USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Churches of the valley, or, An historical sketch of the old Presbyterian congregations of Cumberland and Franklin counties, in Pennsylvania > Part 8
USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Churches of the valley, or, An historical sketch of the old Presbyterian congregations of Cumberland and Franklin counties, in Pennsylvania > Part 8
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pressed upon the minds and hearts of many among us. Many there are who in the rending of relation- ships the closest and most endearing on earth, will never forget the poignancy of that grief, which during that distressing season, was poured forth more than once, around the bed of their dying, or at the grave of their departed friends. With these im- pressions still vivid and deeply fixed in the mind, may they have the consciousness and the evidence, that they have been sanctified to them. "For the Lord will not cast off for ever : but though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion, according to the multitude of his mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men."
In 1822, the following persons were added to the Session : Messrs. John Brownson, John McCoy (of Robert), and William Crawford. In 1825, the Fe- male Domestic Missionary Society was formed. At first, it was auxiliary to the Foreign Missionary Society, but subsequently changed its relation, and became auxiliary to our Domestic Board. At its first formation it numbered eighty-three members. The total amount of funds contributed since its organization is one thousand dollars. It is worthy of remark, that probably there is not another society of the kind within the bounds of our Synod, which has been in existence for so long a time, or which has operated more efficiently. What may be the fruits of these offerings of love, will not be known in time; although even here, the hearts of its members may
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be gladdened, as by the reports of our missionaries they hear of churches formed where before they did not exist ; of feeble ones, strengthened and supplied with the ministry of reconciliation ; of saints, built up in holiness and comforted; and of sinners converted to God. Long may it continue to prosper ; may the list of its members increase ; may its contributions be augmented a hundred fold; and may the blessing of the Most High descend upon the giver and the gift !
In 1826, Messrs. Alexander McCoy and James Culbertson were added to the Session.
The year 1828 is memorable in the history of this church for a revival of religion, The history of this interesting work of grace, I give in the words of Dr. Elliott. "It was in the fall of 1828 that God visited this church with a season of reviving grace. The work was chiefly confined to that branch of the church which was in town. It commenced rather suddenly, and to me, unexpectedly. I had been mourning over the low state of religion-particularly the worldly spirit which prevailed. On the Sabbath preceding the meeting of the Presbytery at Newville, I preached on the Parable of the Talents. I felt unusual liberty, and a deep and solemn concern for the salvation of sinners. The people appeared very solemn and tender. At the prayer-meeting in the afternoon there was great solemnity and some weeping. Having seen these things several times before, I attached no great importance to them. The
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next day I left for Presbytery ;- reported to the Presbytery a low and formal state of religion; re- mained abroad the next Sabbath, assisting with a communion service ; and returned home early the week following. No sooner had I reached home, than I was greeted with the intelligence, that their prayer- meetings in town seemed to be visited with the special tokens of God's presence ; and that the solem- nity and tenderness which appeared on the Sabbath before I left, had increased, and that many evinced great anxiety about their souls. I immediately pro- ceeded to town, and found all to be as stated. Re- ligion was the engrossing subject of conversation, and the people of God prayed in a manner very different from that in which they had done before. Things progressed in this way for some time. The work did not extend, as I expected it would, through other parts of the congregation ; although there was some increase of attention on the part of the people generally." As the fruits of this work of grace, it may be stated, that twenty-four persons were added to the church on profession of their faith.
Dr. Elliott having received an invitation to become pastor of the church in Washington, Pennsylvania, and having accepted it, resigned the pastoral charge of this church, October 29th, 1829. During his ministry, he baptized six hundred and fifty-five per- sons ; and there were admitted to the communion of the Church three hundred and forty : on profession, two hundred and sixty-one ; and by certificate,
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seventy-nine. Dr. Elliott, as a man and as a minister of our Lord, needs no panegyric. His name is in all the churches. It has become identified with our Church at large. It forms part of its history. And so long as soundness in the faith is appreciated, and the Presbyterian form of Church Government and its discipline are respected, the name of Elliott will shine forth with resplendent lustre. During the seventeen years that he was pastor, he made full proof of his ministry. Many among us are the seals of his ministry, and will arise to call him "blessed." Long may he live to honour his Divine Master in the work in which he is engaged !
