USA > Pennsylvania > Carbon County > Summit Hill > A history of the sabbath school of the first Presbyterian church, Summit Hill, Carbon county, Pa., and a narrative of the diamond jubilee > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
His Christian influence and godly walk among the workmen, soon brought others to join the company. This was in the summer of 1835, and as the number increased he obtained the assistance of Mrs. Alexander McLean. This was what is called a Bible class, and formed the foundations for the First Presbyterian Church of Summit Hill.
While this was not a regularly organized Sabbath school conducted by these men and women, yet it was a coming together to study God's word, and we must not suppose it was all smooth work. They had a great many discouragements in their endeavors until, in the spring of 1836, the Rev. An- drew Tully, then a theological student at Princeton, N. J., came to Summit Hill, taught the day school, and took charge of the Sabbath school, and other religious services.
For several years the Sabbath school was opened in spring and continued until fall. During these months Rev. Tully
23
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
was assisted by Mr. G. W. Smith, an Elder from the Mauch Chunk church. (*) Who took the lead it is impossible to say as tradition varies. Some say Mr. Smith, others say he came from Mauch Chunk only once or twice a month and that Andrew Harkin was the leader.
During the summer James Edgar came into the community and when the school was opened in 1838, he was chosen its leader. (+) On February 12th, 1839, Rev. Richard Webster, Pastor of the Mauch Chunk Presbyterian Church, presented a report to Presbytery held at Beaver Meadow, stating that there were twenty-three members at Summit Hill, and a committee was appointed to investigate the field, and if the way be clear, to organize a church. Accordingly, on April 19th, 1839, the First Presbyterian Church of Summit Hill was organized, consisting of twenty-six members, four of whom resided at Tamaqua.
The following were the charter members of the church :-
ALEXANDER MCLEAN AND WIFE. WILLIAM KNOX.
JOHN NICHOL AND WIFE.
JOHN BILLINGHAM.
ANDREW HARKEN AND WIFE.
JAMES EDGAR.
JOHN TAIT AND WIFE.
MATTHEW HENRY.
MRS. SARAH J. SAMPSON.
JOSEPH BROWN.
MRS. MARGARET CRAIG.
ALEXANDER BREWSTER.
MRS. MARY WINTERSTEEN.
WILLIAM HENRY.
JAMES MCLEAN.
MRS. SARAH HEATON.
MATTHEW MORRISON.
MRS. MARIA HUNTER.
JONATHAN JOHNSON.
MRS. ELIZABETH MCNEAL.
JAMES KNOX.
GEORGE WASHINGTON BROWN.
* Rev. Doremus' sermon.
t Rev. Robinson's sermon.
24
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Andrew Harkin and James Edgar were appointed Ruling Elders, and they had full charge of the Sabbath school. We can find no records up to this time regarding the member- ship or the library, (*) but at the close of the year 1839 the membership of the school averaged over fifty and had a library of one hundred and twenty volumes.
(t) "The school was not opened in the spring of 1840 until July, when Mr. John Ruddle came from Mauch Chunk and assisted in its reorganization." After this the school became more flourishing, probably on account of the new library, yet we read of (¿) "a large and flourishing Sabbath School throughout the year, sustained chiefly by a few individuals and is now small from the want of teachers" as was the case in 1841 and 1842.
How that phrase "for want of teachers" is ringing down the corridor of time ! Why, when we recall God's goodness to us, can we, professing Christians, disobey His divine com- mand "to work in His vineyard"?
(§) On April 2nd, 1843, James Edgar was appointed Superintendent of the Sabbath school, which was kept open all year, the number in attendance being sixty. Rev. A. G. Harned reported it to the Session in 1844, as being in a flour- ishing condition.
On August 25th, 1844, James Edgar resigned from the superintendency and the Session appointed Elder Joshua Barnes to the office.
* Session Book; volume 1, page 5.
# Rev. Doremus' sermon.
+ Session Book; volume 1, page 7.
§ Session Book; volume 1, page 14.
