USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Centennial volume of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, PA., 1784-1884 > Part 19
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That which stands written of the Session in 1839, may now, in 1884, be repeated with emphasis. "The eldership have generally endeavored to discharge their duty in the fear of God and with an eye to His glory, although sensible of many imperfections. The harmony and good feelings that exist among them and the respect and confidence of their brethren in the church which they have the happiness to enjoy, are by them justly and highly appreciated. It is a fact highly gratifying to them on review, that there never has been an appeal from any
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of their decisions; and that their admonitions have always been kindly and affectionately received." [Judge Snowden.]
I think the three pastors of this century whose opinions are accessible, unite in saying that the First Church has been blessed with the best Session that ever was. They have been kind and firm. They have always moved together and have always been prayerful and solicitous for the good of the people. They have been faithful in the Sabbath School and full of sympathy for the suffering. [Perhaps they might have visited more.]
To the elders that are yet living, but removed from us to other fields of usefulness, either in this city or elsewhere, only the general tribute can be paid, that without the least exception their connection with official duty in this church was productive of good and their conduct an ornament to their profession and office. We rejoice in the remembrance of their fellowship and service, as well as in their continued and growing usefulness in other parts of the Master's vineyard ; and shall keep them enrolled in our official history with mingled pride and thankful- ness. Such special mention as time and space admit and infor- mation warrants, may now be given concerning others than those whose biographies have just been read.
The early non-attendance of our eldership at Presbytery was rather marked. When Mr. Barr first appeared with an elder in 1787, at Laurel Hill, it was one of the Pitts Township Session- Mr. James Milligan. The first appearance in Presbytery, really ascertained, is that of the entire Session in connection with the trial at the termination of the first pastorate, in June, 1789. In August of that year, Mr. John Wilkins appears as the first regular representative of the congregation. George Plumer appears in April, 1801, and Mr. Wm. Dunning in a later meeting of the same year. June 28th, 1803, Mr. James B. Clow appears. In October of that year, Mr. Wilkins is registered in the Synod as representative, and the entire Session appears on the record as protestants against the organization of a second church in the city. Then the body consisted of Messrs. Jeremiah Sturgeon, James B. Clow, John Wilkins and Wm. Dunning. From that time onward attendance is more regular, but still the Session evinced no fondness for the general work of the church courts. The beginning of influence in that direction seems to have been
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at the accession of Mr. Snowden, in 1812, and its continuance by that of Mr. Denny, in 1829.
Of Mr. John Wilkins no more need be now said than to refer to his early zeal in gathering the people to organize and build, and to note that the period of his official service was one of the longest the church has ever known. He does not seem (according to the remembrance of Mrs. Eichbaum,) to have been willing to " lead in prayer and to serve at the communion table, until very late in life."
Mr. James Beach Clow is the second of our elders to appear in a marked way in the church history. For a long time he seems to have been the only elder who appeared at the con- munion seasons to assist Mr. Steele in distributing the elements. He was chosen an elder quite early in life, and his spirituality was always marked. Dr. Herron called him his "praying elder." His term of service was also long, though interrupted by removals. He was famed for his sweet voice, and led the devotions of the congregation for years. Many times have the dear old lines, "Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove," set the tone to the revival meetings as he set the tune to them. Such prayers to the Spirit have been often answered within these walls. In later life Mr. Clow wrote out his consecration to God, that he might be the better able to live the life of the Christian. The precious paper is still in the hands of his descendants, some of whom are still with us.
Concerning Mr. James Cooper, little information seems to be accessible. But fortunately the following reminiscence has been given by Mrs. Smith, [Miss Mary Herron.] "I only remem- ber one of the number that were in the church Session when father was called, and that for the reason that he lived close by us ; and his daughter, aunt Peggy Davis, as we called her, with all her oddities was a most excellent Christian woman and the delight of us young folks. Mr. Cooper was not a strong man, as far as knowledge of this world was concerned, but was wise in spiritual things. At first he was among the number that bit- terly opposed prayer meetings and Bible classes and denounced father as a Methodist. But when I remember him he was an advocate for all that was good-an humble Christian trying to do what he could for the kingdom of Christ, anda devoted friend of my father." [April, 1883.]
