History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 101

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 101

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The Rev. J. H. Stevenson resigned in April, 1868, after a four years' pastorate. The Brownsville Church was then served for two or three years by the Rev. E. P. Lewis as a stated supply. In April, 1874, the Rev. W. W. MeLane was called to this charge, and was installed on the 13th of May following. He continued as pastor until June, 1878, when he resigned. He was succeeded by the Rev. A. S. Milholland, who came to the pastorate Sept. 18, 1878. He remained till the spring of 1880, since which time the church has been without a regular pastor. The Rev. A. B. Fields is now (1881) acting as stated supply for one year, com- meneing March 9, 1881.

Until after 1815 the Presbyterians of Brownsville had no regular house of worship. On the 14th of June in that year Joseph Thornton, John Steel, and John Johnston, trustees of the Presbyterian congrega- tion of Brownsville, purchased for two hundred dollars, and five shillings' annual ground-rent, lot No. 3, on Second Street, being sixty feet front on that street, and one hundred and eighty feet deep to Market Street. It was conveyed to them "in trust for the use of the Presbyterian congregation of Brownsville, for the purpose of erecting a meeting-house thereon, for the benefit of the congregation aforesaid." Soon afterwards there was built on the Second Street front a briek edifice, which was used as a house of worship until the present church was completed on the same lot but fronting on Market Street.

On the 4th of May, 1822, William Steele, William Forsyth, and Jesse H. Duncan, trustees of the Pres- byterian congregation, purchased a lot northeast of and adjoining the Episcopal Church lot for burial purposes.

Of the elders, William Parkhill was the only one living within the bounds of Brownsville Church at the time of its separation from Little Redstone Church, in April, 1866. A. J. Isler and Josiah Reed were the next elders elected, Aug. 27, 1873. On the 13th of September, 1876, J. R. Patterson was elected elder.

The church now (July, 1881) numbers one hundred and twenty-one members. A Sabbath-school con- nected with the church has an attendance of about one hundred, including teachers, and is under the superintendeney of William Parkhill.

CHRIST CHURCH3 (PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL).

The district and country about Brownsville was settled originally by emigrants principally from Maryland and Virginia, many of whom had been reared in the principles and forms of the Episcopal Church, and hence brought with them their predilec- tions for the same. This is evident from the fact that several Jog churches were built by the early settlers in this section for the purpose of retaining the services of the church among them, and transmitting the same to their descendants. As these buildings, however, were never occupied except by itinerating clergymen, and rarely at that, the interests of the people gradu- ally declined, the buildings deeayed, and the families whose preference had once been given to the Prot- estant Episcopal Church sought elsewhere for the word of life.

One of these early churches was situated about five miles east of Brownsville, on the land formerly of a man by the name of Clark. The grounds around this building contained about an acre, and they still belong to the church. The building is, however, in a dilapi-

1 In a centennial address, delivered Sept. 17, 1874.

2 Brownsville and Little Redstone being at that time separated from the Dunlap's Creek Church.

3 This history of the church down to 1852 is from a sketch by the Rev. Samuel Cowell. The latter part is furnished by the Rev. S. D. Day.

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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

dated condition, and the families who once worshiped there either removed or are scattered, so that scarcely a vestige of the congregation remains. A second log church was erected twelve miles west of Brownsville, on the main road leading to Washington. The lot, containing about an acre, was given originally by a Col. Crooks, and belonged to the church as late as 1848. The building, like the former, has nearly gone to decay, and the families who once worshiped in it have either removed or lost their attachment to the church.

Another church was built at Carmichaeltown, twelve miles south of Brownsville. The grounds, however, have been taken possession of and held for many years by the county (probably with the consent of the owners) and an academy built thereon. The building was erected mainly by Col. Ricard and Charles Swan. These individuals have long since died, and their families have become diverted to other forms of worship. A fourth church building of the same material as the others was erected about half- way between Uniontown and Brownsville, on the farm of Robert Jackson. The old building was re- moved, however, a few years since, and a small though comfortable brick church erected in its place. This church, known by the name of Grace Church, in Menallen township, has long been recognized by the convention as a missionary station, and services have been held in it with considerable regularity by clergymen officiating at Brownsville and Uniontown.

