USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Bridgeport > Hart's history and directory of the three towns, Brownsville, Bridgeport, West Brownsville also abridged history of Fayette county & western Pennsylvania > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > West Brownsville > Hart's history and directory of the three towns, Brownsville, Bridgeport, West Brownsville also abridged history of Fayette county & western Pennsylvania > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > Brownsville > Hart's history and directory of the three towns, Brownsville, Bridgeport, West Brownsville also abridged history of Fayette county & western Pennsylvania > Part 31
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In September, 1874, John S. Pringle, John Springer and George L. Moore were elected ruling Elders. Through all the financial struggles of the church in this part of the history, she had a few men and women who were true and loyal, as is true of all church organizations. No one knew this better than Dr. Howard. Rev. Howard resigned in 1883 and Rev. P. R. Danley was chosen as his successor. During Mr. Danley's pastorate of about two years the church building was completed, but because of a very heavy indebtedness, the congregation was not able to dedicate the house.
Mr. Danley was succeeded by Rev. G. N. Wall, who only remained a few months. After Mr. Wall the Rev. F. T. Charlton filled out the remainder of the year.
I11 October, 1886, the Rev. G. W. Van Horn was called to the pastorate. During the first year of Mr. Van Horn's ministry the church was much strengthened by a revival held by Dixon C. Williams, ably assisted by pastor and people.
Rev. and Mrs. Van Horn, always most conscientious and consecrated workers, now thought it their duty to go to the foreign field. They accord- ingly offered themselves to the board and were accepted and set apart to work in Japan, where they are still our honored and successful missionaries. The resignation of Mr. Van Horn to go to the foreign field left the church vacant.
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Cumberland Presbyterian Church
The Rev. J. H. Patton was then called and entered upon his duties as pastor on the second Sunday of October, 1888. While the church had been much strengthened spiritually and otherwise during the former pastorate, there remained much to be done. It had never been freed from debt. This was the one discouraging feature of the work when Mr. Patton took charge. $3,500.00 must be raised.
A campaign was inaugurated, which lasted three years, when about $1,000.00 was actually paid into the church treasury, in addition to the running ex- penses. This paid off the old debt and covered the expenses of some needed repairs.
The church was dedicated from debt October 11, 1891. Dedicatory serv- ices were held by Rev. J. M. Howard D. D., Nashville, Tenn., who was at that time editor of the Cumberland Presbyterian. Dr. Howard was assisted in the service by the pastor, Rev. J. G. Patton, Rev. J. T. Neel, pastor at Hopewell, Rev. Jas. Hamilton pastor of Charleroi Church, and Rev. O. H. P. Graham of the Second M. E. Church. This was a great day for Cumberland Presbyterians in Brownsville. Mr. Patton continued his work as pastor to the close of the year 1898, thus completing a successful pastorate covering over ten years. He left the church well organized with a member- ship of 195.
Immediately on the resignation of Rev. Patton the session corresponded with Rev. Chas. R. Harmon, then located in Ohio, who preached two sermons on the first Sunday in the year 1899, receiving a unanimous call to become pastor.
On the first Sunday in March, 1899, Mr. Harmon entered upon his duties as pastor. On the evening of the 24th of May, a Presbyterial Commission, consisting of Revs. G. G. Kerr and A. B. Elliott, conducted the installation services.
The church has had a steady growth in all lines of work during the five years of the present pastorate. Some of the things accomplished during these five years are:
A deepening of the spiritual life of the members.
Growth of membership to 270 resident members. The church put on a financial basis that enables her to pay all bills by check, monthly, including pastor's salary.
The church auditorium made more attractive by an expenditure of $1,300. A new Manse, just erected, and deficiency being provided for so that it was dedicated in May.
"Truly the Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad." The present Board of Officials are:
ELDERS: George L. Moore, Thomas H. Cline, John M. Springer, Levi P. Shriver, Solomon G. Kreeps, Sr., E. B. Wells and Joseph W. Sullivan.
DEACONS: James O. Springer (Secretary and Treasurer), I. V. Kin- der, C. L. Kennedy and James S. Craft.
TRUSTEES: Charles H. Vorhees, Thomas A. Sharpnack and W. W. Cramer.
398
Second Methodist Episcopal Church
SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Bridgeport was originally a part of what was known as the Redstone Circuit, then of the Uniontown and Brownsville Circuit. Later Browns- ville and Bridgeport were constituted a pastoral charge.