PERIOD IV.
FROM THE CLOSE OF DR. ELLIOTT'S MINISTRY IN THIS CHURCH, A. D. 1829, TO THE PRESENT TIME, A. D. 1852.
ON the 17th of November, 1831, two years after the close of Dr. Elliott's ministry, the Rev. Thomas Creigh-a licentiate of the Presbytery of Carlisle- was ordained, and installed Pastor of this church.
In the beginning of the year 1832, this church was again visited with a revival of religion, which commenced with great power during a Protracted Meeting held in the month of February ; although there had been indications, before this, of a change for the better. As the fruits of this gracious out- pouring of the Spirit, one hundred and seven persons
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were added to the church that year. Of these, forty- five were males ; sixty-two were females ; and thirty- five were heads of families. In regard to the character of this work, it may be remarked, that while there were some measures used of a very ques- tionable tendency-although in accordance with the spirit of the times-yet, if there have ever been genuine revivals of religion, this deserves to be clas- sified with them. Unworthy members will find ad- mittance to the Communion of the church, even when the greatest vigilance has been used to guard its portals. Among our Saviour's own immediate followers-his chosen twelve-there was a Judas. And He has given us intimation in the "parable of the wheat and the tares," that the "visible church" will be a mixed society, until "the Day of Judg- ment," when He will separate the righteous from the wicked. Why, then, should we look for a different state of things from that which now exists ? Ar- dently as we pray for, and earnestly as we desire it, we cannot expect it fully, while the Church is in an imperfect state. I would then briefly add, that after a period of nearly twenty years since these one hun- dred and seven persons were received into the Church, the following is the result. Seventeen have died ; forty have received letters of dismission to other churches ; six have removed without taking certifi- cates, and of whose residence we are ignorant, but who, for aught we know, may be, at the present time, consistent members of other churches; three
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have been the subjects of church discipline ; and one has been ordained to the ministry of the gospel; while all the rest are still in connexion with us, and are in good and regular standing. I simply ask, even when persons are received into the communion of the Church in the ordinary way-when there is no spe- cial interest on the subject of religion-whether any Church Register presents a more favourable result ? To God alone be all the praise !
In this same year, 1832, the Female Sewing Society was organized, the object of which was to educate poor and pious young men for the Gospel ministry. After a short time, however, it changed its relation, and became auxiliary to the Foreign Missionary Society, and has educated a heathen youth in the Orphan Asylum at Futtehgurh, in North India, under the care of the Rev. Henry R. Wilson, and who bears the name of their former much-loved pastor, David Elliott. The amount of funds contributed since the formation of this society is six hundred dollars.
In 1833, the following persons were added to the Session : Messrs. John Witherspoon, John McCul- lough, and John Dorrance.
In the winter of 1842 and '43, this church was again visited with a revival of religion. During the nine months immediately following its commence- ment, thirty-four persons were received into the com- munion of the Church, on profession of their faith. Of those who were then received, seventeen have
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been dismissed, and two have entered the ministry. Not a case has occurred requiring the exercise of the discipline of the Church. The manner in which this revival was conducted ; the truths which were pre- sented, and the manner in which they were exhibited ; the instructions which were given to the inquiring; and the care which was exercised in receiving appli- cants into the membership of the Church, afforded us every reasonable ground from which to expect the most favourable results.
In 1844, the church edifice in town was repaired, new-modelled, and a vestibule added to it. The ex- pense of repairing and furnishing it was two thousand dollars. It was occupied for the first time, January 12th, 1845, on which occasion the pastor gave an historical sketch of the church, from the time of its organization. In 1849, the following persons were added to the Session :- Messrs. Andrew L. Coyle, John McDowell, James Roberts, and William Pat- terson.