About eight miles north of Brownsville, on the road to Pittsburgh, there was erected still another log building, known by the name of "St. Peter's Church, Pike Run." At the first settlement of this neighbor- hood there were here many Episcopalians from Ire- land, and among them several families hy the name of West, Gregg, and Hopkins. Their descendants have manifested, however, in later years but feeble interest in the church of their fathers. Considerable exertions were made by the Rev. L. N. Freeman, formerly rector of Christ Church, Brownsville, in be- half of the station. The building was repaired and religious services frequently held, but without much permanent utility, as there seemed to be a lack of co- operation on the part of the people. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Onderdonk made the first visit to this station in 1838, confirming the following persons : Mrs. Murdy, Mrs. Nixon, and Miss Mary West. The failure in the establishment of the church at these several stations is mainly to be attributed to the want of missionary services among them. Years would pass during which no Episcopal services were held and no minister appeared to call the people together. Could the ground have been occupied by some regn- lar itinerating missionary no doubt influential par- ishes might have been formed.

With regard to the church in Brownsville the case appears to have been rather more favorable. Services were held from time to time with more frequency, and

the temporal interests of the church especially sus- tained with more ability and zeal, though many un- toward circumstances have in time past retarded ma- terially the progress of the church. Among these the resemblances of her forms and ceremonies to those of the Church of England excited great prejudice against her in Revolutionary times, a prejudice which the lapse of years could not wholly eradicate.

The first episcopally ordained clergyman we have any notice of as officiating in what is now Browns- ville was a certain Mr. Allison, who, in 1759, came as chaplain to the soldiers under the command of Capt. James Burd, who came to erect the fort of that name. Brownsville was at that period but a frontier post, and known by the name of "Redstone Old Fort." Of the itinerating ministers who officiated in Browns- ville and parts adjacent prior to any important move- ment in the parish were the Rev. Mr. Mitchell, the Rev. Robert Davis, the Rev. Robert Ayres, and the Rev. Jackson Kemper, afterwards Bishop of In- diana. The first of these officiated in Brownsville in the year 1785. Little else is known respecting him. The second officiated in this place immediately pre- ceding and after the commencement of the present century, viz., from 1795 to 1805. He was an Irishman by birth, and originally a Methodist minister by pro- fession. His ministry, however, was far from being useful or profitable to the people. So inconsistent was his life and conduct with the words which fell from his lips that religion was thrown into reproach and the principles of the church into abandonment.

The next was as unworthy of the sacred ministry as his predecessor. Whimsical in character and va- cillating in principle, he proved himself untrue to the church, as the subsequent and final preference which he gave for the delusions of Swedenborg will abundantly testify. This gentleman was ordained by Bishop White for Brownsville, and officiated about the same time with Mr. Davis; but so feeble was his character, and so blameworthy were his principles, that the people would not attend on his ministry. Jackson Kemper officiated in the parish of Browns- ville in the fall of 1811. He was the first missionary of the Advancement Society to this part of the coun- try, having voluntarily assumed the responsibility of the office. His stay in Brownsville was short, as there were several other places to be visited in his itineracy ; but although short, it was no doubt fruit- ful of good. He made a subsequent visit in the year 1814, baptizing sundry individuals, as follows : William Hogg, Ann Bowman, Harriet E. Bowman, Louisa Bowman, Matilda Bowman, William Bowman, Goodloe H. Bowman, and Nelson B. Bowman.

The above-named gentlemen, acting as itinerant missionaries, preceded any attempt towards the or- ganization of the parish or the erection of a church edifice A successful effort, however, had been made as early as 1796 towards the securing of a church lot in Brownsville. Many of the original settlers of

445

BROWNSVILLE BOROUGH AND TOWNSHIP.

Brownsville, as we have intimated, were Episcopa- lians. But in the laying out of the town they ne- glected to set apart a suitable spot for a church edi- fice and grounds. This negligence was, however, abundantly compensated by the judgment and fore- sight of three gentlemen, who volunteered to purchase a lot of ground at their own expense for the benefit of the church. The lot, being the eligible and beau- tiful site upon which the present edifice now stands, was bought from Samuel Jackson for the sum of twenty pounds. A copy of the receipt for the pur- chase-money is herewith given :

" BROWNSVILLE, the 27th August, 1796.

