor was Rev. Joseph S. Grimes, installed July 9, 1861 ; released from his charge, September 27, 1865. The present pastor, Rev. D. X. Junkin, D. D., was installed September 13, 1866.
The ground on which New Castle now stands was originally occupied by John Wilson, Joseph, Isaac, and John Thompson, and J. C. Stewart. This was about the year 1800. The town was laid out in 1802, by John Carlisle Stewart. The church was organized either that year or the following, as the first pastor was in- stalled in 1803. The congregation at first worshipped in the woods, around a tent that stood in the northwest corner of the present towu-plot, but then outside the
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original plot. They afterwards built a small log-house near to the tent, but in a thicket through which paths had to be mown, in the midst of the thick bushes. This cabin was burned down, when a hewed log-house was erected near the old site. This was occupied until a brick house was built, that is now occupied as a brew- ery. Finally, the present comfortable structure was erected. The church is now under the care of the Presbytery of Beaver.
CONCORD (Butler County, Pa.).
Thurs church was organized somewhere between 1803 and 1805. The first pastor was Rev. John McPher- rin (16). He continued his pastorate until his death, February 10, 1822. The next pastor was Rev. John Coulter, ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Alleghany, September 10, 1823, in connection with Butler and Muddy Creek. He was released from his charge in the spring of 1864, after a pastorate of nearly forty-one years. The present pastor, Rev. J. II. Mar- shall, was installed in October, 1865.
The congregation worshipped first in a small log- house, with earthen floor and split log seats, with an old-fashioned wood fire. The second church edifice was also of logs, and was thirty feet square. It was after- wards enlarged by the addition of thirty feet to its length. In 1838, the present brick structure was erected. During Mr. Coulter's ministry, many seasons of refreshing were enjoyed. The most remarkable of these was in the winter of 1857 and 1858, when sixty were added to the church. It is under the care of the Presbytery of Alleghany.
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MUDDY CREEK.
TIIs church is also in Butler County, Pa., in the Presbytery of Alleghany. In 1803, Muddy Creek is reported to Symod by the Presbytery of Erie, as able to support a pastor in connection with Concord. In 1806, Mr. McPherrin is reported as pastor of Concord, Mud- dy Creek, and Harmony.1 At the organization of the church of Butler in 1813, Muddy Creek became dis- banded. The church was reorganized in 1823, when Rev. Jolin Coulter became pastor. He was released from his charge in 1850. In 1853, Rev. Alexander Cunningham (65) became pastor; released from his charge, Angust, 1855. The present pastor is Rev. Samuel Williams, ordained and installed by the Pres- bytery of Alleghany in 1857.
During the first two years of Mr. Coulter's ministry, the people worshipped in the woods in summer, and in the dwellings in winter. During that whole period, the congregation were not once interrupted at divine ser- vice by rain or storm. But the first Sabbath they en- tered the new log church, there was a rain-stormn.
BUTLER.
Tms church was organized in 1813. Several con- gregations mentioned in the minutes of the Presbytery of Erie, were component parts of the organization. Thorn's Tent, Salt Spring, and Harmony, with portions of Muddy Creek, were merged into one, and constituted the present flourishing church of Butler. The first mastor was Rev. John McPherrin (16). He was in-
1 Merged in Butler in 1813.
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stalled April 7, 1813, and continued his pastoral relation until his death, February 10, 1822.
The present pastor, Rev. Loyal Young, D. D., was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Alleghany,1 December 4, 1833. In 1815 a stone edifice was erected as a house of worship, which in 1833 gave place to a commodious one of brick ; this again gave place to the present fine structure in 1865. This church has en- joyed many precious revival scenes ; the most important of which have been in 1836, 1843, and 1853. It has also furnished many ministers of the gospel, who are laboring in the great field, and some who now rest from their labors. It is in the Presbytery of Alleghany.
FAIRVIEW, now WESTMINSTER.