In 1837, Bridgeport was served by D. L. Dempsey for six months, but being unable, financially, to support a pastor, it was again united to Brownsville, where it remained until 1849, when it was made a separate pastoral charge and has remained so ever since. In 1880 the name was changed to Second Church. The following pastors have served this church since 1849-50, Josiah Mansell; 1851, P. M. Gowan; 1852-3, Robert Hamilton; 1854-5, D. A. McCreary; 1856-7, William Stewart; 1858, B. F. McMahon; 1859-60, A. E. Ward; 1861, John MeIntire; 1862-3, Charles W. Smith; 1864-5, J. J. Hays; 1866-7, J. B. Mills; 1868-9, S. W. Horner; 1870-1, C. W. Scott; 1872, Homer J. Smith; 1873-5, John C. Castle; 1876-7, Theodore N. Eaton ; 1878-9, Albert Cameron; 1880-2, C. L. F. Cartwright: 1883. R. C. Wolf; 1884-6, D. M. Hol- lister: 1887, H. J. Altsman; 1888-'92, O. H. P. Graham; 1893-6. William C. Davis; 1897-9, Harry M. Chalfant; 1900-2, J. E. Kidney; 1903, Calvin H. Miller who is still in charge.
On the 12th of June 1820 at a meeting of the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal "Meeting House" of Brownsville, it was unanimously decided to build a frame "Meeting House" in Bridgeport. For some reason, not stated, this project was abandoned at the next meeting in July, but, "Re- solved, that all subscriptions paid for this house shall not be applied to Brownsville, but kept until a meetinghouse can be built in Bridgeport." In the fall of the year 1833, the Trustees, namely, Joseph Reynolds, Adolph Minchart, Charles McFall, Thomas Gregg, and Edward Draper purchased a lot almost opposite the present parsonage. The deed was delivered to the Trustees September 7, 1833, and a foundation for a church was immediately begun and finished. For some reason nothing was done for a year, when the brickwork was put up by John and James Auld. The building was, however, not finished until 1837, when it was dedicated by Rev. S. E. Bab- cock. This building was used by the congregation until the summer of 1863, when under the pastorate of Rev. Charles W. Smith, now editor of the Pitts- burgh Christian Advocate, it was torn down and some of the material used in the building of the present structure. The Sunday School room of the new church was dedicated October 30, 1864, under the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Hays, who was assisted by Charles W. Smith. The auditorium was not completed until July 22, 1866, when it was dedicated under the pastorate of J. B. Mills, now of the East Ohio Conference. He was assisted at the dedica-
tion by George Loomis, D. D., Prof. A. B. Hyde, and Rev. A. J. Endsley. In. 1874, a pipe organ was purchased under the pastorate of John C. Castle and placed on the platform in the rear of the church. In 1881 under the pastor- ate of Rev. C. L. F. Cartwright, the entire church building was renovated and repaired. The auditorium was frescoed, woodwork painted and grained, pulpit railings added, and platform built on the right-hand side of the pulpit and the organ placed on this platform. During the present year (1904).
Second M. E. Church, Bridgeport Rev. Calvin H. Miller, Pastor
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Methodist Protestant Church
extensive repairs have been made and a beautiful pipe organ, costing fifteen hundred dollars, has been purchased, one-half of which (seven hundred and fifty dollars) being the gift of Mr. Andrew Carnegie. The repairs, including organ, cost about three thousand dollars.
In 1834, the Sunday School of Bridgeport was organized. Charles McFall was elected as superintendent. The school has had continued existence since that time. In 1884, the semi-centennial was celebrated, appropriate exercises were held and a history of its fifty years was written by Miss Irene Barr, to whom the writer of this article is indebted for important data. This school meets every Sunday at 9:20 a. m., under the superintendency of Mr. Thos. D. Hann. It has an enrollment of two hundred and twenty.
A Christian Endeavor Society was organized in 1889, which continued until June 16, 1897, when it was changed to Epworth League. This young peoples' society meets for devotional services every Sunday evening at 6:45. Mr. John G. Percy is its president.
November 14, 1874, a number of ladies met in the parsonage for the pur- pose of organizing a Pastor's Aid Society. It has had a continuous existence since that time and was a large factor in the building of the present parson- age and kept it repaired since it was built, besides doing a great deal towards repairs on the church. It meets every month at the homes of its members, and besides doing a great deal toward the material support of the church. is a great help to the pastor in keeping him in touch with those who need him, as well as a social factor in the congregation.
Preaching every Sunday morning, 10:45.
Preaching every Sunday evening, 7:30. Prayer meeting Wednesday evening, 7:30. Reopening of church took place Sunday, April 17, 1904.
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.