25
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
In 1842 Mr. Nathan Patterson, of Mauch Chunk, became superintendent of the mines here, and in his journeyings in and out among the people, he knew them very well, and in 1844, he removed from Mauch Chunk to Summit Hill. (*) "Having been superintendent of the Mauch Chunk Sabbath school from 1840 and accustomed to the work," Mr. Patterson was appointed to the office on February 1st, 1846. (+)
Of Mr. Patterson Rev. Robinson says: "He filled his position with efficiency and punctuality until September, 1876, a period of over thirty years. He was a man of sterling integrity, impelled by conscientious motives in the discharge of his duties, religious amd temporal. He left his mark upon the Sabbath school and his memory is cherished dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is affectionately known as 'Uncle Nathan' by almost all who came in con- tact with him in his work. He was liberal and undaunted by difficulties. 'Though dead, he speaketh.'"
During this time services had been conducted in the old school house, now occupied by John Pollock and Mrs. William Kane, on Holland Street, but at a meeting of Presbytery in 1846, the most important topic under discussion was: (*) "The location of a site and the issuing of proposals for the erection of a plain but commodious house of worship to be erected during the summer."
* Miss Webster's History of Mauch Chunk church.
t Session Book; volume 1, page 47.
# Session Book; volume 1, page 28.
26
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In 1846 and 1847 the congregation began the erection of a church on the site of the present edifice, and on July 4th, 1847 (*) "while the building is yet unfinished, the walls unplastered, and the benches taken from all the school houses, a young licentiate, Mr. Heckman, who happened in the town, preached the dedicatory sermons."
The new meeting house was a very plain building, re- sembling "a factory of some kind, " and cost $1415, and two years later the basement was fitted up for a Sabbath school at an additional cost of $260.
At this time there were sixty scholars enrolled in the school in fourteen classes, with the twelve regular teachers, as fol- lows :-
MARY T. MCCONNELL.
A. J. WINTERSTEEN.
ADELIZA DOUGHERTY.
JUSTUS P. WALTON.
CAROLINE DOUGHERTY. T. P. SIMPSON.
ELIZABETH WALTON.
JOHN MCLAUGHLIN.
NANCY WINTERSTEEN.
T. N. PATTERSON.
ELIZABETH FORSMAN.
J. E. BARNES.
In 1849 the number of scholars had reached one hundred, and on April 28th the hour of service was changed from 1.30 P. M. to 9 A. M., at which hour it has remained ever since.
At this time in the history of the school Mrs. J. E. Barnes offered to take charge of the "little people" of the school, and on July 21st, 1850, she gathered the little ones around her in the upper room of the church.
Her stay among them was short, for on September 29th, 1850, we read in Mr. Patterson's records that "Mrs. J. E.
* Mr. Patterson's Records.
27
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
Barnes left the past week for Rondout, N. Y., leaving the class of small children without a teacher," and during the next month Mrs. Peckens took charge of the infant class.
During the year 1850 a library was again purchased and A. J. Wintersteen was appointed Librarian, who served one year. Then H. H. McConnell was appointed Librarian, with A. J. Wintersteen assistant.
In 1852 we read in the school report of the membership of 257 scholars, twenty teachers, one Superintendent, and two Librarians, or a total of 280. Our number now has fallen to 235, notwithstanding the fact that we are surrounded by five other evangelical churches, namely: Episcopal, Bap- tist, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed.
When we review the undeserved mercies of the Lord toward us we surely see that we have abundant reason for thanks- giving, and we feel solemnly called to labor with our might from henceforth and with hope. "To God be the praise."
The work of our school continued with great enthusiasm until December 8th, 1861, we read in Mr. Patterson's records that "H. H. McConnell, our Librarian for many years, left last week to enlist in the 11th Regt. P. V. under Col. Coulter, and William McLaughlin is appointed in his stead."