This church was gathered and organized by Rev. Johnston Eaton (20), who was its first pastor. It is somewhat uncertain as to the precise date of its organ- ization, perhaps 1806. The first elders were Andrew Caughey, George Reed, and William Arbuckle. At its organization, it consisted of but twenty-five members ; all, with two exceptions, have now passed away. Mr. Eaton was ordained and installed pastor of this church by the Presbytery of Erie, in connection with Spring- field, on the 30th of June, 1808. He continued its pastor until the time of his death, June 17, 1817, a period of nearly forty years.
The second pastor was Rev. William Willson (81), who was ordained and installed June 11, 1851, in con- nection with Sturgeonville and Girard. He was re- leased from his charge, May 2, 1855. The next pastor was Rev. John R. Hamilton (93), ordained and installed June 15, 1859 ; released, June 15, 1864. The next pas-
1 Erected 1820.
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tor was Rev. L. M. Belden (109), ordained and installed December 14, 1864 ; released, April 25, 1866.
In the year 1847, this church sent off a colony to form the church of Sturgeonville, that reduced its num- bers considerably. Soon after, the church edifice was re- moved to a more central locality. Its name was after- wards changed to Westminster, inasmuch as it was now removed from Fairview Township, where it had been originally located.
The first church edifice was of hewn logs, on a beau- tiful site, overlooking Lake Erie. This was afterwards enlarged by cutting out two or three logs, and building an open shed against the side. The next edifice was of frame, on a new site. This was afterwards removed to the position it now occupies.
About the time of the organization of the church of Sturgeonville, the church of Fairview (New School), was organized, mainly from the elements of the old Fairview church. This church is now under the pas- toral care of Rev. A. Dunn. The influence of this old Fairview church, and its first pastor, in moulding and forming the character of the community along the Lake Shore, cannot be fully appreciated. It has been the mother of churches.
SPRINGFIELD.
This church is in Erie County, Pa., on the shore of Lake Erie, and is at the present time in connection with " the other brauch." It was organized as a preaching point, in the year 1804, by Rev. Robert Patterson (13), and regularly organized as a church in 1806, by Rev. Johnston Eaton (20). The first elders were Isaac Mil- ler, James Blair, and James Bruce. There were at
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this time thirty members. The first pastor was Rev. Johnston Eaton, ordained and installed by the Presby- tery of Erie, June 30, 1808 ; pastoral relation dissolved November 8, 1814. In 1817, Rev. Phineas Camp (29), conducted a series of meetings, that were accompanied by the bodily exercise. In 1818, Rev. Michael Law preached for a time. The house of worship being but about twenty or twenty-five feet square, and unable to contain the people, Mr. Law preached in the grove, having for a pulpit a single slab knocked in between two trees endwise. At this time Cornelius Aten, Rob- ert Porter, and Allen Law were elected elders.
From this time until 1827, the church was depend- ent on supplies. In this latter year a call was made out for the pastoral labors of Rev. Pierce Chamberlain (38). This call was accepted, and he was installed as pastor by the Presbytery of Erie, on the 16th of Janu- ary, 1828. This relation was dissolved on the 1st of October of the same year, on account of the ill health of the pastor.
In the year 1837, Rev. Charles Danforth (53), preached as a stated supply. From 1811 to 18-13, Rev. Richard Craighead labored in this field. From 1814 to 1850, Rev. John M. Williams ; in 1854, Rev. James F. Reed ; in 1860, Rev. O. W. Norton ; afterwards Rev. J. D. Barstow; and at the present time, Rev. E. B. Chamberlain.
WARREN, OHIO.
This church was organized on the 19th of November, 1803, under the name of "The Church of Christ in Warren," by Rev. Joseph Badger (11), assisted by Mr. Tait (3), and Mr. Wick (2). It was at the first com-
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posed of but six members. Rev. Thomas Robbins and Rev. Jonathan Leslie supplied the church for the first five years.