This church was organized in Bridgeport in 1830 by the Rev. William Collins, who was its first preacher. In the following year a stone building was erected as a house of worship on lot No. 46, which was at that time bargained to the trustees of this church, but was not transferred by deed until October 16, 1849. The location was on the side of the hill, where the residence of James Kidney now stands. This old church edifice was used by the society until 1866, when the building of the Wesleyan Methodist was purchased. The old meetinghouse was then sold, and the Wesleyan build- ing was then known as the Methodist Protestant house of worship.
The Rev. William Collins, above mentioned as the organizer of this church, was succeeded by the Rev. John Lucas, after which time there were a great number of preachers serving the congregation, among whom are recollected John Wilson, George Hughes, William B. Dunlevy, and Zach- ariah Ragan in the old church, and the Revs. Stillwagon, Caruthers, Mark Taylor, J. Simpson and Henry Lucas, during the occupation of the house pur- chased from the Wesleyans.
A. M. E. Church, Bridgeport-Rev. R. H. Bumry, Pastor
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West Brownsville Churches
WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.
The date of the organization of this church has not been definitely ascer- tained, but it is known that it was in existence some years prior to 1848, at which time it had a membership of about seventy-five, and in which year also its mectinghouse (the same which was the Methodist Protestant house of worship) was erected. During its existence the church was served by the Revs. Smith, John P. Bedker, Lyell, Laughead, Tolgen, Planet, McBride, and A. D. Carter, who was the last of its preachers.
ZION A. M. E. CHURCH.
Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church was organized by Bishop Paul Quim in 1835 in Brownsville, Pa. The organization removed to Bridgeport in 1837, and after holding services for a considerable time in the schoolhouse, it procured a small brick structure on its present site.
Its oldest living members are Rebecca King, Julia Johns, Louisa Mossett, William Johns and Thomas Sorrell.
It at present has a commodious frame building with a lecture room and auditorium with a seating capacity of 450, and a good parsonage of eight rooms and a lot 31 ft. front, back 214 ft. to 51 ft. The church has a membership of 112 and is one of the oldest churches in the Pittsburg Con- ference.
The following ministers have served as pastor: Bishop B. W. Arnett, Bishop Paul Quim, Bishop C. L. Smith, Charles Hebert, W. G. Ralph, Jessc Divine, Solomon Thompson, Jerimiah Lewis, Isaac Coleman, David Conyard, A. R. Green, Jesse Divine, Isaac Coleman, S. T. Jones, Solomon Thompson, Richard Hill, Leven Gross, Jerimiah Lewis, William Brown, G. G. Skinner, L. Clinghorn, T. A. Green, William Jones, Richard Brown, G. W. Webster, J. M. Morris, R. H. Morris, Nelson Terrell, T. T. Baker, S. C. Honesty, Carter Wright, B. Wheeler, James McTerry, A. E. Walden, C. A. McGee and the present pastor, R. H. Bumry.
Its services are as follows: Preaching Sunday at 10:30 a. m. and 7:15 p. m .; Sunday School, 2:30 p. m .; Christian Endeavor Society, 6:00 p. m., with Prayer Meeting on Wednesday evening.
The church is in a flourishing condition.
WEST BROWNSVILLE CHURCHES.
SAINT JOHN'S CHURCH.
Saint John's Church, West Brownsville, was consecrated November 25, 1873, by the Rt. Rev. Dr. John B. Kerfoot, Bishop of the Diocese, who was assisted in the service by the Rev. Messrs. Horace E. Hayden, rector of the parish; S. D. Day, R. S. Smith, of St. Peter's, Uniontown; David C. Page,
St. John's Chapel, West Brownsville
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Some Uniontown Churches
of Pittsburg; C. N. Spalding and the Rev. Dr. Spalding, then rector of St. Peter's Church, Pittsburg. The Rev. Mr. Page preached the sermon.
For many years before this time, mission work had been carried on in West Brownsville under the fostering care of Christ Church, Brownsvi le. It was, owing largely to the generosity and personal interest of Miss Isabella Sweitzer, and a few others, that St. John's Church, a substantial frame structure, capable of seating about 250 people, was built. The Rev. David C. Page ministered to the good people of St John's for some time, prior to 1873, and took a lively interest in the building of the church. In 1873, the Rev. Mr. Hayden became the first and only rector of the parish, assisted by such capable workers as Miss Sweitzer, Jacob McKenna, Esq., and others. Mr. Hayden labored very successfully for the Master here until the close of 1879.
During the most of the time from the year 1882, until December 1889, the Rev. Dr. John P. Norman, rector of St. Paul's, Monongahela City, has ministered here most faithfully and efficiently. For a number of years past, the late Mr. John Bakewell and Mr. James Williams have done much, by personal services, to maintain the work. Quite a large Sunday School assembles each week in the lecture room of the church, under the superin- tendence of Mr. Williams and a corps of excellent teachers.
