History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 70

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1162

USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches > Part 70

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The Presbyterian congregation in 1849 took down the old building and erected another, 43 by 55 feet. : A bell was placed thereon Oct. 24, 1856. In 1866-67 the build- ing was enlarged to its present size. Since then other im- provements have been made at considerable expense. In October, 1870, a dwelling-house, No. 223 Chestnut Street, was purchased as a residence for the pastor. In 1877 a neat stone chapel was erected by the congregation at Rock Run for Sabbath-school and other religious purposes. At the present time (1881) the church owes no debt, and owns property worth $20,000.

The meeting-house was one of the preaching-places of the Rev. Alexander G. Morrison, who was pastor of the Doe Run and Union Churches. Through his labors the Presbyterian cause advanced so that application was made to the Presbytery of New Castle as early as Dec. 5, 1832, for the organization of a Presbyterian Church in Coates- ville. A committee was appointed, who met and organized the church, Sept. 4, 1833. The church began its career with 21 members. Last year (1880) it reported a member- ship of 287.

The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Alexander Gamble Morrison. He was born in Coleraine, Lancaster Co., Sept. 13, 1798. Until he was about twenty-one years of age he assisted his father in the work of a farmer and miller. His studies preparatory to the ministry were com- menced in the vicinity of his own home, and completed in the Theological Seminary of Princeton, N. J. He was licensed to preach April 5, 1826, by the Presbytery of New Castle. April 24, 1828, he accepted a call from the Doe Run Church, and was ordained and installed the pastor of that congregation, and in November of the same year was installed pastor of the Union Presbyterian Church of Lan- caster County. These two churches are about eighteen miles apart, and for about six years Mr. Morrison sustained the relation of pastor to them both. Once at least in every two weeks, and oftener as duty called, the long miles be- tween these two points were regularly traveled twice over. Through storm and sunshine, mud and dust, cold and heat, rain, snow, and frost, he kept his appointments. Besides preaching in these churches regularly, he also had stated appointments in school-houses within the bounds of these congregations. As a result of his labors the Coatesville Church was gathered and organized, At a meeting of Presbytery, held April 1, 1834, a call from the Coatesville Church, asking for the ministerial services of Mr. Mor- rison for one-half of his time, was placed in his hands and accepted by him. He then resigned the pastoral charge of the Union Church, and was installed pastor of the Coatesville Church, April 23, 1834. For twenty-three years he continued to serve these two churches. On April 14, 1857, an application was made to Mr. Morrison, through the Presbytery, from the Coatesville Church for his entire time. Presbytery granted the request at its next meeting, in October following. The pastoral relation which had existed between him and the Doe Run Church was then dissolved, and he continued to be the pastor of Coates- ville Church until his death. Under his ministry the con- gregation increased in size, and in every way the church prospered. When his health began to fail the congrega-

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tion, on June 19, 1867, voted him a rest of six months, supplied the pulpit, and paid him his regular salary. Find- ing that his usual health did not return to him, and not wishing to stand in the way of the prosperity of the church, he offered his resignation to the congregation, Sept. 28, 1867. But, to the great credit of the people, instead of accepting his resignation, they unanimously decided to re- quest him to continue to be their pastor, released from all work, and agreed to get a younger man as an associate pas- tor, and to pay Mr. Morrison a salary of $300 as long as he lived. Mr. Morrison accepted the offer, and the congre- gation fulfilled its promise to the letter. Thus he lived and died among the people whom he had served as a minister for nearly thirty-three years. His death took place Oct. 27, 1870. At his own request, he was buried in Fairview Cemetery, and his was the first body laid in that silent city of the dead.