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Elder John Hannen was chosen in 1818, and remained in the office until 1828. Thereafter his work is found recorded in the history of the First Church of Allegheny, of which he was one of the originators. There and here he manifested the same graces. For his remarkably earnest and affectionate character, he was called "the beloved disciple." Many remember his old-fashioned ivory headed cane, his sedate but cheerful demeanor, and his in- timacy with his pastors, Drs. Herron and Swift, his consistency in everything and his fervent efforts to bring souls to Christ. One writes that he "was an excellent member of the First Church (our church,) Session in things spiritual ; but I always dreaded meeting him, as he would speak on the subject of religion, which was not palatable at the time." [Mrs. Mary Smith, 1883.] Dr. Elisha Swift said of him, " He was pre-eminent among the entire eldership of these cities, for the depth and vigor of his piety and the abundance of his efforts to do good. The linea- ments of his countenance bore the impress of the tranquility of his mind and the kindness of his heart."
Mr. William Plumer, chosen in 1829, removed before many years to New Albany, Indiana. There as here, he was known most favorably as consistent, intelligent, and devoted. He was specially active in Sabbath School work, and it is a singu- lar fact that a large part of the Sabbath School training of your last pastor (and the entire Sabbath School training of his wife,) should have been under his superintendency. The reflec- tion makes me all the more certain that we were "nourished up in sound doctrine." [Mr. John Bushnell, who united with this church in 1828, was also assistant superintendent, for many years, of the New Albany school, and a fit companion and friend for Mr. Plumer, and is yet honored for a more than fifty years eldership in the First Church of New Albany. It is a joy to have the privilege of recording in this way our sense of obli- gation to these two excellent men, whose prayers and godly example perpetuated the influence of this First Church in that one, and aided to prepare those who have been last your helpers in the work of Christ. Certain Sabbath School boxes in use in the old lecture room we recognized at once as the familiar appliances of the Sabbath School of our childhood.]
Mr. James Wilson was chosen an elder in 1829. The following obituary was published shortly after his death at an advanced age :
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[From Presbyterian Banner of March, 1883.]
IN MEMORIAM-JAMES WILSON was born in Mifflin township, Alle- gheny county, Pa., April 15th, 1793, and died January 31st, 1883, at his residence, No. 38 Darragh street, Allegheny City, P'a.
Nearly ninety years old ! How long it seems to us! How short it must now seem to him ! He had thoroughly learned the lesson of that great life-Psalm of "Moses, the Man of God," and had lived wisely as well as long. He began by being a man of enterprise. Among the earliest and then most successful of all our merchants was he. Yet earthly good never made him less than a man of principle. When it was not at all a popular thing to do, he, with one other, founded about 1815 the first Sab- bath School for colored children in this city. Later, his leaving the church of his early choice to help establish another (New School), was equally due to what he held as conscientious conviction, and his honesty was never questioned. He was nevertheless a man of peace. He knew how to hold convictions and obey them without disparaging the convic- tions and conduct of others. He seemed to arouse the least possible antagonism in others, and I never heard him say an ill word of any other man. And these things grew directly out of his being a man of piety. Other features of his character were plain; this was striking. He made a confession of his faith in connection with the First Church nearly sixty- five years ago, going with trembling steps but with firm faith to the pastor who for so many years thereafter was his firm friend. He meant what he said in that pastor's study. He ratified it by his life. He was from the first punctual in every religious duty, and soon came to be depended upon by the church. He was closely associated with the first subscriptions taken for mission purposes, and has shown me the books, in which Dr. Herrou leads the list. He was among the company which, more than fifty years ago, formed the Allegheny County Bible Society. In April, 1829, he was chosen an elder with Harmar Denny, and no name appears more regularly on the list of meetings or more frequently on committees charged with difficult duties. In the great revivals of the church's history he was deeply interested, and loved the memories of those times of re- freshing. After an interval, in which he wrought earnestly in another church, he returned to the First. Older now, his was mainly the life of love of the ordinances and of prayer. The early Sabbath morning prayer meeting was his delight. As he came out of its room and the pastor entered it, the latter was sure of a warm greeting, and felt the stronger for know- ing that he, and others of like spirit, had been praying so close to the pulpit. He bore his advancing infirmities with exemplary patience, and submitted calmly to the severer trials of the death of his two sons, the first in 1880, the second iu 1881. He received with appreciation and returned in affection the unremitting care of the faithful companion of his life (ten years ago they had celebrated their golden wedding) and of the four daughters who survive him. His end was " peace." No clouds. No shadows even. He had long " walked with God," and he is not, be-
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cause God has taken him. His character, his life and his death, are trophies of grace and treasures forever to his family and the church.