In 1849, a lecture-room was commenced contiguous to the church. It was finished and furnished at an expense of six hundred dollars. The first time that divine worship was held in it, was August 7th, 1850, on which occasion the pastor delivered a dedication sermon from the words: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt. xviii. 20.) Prior to this, our social meetings were held in the houses of the families belonging to the church in town. We had forty
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places of meeting, which required nine months to complete their circuit.
During a part of this period which has been claiming our attention, our Church at large was agitated by a difference of opinion, chiefly in refe- rence to doctrines and polity, and which resulted in a division, in 1838, known by the names of Old School and New School. In all this controversy, which was deep and wide, spread throughout the whole length and breadth of the land, while here, too, intense interest was felt in relation to it, yet as a church we have stood fast in the faith of our fathers. Nor, at the present time, is there a church, composed of as many members, more harmonious, or more united, or more cordial in their adherence to the symbols of our faith, as taught in the Westminster Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Form of Government. We record the fact as a matter of sincere and heartfelt thankfulness.
In November, 1851, the present pastor having completed the twentieth year of his ministry in this church, delivered a sermon commemorative of this interesting event, from the words : "Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it, Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." (1 Sam. vii. 12.) It may not be out of place to give the concluding part of this discourse, which exhibits the results of this score of years in the pastoral office in this church :- "And, 1st, The Families. When I settled among
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you, there were connected with this congregation one hundred and forty families. There are at the present time one hundred and fifty-five. Twenty-two are families of colour. One hundred of them reside in the country, and fifty-five in the village. In all this number who compose this congregation at the present time, there are but sixty who were here when I be- came pastor-so many and so great have been the changes ! And yet we still retain the original num- ber, and have fifteen additional. 2. Baptisms .- Four hundred and fourteen were baptized in infancy, and ninety-six adults, making a total of five hundred and ten. 3. Members .- There have been added to the church, on profession of their faith, four hundred and eight members, and by certificate one hundred and thirty-two, making the whole number five hun- dred and forty, or an annual increase of twenty-seven. At the present time we have three hundred and sixty under our immediate oversight. Of this number two hundred and forty-two are females, one hundred and eighteen are males, forty-seven couples are husbands and wives, thirty-six are widows, and forty-five are coloured persons. Of those who were members twenty years ago, but seventy-six remain. 4. Minis- ters .- Seven young men have been either licensed or ordained to preach the Gospel, and two of them have gone forth as missionaries to preach Christ to the heathen. 5. Marriages .- Two hundred and twenty-one marriage ceremonies have been per- formed. 6. Contributions .- Five thousand eight
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hundred dollars have been contributed to different be- nevolent objects. 7. Visits .- The number which has been made amounts to seven thousand six hundred, or annually to three hundred and eighty-five. 8. Ser- mons, lectures, and addresses .- The number of times which I have preached, lectured, and given addresses within the bounds of the congregation, is twenty-three hundred ; and I have in manuscript eleven hundred and thirty sermons and lectures, nearly all of which have been prepared during my connexion with this Church. 9. Deaths .- The number of deaths which have occurred within these twenty years is, two hundred and seventy-two. Of this number, one hun- dred and sixty-one were members in full communion. The ages of those who have died may be thus classi- fied : Fifty have died in infancy ; from infancy to their twenty-fifth year, thirty ; from their twenty- fifth to their forty-fifth year, fifty ; from their forty-fifth to their sixtieth year, forty-five; from their sixtieth to their seventieth. year, thirty ; from their seventieth to their eightieth year, thirty- three ; and over their eightieth year, twenty. Among these dead, we have to reckon four members of Session,"-and another, since this discourse was delivered, leaving but one of the original members, who composed the Session when the present pastoral relation was formed.
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CONCLUDING REMARKS.