Rev. James Roberts, the second pastor, was born in Montrose, Scotland. He came to this country when a boy. He graduated at Lafayette College in the class of 1865, and at Princeton Theological Seminary in May, 1868. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Castle, April, 1867. During the season of rest given to Mr. Morrison he was invited, while yet in Princeton Seminary, to supply the pulpit of the Coatesville Church. He ac- cepted the invitation, and preached for the congregation for the first time Oct. 6, 1867. He was called to the pastor- ate of the church Jan. 15, 1868, and entered upon his labors at the close of his seminary course, May 9, 1868. He was ordained and installed May 28, 1868. For twelve years he has been stated clerk of the Presbytery, and is now permanent clerk of the Synod of Philadelphia. During his ministry the church has enjoyed a good degree of pros- perity in all its departments of Christian work. He has received into the church 397 members, baptized 113 children and 143 adults, and united in marriage 123 couples. Though by no means the oldest minister, he en- joys the honor of being the oldest settled Presbyterian pas- tor in the counties of Chester and Delaware.

HONEYBROOK.

The Honeybrook Presbyterian Church was formed by members of Brandywine Manor. The latter congregation having in 1835 become very large, it was resolved to erect a new church in the village of Waynesburg, and thus lessen the size of the mother-church, while accommodating the community residing in and near the new location. A church edifice was erected in that year, and the congrega- tion organized Nov. 28, 1835.

The first pastor was Rev. William W. Latta, who, after preaching there one year as stated supply, was installed May 9, 1837. The church was incorporated by act of Assembly, April 16, 1840. A new edifice, in a different location from the first, was erccted in 1851. Mr. Latta resigned in 1858 and removed to Philadelphia, where he lias since been engaged in teaching. He was succceded by Rev. John C. Thom, who was pastor from May 19, 1859, to September, 1865, when he removed to St. Louis to take charge of a church there, but he died Nov. 28, 1865, be- fore the day fixed for his installation. Mr. Thom was a

man of intense earnestness and of sterling qualities, and he was very popular with the people. His biography has been published.

The succeeding pastors have been Rev. J. H. Young, from 1866 to Feb. 7, 1869, -- a more than ordinary ser- monizer, proverbial for his readiness of speech, quick- wittedness, promptness at retort, and keen satire; Rev. William A. Ferguson, from Oct. 29, 1869, to Oct. 3, 1871 ; and Rev. W. W. Totheroh, from Oct. 31, 1872, to the present time.

In 1874 the church edifice was greatly improved, making it one of the most commodious churches in the county. The present membership is 275.

FAIRVIEW (FORMERLY WEST NANTMEAL).

The West Nantmeal Presbyterian Church dates from 1839. Those constituting it had been members of the Brandywine Manor Church, and many of them residing at a distance from that church, it was deemed in that year a fitting time to effect a new organization. The first build- ing was erccted on land given by James Todd, and the church was organized Jan. 1, 1840, by the New School Presbytery, called the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia, with which it formed a connection.

Among those who were prominent at the inception of the enterprise were John McClure, Joseph McClure, Wil- liam E. Lewis, James Moore, Thomas Brown, James Todd, Richard Walker, Daniel Henderson, Sr., Samuel and Wil- liam Henderson.

The first pastor was Rev. Alexander Porter, who served from May, 1840, to May, 1845. He was succeeded by Rev. William H. McCarer, who was in charge until 1849. During his pastorate a parsonage, with several acres of ground, was purchased.

He was succeeded by Rev. Beriah B. Hotchkin, D.D., whose pastorate extended from June, 1850, to October, 1858. Dr. Hotchkin was a man whose mild and winning ways were well adapted to arouse and retain the affections of the people. In literary labors he was abundant. Ile was for many years associate editor of the American Pres- byterian, a constant contributor to other journals, and the influence he exerted with his pen was considerable. A col- lection of hymns which he compiled for the use of the- soldiers in the late war reached a circulation of more than 60,000 copies. On leaving West Nantmeal he became pastor of the Marple Church, in Delaware County, and died in October, 1878.

After an intermission of one year, Rev. David C. Meeker became pastor, and sustained that relation from October, 1860, to October, 1868. He was followed by Rev. Ambrose Nelson Hollifield, who was pastor from October, 1869, to January, 1876.

