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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02222 8685
GC 974.802 H92PR
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HUNTINGDON PRESBYTERY, APRIL 9, 1895.
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THE HISTORICAL MEMORIAL
OF THE
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON,
Pennsylvania
HELD IN HUNTINGDON, PA., APRIL 9, 1895
PUBLISHED BY
THE AUTHORITY OF THE PRESBYTERY
1795-1895
PHILADELPHIA PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY 1896
COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
INTRODUCTION.
1137050
THE Centennial Anniversary of the Presbytery of Huntingdon was held in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, April 9, 1895.
It was the unanimous sentiment of the Presbytery that the Cen- tennial Sermon and addresses of the occasion should be published and preserved in the permanent form of a memorial volume. And it was decided that the book should comprise as far as possible a com- plete and reliable history of the Presbytery of Huntingdon during the past century.
Such a volume would set forth the history of the rise and progress of Presbytery throughout seven counties of Central Pennsylvania.
It would preserve in permanent form historical facts and data of immense value to future generations of Presbyterians.
It would afford a reliable basis for future history when our suc- cessors in 1995 should observe the Second Centenary of the Presbytery.
The work, we believe, will not disappoint the expectation of our people. It will be of great and permanent value to Presbyterians. It will inspire our people with renewed love and loyalty for their church as they read of the toils and trials and triumphs of the Fathers,- those heroic and devoted men who laid the foundations of our beloved Zion in these mountainous regions a century ago.
We trust that the work will accomplish great good, and may God use it for his own glory.
3
4
INTRODUCTION.
The committee of publication ventures to call special attention to the great historical value of the exhaustive index which has been pre- pared through the kindness of Mr. J. C. Blair. The use of this index will enable the descendants of the founders of Presbyterianism in Central Pennsylvania to avail themselves of the vast fund of genea- logical information contained in this volume, and makes immediately available the treasures of local history which the sketches of individual churches contain.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
I. PROGRAMME. The Public Exercises connected with the Centennial Anniversary of the Huntingdon Presbytery : PAGE
I. Prayer Rev. D. H. Barron, D.D. . 15
2. Centennial Sermon Rev. J. H. Mathers, D.D. . 16
3. Prayer
Rev. A. H. Parker . .
39
4. Fragments that Remain .
Rev. Joseph C. Kelly
40
5. The Sources of Presbyterianism in Hunt- ingdon Presbytery D. W. Woods, Esq. 64
6. The Bench and Bar during the Past Cen- tury, as viewed from the Presbyterian Stand-point Hon. A. S. Landis . . . . 71
7. Prayer
Rev. R. M. Wallace, D.D. 84
8. The Debt and Duty of Presbyterians
Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, D.D. 85
9. The Outlook
General James A. Beaver . 90
IO. Presbyterian Influence
Hon. John Scott .
98
II. Centennial Hymn
Rev. D. K. Freeman, D.D. 103
12. Prayer
Rev. R. F. Wilson .
. 104
II. HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE FOLLOWING CHURCHES :
PAGE
PAGE
Alexandria . 105
Gibson Memorial 158
Altoona, First 108
Glen Hope .
159
Altoona, Second
IIO
Hollidaysburg
159
Altoona, Third
117
Houtzdale
165
Altoona, Broad Avenue
119
Hublersburg
167
Bald Eagle I22
Huntingdon I68
Bedford 124
Hyndman 174
Bellefonte
125
Irvona .
174
Bethel .
130
Juniata
175
Beulah
130
Kermoor
177
Birmingham
I31
Kylertown
178
Bradford .
139
Lewistown 179
Buffalo Run 140
Clearfield 142
Little Valley
185
Logan's Valley 193
Lost Creek . 196
Duncansville
147
Lower Spruce Creek.
199
East Kishacoquillas
147
Lower Tuscarora
200
Everett
155
McVeytown
203
Fruit Hill
156
Madera
210
5
Coalport 145
Lick Run
183
Curwensville
145
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS. .
PAGE
PAGE
Mann's Choice 210
Shade Gap . 240
Mapleton 21I
Shaver's Creek 248
Middle Tuscarora
214
Shirleysburg
249
Milesburg
215
Sinking Creek
250
Milroy
216
Sinking Valley
261
Moshannon and Snow Shoe . 220
Spring Creek .
250
Mount Union .
