USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > Allen > History of the Allen Township Presbyterian church and the community which has sustained it, in what was formerly known as the "Irish settlement," Northampton county, Pa > Part 7
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CHAPTER VII. 1870-1875.
ITH the re-union of 1870 the church came under the care of the Pres- bytery of Lehigh.
During the summer of 1869, the Rev. David M. James, pastor of the Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, N. J., visited the Settlement and preached for the peo- ple. The congregation perceived in him the proper qualifications of mind and heart to make a suitable pastor for them. They
without delay extended a call to him.
Not-
withstanding the temporal and spiritual condition of the church was not of the most inviting character at the time, be it said to the lasting credit of Mr. James, he did not decline to enter upon the work to which God by his Providence seemed to be calling him. He accepted the call of the people, and the Presbytery proceeded to make arrangements for his installation. This took place November 9th, 1869. We cannot do better than give the words of one who was an eye-witness of, and par- ticipated in the interesting services of Mr.
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James' installation, which were so auspi- cious for the future of this old historic church. We find them in the "Presby- terian," of November 27th, 1869, as fol- lows :
" MESSRS. EDITORS :- The Rev David M. James was installed pastor of the Allen Township Presby- terian Church on the afternoon of the 9th inst. The Rev. Mr. Banks, of Easton, Pa., presided and preached ; the Rev. Mr. Kerr delivered a very appro- priate charge to the pastor, and the Rev. Mr. Fulton, of Catasaquua, Pa., the charge to the people. The exercises throughout were of an interesting and im- pressive character. We congratulate this congrega- tion upon their happy selection of a pastor. Mr. James is an Alumnus of Lafayette College, and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary. He has been for a number of years the efficient pastor of Mount Olive Church, New Jersey. He now comes to a church of historic interest. Although its member- ship has been largely reduced by removals, those very changes which have been its loss, have been great gain to the cause of Christ, and of Presbyte- rianism in many other parts of the country, particu- larly in the middle and western states. For more than one hundred and thirty years the descendants of a respectable and thoroughly indoctrinated Scotch- Irish ancestry have been maintaining and propagat- ing the faith of their fathers in this region, and sending forth an element and influence that shall live and last and operate in the Presbyterian Church, where perhaps much of a present, but ephemeral notoriety will be unheard of. In connection with the ministry of this church, either of regular pastorate or supply, we find the names of Revs. Gilbert Ten- nent, by whom the church was organized in 1738 ; James Campbell, 1740; Beatty, 1743; David Brainerd, 1744; Lawrence, 1747; John Clark, 1762 ; John Rcs-
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brugh, 1719 ; Alexander Mitchel, 1777 ; James Sproat, 1778 ; Francis Peppard, 1783 ; Robert Russel, 1798 ; Alexander Heberton, 1827 ; William McJimsey, 1831 ; Brogan Hoff, 1833 ; and Leslie Irwin, 1835. Of these are men of God whose praise still lives in the churches, and whose record shall be forever on high. Mr. Irwin served this church faithfully for about thirty years, and since his removal to the west, in 1868, the church has been without a regular pastor until now, although many acceptable supplies have filled the pulpit ; in particular Mr. Curtis, now of the Theolo- gical Seminary, Princeton, whose labors here during the past summer have been greatly blessed to the people. Mr. James now enters upon this charge under very encouraging circumstances. He enjoys their merited confidence, while they are much united and revived under his ministry. At their last com- munion season, twenty persons were united to the membership of the church. They have now con- cluded to erect a new church at Bath. And from the need of a new Presbyterian Church, particularly at this point, from the ability of the people, and from the interest they now manifest in this worthy enterprise, we are persuaded the good work will soon be accomplished. And also that a rich blessing is yet in store for the descendants of those fathers who con- secrated this ground with their tears, when they re- tired to weep under the hazel bushes, with the message of Jesus from the burning lips of David Brainerd in their hearts.
" LEHIGH."