S. F. S.
Mr. John Herron was chosen to the eldership in 1832. His sound judgment and firm character were always relied upon. He removed to Minersville and gave himself and his property to the work of building up the much needed and always useful church there. He always loved this church, and many of his descend- ants have worshiped here; but the record of his life work prop- erly belongs to the history of that part of our city's growth in religious things. He was distantly related to Dr. Francis Herron and much esteemed by him. His influence was for many years a marked and constant force in behalf of all that was good.
Mr. John Wright was also chosen in 1832. His was the dispo- sition to be energetic and aggressive in Christian work. Among the very earliest was he, with his warm friend, Mr. James Wilson, to engage in Sabbath School work. Mrs. Mary Smith, in 1883, thus wrote of him: "For many years he was the efficient superintendent of the Infant School. With one or two others, he thought that the church did not take decided enough ground on the subject of slavery. They withdrew and formed a church organization that came to naught. Later it became the success- ful Central Church. To use his own language, he 'repented in sackcloth and ashes' the rest of his life. During the preva- lence of the cholera, he lost his wife and two of his sons. He then removed to a farm in Westmoreland county, where he lived a useful life until his death, about two or three years ago." I heard often of Mr. Wright's continued activity as well as of his former efficiency in the First Church. Occasionally he visited the city in later years, but it was my misfortune never to have been able to see him.
Mr. Alexander Laughlin was another of that number upon whom the hands of the church were laid in 1832. He lived a life of consistent picty and was specially gifted in prayer. It was his constant and his latest language. The Session put on record the following minute, at the close of his long and useful life, in 1867 :
WHEREAS, it has pleased Almighty God to call away from earth His aged servant, Alexander Laughlin, an elder in this church, our associate and brother : and
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WHEREAS, by this dispensation of Providence the church has lost a zealous disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, this Session a faithful member and a venerated co-worker and counsellor, his family a beloved husband and father, and the world the beneficent example of a Christian man : and
WHEREAS, we all have admired and loved our departed brother, and now revere his memory; therefore, in testimony of our profound regard,
Resolved, That we submit to the decree of Omnipotence with humility ; that we recognize in it the hand of a merciful and gracious Father, and worship reverently at His feet. "The Lord gave and the Lord hatlı taken away : blessed be the name of the Lord."
Resolved, That while mourning the decease of our dear brother, "we sorrow not even as others which have no hope," but with confidence in the promises of a covenant-keeping God, and in the confident belief that he who has served Jesus Christ these many years through temptations and trials, is now forever at rest. " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
Resolved, That we recall his presence among us with unfeigned pleasure, and his counsels with profit ; we review with honor his long life of humble piety, and remembering his faith and works, we pray that a double portion of his spirit may descend upon us.
Resolved, That we sympathize deeply with his bereaved family in their affliction, and yet entreat them to be comforted-to address their prayers to a gracious God ; to put their trust in His might and love, assured that He does all things well.
"The Lord bless them, and keep them, the Lord make his face to shine upon them, and be gracious to them; the Lord lift up his countenance upon them, and give them peace."