In 1870 several acres of ground were purchased adjoin- ing the church and laid out for a cemetery. The name of the church was in the same year changed from West Nant- meal to Fairview. It had been originally named after the township in which it was located, West Nantmcal, but that township had afterwards been divided, and the church falling into the new division of Wallace, it was deemed best to change its name, and that of Fairview, suggested by its

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HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

location on high ground, commanding an extensive view of rich and rolling country, was adopted. In 1861 the old church edifice was torn down and the present beautiful and commodious one erected.

The present pastor, Rev. William Boyd, Jr., was installed in June, 1876.

EAST WHITELAND.

This church, at Frazer, was organized in 1832, and in- corporated May 21, 1840. The leading men in the move- ment were Dr. Stephen Harris, Thomas Hutchinson, Robert IIutchinson, Joseph Smith, John Todd, and Josiah Harmar. The church was in connection with the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia until the Presbytery of Chester was consti- tuted, in 1870. Its pastors have been Revs. D. H. Emer- son, Mr. Barton, J. McKim Duncan, W. S. Drysdale, George Foote, Mr. Jones, John McLeod, A. M. Stewart, Thomas J. Aiken, John C. Clyde, from Oct. 2, 1872, to June 24, 1879, and William C. Stull, installed Oct. 28, 1879. The first church building was erected about 1837, and a few years thereafter a parsonage was also secured. The second and present church edifice, which is a very tasteful structure, was erected in 1877.

PHICNIXVILLE.

The First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville was or- ganized in 1846. It has had as pastors Revs. John Thomas, Joseph F. Jennison, Joseph W. Porter, and George H. S. Campbell, the latter from Nov. 14, 1876, to Nov. 17, 1880.

ATGLEN.

The Presbyterian Church of Penningtonville (now Atglen) was gathered through the efforts of Rev. James Latta after he ceased to be pastor of Upper Octorara, and over which he was installed as pastor Nov. 11, 1852. He maintained that relation until April 9, 1861, when, on account of in- creasing years, it was dissolved. Mr. Latta died May 30, 1862.

The succeeding pastors have been Rev. J. William Edic, from July 29, 1862, to Aug. 27, 1868; Rev. W. F. P. Noble, from May 13, 1869, to April 10, 1872; Rev. Wil- liam R. Halbert, from Oct. 30, 1872, to Sept. 22, 1878, and Rev. Calvin D. Wilson, the present pastor, since May 11, 1880.

Mr. Edie died Sept. 10, 1874, at Ebensburg, and Mr. Halbert May 8, 1881, at Carlisle, Pa.

DOWNINGTOWN.

The First Presbyterian Church of Downingtown was organized June 9, 1859, and was in connection with the New School branch of the Presbyterian Church. In 1860 a house of worship was erected on Lancaster Avenue, west of the bridge. Among those prominent in the movement were John Baugh and Gustav IIeins. After a time dis- sensions arose in the congregation, and it was dissolved and the church edifice sold.

The Central Pennsylvania Church of Downingtown was organized July 17, 1861, by the Presbytery of New Castle, in connection with the Old School branch of the church.

It was first ministered to by Rev. Joho L. Withrow,

now pastor of the Park Congregational Church, Boston, who, while a student in Princeton Theological Seminary, preached to this church in the summer of 1861.

The first regular pastor was Rev. Matthew Newkirk, Jr., who was installed April 21, 1862, although he had been preaching there from the preceding month of September. He was released Dec. 8, 1868, to take charge of a church in Philadelphia. During his pastorate the church cdifice was erected on Lancaster Avenue, in 1863-64.

Rev. John Rea was pastor from May 6, 1869, to April 8, 1872, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Francis J. Collier, who was installed Oct. 9, 1872. The present membership is 155.

BERWYN.

The Trinity Presbyterian Church of Recseville (now Berwyn) was incorporated April 29, 1862, and the church edifice, a neat Gothic structure, was dedicated Dec. 30, 1862. The first trustees under the charter were Peter Burns, Sr., Joseph C. Smith, Alexander Wilson, William Clark, Peter Burns, Jr., Charles Thompson, Abel Reese, P. Williams, Joseph Williams, Joseph Evans, John Gowdy, Davis Taylor, John Lamey, Robert Neely, and Eber Beaumont.