We may remark that, although Mr. Patterson kept a re- markable record of the affairs in connection with the Church and school, we think it was an oversight when he failed to enter upon his list the names of the brave boys who went to the front at the breaking out of the Civil War. Some re- turned, though crippled for life, while others who gave
28
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
their lives for their country lie buried under the Southern soil.
Rev. Robinson says : "Matters progressed quietly until, in 1867, the old edifice, becoming dilapidated-frequently pieces of plaster would fall during the service, and the snow blowing in would melt and drop down upon the congregation -an effort was made to raise funds to renovate the old build- ing and make it comfortable.
Their efforts did not prove futile, for, on December 31st, 1871, we read : (*) " School suspended for renewing and re- pairing the meeting house, which to-day is not completed. The new seats are here, but not finished and only partly in their places ; nevertheless, we have assembled for the first time since November 5th."
Mr. Patterson resigned from the Superintendency of the Sabbath school on September 3d, 1876, after a term of thirty-one years, having done his work faithfully and well as his records show.
On July 21st, 1876, we read : (+) "Mr. Patterson has gone to Sterling, Illinois. Rev. George Benaugh present and read a letter from Mr. Patterson to the school relative to his ab- sence; after which the Pastor announced to the school that James McCready would take charge of the school until the Session took further action upon the matter, which it did, and on January 5th, 1878, Mr. McCready was appointed to fill the office of Superintendent.
* Mr. Patterson's Records.
t Mr. Patterson's Records.
29
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
October 9th, 1876, we find recorded in the minutes of the teachers' meeting that the officers of the school were as follows :---
* Superintendent, JAMES MCCREADY. Treasurer, JAMES BALLANTINE. Librarian, WILSON CRAWFORD. Secretary, JAMES SMYRL.
The officers have remained unchanged until the present time with the exception of the Treasurer, James Ballantine, who resigned, and Robert Ross assumed the charge of the office in July, 1886.
On July 14th, 1896, the Superintendent, Mr. McCready, owing to ill health and at the advice of his family physician, set sail for his native land, Scotland. During his absence William Schneider was appointed acting Superintendent, which position he filled with great credit until the Super- intendent's return in September, 1896. At this time also the duties of the Secretary and the Librarian became so great that Joseph Ross was appointed Assistant, which position he held until 1903, when God called him to his reward.
Surely no officers more faithful to their duties have ever been found upon the records of any Sabbath school.
As the years roll on the hand of time brings changes, and the old church needed repairs. It was unanimously decided that we build a new church on the site of the old one. The
* This office was pro tem. at that date, and afterward made permanent (Jan- uary, 1878).
30
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
razing of the old church commenced in April, 1895, and on the Sabbath afternoon of August 11th the corner stone was laid by the Pastor, Rev. James Robinson, who preached a very beautiful and appropriate sermon on that occasion.
During the time our church was building we worshiped in the Lutheran and Reformed churches, a kindness granted which shall never be forgotten by us. The new building was completed on Sabbath, March 22d, 1896, when Rev. Robin- son delivered an able sermon on the text, "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." -- Psalm 122:1.
The financial condition of the school during the twenty- three years in which Mr. Ross has been Treasurer, plainly demonstrates the fact that our temporal as well as our spiritual welfare has been God's care, for we know "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver."
There has been deposited into our treasury during that time contributions as follows :-
Sabbath School Collections.
$2,675.79
Sabbath School Building Fund 2,552.99
Sabbath School Special Chest
520.41
Sabbath School Class Socials
1,164.83
Sabbath School Mission Collections
2,241.77
Sabbath School Children's Day 460.97
Sabbath School San Francisco Relief
21.20
Total.
$9,637.96
At present writing the balance on hand in the treasury amounts to $1280.
31
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
What can we say of our Superintendent? As to the efficiency, ability, generosity and acceptance with which he has filled his position for the past thirty-two years can be attested to by any and all of the scholars who have been under his jurisdiction. We have, indeed, been blessed with an earnest and faithful Superintendent, who has devoted himself to the interest and welfare of the school, and we feel it is a cause for deep gratitude that he is still with us.