Here let me group the three elders elected in 1840, all of whom have left precious legacies of earnest work :
Mr. Frederick Lorenz was well known in business relations and faithful in all church duties. He was on the building com- mittee of 1851-3, and gave the work much time and attention. For simplicity and sincerity of character he will be always remembered.
Mr. Hugh McClelland was specially useful in all prayer meet- ing life and work.
Mr. R. W. Poindexter's activities in the early Sabbath School work are recorded in McKnight's Sabbath School History. He was stately and kindly too. He had been a teacher before his business career, and possessed considerable literary taste. He was most thoroughly the gentleman everywhere.
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Of the twenty-seven elders chosen during the first seventy-one years of our century, none survive except Mr. Richard Edwards, the faithful elder of the Third Church, whose presence and words last year at the " Jubilee" of that church, makes us regret the more his absence from our "Centennial." May he be re- stored and spared for other years of consistent life and great usefulness.
In 1855 four additions were made to the eldership-the large ingathering of 1851, the completion of the new ehureh building and the rapidly growing congregation pointing evidently to this step. Of these but one survives, Mr. John D. McCord, (now of Philadelphia-an elder in the Spruce Street Church,) whose pres- enee with us, whose satisfaction in all that is cheering in our outlook, and the warm elasp of whose hand are evidence that he will never forget the church he first loved and served-as it surely will not forget him.
Mr. Samuel W. Spencer (of that four) was not spared long to discharge the duties of the office to which he had been earlier unwilling to be elected, but he had so earnestly engaged in other duties that his memory will be cherished carefully. He died in 1856, March 12th, aged sixty years. He came to America in 1816, and to Pittsburgh in 1821. Born of Christian parents, (a mereantile family in Londonderry,) he first settled himself in a church, then in business. Here he was successfully engaged from 1821 to 1850, when he retired. That year he formed his connection with the First Church. He was the Treasurer of the Building Committee for the new church, and gave an immense aniount of time and attention to the work. He was the intimate friend of Mr. Franeis Bailey, and Dr. Paxton wrote one of his sons, after his death, thus : "In the loss of your father, I feel that I have shared your bereavement. During the short period of his official connection with our church, I learned to love him very much, and to lean upon him as a judicious counsellor and efficient help. Oh, how earnestly did he follow Christ ! 'For him to live was Christ, to die was gain.'"
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyte- rian Church of the City of Pittsburgh, held on Saturday, the 15th day of March, A. D. 1856, the following preamble and res- olution were offered by William McCandless, and unanimously adopted :
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We are called upon again, in the Providence of God, to mourn the loss by death of one of our number.
Mr. Samuel Spencer is gone, and the " place that knew him once shall know him no more." As a member of the Board he was kind, affable and courteous; as our Treasurer he was strict in his integrity, and as a man we loved him for his great kindness of heart and his manly deport- ment in all his intercourse with us. Chosen from the congregation by his fellow communicants to the office of ruling elder in the church, and having but a few brief days before entered upon the duties of his office, we have been permitted to see his Christian bearing in all its beauty and simplicity, his sympathy, his love of Christ, all blended in beautiful har- mony and displaying the brightness of the Christian's life. But the sum- mons came and found his lamp trimmed and burning, waiting the coming of the Bridegroom. His Redeemer has called him home, to join in the chorus of the redeemed in heaven. Thy will, O Lord, be done, not ours.
Resolved, That we cherish the memory of our brother and friend, and as a remembrance of him, we direct this preamble and resolution to be entered at large on the minutes, and that a copy be furnished to his sur- viving relatives.
WM. MCCANDLESS, Secretary.