1. To God's care and kindness we are indebted for the permanency and prosperity of this church. It has had its trials and its changes, but the gates of hell have not prevailed against it. At one time in its early history it was entirely scattered ; at another time it was nearly broken up; and a third time it was greatly diminished by death, in connexion with pecuniary embarrassments : and yet, in the midst of all these adverse circumstances, the Lord has kept it. And this day, after a period of one hundred and fourteen years, notwithstanding all the disasters which have befallen it, the number of its families and com- municants has not only not diminished, but has been greatly augmented. It is an interesting fact con- nected with the history of this church, and which ought not to be passed over unnoticed, that for the space of eighty-three years, as far back as our records reach our Church has maintained its ground, as will be seen from the following statements :- In the year 1769, when Dr. King became its pastor, the number of families then connected with it was one hundred and thirty. In 1789, twenty years afterwards, he makes the following remark : " The number of families connected with this congregation is about the same as when I settled." In 1812, the number was one hun- dred and thirty-seven. In 1820, upwards of one
CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 133
hundred and seventy. In 1831, about one hundred and forty-having been greatly diminished by the causes already mentioned. And at the present time (1852), they number one hundred and fifty-five. Thus has it never sunk below the first-named number, but has always exceeded it. And rarely has there been a communion season at which, according to the Register, there has not been an addition to its mem- bership. And thrice has it been visited with the spe- cial tokens of Divine grace. With devout gratitude we record these facts; and in recording them we give all the glory to Him who has brought them into being. Ministers and members of the Church may labour and pray for the building up of Zion, but un- less God hears their prayers and blesses their efforts, Zion cannot prosper. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." Or, in the expressive language of that most laborious of all Christ's Apostles, "I have planted, Apollos watered ; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth, but God, that giveth the increase."
2. If God has thus prospered this Church for so long a time, let us never yield to despondency in regard to its future condition. If, in looking back upon its past history, we can discover that the Lord has led it, and kept it, and prospered it, we are warranted in drawing the conclusion, that if we re- main faithful to Him, he will continue to dwell among us. These are the terms :- " The Lord is with you
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while you be with him ; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you ; but if ye forsake him, he will for- sake you.", On this principle He has always acted towards the Church. Its entire history, from its commencement to the present time, warrants the re- mark. And what is thus true of the Church in general, is equally true in its application to parti- cular churches. It is true in relation to this church. If this church has been preserved and prospered, it is because it has been faithful to its Head. If it would continue to prosper, it must continue in its fidelity to its King. Its minister, and its officers, and its members, must possess the Spirit of their Lord and Master ; must follow closely in His footsteps, must yield implicit obedience to his commands ; must maintain and disseminate the truth ; must be united to one another in sentiment and in affection, and must labour and pray for its welfare. Thus living and thus acting, God will still bestow upon it the choicest riches of His grace ; its prosperity shall continue to increase, and its permanency shall be rendered sure.
And to secure these ends, may all who belong to this Church, in humble dependence upon the grace of our Divine Lord, adopt the language of the captive Israelites and ever live under its constraining influence : "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy ! Psalm cxxxvii, 5, 6.
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CHAPTER VI.
WELSH RUN CHURCH.
This Church, formerly known as "Lower West Conococheague," was originally a part of " Upper West Conococheague," or what is now called Mer- cersburg." It was organized, A. D. 1741, and grew out of the controversy which about that time so deeply and so extensively agitated the Presbyterian Church at large, and ultimately led to a division which continued for seventeen years .* But though the effects of this division were felt here also, and brought about the formation of this new interest, it was what their situation as a congregation required. The territory covered by the mother church, was much too extensive to allow the people to meet weekly in the same place of worship. And yet when the separation was made, it was done with so much good feeling, that both churches, still adhering to the same Presbytery, were frequently represented in the same Judicatory by the same commissioner.
* See Appendix III.