During all these years our school has grown and pros- pered, not only in numbers, but, we hope, in grace. As we have seen and know many of our numbers have slipped away from time to time and joined the school in heaven. Some have removed and are giving their testimony in other com- munities and in other churches. Yet, Eternity alone can unfold the total result of their labors.
We have not by any means recorded all the events which have transpired during all these years, yet we have tried to sum up the most important of the things God has done for us, and we wonder what He has in store for the future. "His will, not ours, be done." Still we must gird up our loins, put on the whole armor of faith, and go forth to conquer, for there is much land yet to be possessed for Jesus.
"There are still some few remaining Who remind us of the past. But they change as all things change here; Nothing in this life can last. Years roll on and pass forever; What is coming-who can say? Ere this closes many may be Far away."
32
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
We have given the names of our superintendents and officers, and in order to bring before the minds of our readers the forms and faces of their teachers, who have by their fidelity and devotion done so much for the spiritual and tem- poral interests of the school, we have endeavored to make a list of all recorded in the books of our Sabbath school. Our readers will recall them with tender love, for we know they are enshrined in their memories, and we also know that their names are written in heaven, whither so many have already gone to enter upon their reward.
They are as follows :-
TEACHERS.
1846.
1. MARY T. MCCONNELL.
2. CAROLINE DOUGHERTY.
3. NANCY WINTERSTEEN.
4. A. J. WINTERSTEEN.
5. T. P. SIMPSON.
6. T. N. PATTERSON.
7. ELIZABETH EDGAR.
8. ADELIZA DOUGHERTY.
9. ELIZABETH WALTON.
10. ELIZABETH FORSMAN.
11. JUSTUS WALTON.
12. JOHN MCLAUGHLIN.
1849.
13. LOUISA THOMPSON.
14. MRS. N. DRUMHELLER.
15. NATHANIEL MCINTYRE.
16. ISABELLE QUIGLEY.
17. HANNAH J. QUIGLEY.
18. R. H. BARNES.
19. CATHARINE PATTERSON.
20. THOMAS WALTON.
21. J. E. BARNES.
22. JENETTE ADAMS.
23. SAMUEL PATTERSON.
24. W. L. PATTERSON.
25. MRS. ISABELLA ABBOTT.
26. ANN SIMPSON.
27. DANIEL MCINTYRE.
28. W. H. BARNES.
29. MR. SCHISSLER.
1850.
30. MERRITT ABBOTT.
31. MRS. ESTHER PECKENS.
32. T. M. DOUGHERTY.
33. ERKSKINE ABBOTT.
34. MRS. J. E. BARNES.
35. MR. HELME.
36. JOSEPH NEVINS.
37. MR. BEGG.
33
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
1851.
38. MARGARET MCLEAN.
39. MATILDA LETCHWORTH.
40. MRS. J. A. LATHROP.
41. R. WENNER.
1852.
42. NANCY MCCREADY.
43. DIXON LEWERS.
44. JOHN KENT.
45. SARAH HARRISON.
46. MARGARET Ross.
47. MRS. D. LEWERS.
48. HENRY THOMAS.
49. ANN PHILLIPS.
1853.
50. C. WENNER.
51. MRS. C. HARNED.
52. AMELIA LATTIMER.
53. J. B. Dow.
54. ELIZABETH QUIGLEY.
55. CHARLES STEWART.
56. A. F. GOULD.
57. J. C. LANCE.
1854.
58. ANNIE MCLAUGHLIN.
59. ZELPAH LANCE.
60. ALEXANDER CRAIG.
61. JOHN D. PATTERSON.
62. SAMUEL NEVINS.
63. FRANCIS HUGHES.
64. B. ROBINSON.
65. MARY PRYOR.
66. MR. COOK.
1855.