"Then received of Charles Wheeler the sum of twenty pounds, seven shillings, and sixpence, being in full of the consideration money for a certain lot of ground sold for the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church by me.

"SAMUEL JACKSON."

This receipt for the purchase-money was considered by the purchasers as a sufficient bill of sale. The three purchasers of the ground were Dr. Charles Wheeler, William Hogg, and Jacob Bowman. Dr. Wheeler was an Englishman and a surgeon by pro- fession, who, after serving in Dunmore's war, settled on a farm about four miles west of Brownsville. He was warmly attached to the church, and when dis- posing of his worldly effects bequeathed to the same one hundred pounds, to be paid at the death of his wife. Mrs. Wheeler lived many years after her hus- band's death, having reached the advanced age of ninety-four years, a fact which seems to have been much to the advantage of the church, inasmuch as his landed estate had greatly increased in value during her life, so that the church at the time of her death received as a residuary legatee about six hundred dollars.

William Hogg was also an Englishman by birth, and warmly attached to the church of his fathers. During his residence in Brownsville he acquired a large property, but as he contributed largely to the church during his lifetime, and especially towards the erection of the edifice and the subsequent improve- ment of it, and also towards the preached gospel, he left no final bequest to the parish. His nephew, however, George Hogg, formerly a communicant of Christ Church, subsequently gave out of his uncle's estate five hundred dollars towards the erection of the parsonage, additional to five hundred dollars of his own. William Hogg died in 1840, and was buried in the churchyard.

Jacob Bowman was born in the State of Maryland, and was raised a member of the Lutheran Church. Upon his settlement in Brownsville, however, he gave his preferences to the Episcopal Church, and con- nected himself therewith. For thirty years he was the senior warden, and in this, his official capacity, his conduct was ever marked by an undeviating at-

tachment to the church, and also uniform and con- sistent piety. He accumulated a large estate during his life, out of which he was very liberal in the be- stowal of his charities. Both the church edifice and the parsonage received a very liberal subscription at his hands. Moreover, at his death he bequeathed two thousand dollars to the parish, appropriating the same towards the support of public worship. Long will the church have occasion to remember with gratitude this its munificent patron. He died in 1847, and lies buried in the churchyard.

Such and so praiseworthy were these three gentle- men, who originally purchased the church property, and who, from their individual ability no less than from their attachment to the church, were mainly instrumental, under the wise providence of God, in its preservation in early years, mainly instrumental in the transmission of the same, a precious heritage to posterity.

In the year 1814 the Rev. Mr. Clay succeeded Mr. Kemper as missionary of the Advancement Society in Western Pennsylvania. He arrived in Brownsville the 20th of July, and shortly after urged the people to build a church upon the lot of ground which al- ready they had in possession. They received the sug- gestion most favorably, and on the 27th met to arrange measures to accomplish the object. At this meeting seven trustees were appointed, viz. : Jacob Bowman, Charles Wheeler, William Hogg, Michael Sowers, Robert Clarke, John Nin, and George Hogg. The sum of $500 was subscribed upon the spot, and a com- mittee of two appointed for the purpose of procuring the names of others. Before Mr. Clay left Browns- ville the sum of twelve hundred dollars had been sub- scribed, and the promise given on the part of some to add fifty per cent. to their subscriptions should it be necessary.

Among the most active were the three trustees first named, still it is to the Rev. Dr. Clay, of Gloria Dei Church, Philadelphia, that we are to accord the principal merit. It was through his missionary zeal and pious exertions that dormant energies were aroused into action among the people, and a right spirit awakened in behalf of the church. Of course there was material in the parish on which to act, but years had already passed and no progress had been made, and time was fast obliterating the sympathies of former years. It was through his missionary ex- ertions, therefore, that the right spirit was awakened among the people, as the subsequent movements of the parish abundantly testify.

