USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Mercersburg > History of the Presbyterian Church in Mercersburg, Penna > Part 2
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Dr. Elliott becomes Pastor. Church at St. Thomas. The Session. The Sabbath School. The Social prayer meeting. The Church edifice. The Church's prosperous state. A change, and the causes thereof. The Church at Loudon. A change in the times. Deaths. The Ses- sion. The Female Domestic Missionery Society. Revival of Religion. Dr. Elliott resigns. Results of labours.
AFTER an interval of about a year from the resignation of Dr. King, the Congregation invited the Rev. David Elliott, a Licentiate of the Carlisle Presbytery, to become their Pastor. He having accepted the invitation, was ordained and installed, October 7th, A. D. 1812. The number of Families belonging to the Congregation at the time of his set- tlement was one hundred and thirty-seven.
In 1813, the Presbyterian Church in " St. Thomas" was organized ; most of the families and members of which were connected with this Church. 'This new organization was found to be expedient on account of the increase of the population of that district of country and their distance from our places of worship, which rendered it difficult for them to attend upon the public means of grace. By the organiza- tion of the Church at " St. Thomas," the limits of this Con- gregation became still more circumscribed : and yet in the end, it has resulted more in the furtherance of the Gospel, than if the parts separated had continued in connection with us. In 1814, the following persons were added to the Ses- sion ; Messrs. Thomas McDowell, David Dunwoody, and John McCoy, (of John.)
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In 1815 or '16, the "Sabbath School" was commenced. It was begun amidst great difficulties and discouragements. At this early period, it was a new thing in the Christian Church in this region. But by the perseverance of the few ' who had engaged in it, not only did they see it begin, but they were also permitted to see it subsequently in full and efficient operation. And from that time to the present, though attended with many fluctuations, its exercises have never been suspended for any length of time. How much good has been achieved by it, in its nearly thirty years existence, eternity alone will disclose. Impressions have doubtless been made upon the minds of those who have been, and those who are now scholars, which can never be effaced. And though for a time, the seed which has been sown may seem to be lost, yet under the life-giving influences of God's Spirit, it may still issue in a rich and glorious harvest.
The year 1818 is memorable in the history of this church for the establishment of " the Social prayer-meeting." The circumstances which led to its formation are thus related in a letter from your former pastor. " The want of some meet- ing of this kind, had been sensibly felt by me, from the time of my settlement; but the difficulty of getting suitable per- sons to lead, prevented an earlier attempt to organize one. After the removal of Mr. James McFarland to town, it was a frequent subject of conversation between him, Major Brown- son and myself. Finally, one Sabbath afternoon, Mr. Mc- Farland, Mr. George King, Major Brownson and myself were together at Mr. McFarland's. The prayer-meeting became the topic of conversation, and it was agreed that we would attempt its organization. This being agreed upon, I remarked to them, that it was the best time to begin imme- diately, and that we should date the commencement of the meeting from that afternoon. This was assented to, and after spending some time in social prayer, we adjourned to meet again on the next Sabbath afternoon, or perhaps that day two weeks. In the meantime we mentioned the subject,
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as we had opportunity, to several of those who, we sup- posed, would favour the object. A few additional persons attended the next day; and in a few weeks the meetings were so large that we held them in Mr. Cowan's shop. In these meetings we had many delightful seasons." And thus from this small beginning, did one of the most important means of grace in this Church take its origin. And from that time onward has it been continued-sometimes flourish- ing, and at other times depressed-but at all times a source of richest consolation, and a means of quickening and of en- couragement to those who attend it in a becoming spirit.
In 1819, the Congregation having so increased, it was found necessary to erect in the country a new house of worship. The old Church had been twice enlarged, but was still in- sufficient to accommodate the Congregation. The new Church edifice was completed in 1820: it cost near six thousand dollars. About this time the Congregation was in a condition the most flourishing and prosperous. It numbered upwards of one hundred and seventy Families : and had connected with it two Bible classes-the female consisting of one hun- dred and seven members; and the male of seventy. This prosperous state of things however did not long continue. A change took place, which, carrying its influence through a series of years, so greatly diminished the Congregation in numbers, that it has never fully recovered from it. The fol- lowing causes may be mentioned as bringing about this change :
1. The Organization of a Church in Loudon. This took place in 1820, and was the means of taking off a number of families, which had been connected with this Congregation. After it was organized, it enjoyed for several years the min- isterial labours of the Rev. Isaac Kellar ; and subsequently those of the Rev. Robert Kennedy ; but it has since become extinct.