We have intimated that at the time Mr. James was called to the pastorate of the church, her prospects temporally and spir- itually were not of the most encouraging character. We might say they were ex- ceedingly discouraging. It was about that
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time the foregoing pages were written, sub- stantially as the reader here finds them. With the circumstances of the congregation vividly before the mind, we then wrote as follows : We cannot turn from the record of these events, simple and comparatively unimportant as some of them may seem, without reflecting upon the mutability of all things here below. Those who founded, and who were for many years the staunch supporters of the church, have all passed away. We open those old records and read name after name whose counterpart we find upon many a tombstone in the old graveyard. Here, too, are the monuments which were raised to the memory of the dead when we had no national existence. When we walk through this old city of the dead and read the names of those who were laid low in the tomb a hundred years ago, and then look out upon the splendor of our nation which has risen since these were laid there, we pause and ask our- selves, can all this have transpired in so short a time ? There attach themselves to these sacred spots, which seem as links to bind us to a former age, such hallowed associations as make the passer by pause and consider, when and under what circum- stances in the distant future some one may pay the same tribute of respect to his memory. Here are the evidences of work
7
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performed by our ancestors when those beautiful surrounding hills and vales were covered with the primeval forests. Here are designated the last resting places of those who encountered the trials of an early settler's life, braved winter storms and a savage foe in an age gone by. When we consider, too, the various estates which in that early day were held by our Scotch-Irish ancestry, and now see so many of them possessed by those of another nationality, we ask ourselves, shall this course of disintegration and decay con- tinue ? Shall that name which has for nearly one hundred and fifty years desig- nated this beautiful region, to which so many in the various parts of our broad land are pleased to trace their ancestry, be lost in oblivion ? Shall we hear no more of the Irish Settlement? Shall those old build- ings where the praises of God have been celebrated for the last half or three-quar- ters of a century, be deserted and desolate? Shall those old pews, which speak of better days, be empty and forgotten? Shall those old walls decay, totter and fall, no more to rise? Shall these, like the forms of those who reared them to the service of God, sink beneath the sod? Alas, we fear such must be their fate. Decay and desolation seem to be written upon those old walls. Yet this change from brightness to shade
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in the prospects of the old time honored church, is not attributable to the faithful few who continue to resort there for worship. Those old walls are as dear to them as were the walls of a once magnifi- cent Jerusalem to the Jews. It is a higher and mightier hand than man's that is work- ing. If the praises of God cease to be celebrated in these sacred retreats, by those of the nationalities which instituted His praise there, let it be remembered that from these have gone out streams to make glad the city of our God. As a church God has been, and " is in the midst of her ; she shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early."
Such was the feeling which the circum- stances of the congregation created within our mind at the commencement of the pastorate of Mr. James. Whilst we ex- pressed that feeling, since five or six years have rolled by we find we quoted the words of the sacred writer in a wonderfully prophetic manner. We declared that God had been and was in the midst of the old church, and that he would help her, and that right early. This has been proven to be emphatically true. God did help her, and that right early, as we shall presently see.
Before we speak of the present pros- perity of the church, let us make a brief
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resume of the circumstances which appa- rently led to the decline and threatened the extinction of the congregation.
Allen and East Allen Townships were the centre of what was known in earlier days as the Irish Settlement. After the Settlement was commenced, in 1728, and grew under the auspices of the Allens, who were friends of Presbyterianism, peo- ple of Scotch and Irish extraction, and imbued with the principles of Presbyterian- ism, immigrated thither. The surrounding country at that time was to a large extent a wilderness.
Thus it can be clearly seen how all the circumstances in the early days - of the Settlement were conducive to the
Her star was prosperity of the church.