On the 26th of August, 1814, the first vestry was duly organized, the following gentlemen consenting to act as its constituent members : Jacob Bowman, William Hogg, Robert Clarke, Charles Wheeler, John Nin, Basil Brashear, Basil Brown, Charles Ford, Geoge Hogg, Henry Stump, Thomas Brown, and Henry B. Goe. At a subsequent meeting of the vestry, held upon the 15th of April, 1815, William Hogg and

446

IIISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Robert Clarke were appointed a committee to make an estimate as to the expense of a church building, and to give out proposals for the erection of the same. They did so, both publishing their advertisement in the Fayette and Greene Spectator, then published at Uniontown, and also posting it up in the public places of the neighborhood. Proposals being handed in, there was a meeting of the vestry upon the 6th of June following, whereon a contract was duly made with Isaac Linn for the erection of the church. This contract was in substance as follows : The church was to be built of stone, fifty-five feet long by thirty- eight feet wide. It was to have a substantial roof, but no joiner-work in the interior. The cost of the same to be $1700.

The work on the part of the buil 'er was duly per- formed, and paid for by the vestry. But after the walls were raised the condition of things appears to have been at a stand for many years. No further efforts appear to have been made towards the comple- tion of the building, and no important movement was undertaken by the church and people. Undoubtedly this period of lethargy originated in the fact that the parish was destitute of the ministrations of a settled clergyman. Few episcopally ordained clergymen came at that time west of the mountains, unless it was to some important parishes, or for the purpose of itinerating for a while on missionary ground. And with respect to those who might be termed "sons of the soil," they were so few in number and so far be- tween as to be altogether inadequate to meet the mis- sionary demand. It is a matter of notice, indeed, that between the erection of the church and the settle- ment of the first minister occasional visits were made by certain clergymen, as is evident from the entries of baptisms made upon the records of private families and transferred to the church records. But beyond these occasional visits on the part of the above clergy- men, no opportunities were afforded the parish either of enjoying the services of the church or being in- structed in her principles.

During this period it appears that Samuel Jackson, the original grantor of the land, died, and hence it became necessary for the vestry to petition the court at Uniontown, held on the first Monday in March, 1819, to authorize the executors of Samuel Jackson to make a deed in conformity with the contract made in his lifetime. The evidence of the existing contract being considered sufficient by the court, the executors were accordingly authorized to comply with the peti- tion of the vestry, and on the 22d day of May, 1820, a deed in proper form was executed and delivered to the vestry. On the 20th of March, 1821, an arrange- ment was made between the vestry and Henry Bark- man for the completion of the church edifice. Ac- cordingly the building was finished, and was used for public services immediately upon its completion.

Upon the 24th of September, 1822, the vestry in- vited the Rev. Mr. Phiffer, of Baltimore, to become

their minister. The terms of the invitation were, however, somewhat conditional, the parish proposing to occupy his services for one-half of the time, in the expectation that the neighboring stations at Connells- ville and Union would employ the remainder. But it appears the Rev. Mr. Phiffer declined the invita- tion, recommending, however, the Rev. John Baus- man, his brother-in-law, to supply his place. The vestry accordingly invited the Rev. Mr. Bausman upon the same terms as the other. He accepted the invitation, and commenced his labors in the parish upon the 22d of March, 1823. As the church edifice was not completed at this time, divine services were held at the Presbyterian meeting-house of the place. By the 30th of November of the same year the build- ing was completed and ready to be opened. It was occupied from that day forth by the Rev. Mr. Baus- man for the public worship of the congregation. But although it was thus used for the first time, it was not duly consecrated until the 22d of June, 1825. It was then that the Right Rev. Bishop White, the first bishop of the diocese, made his first visit to the West, and several persons were confirmed according to the rites and institutions of the church, and the church building consecrated to the worship and service of Almighty God.

The Rev. Mr. Bausman continued his labors in the parish for the space of about four years, then handing in his resignation, which was accepted upon the 8th of March, 1827. The church was greatly strength- ened by his faithful and efficient ministry. Upon the 8th of March, 1827, the same day of Mr. Bausman's resignation, the Rev. Mr. Phiffer was elected in his stead. His resignation was accepted by the vestry on the Ist of August, 1829. The parish continued without a rector until the following spring, when, upon the 4th of April, 1830, the Rev. L. N. Freeman was duly elected rector. He commenced his labors in July of the same year, and labored with diligence in his vocation and ministry. During the rectorship of Mr. Freeman ( April 19, 1841) it was resolved by the vestry to take measures for the erection of a suit- able parsonage. Contract was made with John John- ston and Thomas Butcher for the sum of $2200. At the same time a part of the land belonging to the church was exchanged for a certain piece of land be- longing to George Hogg, in order that the lot might have a rectangular shape. Upon it the parsonage now stands.