221
Spring Mills
264
Newton Hamilton
225
Spruce Creek .
264
Orbisonia
228
State College .
270
Osceola
229
Tyrone
272
Peru Mills
230
Upper Tuscarora 280
Petersburg .
232
Waterside
282
Philipsburg .
232
West Kishacoquillas
282
Pine Grove .
234
Westminster
287
Port Royal .
235
Williamsburg
290
Robertsdale
237
Winburn . 294
Saxton
239
Woodland
295
Schellsburg
239
Yellow Creek
295
III. HISTORY OF THE SUNDAY-SCHOOLS OF
THE
PRESBYTERY.
Rev. D. H.
299
PAGE
Campbell
IV. WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY WORK OF THE PRESBYTERY FOR ONE HUN- DRED YEARS. Miss Catherine W. Stewart . 339
V. WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF HUNTINGDON PRESBYTERY. Mrs.
N. D. Orbison
333
VI. WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON 339
VII. WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY WORK OF THE PRESBYTERY FOR ONE HUN- DRED YEARS. Mrs. Julia A. Dorris 340
VIII. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF
THE
YOUNG
PEOPLE'S
WORK.
Rev. H. G.
Furbay, Ph. D.
362
IX. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S WORK. Tabulated by Rev. H. G. Furbay, Ph.D. 366
X. A LIST OF ALL MINISTERS FOR THE CENTURY; WHEN LICENSED, ORDAINED, RECEIVED, TIME OF SERVICE, ETC. Rev. R. F. Wilson, Stated Clerk . . 368
XI. LIST OF STATED CLERKS FOR SAME PERIOD, AND TIME OF SERVICE FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS. Rev. R. F. Wilson, Stated Clerk 380 INDEX 381
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
OPPOSITE PAGE
Alexandria Church . 107
Dyer, William N. .
I44
Elliot, Rev. Geo.
233
Ellsworth, J. F.
29I
Freeman, Rev. D. K., D.D.
169
Furbay, Rev. Harvey Græme, Ph.D.
273
Gemmill, Rev. Wm.
167
Barnard, Rev. J. H., D.D .. 273
Barr, Rev. John C.
251
Barr, Samuel W.
277
Barron, Rev. David H., D.D.
II
Grier, L. G., Ph.D.
I35
Groninger, Henry M.
289
Haley, James
175
Hamill, Rev. Robt., D.D. 251
Bellefonte Church
127
Birmingham Church
I33
Blair, Samuel S.
277
Brown, Rev. Matthew, D.D. 287
Brown, Samuel T. 171
Campbell, Rev. D. H. .
22I
Campbell, Rev. Howard N. 119
Campbell, J. M.
III
Campbell, Rev. R. M.
17
Clarke, Rev. A. B. . 109
Clarke, John
291
Clarke, Rev. John H.
273
Clarke, Rowan, M.D.
277
Clearfield Church
142
Coale, Rev. J. J.
261
Cornelius, Rev. M. N.
109
Craighead, Rev. David Elder .
144
Crawford, John A.
261
Curwensville Church
147
Curwensville Manse .
146
Davies, Rev. John R., D.D.
273
Decker, Rev. Wm. Harrison
22I
Diener, Rev. John F.
105
Dorris, William . 171
OPPOSITE
PAGE
Allison, Rev. Matthew, D.D. . 287
Altoona, Second Church . I13
Altoona, Third Church II7
Bain, Rev. John W. .
109
Barnard, Rev. Jos. H. .
125
Gibb, Rev. William
175
Goheen, J. Calvin .
277
Goodhart, Geo. L.
255
Hart's Log Token
61
Hartswick, Dr. J. G.
143
Hawes, Rev. Lowman P.
169
Hays, Rev. Loyal Y.
287
Henry, Rev. H. H.
135
Hills, A. M., D.D.S.
I43
Hollidaysburg Church .
161
Hollifield, Rev. A. N., D.D.
169
Houtzdale Church
165
Huntingdon Church (present building) . 170
" (first building) . 173
66
66
(second building) .
173
Huntingdon Presbytery
Title
Hutchinson, Rev. John, D.D.
287
Irvin, Colonel E. A.
144
Irvine, Rev. J. E. .
119
Irvona Church and Manse .
I74
Johnson, Rev. John
169
Johnston, Robert M.
175
Kelly, Rev. Joseph C. .