The first pastor was Rev. James Boyd (21). He was ordained and installed as pastor of Warren and New- ton, October 19, 1808, by the Presbytery of Erie. IIe was removed by death on the 8th of March, 1813.
Rev. James Duncan then supplied the church for two years. The next pastor was Rev. Joseph W. Curtis ; installed February 4, 1820, by the Presbytery of Grand River; released from his charge in Jime, 1831. Rev. G. W. Hulin and Rev. J. A. Woodruff were stated sup- plies for a time. The next pastor was Rev. Nathan B. Purinton, installed May, 1840, by the Presbytery of Trumbull; released, April 12, 1818. The next pastor was Rev. William C. Clark, installed November 15, 1848, by the Presbytery of Trumbull ; released, April 22, 1863. The next pastor was Rev. Henry. Richard Hoisington, installed December 11, 1861; released, April 16, 1867.
At the first, this church was congregational. The Presbyterian form of government was adopted Febru- ary 1, 1838. It is now in connection with the other branch, and is in a flourishing condition, having at the present time two hundred and forty-one communicants. It is under the care of the Presbytery of Trumbull.
MOORFIELD.
Tins church was a portion of Mr. Satterfield's first charge. It was situated in Hickory Township, Mercer County, about two miles east of Sharon. It was proba- bly organized about 1800 or 1801. Mr. Satterfield was installed as pastor, March 3, 1802, in connection with
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Neshannock. He continued the pastor of Moorfield, until he demitted the active duties of the ministry in 1834. At this time villages and churches had sprung up all around Moorfield, - Sharon, Middlesex, and Clarksville, - which gradually absorbed its member- ship, when it became extinct. It was dissolved soon after Mr. Satterfield's resignation.
BROOKFIELD, OHIO.
THIs church is in the Western Reserve. Its name first appears on the minutes in 1809. Rev. John Core was the first pastor, installed in 1817, in connection with Youngstown and Vienna. The pastoral relation was dissolved October 21, 1824. Rev. James Satter- field was pastor from 1812 to 1814. After this it was long vacant and dependent on supplies. In 1851 Rev. Jacob Coon was pastor. Rev. George S. Rice is now pastor elect.
HUBBARD, OHIO.
Tius congregation was first enrolled in 1809. In. 1812 Rev. James Satterfield became pastor in connec- tion with Moorfield and Brookfield. This relation con- tinued until April 6, 1831. In 1852, Rev. A. O. Rock- well was pastor. Rev. George S. Rice is now pastor elect.
FIRST CHURCH, ERIE, PA.
ALTHOUGH not the first of the churches planted on the shore of Lake Erie, yet this church has always, since its organization, held a prominent place. It is first spoken of in the old minutes as Presque Isle, and afterwards Erietown. It is mentioned as seeking sup- plies in 1802, though it was not regularly organized
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until September, 1815. In 1803 it united with Middle- brook and North East, then called Upper and Lower Greenfield, in extending a call to Rev. Robert Patter- son (13), although the call was not prosecuted. The church was supplied by Rev. Johnston Eaton (20), from 1814 to 1823; the first four years of this period, one third of the time was given to Erie, and the remaining five years one half. The first pastor was Rev. David Mc Kinney (32). He was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Erie, April 13, 1825; released April 21, 1829. The present pastor is Rev. George A. Lyon, , D. D. He was ordained and installed September 9, 1829. Next to that of Mr. Eaton, Dr. Lyon's pastorate has been the longest in the history of the Presbytery of Erie.
The first regular place of worship was a frame build- ing called "the Yellow Meeting-house." In 1824 a comfortable brick house was erected, and in June, 1859, the corner-stone of the present elaborate and beautiful church was laid.1 One of the most prominent mem- bers of the session was Judah Colt. He came to Erie in 1795. He made a profession of religion in the days of Elisha Macurdy, and was ever afterwards a gener- ous, consistent, and useful man. At the great division, this church adhered to the other branch. It has sent out two colonies : Belle Valley, of which Rev. Joseph Vance is pastor, and the Park Church, noticed else- where.