then in the ascendant. As families moved into the neighborhood, and the children grew up, the church was proportionably strengthened. But there was a limit to this tide of fortune. The time came when immigration to the Settlement to a large degree, if not wholly, ceased. The sur- rounding country began to be filled up with that thrifty and substantial class of people known as the Pennsylvania Germans. There was no room for the Settlement to grow in proportions, and no new supply of material from abroad to make it grow. Thus we can see how the Settlement and her church was brought to a standstill,
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so far as her prosperity was concerned. But coming to a standstill was but to begin a retrograde movement. The families of the old settlers growing up, must be pro- vided for. There was no inviting and economical mode of providing for them in the bounds of the old Settlement. Neces- sity, therefore, compelled the people to look beyond the Settlement for homes for their children. In addition to this natural cause of emigration, difficulties with regard to land titles, growing out of the results of the American Revolution, tended in the same direction. The question now arose as to whether the children in the families should seek homes in the newer portions of the country, or whether the whole families should emigrate and settle where all could live in close proximity to each other. The latter plan seems to have been to a large degree adopted. This emigration of families from the Settlement to other parts of the country has been insidiously going on, to a greater or less degree, for more than seventy years. Through this the de- scendants of the old settlers may be found to-day scattered along the banks of the Susquehanna, in Centre county, in Chester county, in Pittsburgh and vicinity. Hosts of these descendants may be found in the Genesee country, in western New York; in fact they are scattered all over the Middle
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and Western States, to the latter of which they have gone as by a second emigration. They have carried Presbyterianism with them, so that it may truly be said that from the old Settlement have gone forth streams which have made glad the city of our God. This constant removal of families, as we have endeavored to point out in the fore- going pages, wrought its legitimate effects upon the old mother church. She was slowly dying from disintegration. The question may be asked why the community which has ever been populous in the Settle- ment, did not supply material for the church in place of that which was lost by emigration ? This question may be an- swered by calling attention to the fact that it was almost universally the case that when a Scotch or Irish family removed, their property fell into the hands of a Penn- sylvania German. In fact, this substantial class of our citizens have for many years been pressing hard upon the precincts of the old Settlement. Their inclinations, so far as church relations are concerned, have ever been toward the Lutheran and Ger- man Reformed denominations. They have ever gone upon the assumption, apparently, that they were not expected to take an in- terest in the old Settlement Presbyterian Church. On the other hand, the Scotch- Irish element, apparently, went upon the
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assumption that it was their mission to con- serve the interests of Presbyterianism in the community. Whilst ready enough to extend the hand of fellowship to a German brother-Christian, they do not seem to have made any strenuous efforts to enlist the sympathies of these people in the affairs of the old Settlement Church. Thus we can see how death and emigration would work their ravages upon the church, with com- paratively nothing to counteract their influ- ence. Under the influence of these and other causes, we may truly say the church was threatened with utter extinction. So it seemed about the time the pastorate of Mr. James commenced. The old church near Weaversville, had in appearance fallen far behind the age. There was still the high narrow pulpit with its winding stairs at one side, just as they had been built, for aught we could learn, more than sixty years ago. There were the old fashioned straight high backed pews in which the members of the church had sat from infancy to old age. There were the old posts, placed to sup- port the joined wooden ceiling long before the recollection of the younger members of the church. There was the old communion table, with its beautifully carved legs, telling of an age gone by. The old walls were stained and begrimed through the leaking of the decaying roof. Such was the old
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church near Weaversville. Nor was the Old Academy, the other place of preach- ing, much more inviting. It had been built for school purposes, but when the waning fortunes of the Settlement divested it of its importance as an institution of learning, it was accommodated to the uses of public worship. But there remained the old plat- form, extending across the entire southern end of the room. In the middle of this was the semi-circuiar railing which sup- ported the pulpit board. Time had made an indelible impression upon the old leather covered Bible, and had riddled the old cloth screen upon the railing, putting it in sad contrast with the brass headed tacks which held it in position and which grew brighter and brighter as furbished by the vestments of the men of God from year to year.
In front of the minister's face, and where he could almost touch it with his hands as he proclaimed the word of truth, was the old fashioned stove with its pipe rusting through under the corroding hand of time. Upon the minister's right were the benches, apparently made only for temporary use many years before, upon which sat the male portion of the congregation. On the left were similar benches occupied by the females. The walls and ceiling were dis- I and unsightly. In short, the whole
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appearance of the house of worship was uncomfortable, uninviting, and out of date.