291
Kerns, Henry
144
Kerr, William
255
Kishacoquillas, East Church
149
Kumler, Rev. J. P. E., D.D.
II
7
Beaver, General James A., LL.D.
12
Bell, General Wm. 289
Bellefonte Chapel .
129
8
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
OPPOSITE PAGE
OPPOSITE PAGE
Landis, Hon. A. S. . 12
Read, Miles I43
Laurie, Rev. Wm., D.D. 125
Read, Thompson 143
Lewey, Rev. Emil
119
Reed, Frank B. .
143
Lick Run Church .
183
Ross, W. S., M.D. III
Lindley, A. T.
III
Saxton Church
239
Linn, Rev. James, D.D. 125
Logan's Valley Church (Bellwood)
(Tipton)
197
Shade Gap Church plan 244
Sieber, J. F.
289
Lowrie, J. R.
I35
Shannon, John
255
McAlevy, Geo. M.
171
Simpson, J. R.
I71
McCarthy, C. R.
171
Sinking Valley Church
263
McCarthy, W. B.
171
McCauley, H. K. .
III
Spring Creek Church 257
McClean, Rev. O. O., D.D.
169
State College Church
271
McCormick, Wm.
29I
McDonald, Rev. Noah A., D.D.
105
Stewart, Rev. W. E. 105
Stiles, Rev. Henry Howard III
McGinnes, Rev. J. Y.
247
McKinley, Rev. R. A., Ph.D., D.D. 143
McVeytown Church .
205
McVeytown Manse .
207
MacDonald, Rev. J. A. 167
Mann, C. J.
III
Martin, Geo. H.
289
Mateer, Rev. E. H. .
221
Tyrone Manse
279
Mathers, Rev. Joseph H., D.D ..
17
Vantues, Samuel
255
Wallace, Rev. R. M., D.D. 17
Warrior's Mark Chapel
I33
Weaver, John T. .
143
Westminster Church . 288
Wiley, Rev. W. T. 125
Williams, Rev. R. G
105
Williamsburg Church
293
Williamsburg Manse
295
Wilson, George W.
289
Parker, Rev. Andrew H.
221
Pearce, H. D.
175
Wilson, Rev. R. F.
17
Woods, D. W. .
12
Wright, Rev. W. O.
25I
Young, Rev. Sylvester Wylie .
261
Youngman, B. C.
143
Zahniser, Rev. George W.
169
Read, John A.
144
Tuscarora Church and Manse (lower) 203
Tuscarora Churches (middle) .
215
Tyrone Church
275
Means, Rev. H. F.
233
Milesburg Church and Manse
217
Milligan, Wm.
255
Milnwood Academy Buildings 247
Moore, Rev. Samuel M. 273
Morrow, John H ..
261
Moss, J. H.
175
Mutchmore, Rev. S. A., D.D., LL.D. II
Orbison, Wm. P.
17I
Wilson, John F.
277
Peebles, Rev. John
169
Porter, John
233
Potter, Joshua
255
Potter, Joshua T.
255
Prideaux, Rev. William
251
195
Shade Gap Churches 245
Lowder, J. G. 261
McCamant, Colonel Samuel
277
Sinking Creek Churches 253
Spence, James
I44
Templeton, Chambers O.
277
Thompson, M. W.
III
Token of Charleston, South Carolina, Church 61
Stewart, S. C.
135
McEwen, E. . 175
Scott, Hon. John I2
Lewistown Church
181
Roller, James
29I
WARRANT.
THE following is the record of the Act of the General- Assembly forming the Presbytery of Huntingdon, 1795 : "The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States in America having erected such of the members of the Carlisle Presbytery as were situated north of, or by a line drawn along the Juniata River, from the mouth up to the Tuscarora Mountain, and along the Tuscarora to the head of Path Valley; thence westerly to the eastern boundary of the Presbytery of Redstone, so on to leave the congregation of Bedford to the south, into a Presbytery by the name of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, and appointed their first meeting on the second Tuesday of April, A.D. 1795, to be held at Mr. Martin's church in Penn's Valley ; in consequence of this Act of the General Assembly, the Presbytery of Huntingdon met at the place and the day aforesaid."