Mr. Sumuel Rea, one of the four chosen in 1855, was one of the manliest figures and solidest characters of our church history. He made his way among men by unquestioned integrity and sound judgment. As an intelligent hearer of the gospel he had no superior. Well I remember his face the first day I stood before the congregation, and I have always missed it since God took him. He was fond of sacred song, long a member of the volun- teer choir, and often relied upon at social meetings to lead the singing. He was pre-eminently the counsellor of the Session, and both pastors since 1855 knew the soundness and sureness of his convictions. He was certainly one of the firmest men ever known here, while never dictatorial or opinionated. The following is the Session's record of appreciation :
Nearly a quarter of a century has passed away since elder Samuel Rea was called by the united voice of the people of the First Church to serve them as a member of its Session. These swiftly flying years have but con- firmed the wisdom of their early choice, as they daily brought into clearer light and beauty the noble traits and Christian graces which first attracted their notice.
Throughout his active and useful life he fully deserved, as he always received, the confidence and regard of all who knew him. From the large circle who knew him intimately, he received, to the fullest extent, their abiding esteem and most complete confidence.
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His modest self-depreciation, and quiet demeanor, were only equaled by the well formed judgment and conscientious purpose which helped to make his counsel so highily valued in church and society. No experiences of life could take from him a life long trust in God's goodness, and a cheerful faith in his fellow men, which bore constant fruitage in kindly words and deeds and loving prayers.
The unvaried testimony to a life without reproach from those who met him daily amid the thronging pressure of business activities, is but the fitting counterpart of ours who knew and loved him in the closer relations of church and home life. There are many to rise up and call him blessed for his example, counsel and help : and we confidently believe he has received the benediction of the Master : Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.
We shall cherish the remembrance of his character and example for ourselves, and will commend it to the membership of the whole church he so devotedly loved and so faithfully served, as another link in the chain of precious memories which, for nearly a century, God has been weaving for the comfort and edification of His people here.
"The fathers, where are they ?" But "our hope is in Thee."
[Entered by order of Session, November 3d, 1878.
D. ROBINSON, Clerk.]
Mr. Robert Beer was the last to leave us of those elected in 1855. His early youth was spent in the hardships of frontier life, and his early manhood was employed in varied undertakings, almost always successful, which made his name and form one of the best known of our older citizens for years. There was a singu- lar purity and love of religion in him from his youth up. He has told his friends that he sometimes came to town unprepared to appear in church as he wished ; but, while other men roamed the streets, he would sit on the stone steps "in his tow-clothing where he could hear," and then get away before the congregation was dismissed. He was our type of a perfectly sensitive con- science, and an absolute determination to do everything that was right. He was as careful of the feelings of others as he was care- ful, in later years, of exposing himself to a "draught." He loved the house of God, and made the gift that completed the pure silver of the communion service, and ordered the tablet which commemorates Dr. Herron. His visiting with elder Bailey (as Mr. B.'s Lieutenant, he used to say,) for twenty years, made him known to hundreds of Christian families. He taught at almost the beginning of the Sabbath Schools, and approved the motion to buy the "sweet cakes" which garnished the first anniversary festival for the children. The Session were often his guests that
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he might share in its counsels, after it became too great an exposure for him to venture out at night. Once he said, what deserves always to be remembered as a way of decision for a perplexed soul : "It has been a little dark with me, lately : but I know this, anyhow : "Whatever's for Jesus Christ, that I'm for." The Session entered this expressive minute at his death :
Elder Robert Beer, for more than half a century an honored and con- sistent member of this church, and for twenty-five years past an esteemed member of its Session, departed this life on the 24th day of May, 1880.
For a number of late years, Mr. Beer was, in this Session, the only re- maining representative of a worthy body of men, who many years since were chosen by the congregation to rule over them in spiritual things. A noble company of men indeed they were, well deserving the respect and affection which the people of the First Church had been accustomed to pay them : and among them all there was no one to whom these were more universally given than to him whose absence we now mourn.
His daily life among us for all these years was so steady a flow of kind and loving deeds, so deeply marked by a simple and unaffected piety, a humble estimate of himself, and a conscientious fear lest he should in any way give offense to any of his brethren : so full of generous charities to the poor, and so liberal in gifts to all the work of the church at home and abroad, that these virtues became so much a part of himself, that to re- member him, is to recall them also.
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