The pastors have been Revs. John McLeod, A. M. Stewart, Thomas J. Aiken, Willard M. Rice, D.D., Dr. Hartman. The present pastor is Rev. Algernon Marcellus, who has been in charge since Oct. 17, 1879, and the ruling elders are James T. Doran and Frank H. Stauffer.

KENNET SQUARE.

The Presbyterian Church of Kennet Square was organ- ized Nov. 1, 1862, and Rev. John S. Gilmor became its first pastor. He had been preaching there for five months previously. He was installed May 15, 1863. He con- tinued in that relation until April 9, 1872. ITis successor, Rev. James Frazer, the present pastor, was ordained and installed May 22, 1872.

AVONDALE, TOUGHKENAMON, AND LONDONGROVE.

The Presbyterian Church of Avondale was organized Dec. 9, 1870. Rev. John S. Gilmor, of Kennet Square, was stated supply until the spring of 1872, when Rev. James Frazer was, May 22, 1872, installed as pastor, in connection with the church in Kennet Square. This rela- tion with Avondale was dissolved April 9, 1873, soon after which Rev. William R. Bingham became stated supply, and still sustains that relation. The church building was dedicated Jan. 17, 1874. The present bench of elders is composed of Dr. R. B. Ewing, Joseph T. Phillips, and Ziba Lamborn. Membership, 141.

A Presbyterian chapel was erected in Toughkenamon in 1877, and a building at Londongrove, which belonged to the Episcopalians, was purchased and repaired and fitted up as a Presbyterian chapel in 1878.

There is also a Presbyterian Church at Lincoln Univer- sity, known as the Ashinun Church, which was organized in 1867, and a church in Oxford, called the Second Pres- bytcrian Church of Oxford, organized in 1874.

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BAPTIST CHURCHIES.

The first Baptist Church in Pennsylvania was established at Cold Spring in 1684, with Rev. Thomas Dungan, from Rhode Island, as pastor, but it was dissolved in 1702.

Elias Keach, son of the noted Benjamin Keach, of London, arrived in this country, "a very wild spark," about the year 1686. On his landing he dressed in black and wore a band, in order to pass for a minister. The project succeeded to his wishes, and many people resorted to hear the young London divine. He performed well enough till he had advanced pretty far in the sermon, then, stopping short, looked like a man astonished. The audi- ence concluded he had been seized with a sudden disorder, but on being asked what was the matter he confessed the imposture, with tears in his eyes and much trembling. Great was his distress, and from this time he dated his con- version. Hearing of a Baptist minister at Cold Spring, he repaired to him to seck counsel and comfort, and by him was baptized and ordained. In 1688 he organized the Pennypack or Lower Dublin Church, which still exists, the oldest in the State. Mr. Keach returned to England in 1692.

The Baptist Churches of Chester County, with the dates when they were constituted, and classified according to their Associations, are as follows :

Philadelphia Association .- Grent Valley, 1711; Brandywine, 1715; Hephzibah, 1810; Goshen, 1827; Bethesda, 1827 ; Glen Run, 1832.

Central Union Association .- Vincent, 1771; Benlah, 1823; Phoe- nixville, 1830; Windsor, 1833; West Chester, 1834; East Nantmeal, 1841; East Brandywine, 1843; Pughtown, 1856; Coatesville, 1867. North Philadelphia Association .- Willistown, 1833; West Caln, 1842; Lawrenceville, 1858 ; Berean, 1878.

Other Churches .- London Tract, 1780 ; Oxford, recognized May 12, 1881; Green Valley, a branch of Hephzibah.

Brief historical sketches of the above churches are here given.

GREAT VALLEY.