In accordance with the resolution previously adopted, the Presbytery of Huntingdon, April 9, 1895, observed the Centennial Anniversary of this organization. These exercises were of such nature, historically, that the Presbytery authorized the publication of a memorial volume, which would preserve the historical and other addresses of this occasion.
Rev. Harvey Græme Furbay, Ph.D., Chairman, Rev. D. K. Free- man, D.D., Rev. R. F. Wilson, Editor, Gen. James A. Beaver, and Mr. J. C. Blair were appointed a committee to publish this book.
9
REV.J. P. E.KUMLER, D.D. MODERATOR OF THE SYNOD OF PENNA.
REV. S.A. MUTCHMORE, D.D.L.L.D. MODERATOR GENERAL OF THE ASSEMBLY
REV. DAVID H. BARRON, D.D. MODERATOR OF THE HUNTINGDON PRESBYTERY
MODERATORS.
HISTORICAL MEMORIAL.
PRELIMINARY ACTION TOUCHING THE CENTENNIAL.
IT may be well to note, as a part of the history, the action of the Presbytery taken in advance of the observance of the Centennial.
At an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery, held at Bellwood, June 12, 1894, the Revs. David H. Barron, D.D., George Elliott, and Joseph H. Mathers, D.D., with Elders General James A. Beaver and John Clark, were appointed a committee to consider the propriety of observing in some special manner the Centennial Anniversary of the Organization of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, and report at the stated October meeting, 1894.
During the sessions of Presbytery, at Reedsville, October 3, 1894, the Special Committee on the Centennial of Presbytery reported that it has carefully considered the subject committed to it, and recommends,-
First .- That the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Organization of the Presbytery be observed at Huntingdon, on the second Tuesday (being the ninth day) of April, 1895.
Second .- That, in order to devote the entire day to the observance of the Anniversary, Presbytery suspend a standing rule in regard to the spring meeting, and convene for organization and preliminary business on Monday evening next preceding the second Tuesday of April, 1895 (being the eighth day of the month), at 7.30 P.M.
Third .- That the Rev. D. H. Barron, D.D., preside at the celebration.
Fourth .- That the Rev. Robert Hamill, D.D., be invited to deliver a Centennial historical sermon in the morning at ten o'clock ; that the Rev. J. C. Kelly be invited to deliver an address upon "Local History and Biography"; that the Rev. George Elliott be invited to deliver an address upon " Personal Reminiscences of the Churches and Members of the Presbytery"; that David W. Woods, Sr., Esq., be invited to deliver an address upon "The Sources of Presbyterianism in Huntingdon Pres-
II
12
THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
bytery"; and that the Hon. John Scott, formerly of Huntingdon, be invited to deliver an address upon "The Influence of Presbyterianism in Central Pennsylvania"; and that after each of the last-mentioned four addresses opportunity be given for voluntary remarks by the members of Presbytery and visitors upon the subject-matter of the addresses.
Fifth .- That if the day be not entirely consumed with the programme hereinbefore outlined, that the evening be devoted to a popular meeting, the main topic for which shall be "The Work of the Presbytery and the Outlook for the Future."
All of which is respectfully submitted. James A. Beaver, Secretary ; D. H. Barron, Chairman.
The report was accepted and adopted.
The Committee was continued, with authority to fill any appoint- ments which might be declined and to add the names of others to lead in prayer and make addresses.
Dr. Hamill having declined to fill his appointment on account of impaired health, the Committee appointed the Rev. Joseph H. Mathers, D.D., in his place. They appointed the Hon. Augustus S. Landis to make an address on "The Bench and Bar During the Past Century as Viewed from the Presbyterian Stand-point." The Committee also arranged for addresses at the evening session, by Rev. Samuel A. Mutchmore, D.D., LL.D., Moderator of the General Assembly; by Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, D.D., Moderator of the Synod of Pennsylvania; and by General James A. Beaver.
The Rev. George Elliott, who had been appointed to make an address, died March 15, 1895.
When Presbytery had convened at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, on the 9th day of April, 1895, and were now ready at 10 o'clock A.M. to proceed with the Centennial exercises, the Special Committee reported a completed order of services, which was accepted and adopted. The Moderator of Presbytery, Rev. Dr. D. H. Barron (in the thirty-fourth year of his pastorate in the church of Hollidaysburg), presided.
The doxology, " Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," etc., was sung.
The invocation was made by the Rev. Sylvester S. Bergen, the last Moderator.