UNITY, now HARRISVILLE.
Tins church is in Butler County, and now under the care of the Presbytery of Alleghany. The organiza- tion took place in 1807. It first appears on the min-
I Miss Sanford's History.
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utes in 1808. Sometimes is called West Unity. The first pastor was Rev. Cyrus Riggs (18). He was in- stalled April 6, 1814; released, April 2, 1834. The next pastor was Rev. John R. Agnew ; installed April 3, 1838 ; released, October 21, 18-15 or 1846. Rev. John Moore was pastor from 1847 to 1819. Rev. Meade Satterfield, son of Rev. James Satterfield (5), one of the original members of Presbytery, was pastor from 1850 to the time of his death, a period of six years. Ile was succeeded by Rev. J. F. Boyd, who was in- stalled in 1856; released, June 26, 1866. The present pastor is Rev. W. D. Patton, who was installed in 1866.
NEWTON.
Tms church is in Ohio, and was a portion of the original charge of Rev. James Boyd (21), in connection with Warren, Ohio. Mr. Boyd was ordained and in- stalled by the Presbytery of Erie, October 19, 1808. Ile was released by death, March 8, 1813. It was then vacant, until Rev. Joshua Beer, a former licentiate of the Presbytery of Erie, was installed, June 24, 1818; re- leased, January, 1822. After this it was long vacant. Rev. William O. Stratton was pastor from 1814 to 1855. Rev. John B. Miller from 1857 to 1858. The present pastor, Rev. T. P. Speer, was installed in 1860. It is now under the care of the Presbytery of New Lisbon.
NEW REHOBOTH AND LICKING.
THESE congregations are in Clarion County, Pa. They were gathered and organized by Rev. Robert Me- Garraugh (23), about the year 1806 or 1807. Mr. MeGarraugh was installed as their pastor by the Pres- bytery of Redstone, November 12, 1807. On the 4th
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of October, 1811, they were detached from the Presby- tery of Redstone by Synod, and connected with the Presbytery of Erie. At the organization of the Pres- bytery of Alleghany in 1820, they fell within its terri- tory ; and at the organization of the Presbytery of Clarion, in 1841, they became connected with that body.
On the 3d of April, 1822, Mr. MeGarraugh was re- leased from the charge of these churches. The next pastor was Rev. John Core, installed September 16, 1824. He was released from the pastoral charge of the church of New Rehoboth in 1844, and from that of Licking by death, May 7, 1854.
The present pastor of the church of New Rehoboth is Rev. James Montgoniery, who commenced his pastor- ate in 1841. The present pastor of the church of Licking is Rev. Joseph Mateer, installed 1855.
BIG SUGAR CREEK.
This church is in Venango County, Pa., and was or- ganized in 1813 or 1814. The first pastor was Rev. Ira Condit (24), ordained November 8, 1814, by the Presbytery of Erie, in connection with Fairfield ; re- leased from the charge of the former, December 28, 1825. The next pastor was Rev. Thomas Anderson (37). He was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Erie, September 19, 1826, in connection with Con- cord and Franklin ; released from the pastoral charge of the former in 1837. The next pastor was Rev. Cy- rus Dickson (58). He was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Erie, June 24, 1840, in connection with Franklin ; released from the former, January 1, 1846. The next pastor was Rev. James Coulter (62), installed September, 1818 ; released, January 16, 1850.
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The next pastor was Rev. Robert Glenn (44), installed June 18, 1850 ; released by death, September 6, 1857. The next pastor was Rev. J. D. Howey (94), ordained and installed September 21, 1859 ; released, April 26, 1865. The congregation, since that time, has been de- pendent on supplies. It is now supplied by Rev. D. Patton.
WATERFORD.