About the years 1701 and 1702 several families from Wales arrived and settled in the east end of the valley, one of which was James Davis, a member of the Baptist Church of Rydwilim, in Carmarthenshire. Near to him, in Radnor, lived Richard Miles and wife, who had been bap- tized by William Beckingham in Upper Providence. These two families met together, and invited ministers from other parts to preach at their houses, by which means several were baptized, particularly William Thomas Hugh, Arthur Edwards, William Davis, Margaret Davis, Joan Miles, Jane Miles, Margaret Phillips, Margaret Evans. In 1710, Rev. Ingh Davis, an ordained minister, William Rees, Alex- ander Owen, John Evans, and Margaret, his wife, arrived and settled in the same neighborhood. Thus strengthened, they began to think of forming themselves into a church. Previous to this they were supplied by the minister of the Welsh Tract (New Castle County) Church, of which they were considered a branch. April 22, 1711, they were con- stituted a church, and chose Hugh Davis to be their minis- ter, and Alexander Owen and William Rees to be elders. Owen also officiated as deacon till February, 1712, when Griffith Jones arrived from Rydwilim, in Wales, and was appointed to that station. They continued to meet, mostly at the house of Richard Miles, in Radnor, until 1722, by

which time they had increased so that it became necessary to have more room. In 1722 a log house was built in Tredyffrin, 28 feet square, which in 1770 contained gal- leries and a stove. The situation was pleasant, being on rising ground by the highway, and near a small brook called Nant yr Ewig. A part of the ground was given by William George, and the rest, upon which the building stood, was purchased by the church from David Jones.

Rev. Morgan Edwards, in his " Materials towards a His- tory of the American Baptists," 1770, from which this is largely taken, says that at that time a branch church was located at Yellow Springs, where was a house 30 by 20 feet on a lot of four acres, the gift of Mr. Cox ; also a school-house and a stable. About ninety-two families belonged to the two branches, of whom ninety-nine persons were baptized, viz. :

John Davis, minister, James Davis, elder, Samuel Jones and John Williams, deacons, Samson Davis, David Thomas, Thomas Nicholas, Joseph Nicholas, George George, Thomas Davis, Rov. Thomas Davis, Edward Powoll, Nathan Powell, David Cornog, Abraham Cornog, Thomas Cornog, Daniel Cornog, Evan Thomas, Griffith Thomas, Wil- liam Griffiths, John Edwards, Lewis Morgan, Edward Jones, Isaac Adams, Elijah Davis, David Thomas, Owen Thomas, William Grono, John Thomas, Thomas Morris, William Gordon, David Jenkins, Philip Jenkins, Philip Lewis, Enoch Lewis, Joseph Philips, David Philips, John Philips, James John, William Wells, David Davis, Sarah Evans, Mary Davis, Hannah Jones, Mary Williams, Catharine Jones, Elizabeth Nicholas, Mary Nicholas, Hannah Davis, Mary Evans, Ann Walters, Catharine 'George, Hannah George, Mary Davis, Mary Pugh, Mary Davis, Mary Powel, Elizabeth Stevens, Margaret James, Catharine Cornog, Jane Cornog, Mary Thomas, Elizabeth Thomas, Sarah Cornog, Martha Lewis, Jane Davis, Sarah Mather, Mary Davis, Margaret --- , Sarah Edwards, Martha Elwards, Edith Adams, Alce Adams, Elizabeth Davis, Catharine Roberts, Let- tice Thomas, Margaret Grono, Mary Lloyd, Lettico James, Lettice Davis, Hannah Morr #, Sarah Gordon, Joan Davis, Margaret Jenkios, Jane Jenkins, Ann Lewis, Elizabeth Martin, Mary Philips, Margaret Philips, Mary Williams, Emma Vanghn, Margaret Smith, Hannah Wells, Mary Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Elizabeth Jones, Cutharine Bartholomew.

The first minister, Rev. Hugh Davis, was born in 1665, in Cardiganshire, baptized and ordained at Rydwilim. After his arrival he served this church until his death, Oct. 13, 1753.

His successor, Rev. John Davis, was born Nov. 1, 1702, in Llanfernach parish, county of Pembroke, and arrived in America July 27, 1713; called to the ministry in 1722; ordained Nov. 16, 1732; took part of the ministry with Hugh Davis, and had sole care of the church after 1753 until 1775, yet continued pastor till his death in 1778. He married Abigail Miles, by whom he had a son Samson, who married into the same family.