67. SUSAN BAYNE.
68. ISABELLA HENRY.
69. G. W. BOBST.
70. SARAH MCINTOSH.
71. MR. SILVERNAIL.
72. SOLOMON RICKERT.
73. DAVID G. PHILLIPS.
74. MARY J. CRAIG.
75. CATHARINE LANCE.
76. WILLIAM MCKEEVER.
77. SARAH WINTERSTEEN.
78. JOHN MCKEEVER.
79. JOHN WILLIAMS.
80. JOHN C. NEVINS.
81. JAMES EDGAR.
82. NAOMI RUDOLPH.
83. AUGUSTA DODSON.
1856.
84. SARAH MCKEEVER.
85. MARY E. HAMPTON.
86. MERRITT A. BROWN.
87. JOHN WILLIAMSON.
88. JOEL LANCE.
89. W. J. BARNETT.
1859.
90. JONATHAN SIMPSON.
91. MARY J. WHITE.
92. GEORGE WINTERSTEEN.
93. ROBERT MCCURLEY.
94. J. H. DEXTER.
95. JOHN H. JONES.
96. HENRY SMITH.
97. MARGARET NEVINS.
98. HANNAH HARRIS.
99. ELIZA M. MCCREADY.
100. MILLER H. BROWN.
101. WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN.
102. ANNA KEMMERER.
34
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1860.
103. MARY C. WATSON.
104. JAMES POWELL.
105. ANNA DITHMAR.
106. MARTHA POLLOCK.
107. MAHLON KEMMERER.
108. MARGARET J. HENRY.
109. ROBERT MCLAUGHLIN.
1861.
110. W. D. ZEHNER.
111. J. WILSON DEWITT.
112. MARGARET LEES.
113. JOHN R. HARRIS.
1862.
114. WALTER LEISENRING.
115. ELIZABETH BOYLE.
116. MARY LIGHTCAP.
1863.
117. JAMES MCCREADY.
118. CATHARINE PHILLIPS.
119. MARY A. DUNN.
120. ELIZABETH WINTERSTEEN.
121. JOHN MCCREADY.
122. ELIZABETH LONG.
123. THOMAS MCLAUGHLIN.
1866.
124. WINFIELD LANCE.
125. MARY J. ZEHNER.
126. ISABELLA SIMPSON.
127. ROBERT LYNN.
128. PETER MILLER.
129. SUSAN P. HART.
130. ANABELLA MCMICHAEL.
131. JANE McMICHAEL.
132. JOHN H. KLINE.
133. ROBERT MCCREADY.
134. MARTHA LEES.
135. BENJAMIN MURPHY.
136. ELLEN JOHNSON.
137. NANCY ALLEN.
138. A. B. WATSON.
139. JOHN WINTERSTEEN.
1867.
140. JOHN B. KOLB.
141. MARTIN CRAWFORD.
142. JAMES GRADY.
1868.
143. ADOLPH NEUMILLER.
144. MARY N. RIPPLE.
145. JOHN C. RUTTER.
146. JOHN WATT.
1869.
147. THOMAS JONES.
1870.
148. THOMAS MCCREADY.
1871.
149. ELIZABETH MCMICHAEL.
150. MARGARET STERRITT.
151. MARGARET BOYD.
1872.
152. WILLIAM SMYRL.
153. MARY A. MCLAUGHLIN.
154. THOMAS LYNN.
155. MARY GRACE JONES.
156. MARY HOAG.
157. JOHN F. BYNON.
158. JANE MCCREADY.
35
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
1873.
159. JANE CRAWFORD.
160. HANNAH POLLOCK.
161. ELIZABETH ALLEN.
162. SARAH LYNN.
163. MARY A. Ross.
164. MIRIAM BYRON.
165. MARGARET ALLEN.
166. ROBERT ROSS.
167. WILLIAM BOYD.
1874.
168. MARY H. MCCREADY.
169. SARAH DALE.
170. SALLIE WALTON.
171. WILSON CRAWFORD.
172. JOHN LEES.
173. JOHN POLLOCK.
1875.
174. SUSAN MILLER.
175. MARY A. SMYRL.
176. SAMUEL SMYRL.
177. WILLIAM HOAG.
178. MARY HENRY.
179. HENRY O'NEILL.
180. ELIZABETH HENRY.
1876.