Turs church is in Erie County, and at present in connection with the other branch. It was probably or- ganized about the year 1809 or 1810. The first pastor was Rev. John Matthews (22). He was ordained and installed in connection with Gravel Run, October 17, 1810; released from Waterford April 2, 1817. From . this date until 1828, the church was dependent on sup- plies. Rev. Phineas Camp (29), and Mr. Judah Ely, L preached for a time. Rev. Peter Hassinger (39) was stated supply from 1828 to 1833. Rev. B. J. Wallace supplied in 1833, and the next year Rev. J. Watson Johnston. On the 15th of September, 1836, Rev. Pierce Chamberlain (38) was installed as pastor, in connection with Union. He was released from the charge of Waterford in 1844. Rev. G. W. Cleveland supplied until 1819. The church was subsequently supplied by Rev. C. F. Diver, and perhaps others. The present pastor is Rev. T. T. Bradford. The congrega- tion had no regular place of worship until 1835, when the present house was erected. The church is now in a prosperous condition.
GRAVEL RUN.
Tms church is in Crawford County, and was proba- bly organized in 1809 or 1810. The first pastor was
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Rev. John Matthews (22), installed in connection with Waterford, October 17, 1810. He was released from the charge of Gravel Run, November 8, 1814. The next pastor was Rev. Peter Hlassinger (39). He was ordained and installed, October 1, 1828 ; released from his charge in 1832.
Rev. Alexander Cunningham (65) was ordained and installed as pastor, October 5, 1843 ; released from his charge in 1851. The present pastor is Rev. James W. Dickey (64), installed April 19, 1854.
At the division in 1838, this church was divided, a portion adhering to each branch. The New School branch is called also Gravel Run ; Rev. G. W. Hamp- son is the pastor.
WASHINGTON.
This church is in Edinboro', Erie County. For the last quarter of a century its history has been identified with that of Gravel Run, having been united in the same pastoral charge. Mr. Cunningham was installed pastor, October 5, 1853; released from his charge in 1851. Mr. Dickey, the present pastor, was installed April 19, 1854. This church was also divided in 1838. The New School branch is called Edinboro'; Rev. Wil- liam Grassie is the pastor.
WARREN, PA.
This is an old congregation, yet the records are dim and misty that relate to its history. Its name first ap- pears on the minutes in 1810. Probably the first pastor was Rev. Nathan Harned (31). He was ordained and installed, April 20, 1825; released in March, 1826. The next pastor was Rev. Absalom MeCready (36) ; installed,
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September 13, 1837 ; released, June 27, 1838. For a few years from 1841, Rev. Hiram Eddy (60) supplied the church. The next pastor was Rev. John M. Smith (67), installed January 28, 1846; released, August 11, 1847. The next pastor was Rev. John Sailor (79), in- stalled May 4, 1853 ; released, August 29, 1855. After this Mr. Hequembourg supplied for a time. The next pastor was Rev. Robert Taylor (102) ; ordained and installed November 13, 1861 ; released, September 26, 1862. The next pastor was Rev. W. T. Hamilton, D. D. (105) ; installed in May, 1864; released, April 26, 1865. The present stated supply is Rev. William Rankin. This congregation has recently completed a fine church edifice.
OIL CREEK, now TITUSVILLE.
THIS church was gathered and organized by Rev. Amos Chase (25) about the year 1815. Mr. Chase supplied it until the 24th day of May, 1826, when he was installed as its first pastor for one half of his time. The pastoral relation was dissolved in 1830. The next pastor was Rev. G. W. Hampson (13), who was or- dained and installed as pastor by the Presbytery of Erie, June 27, 1832. Ile continued his relation for some ten years, when the relation was dissolved. Owing to peculiar circumstances, the church gradually became disorganized, and its individuality lost. A few years ago it was reorganized under the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Titusville, Rev. William Howell Taylor, pastor. It is situated in Crawford County, Pa., and in connection with the other branch.
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