Rev. William E. Rambo of Christ Church, Brownsville, is also rector of St. John's Church and under his ministration it has of late shown reviving influences, and activity is again springing into life.
SOME OF THE UNIONTOWN CHURCHES.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
It is quite certain that Uniontown was occupied by Presbyterian ministers, as a place for preaching the gospel, a century and a quarter ago. This is inferred because there were Presbyterian churches in this county with the regular ministrations of the Word as early as 1774. We have authority for the statement that in 1776 Uniontown was included in the bounds of the Dunlap's Creek Church. When ministers were so near they would not neglect this point. But, we have no recorded nor verbal information in regard to the formative period of the church's history until near the be- ginning of the past century. The first statement to be found anywhere is in the minutes of the Redstone Presbytery. The following extract gives the first reference in these minutes to this church:
"At the meeting of the Presbytery at George's Creek, October 11, 1799, application for supplies was made by the vacant congregation of Uniontown. Rev. James Powers was appointed for one Sabbath, and Rev. Samuel Porter for another," both eminent ministers.
During the following twelve years, application was made at irregular intervals for supplies, which were appointed. About 1812, Dr. James Dun-
405
First Presbyterian Church
lap, a man of considerable ability, ex-president of Jefferson College, came here and remained about two years. He lived in a small log house on the lot immediately to the east of the court-house. He was principal of an academy, which was conducted in Madison College building.
Dr. Dunlap preached occasionally in the old court-house, but left in 1816. In 1817 the Rev. William T. Wiley, a native of Washington County, com- menced preaching and continued as stated supply for two years, when he was called by the congregation and became the first regular pastor. He con- tinued until October, 1822. For a period of five years, after this, the church was supplied by the Presbytery, Dr. A. G. Fairchild preaching frequently.
We trace briefly a history of the buildings erected at different dates, show- ing the progress made in the material interests of the church since its organi- zation, and the gradual architectual development which culminated in the present beautiful and imposing edifice.
Of the circumstances attending the building of the first house of worship erected by the Presbyterian Church of Uniontown, but littleis known. It was located on Morgantown Street, a few feet north of the lot on which the Epis- copal Church now stands, and not far from the old market house. This was a plain, one-story brick house with the old-fashioned high-back pews and elevated pulpit. For some reason, doubtless as a matter of economy, it was located on public ground; to this objections were subsequently made. The agitation of the questions of its removal because of these objections, was probably the chief reasons for its early abandoment as it seems to have been occupied and allowed to stand but about ten years.
The erection of this building was begun some time in the year 1824 but was not completed and dedicated-if formally dedicated at all-until Janu- ary, 1827. Previous to the date of entering this house the congregation worshiped, for the most part, in the old court-house. The Rev. J. H. Agnew was called to the pastorate of this church about the time of the completion and dedication of this first church building, and remained with the congrega- tion until April 12, 1831, when, on account of ill health, he was released by the Presbytery. The Rev. Joel Stoneroad, having received a call from the congregation, was ordained and installed by the Presbytery in this house on the 14th day of December, 1831, and continued his pastoral relations. thus formed, until April 14, 1842. It was therefore during Mr. Stoneroad's pastorate that the second sanctuary was erected in 1837 and '38.
This house, which was completed in the spring of 1838, stood back a little from the street on the lot now occupied by the new Central Presbyterian Church, and is said to have cost about $5,500. The Rev. Joel Stoneroad, being in charge at the time the church was built, was the first pastor to occupy the new pulpit; this he continued to do until April 14, 1842. Five ministers, after Mr. Stoneroad, occupied the pulpit of this second building as regular pastors of the church, namely: Rev. Andrew Ferrier, D. D., from Novem- ber, 1842 till August 6, 1844; Rev. Mr. Owen from June 26, 1845, to Novem- ber 20, 1852; Rev. James H. Callen from April 27, 1853, to April 10, 1855. Rev. William F. Hamilton from October 1855, until the building, which was
406
First Presbyterian Church
considerably damaged by fire in the spring of 1857, was torn away to give place to a new and still better house.