181. JAMES BALLANTINE.
182. ESTHER HOAG.
183. WILLIAM McMICHAEL.
184. MARGARET O'NEILL.
1878.
185. MARAGRET A. HENRY.
1879.
186. J. W. ABBOTT.
187. JOSEPH FORREST.
188. BENJAMIN ROSS.
189. THOMAS POLLOCK.
190. REV. J. H. DOREMUS.
191. BENJAMIN WALKER.
192. MARGARET Ross.
193. MARGARET NEVINS.
194. MARY J. MCLAUGHLIN.
1880.
195. JAMES T. SMITH.
196. KATE ABBOTT.
197. ANDREW O. CROWE.
1881.
198. KATE MCQUAID.
199. ROBERT McMICHAEL.
200. JOHN McMICHAEL.
201. JOHN BOGLE.
202. MRS. W. HOUSER.
1882.
203. MARY ABBOTT.
1884.
204. MARTHA D. Ross.
205. ISABELLE HENRY.
206. JENNIE BOYD.
207. CLARA HOUSER.
1885.
208. SAMUEL NEVINS, JR.
209. JENNIE Ross.
210. SARAH SMYRL.
211. MARY A. R. NEVINS.
36
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1887.
212. STEPHEN HARRIS.
213. MATTIE HOAG.
1888.
214. JESSIE NEIGH.
1889.
215. ISABELLE CLARK.
216. MRS. T. MCCREADY.
1890.
217. ROBERT MCELHENNY.
218. ANNIE STEWART.
1891.
219. W. B. CROWE.
1892.
220. REV. JAMES ROBINSON.
221. ALEXANDER MCKAY.
1893.
222. JOSEPH JONES.
223. MARGARET CLARK.
224. JOSEPH GORMLEY.
225. JOSEPHINE SIMPSON.
1895.
226. MARTHA HENRY.
1896.
227. MARGARET WILSON.
228. C. W. CORBIN.
1897.
229. ANNIE B. MCCREADY.
230. CORA BOGLE.
231. JANE A. KLINE.
232. REBECCA JOHNSON.
1898.
233. JOSEPH NEVINS.
234. MRS. JAMES DAVIS.
235. REV. JOHN CAMPBELL.
1899.
236. MRS. JOHN CAMPBELL.
1900.
237. J. W. SCHNEIDER.
238. NETTIE Ross.
1901.
239. FLORENCE HENRY.
240. ANNA M. BACON.
241. HARRY LESLIE.
1902.
242. OTTO A. KRUEGER.
243. WILLIAM LESLIE.
1903.
244. ISABELLE M. HOAG.
1904.
245. WILLIAM R. MCCREADY.
37
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
1905.
246. NANCY SCHNEIDER. 1906.
247. SUSANNA C. MCCREADY.
248. JAMES F. FORREST.
1907.
249. MARY B. CLARK.
250. LUCY MORRISON.
251. ESTHER CRAWFORD.
252. MRS. W. N. HENRY.
1908.
253. MARY FORREST.
254. REV. H. I. NICHOLAS.
1909.
255. MARTHA WALKER.
256. ANTON SCHNEIDER.
JAMESTOWN.
In the Sabbath-school records we find that "on November 9th, 1851, Sabbath school organized at the new school house near Tunnel No. 6 last Sabbath at one-half past ten o'clock. Andrew Weir was chosen Superintendent, with Samuel Nevins Assistant, who took charge of the school when An- drew Weir left for Plymouth. The furniture being of the rudest kind, and the necessity of a desk and book closet being evident, W. W. Ratcliffe furnished the lumber while Samuel Nevins built the necessary articles."
In 1862 the school was closed and was not opened again until 1867, when W. H. Howells was chosen Superintendent. He was succeeded by J. B. Kolb, who at this time was pre- paring for his journey to Brazil as a missionary and J. W. Abbott was appointed to fill the vacancy. In 1883 J. W. Abbott resigned and John McMichael was appointed to the office with John Pollock Assistant.