This aspect of the buildings and the depleted resources of the congregation, made us, as the descendant of one of the old families, tremble for the ark of God in the Settlement. It was under these influ- ences we penned the picture which we have inserted above. But it has been truly said, the darkest hour is just before dawn. So it proved to be in this case. The people were not deceived in their estimate of Mr. James when they called. him to the pastorate, in 1869. A man of experience in the pastorate, and knowing how to win the hearts of those outside of the church as well as in it, he was the right: man in the right place, to accomplish a good work for God and Presbyterianism within the bounds of the old Settlement.
We must now call attention to the result: of a quiet work which has been going on among our Pennsylvania German citizens, and which has so favorably manifested itself in the bounds of the old Irish Settle- ment. The present generation have been under the influence of our common school. system. The result of this has been to in- troduce the English language to a large extent among the German population. It: perhaps may be truly said, that the younger generation of Germans in North- 7*
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ampton and other counties, now generally use the English language in ordinary con- versation. This being the case, it would be natural for them to have a desire to listen to English preaching, by ministers who always had spoken the English language. This has manifested itself in the town of Bath, whose population is almost exclusively Pennsylvania German. The younger people speak, generally, the English language. They have enjoyed suitable church privileges under the minis- try of the Lutheran and German Reformed Churches where the German and English languages have been used interchangeably. But whilst they have been appropriately indoctrinated in the great fundamental principles of Christianity in this way, they have manifested a desire for English preaching.
Mr. James, and the remnant of the old Settlement people, were quick to discover this auspicious change in the sentiments of their worthy neighbors, and take advantage of it for the welfare and advancement of the Presbyterian Church. Another aus- picious circumstance was the spiritual awakening among the people, apparently through the instrumentality of the Rev. Mr. Curtis, just previous to Mr. James' entrance upon his pastorate. We learn that at the sacramental occasion previous to
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Mr. James' installation, twenty persons connected themselves with the church. Thus were the people spiritually enlivened and strengthened for the work which was before them. Another auspicious circum- stance was the fact that whilst God by his providence had depleted the ranks of the old Settlement people, he had granted a goodly portion of this world's goods to those who remained.
Under these circumstances it was decided that the time had arrived for building a Presbyterian Church in Bath. The mem- bers of the church resolved to do their part, and seek the aid and co-operation of others in the community, and especially of. those living in Bath. Be it said to the last- ing credit of all, that the old Settlement. people responded liberally when called upon for this purpose, and the Bath peo- ple, as well as others more distant, heartily seconded their efforts. Of those who did! so in the congregation we might mention. the names of Mrs. Margaret Horner, wife of the late Joseph Horner, who so long- and so faithfully served the church as. Treasurer, together with her two daughters; the late Judge James Kennedy, whose: name for many years was familiar in the church ; Mrs. Dr. Boyd, daughter of James. Clyde, whose name appears frequently among the Trustees of the congregation ;.
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Mr. Joseph Brown; Mr. John Horner, son of Hugh Horner, whose name is prominent among the Trustees of former days ; Mr. Hugh R. Horner, son of Robert Horner, who so long and so faithfully served the congregation as Treasurer ; Thomas Clen- dinen, and others whose names would not sound so familiar to those who now live beyond the bounds of the Settlement.
Of those outside of the congregation we might mention the names of James Vleit, Esq., Dr. Shull, of Bethlehem, Wm. Chap- man, and others. In seeking a location in Bath the people desired one sufficiently central and still appropriately retired. Upon the road leading from Blethlehem to Bath, upon a beautifully shaded portion of the street, not more than two squares from the business portion of the town, they found and secured a lot combining admirably the requisite qualifications. The lot was
purchased Monday, Jan. 31st, 1870. Here, under the superintendence of Mr. Hugh R. Horner, and James Vleit, Esq., in 1870, the people erected a neat and commodious house of worship. The building stands back from the sidewalk ten or fifteen feet, and is on the west side of the street. It is a substantial brick structure thirty-eight by sixty feet. From the main entrance, out of the vestibule, a step or two down leads into the Sabbath school and lecture room.