Hymn 435, " Dundee," "Our God, our help in ages past," etc., was sung.
Scripture selections from the first, second, and third chapters of
HON. A
S. LANDIS HOLIDAYSBURG
GEN.JAMESA.BEAVER, LLD BELLEFONTE
HON. JOHN SCOTT
D.W.WOODS, ESQ. LEWISTOWN .
RULING ELDERS.
13
OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
Ephesians and of the twenty-third Psalm were read by the Rev. David K. Freeman, D.D.
The Moderator, Dr. Barron, led in prayer (see page 15), after which Hymn 4, " Old Hundred," " All people that on earth do dwell," etc., was sung.
The Rev. Joseph Hutchison Mathers, D.D., then delivered the Cen- tennial Sermon from Deuteronomy iv. 32,-" For ask now of the days that are past" (see page 16),-after which the Rev. Richard Morrow Campbell led in prayer.
Hymn 32, " Coronation," " All hail the power of Jesus's name," etc., was sung.
In the temporary absence of Rev. John W. Bain, who had been appointed, the benediction was pronounced by the Moderator.
Presbytery took a recess till 2 P.M.
After recess, Presbytery met at 2 P.M.
Hymn 575, "Shirland," "I love thy kingdom, Lord," etc., was sung, when the Rev. Andrew H. Parker led in prayer (see page 39), after which the Rev. Joseph C. Kelly delivered an address on "Fragments that Remain" (see page 40).
Hymn 569, " Arcadia," "Where are kings and empires now," etc., was sung.
David Walker Woods, Esq., delivered an address on " The Sources of Presbyterianism in Huntingdon Presbytery" (see page 64), after which Hymn 830, " America," " God bless our native land," etc., was sung.
The Hon. Augustus S. Landis made an address on " The Bench and Bar During the Past Century, as Viewed from the Presbyterian Stand- point" (see page 71).
Hymn 790, "Auld Lang Syne," " Jerusalem, my happy home," etc., led by the Rev. H. Howard Stiles, as Precentor, was sung.
A recess till 7 P.M. was taken.
The Centennial exercises were resumed. In the absence of the Moderator, the Rev. J. H. Mathers, D.D., presided.
After a voluntary by the choir, Hymn 373, " Dundee," " Let children hear the mighty deeds," etc., was sung. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Robert M. Wallace, D.D. (see page 84). Then Hymn 884, " Rocking- ham," "O God! beneath Thy guiding hand," etc., was sung.
Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, D.D., Moderator of the Synod of Pennsyl- vania, made an address on " The Debt and Duty of Presbyterians" (see page 85).
14
THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Hymn 951, "Webb," "Stand up, stand up for Jesus," etc., was sung.
Following this the Rev. Samuel A. Mutchmore, D.D., LL.D., Moderator of the General Assembly, delivered an address on "The Oddities and Sublimities of Presbyterians."
Hymn 651, " Middleton," " Glorious things of Thee are spoken," etc., was sung.
General James A. Beaver, late Governor of Pennsylvania, addressed the Presbytery on "The Outlook" (see page 90).
Hymn I, "Lyons," "Ye servants of God! your Master proclaim," etc., was sung.
The next address was by Hon. John Scott, of Philadelphia, but formerly of Huntingdon, on " Presbyterian Influence" (see page 98).
A Centennial hymn, written by Rev. Dr. Freeman, was sung (see page 103), after which the Rev. S. S. Gilson, D.D., an editor of the Pres- byterian Banner, of Pittsburg, made a brief closing address. Rev. Robert F. Wilson, in the absence of Rev. Robert Hamill, D.D., offered the concluding prayer (see page 104).
Hymn 597, " Dennis," " Blest be the tie that binds," etc., was sung. Presbytery adjourned till 9 A.M. to-morrow.
The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. James P. Hughes, in the absence of the Rev. Wm. Prideaux, who had been named in the programme.
These commemorative ceremonies were deeply interesting to all who attended upon them, and doubtless the coming generations who may read the record of this anniversary will heartily thank the Presbytery for this information. Verily, God has led the Presbytery in paths very pleasant, and crowned its labors with large success.
ROBERT F. WILSON, S. C.
15
OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
PRAYER.
REV. D. H. BARRON, D.D.
ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, thou art our God, and we will praise thee. Thou art our fathers' God, and we will exalt thee.