On the 20th of September, 1841, the Rev. L. N. Freeman tendered his resignation to the vestry, which was accepted. Upon the 11th of December of the same year the Rev. Enos Woodward was invited to become the rector of the church. The invitation was accepted, and he shortly after entered upon his duties. During his rectorship, as appears from the minutes of the vestry, the church was, for the first time, regularly incorporated by the name and style of " The Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestrymen of Christ Church,

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BROWNSVILLE BOROUGHI AND TOWNSHIP.

of Brownsville." The Rev. Mr. Woodward remained in the parish for about three years. He tendered his resignation March 24, 1845, which was accepted by the vestry. Upon the 6th of June following, the Rev. Samuel Cowell took charge of the parish.

The church was thoroughly repaired during the months of June and July, 1845, through the exer- tions chiefly of the ladies of the parish. About the same time a vestry-room was also erected on the rear of the church. At this time the congregation numbered forty-eight families. Adults, 125 ; children, 58 ; total, 183.

The Rev. Samuel Cowell, who was called to the rectorship of the parish in June, 1845, and took charge in the following July, resigned on the 6th of October, 1852, his resignation taking effect the 1st of November of the same year. During the years 1851 and 1852 an effort was made to build a house for the sexton, which effort was successful, the Messrs. J. L. Bowman and William Dean being the committee to raise funds, and the Messrs. G. H. and N. B. Bowman being the building committee. The house cost about twelve hundred dollars, which amount was in part raised by the ladies of the parish, and the balance by subscription.

In November, 1853, the Rev. J. A. Jerome was called to the rectorship of the parish, which call, after some delay, was declined. In February, 1853, the Rev. James Lee Maxwell was called, which call was also declined.

In April, 1853, the Rev. Richard Temple was in- vited to be rector of the parish. The call was ac- cepted, Mr. Temple taking charge April 29, 1853. On July 12, 1854, Mr. Temple offered his resignation on account of ill health. The resignation was ac- cepted by the vestry, and the parish was again de- clared vacant. On the 9th of December of the same year a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. James J. Page of Virginia. After some deliberation Mr. Page accepted the call, and took charge the 19th of January, 1855.

The winter of 1855 and 1856 was a very cold one, and the church building then occupied being very open, many of the people suffered severely from the cold. It seemed impossible to get the church warm enough for comfort. Much complaint was made, and the parish was greatly disturbed by the matter. One evening during the winter two ladies of the congre- gation, Mrs. Adam Jacobs and Mrs. Mary M. Gum- mert, were visiting the family of Mr. James L. Bow- man. The subject of a new church was introduced. Mrs. Jacobs asked Mr. Bowman how much he would give towards it? He replied immediately three thousand dollars for myself and one thousand dollars for Mrs. Bowman. The two ladies above mentioned procured a subscription paper at once and secured five thousand dollars in a few hours, and in a few days had upon their paper about eight thousand dollars.

At a meeting of the vestry held on April 11, 1856, the Messrs. N. B. Bowman, G. H. Bowman, and John Johnston were appointed a building committee to act as an executive body for the vestry in the matter of the new church, and Mr. J. L. Bowman was appointed treasurer. The contract for the new building was awarded to Messrs. William H. Johnston and Jona- than Wilson. The church as it now stands cost about twenty thousand dollars. It was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D., LL.D.

The Rev. Mr. Page resigned the charge of the parish in the winter of 1861 and 1862, after a rector- ship of six years.

On May 19, 1862, a unanimous call was by the vestry extended to the Rev. J. F. Ohl, of New Castle, Pa., who accepted the call and took charge of the parish 'Jan. 1, 1863. On Feb. 5, 1866, Mr. Ohl tendered his resignation, to take effect the second Sunday in April of same year. The resignation was accepted, and at the specified time the parish was again vacant after a rectorship of over three years.

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History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 101

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 1314