The school was steadily increasing in number and the work of the Lord was carried on in this little school with great enthusiasm.
38
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
On account of the removal of the Superintendent and Assistant, Andrew Crowe was appointed to the office, with William Forgay Assistant. Owing to the ill-health of the Superintendent he was forced to resign his position, which was taken up by his brother, William B. Crowe, with Wil- liam Derby Assistant.
Upon the resignation of these two officers their positions were filled by W. L. Gibson and John Earley, Jr., respect- ively, who held these positions until 1902, when the incoming foreigners, with their different modes of living, forced the English-speaking inhabitants of this locality to seek more fitting places of abode for themselves. This, of course, les- sened the attendance in the Sabbath school, and it was de- cided to close it, much to the regret of the remaining members.
The number of Presbyterians having steadily increased in Lansford, they decided to build a church, and the greater number of scholars united with this church, and we know they are still following the work of the Master.
We have been able to procure the names of only some of the teachers of this school. They are as follows :-
MRS. W. W. RATCLIFFE.
MARY A. DOWNS.
ARTHUR MCQUAID.
MARY J. MCLAUGHLIN.
ROBERT McMICHAEL.
JENNIE REEVES.
MRS. ROBERT CRAWFORD.
ANNIE STUART.
REV. J. H. DOREMUS.
LINDA EARLEY.
REV. J. ROBINSON.
JOHN EARLEY, SR.
REV. J. CAMPBELL.
JOHN GIBSON.
MRS. J. CAMPBELL.
WILLIAM GIBSON.
CORA DOWNS.
WILSON CRAWFORD.
BENNIE CROWE.
JOHN EARLEY, JR.
ANDREW CROWE.
39
SUMMIT HILL, CARBON COUNTY, PENNA.
ASHTON.
During the time of Mr. Patterson's earliest visits to Sum- mit Hill he journeyed to Ashton (now Lansford), where there lived quite a few families of the Presbyterian faith, and he organized a Sabbath school for their instruction. The meet- ings were held in the school house, and, during the absence of their leader, Mr. Patterson, the services were conducted by members from the Mauch Chunk and Summit Hill churches.
The first regularly-recorded meeting was held in 1859, and for a number of years an account is given of every Sab- bath Session.
The following is the list of teachers we find recorded in the records :-
1859.
AARON MOSER.
SARAH CHRISTMAN.
MARY J. CAMPSIE.
JOSEPHINE VAN HORN.
1860.
MARY J. ALLEN. THOMAS DOWNS.
HENRY HOLMES.
JOHN H. JONES.
W. H. LANCE. WILLIAM HENRY. WALTER LEISENRING.
W. B. CORTRIGHT.
H. H. MCCONNELL.
1861.
MRS. J. E. VAN HORN. ANNA KEMMERER. JOHN MURRAY.
1863.
ISAAC ALLEN.
JOSEPH DOWNS.
CHARLES ALLEN.
AMANDA HEINEY.
MARY J. PATTERSON.
James Malready
Superintendent, 1878 -
SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF SUMMIT HILL SABBATH SCHOOL.
By James McCready, Superintendent.
OCTOBER 9TH, 1910.
The question is often asked, "Is life worth living?" If at this moment I should ask you for an answer to this question, assembled as we are, in the temple of the living God, with a history of seventy-five years of Sabbath-school life un- folded to our view, and the memory of sainted loved ones looming up before us, as we recall the beauty of their lives and the faithfulness of their service, I know your answer would be, "Yea, verily."
The environments of early life have somewhat to do with the formation of character, and conditions frequently are of such a nature that it requires more than the feeble efforts of man to do the things that he would, but the man who at the knee of his sainted mother has been taught that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him for- ever, and who seeks to glorify that God by putting forth every effort possible for the uplifting of humanity, knows no obstacles that cannot be overcome, and the sacrifices he may make only intensifies the joy and happiness that comes to him when the shadows lengthen and he can appropriate to
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.