Nov. 8, 1760, the heirs of Mary James, in accordance with her verbal will, gave the church a folio copy of the Bible.

In 1775, Rev. David Jones moved into the neighborhood and became assistant to Pastor Davis, but during the Revo- lution he was absent most of the time as chaplain in the army. The church suffered from the ravages of the British army in 1777, as has been mentioned.

A number of gifts and legacies were bestowed upon this church, of which Mr. Edwards mentions fifteen in 1770, as follows :

William George, £150, one-third of which was appropriated to Vincent Church; Thomas Recs, £50; John Philips, £50; Edward

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HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Matthews, £16; Richard Owen, £5; William Morgan, £4; Thomas Jenkins, £20; Sarah Miles, £5; Griffith Jenkins, £5 ; Griffith Philips, £5; John David Rees, £10; William Rees, £10; Ilugh Wilson, towards supporting the school-house, £50; Owen Philips, £20; Henry Davis, a plantation of fifty acres, with a good house and outhouses thereon.

To these may be added a legacy of £150 from Benjamin Bartholomew, of Chester, in 1784.

A history of the church was prepared in 1872 by Rev. William M. Whitehead, from which we obtain further par- ticulars.

In 1820 it was resolved "that in future the women shall be entitled to a vote on all questions that may arise in the church." In 1805 the new meeting-house, and in 1816 and 1823 the parsonage-house and barn, were re- spectively built. Its pastors were accustomed to itinerate through somewhat distant neighborhoods to gather together God's people and preach to them and others the Word. Rev. David Jones went for this and other purposes even to Ohio, and Rev. Thomas Brown went on a missionary tour into the centre of the State. In August, 1821, the pastor, Rev. Thomas Roberts, with Isaac Cleaver, John Farrier, Elizabeth Roberts, Elizabeth Jones, and Rachel Cleaver, were dismissed to form a mission to the Cherokee Indians in Tennessee. The next day (Sabbath) Evan Jones was baptized, and also went with the mission. His son, Rev. John B. Jones, born on the mission-field, became a trans- lator and revisor of the Scriptures into the Cherokee lan- guage. The planting of churches around them is another evidence of their missionary character, of which the fol- lowing is a list :

1. The Seventh-Day Baptist, at French Creek, 1726.

2. Vincent Baptist, Chester County, 1771.

3. Phoenixville Baptist, Chester County, 1830.

4. Norristown Baptist, Montgomery County, 1832.

5. West Chester Baptist, Chester County, 1834.

6. Willistown Baptist, Chester County, 1833.

7. Radnor Baptist, Delaware County, 1841.

The first election of trustees under the charter occurred in January, 1800, and the following named were chosen : Daniel Cornog, Isaac Abraham, James Abraham, Jonathan Philips, and Horatio G. Jones. Its members promptly enrolled themselves among the patriots of the Revolution, and in 1812 its venerable pastor, Rev. David Jones, girded on his regimentals and went forth to hurl back the invad- ing foe. Likewise in 1861 the church sent forth its pastor, with most of its young men, to battle for the preser- vation of the Union.

The following is a list of the pastors of Great Valley Baptist Church :

1, IIugh Davis, 1711-53; 2, John Davis, 1732-78; 3, David Jones, 1775-76, 1792-1820; 4, John Davis, 1775-76; 5, Thomas Jones, 1776 -83; 6, Nicholas Cox, 1783; 7, John Boggs, 1791-1801; 8, Jenkin David, 1795-98; 9, Thomas Roberts, 1814-21; 10, Thomas J. Kitts, 1822 ; 11, John S. Jenkins, 1823-27; 12, Thomas Brown, 1828-31; 13, Leonard Fletcher, 1832-40; 14, Charles B. Keyes, 1841-45; 15, James F. Brown, 1846-54; 16, George Spratt, 1854-58; 17, William M. Whitehead, 1858-61 ; 18, James E. Wilson, 1863-65; 19, B. C. Morse, 1867-70; 20, Jamies H. Ilyatt, 1870.

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History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 70

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts Number of Pages: 1162

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1162