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Here may be found a cheerful and attrac- tive place of worship. Maps, charts and other modern appliances are at hand for the proper instruction of the children and people. To remind all of " the hole of the pit" whence they have been dug, the old seats from the Academy, altered and made more comfortable, are made to do service in seating the congregation. Here are the large heaters by which the main audience room above is warmed. £ Here the people hold their fairs, festivals, and enjoy many social occasions.
Ascending to the main audience room we find all the surroundings cheerful and inviting. The pulpit is neat and of the latest and most approved pattern. In the rear of the pulpit may be seen richly carved and upholstered chairs, the gift of Mrs. Margaret Horner. In front may be seen a beautiful table, the gift of Mrs. Webster, of Mauch Chunk. In the oppo- site end of the room may be seen a con- veniently constructed choir gallery, in which may be found a suitable church organ, the gift of the Misses Sallie and Jennie Horner. Upon the pulpit board is a beautiful Bible, the gift of Miss Maria Insley. The pews are sixty-three in num- ber and are calculated to seat comfortably three hundred and fifty persons. They are ash, oiled and finished with walnut scrolls
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and tops. The windows are stained glass. The room is made comfortable in winter by heaters in the basement. The building is surmounted by a symmetrical and attrac- tive spire. In the tower has been placed a suitable bell which calls the worshipers together from time to time. This whole munificent gift of some $8,000 to $10,000 value was dedicated to the service of Almighty God on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 24th, 1870. "In the morning, at I I o'clock, the dedicatory services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. David M. James, assisted by Rev. D. S. Banks, who preached an appropriate and interesting sermon." In the evening, addresses were delivered by Rev. Messrs. J. W. Wood, of Allen- town, Wm. Fulton, of Catasauqua, and D. S. Banks, of Easton." "Two venerable members, Judge James Kennedy, and Mrs. Nancy Boyd, who contributed so liberally and who have expressed such earnest desires to see the church completed, were both present, though past eighty years of age, and enjoyed the services with all the fervor of former years."
Such are extracts from the report of the dedicatory services, made at the time.
In this new building Mr. James preaches from time to time to interested and largely increased audiences, composed to a grati- fying degree of citizens of Bath.
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The old Academy has been sold and dismantled. Whilst the exterior presents the same general appearance, little remains within to remind the beholder of days gone by when Governor Wolf, Thomas McKeen, and their compeers, frequented it. Ere we bid the old building a final farewell, we may be permitted to insert here a reminis- cence of her beginning, communicated to us by Mr. Samuel McNair, of Broadheads, Wisconsin. We give it in his own words :
"Rev. John Rosbrugh was the father of James (Rosbrugh,) who used to tell an anecdote connected with the history of the building of the Academy, at Bath ; which was as follows: He, with a number of other young men, wanted the advantage of something better than a common school education, and they took measures to build by subscription. He called on a Dutch- man by the name of George Wolf for aid, but Mr. Wolf refused by saying, 'Dat dis edecation ant dings make raskels.' He refused at first, but I believe did afterwards help to build it. But in the course of the conversation, Mr. Rosbrugh told him that his sons, George and Philip, would have the advantage of an education, and that his son George might be Governor sooner or later. ‘Vell den, ven my George is Gob- ernor he will be queer times.'
"The sequel of the matter was that
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George Wolf got his English education in the old Academy, and after his election, (to the Governorship of the state,) it all came to the mind of Mr. Rosbrugh, who used to take pride in telling it."
Thus we see the beginning and the end of the old Academy which served the people as a place of worship for nearly sixty years. We cannot speak of the old church near Weaversville, the other place of preaching, as we have spoken of the Academy. Ever since the old Academy was decided upon as a place of preaching, in 1813, it may emphatically be said there have been " two sides " in the congregation. Each side has manifested, from time to time, a lively concern lest the "other side " should become possessed of undue advan- The tages in church accommodations. new church being erected in Bath, and the old Academy abandoned, the east side had obtained a great ascendancy over the west side. The people on the west side per- ceived that unless something was done, and that speedily, at the old location, there was great danger that the old church would be deserted and fall into decay, being eclipsed by the new building in Bath. Accordingly the people of the west side urged the entire renovation of the old church building, erected in 1813, near Weaversville. The work was undertaken
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