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This church, at a very early period in its history was supplied for a season with the preaching of the gospel by a Rev. Mr. Dunlap. The church edifice in which the congregation then worshipped, was burnt down by the Indians in their wars with the whites. A second building was afterwards erected, which, having undergone frequent repairs, still stands. The congregations which assembled at this place of worship on sacramental occasions were so numerous, that the church being insufficient to accommodate them, it was not an unusual thing for two ministers to be preaching at the same time; the one in the church, and the other in a temporary building, near at hand, called the Tent. From this circumstance, this place of worship was sometimes called the " Tent Meeting-House."
The Rev. Thomas M'Pherrin having become pastor of this church, August 17th, A. D. 1774, con- tinued in this relation until October 2d, A. D. 1799, when he resigned his charge. He died February 3d, A. D. 1802, aged 51 years. Besides preaching to this congregation, he also preached a part of his time to a congregation near Greencastle, which wor- shipped in a tent that stood on the farm formerly belonging to Mr. Andrew Snively.
From the time of Mr. M'Pherrin's relinquishment of his charge, this church became connected with the Greencastle Church, and was supplied with the pas- toral services of the Rev. Robert Kennedy. He commenced his labours among them in 1802,
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and continued in this connexion until April 9th, 1816, when he removed to Cumberland, Maryland. Having resided in Cumberland for nine years, he returned to this charge in the year 1825, from which time to his decease, he continued in the exercise of the pastoral office among them. Mr. Kennedy died in the fall of 1843.
This church has been subject to many changes. At an early period in its history, it was large and numerous, composed of the most respectable and in- fluential families in the neighbourhood. In the year 1814, the number of families had diminished to seventeen. And at present, there are about seven. There are but two families connected with it now, who stood in this relation to it seventy years ago. At that early period, the entire population of the surrounding country were Scotch-Irish, and all of them belonging to the Presbyterian congregation. Now, the great mass of them are Germans, and belong to the Dunkers and River Brethren.
The materials for the foregoing sketch of the history of this Church, in relation to its early state, were furnished to the writer of it (Rev. Mr. Creigh), by Mr. David Dunwoody, now in his eighty-second year, who was born and reared within its bounds, and who for forty years has been a Ruling Elder in the Church at Mercersburg.
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CHAPTER VII.
THE CHURCH AT CHAMBERSBURG.
As we have had occasion to state elsewhere, though the Land-office of Pennsylvania was not open for the sale of lands west of the Susquehanna, until they were purchased of the Indians, in October, 1736, yet the proprietary offices and agents were disposed to fa- vour settlements west of that river, with the consent of the Indians, who were conciliated by the settlers. " These settlements were encouraged and recognised, though without official grants, in order to resist the encroachment of the Marylanders on what was con- sidered part of the Province of Pennsylvania. This policy, and the fine country forming that part of the Kittatinny Valley, extending from the Susquehanna, at the mouth of the Conodoguinett, along the waters of the beautiful Conococheague to the Potomac, in- duced men of enterprise to seek and locate desirable situations for water-works and farms, in the valleys of those two streams, and of Yellow Breeches Creek."
Among the first to explore, and settle in this valley, were four adventurous brothers, James, Ro- bert, Joseph, and Benjamin Chambers, who emigra- ted from the County of Antrim, in Ireland, to the Province of Pennsylvania, between the years 1726 and 1730. The last of these gentlemen, when about
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twenty-one years of age, settled where Chambersburg now stands, in 1730, and " The Falling Spring" was the name given by him to the place of his settlement, at the confluence of the large spring with the Cono- cocheague Creek, over the bank of the latter.
The families that subsequently located themselves on and near the waters of this spring (which gave the name to the entire settlement, until 1764), were, with scarcely an exception, Presbyterians, and soon organized a congregation. Until the town of Cham- bersburg was laid out, in the year just mentioned, this congregation was known as the Congregation of Falling Spring, but after that it was called the Pres- byterian Congregation of Chambersburg, and also that of Falling Spring.
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