We adore thee as the God of the Bible and of the church and of the Covenant and of the promises, the God of thy people and of their children, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in him.
We come to praise thee for thy goodness and for thy wonderful works to the children of men.
We thank thee that thou hast chosen a people for thyself, and hast established thy church upon the earth. We thank thee for the Bible and the Sabbath and the living ministry, for the ordinances of thy house, for all the means of grace, and for the hope of eternal life.
We thank thee for Jesus Christ, thy Son and Saviour, Head of the church and Head over all things to the church, and for all the mani- festations of thy love and grace and power in him; for all that comes to us in thy grace, through his perfect life, his atoning death, his glorious resurrection, and his ever-living intercession.
We praise thee, O God, for thy divine care of thy church through all the ages to this day; that in the midst of all perils and against all foes thou hast so mercifully and mightily preserved her, hast so added to her members, and so extended her influence among the nations of the earth, according to thy eternal purpose and thy covenant promise.
We thank thee for this Presbytery ; for its organization by thy ser- vants a hundred years ago, and for its preservation and enlargement through all the years to this day.
We bless thee for the faith and courage and hope of our fathers, in bringing the gospel to this region and planting thy church in these valleys in the face of trials and hardships and perils. We bless thee this day for all that thou hast enabled this Presbytery to do in the cen- tury that has passed, in holding fast thy word, in maintaining the ordi- nances of thy house, in the work of Christian education and of Christian missions, in all that pertains to the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is all of thy sovereign grace and almighty power, and we give to thee this day the praise and the glory.
We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast brought us here to-day
16
THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
to review and record thy dealings with thy church in the past, and to praise thee for thy goodness to us now. Make us humble and thankful in the goodly heritage we now enjoy, in the blessings that have come down to us in thy grace through the toils and trials of our fathers. And from the record of the past help us to learn lessons of faith and courage and fidelity in the places where thou hast put us, and in the work thou hast given us to do.
Help us in all faithfulness to make known to our children the truths of thy word and the blessings of thy grace, that the generation to come may know them, even the children who shall be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, that they may set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.
Bless those who shall speak to us this day of thy doings, and bless us all with thy pardon and peace and grace.
All these blessings we ask in the name of Jesus, our merciful and faithful High Priest, who has taught us to pray and to say, Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
CENTENNIAL SERMON.
REV. JOSEPH H. MATHERS, D.D.
" For ask now of the days that are past."-DEUT. iv. 32.
IT is profitable to turn our thoughts to the past in quest of knowledge as to the Lord's dealing with his people. There are contrasts to be noted that marvellously illustrate his mercy. The Great Lawgiver be- sought Israel to consider the gracious dealing of the Covenant God with them that their gratitude might be awakened, their obedience established, and their future illumined by his grace. The offices of history are help- ful in stimulating the languishing graces and in awakening the pro- foundest emotions of gratitude. It embodies in the most simple form the goodness of the Lord. It awakens the gratitude and stimulates the soul to increased effort to secure the blessings of the Covenant. We
KC. : M WALL WIL DS LITTLE VALLE
REV. R M. CAMPBELL. PORT ROYAL
REV. R. F. WILSON. CLE . OF
REV. JOSEPH H MATHERS D.D ..
PASTORS.
17
OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
are assembled to-day to consider his gracious dealing with the fathers and ourselves, to note the progress of his church, and to seek inspira- tion from the past for the service that lies before us and our children.
About the time that negotiations were in progress for the union of the New Side Synod of New York and the Old Side Synod of Philadel- phia, the region now covered by the Presbytery of Huntingdon was being occupied by venturesome pioneers, who had crossed the North or Kittatinny and Tuscarora Mountains to possess the fruitful valleys of the Juniata. But whilst the Presbyterians were smoking the pipe of peace in their council chambers the merciless savage was decimating the scat- tered inhabitants and filling the homes of survivors with consternation. The early settlers had taken their lives in their hands in adventuring into the wilderness; but they were building wiser than they knew, and the fruitful fields and prosperous towns and growing cities attest the grandeur of their achievements. Their lowly cabins long ago gave way to modern structures ; their humble sanctuaries to stately temples, where the chil- dren of the fourth and fifth generations gather for the worship of the Covenant God. The weary watching for more prosperous days had an ending, and the waste, howling wilderness had become as the garden of the Lord.
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