The third edifice erected by the congregation was completed and dedicated to God on the 10th day of April, 1860. This was a two-story brick house, 47 by 75 feet in size. The auditorium was at one time handsomely frescoed and fairly well furnished. The windows were stained glass, which were renewed and improved in 1881. In this house, in the fall of 1881, the last session of the old Synod of Pittsburg was held and the Synod dissolved. In the nearly 35 years' occupancy of this house by the congregation they were served by four pastors, namely: Rev. W. H. Hamilton, who was the pastor at the time the church was erected, and who resigned his office here on the 31st day of May, 1866. The Rev. W. W. Ralston was installed as pastor on the 28th day of April, 1867. He resigned October 1, 1867. Mr. Ralston was succeeded by Rev. S. S. Gilson, who was installed May 1, 1874- resigned in June, 1879. A call was made for the services of Rev. A. S. Milholland on the 17th of April, 1880. He preached his first sermon to the congregation, after locating here, on the second Sabbath in May, and was installed on the 15th of June, following.
A congregational meeting was called by the advice of the session for the purpose of considering the question of repairing the old house or building a new one, and was held on Saturday, July 5, 1890, when, on motion made by Judge Nathaniel Ewing, seconded by Judge Edward Campbell, it was re- solved that "It is the sense of this congregation that a new church building be erected." Pending a pretty thorough discussion of the question, Judge J. K. Ewing, in answer to a question, proposed by Capt. W. A. MeDowell, as to the character, style and probable cost, expressed himself in favor of a handsome edifice, preferring a substantial stone building with all the modern improvements. This seemed to meet the approval of the congregation and the resolution was unamiously adopted.
On motion of Judge Edward Campbell, seconded by Judge J. K. Ewing. the presiding officer of the meeting was empowered to appoint a building committee. The committee was immediately appointed, consisting of Judge Edward Campbell, Judge John K. Ewing, Captain W. A. MeDowell, Dr. I. C. Hazlett and Mr. M. H. Bowman. Other names were subsequently added.
A soliciting committee was in like manner appointed, consisting of Judge Nathaniel Ewing, M. H. Bowman, D. W. McDowell, William M. Thompson, J. M. Core, W. L. Robinson, Ross B. Reed, Miss Anna L. Ewing, Mrs. Capt. Schoonmaker and Mrs. A. D. Boyd.
Soon after this meeting a subscription paper was in due form prepared by the chairman of the soliciting committee, and the subscription headed with $10,000 by a member of the congregation. This was shortly after supple- mented by other subscriptions ranging from $500 to $5,000 and later larger and lesser amounts were given.
After a number of meetings had been held by the building committee, a special committee was appointed, of which Judge J. K. Ewing was the chair- man, to secure the best possible design for the building, receive proposals and direct the general construction of the new church edifice. Judge Ewing accordingly thereafter gave the matter all due attention, and was indeed
407
First Presbyterian Church
most assiduous in his efforts to secure the most suitable plans, the most chaste and beautiful architecture, ornamentation, decoration, finish and furniture; the most substantial construction and withall the most economical, con- sidering the character of the house, the quality of the material, style and excellence of workmanship. To his generous efforts, more than to any other, is the congregation indebted for the present most commodious and elegant edifice. On the 20th day of June, 1892, a congregational meeting was held, at which Mr. William Kauffman, architect, of Pittsburg, submitted plans which were adopted. Sealed proposals by four or five contractors and builders were subsequently submitted and the contract awarded to the lowest bidder, who was Mr. H. L. Kreusler, of Pittsburg. The stone and brick work was sublet by Mr. Kreusler to Mr. Rees Lindsley & Co., of Pitts- burg. At a meeting of the congregation which was duly convened on the 5th day of April, 1893, the deacons were authorized to make sale of the lot and church buildings, which were then still occupied. This property was accordingly subsequently sold for $14,000, to Prof. Griffith, to be used by him as an academy, but soon after passed into the hands of the new Central Presbyterian Church. But shortly before being made ready for occupancy by that congregation-extensive repairs having been made upon the building- it was entirely destroyed by fire. After the selling of this house in Sep- tember, 1893, the congregation continued to occupy it-holding full posses- sion-until September 2, 1894, when it held its last services in, and vacated the house to which, through years of hallowed associations, many of the older members especially, of the church, were reverently attached.
From this time until the chapel of the new church building was ready for occupancy, the congregation, through the kindness of the pastor and people of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held services jointly with them in their comfortable and commodious house. This fraternal arrangement, which seemed to be very much enjoyed by all concerned, was continued until January 27, 1895, when they held their first religious services in the chapel or Sabbath-school room, of their new building. (They continued thus to occupy the chapel until the first of March, 1896.) In the meantime work on the other portions of the edifice had progressed without interruption under the general supervision of Judge J. K. Ewing, assisted by Mr. John D. Carr, who had been employed from the time the building was begun, for the pur- pose of overseeing the mechanical execution of the work.
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