2. Another cause was a Change in the times. Prior to this, every thing appeared to be in the most prosperous con-
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dition. Providence had smiled upon the labours of the hus- bandman, and the earth had yielded her increase. Our commerce was whitening every sea ; and our manufactories were accumulating vast wealth for their owners. The ex- pansion of the credit system was never greater; and our citizens began to feel that they were in the full tide of pros- perity. But a change ensued. The smiles of Providence were withdrawn. Judgment began to be mingled with mer- cies. And the pressure became universal throughout the whole extent of our country. It was felt here also. Not a few of our farmers, who had purchased their lands at enor- mous prices, and others who had made improvements at a great expense, were so affected by this " change of times," that to meet their liabilities, their " all" was swept from them. It is supposed that by this reverse of fortune, more than half a score of the best families and supporters of this congrega- tion, were almost entirely ruined in their temporal circum- stances. O that men would profit by the history of the past ! How vain and fleeting are all earthly possessions ! " Riches make to themselves wings." Why not then, from such considerations as these, give heed to our Saviour's counsel ; " Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal ; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Matt. vi. 19, 20.
3. But there was still another cause, which was far more felt in this respect than either of the preceding. In the years 1821, '22, and '23, an epidemic sickness prevailed to so great an extent, that the whole neighborhood resembled a vast hos- pital. The number of those in health, were almost insuffi- cient in many places, to take care of the sick. The effect of this visitation was, that in the first mentioned year, twen- ty-five persons died ; and in the latter, forty-five-thus making an aggregate of seventy-two persons within two years. And of these seventy-two, many of them were mem-
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bers of the Church in full communion ; many were heads of families ; and some of them among the most liberal contribu- tors to the support of the gospel. So extensive and so rapid was the work of death, that in a period of nine years, com- mencing in 1820, not less than one hundred and thirty Communicating members became its victims-a number equal to that which, under ordinary circumstances, would not occur in eighteen years. On these scenes of sadness and sorrow I will not dwell. They are deeply impressed upon the minds and hearts of many who hear me this day. Many in this assembly, in the rending of relationship the closest and most endearing on earth, will never forget the poignancy of that grief, which during that distressing season, was poured forth more than once, around the bed of your dying, or at the grave of your departed friend. With these im- pressions still vivid and deeply fixed in the mind, may you have the consciousness and the evidence, that they have been sanctified to you. "For the Lord will not cast off for ever : but though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." Sam. iii. 31-33.
In 1822, the following persons were added to the session : Messrs. John Brownson, John McCoy (of Robert), and William Crawford. In 1825, " the Female Domestic Mis- sionary Society" was formed. At first, it was auxiliary to the "Foreign Missionary Society," but subsequently changed its relation, and became auxiliary to our " Domestic Board." At its first formation it numbered eighty-three members : at the present time, it numbers seventy-three. The total amount of funds contributed since its organization is, eight hundred and sixty-five dollars. It is worthy of remark, that probably there is not another society of the kind within the bounds of our "Synod," which has been in existence for so long a time, or which has operated more efficiently. What may be the fruits of these offerings of love, will not
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be known in Time: Although even here, the hearts of its members may be gladdened, as by the reports of our Mission- aries, they hear of Churches formed, where before they did not exist ; of feeble ones, strengthened and supplied with the ministry of reconciliation ; of saints, built up in holiness and comforted; and of sinners converted to God. Long may it continue to prosper ; may the list of its members in- crease ; may its contributions be augmented a hundred fold ; and may the blessing of the Most High, descend upon the giver and the gift. In 1826, Messrs. Alexander McCoy, and James Culbertson were added to the session.
The year 1828 is memorable in the history of this Church for a " Revival of religion." The history of this interesting work of grace; I give in the words of Dr. Elliott. "It was in the fall of 1828, that God visited this Church with a sea- son of reviving grace. The work was chiefly confined to that branch of the Church which was in town. It commen- ced rather suddenly, and to me unexpectedly. I had been mourning over the low state of religion-particularly the worldly spirit which prevailed. On the Sabbath preceding the meeting of the Presbytery at Newville, I preached on the " Parable of the Talents." I felt unusual liberty, and a deep and solemn concern for the salvation of sinners. The people appeared very solemn and tender. At the prayer meeting in the afternoon there was great solemnity and some weeping. Having seen these things several times before, I attached no great importance to them. The next day I left for Presbytery ;- reported to the Presbytery a low and formal state of religion ; remained abroad the next Sabbath, assisting with a Communion service ; and returned home early the week following. No sooner had I reached home, than I was greeted with the intelligence, that their prayer meetings in town, seemed to be visited with the special tokens of God's presence ; and that the solemnity and tender- ness which appeared on the Sabbath before I left, had in- creased, and that many evinced great anxiety about their
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souls. I immediately proceeded to town, and found all to be as stated. Religion was the engrossing subject of con- versation, and the people of God prayed in a manner very different from that in which they had done before. Things progressed in this way for some time. The work did not extend, as I expected it would, through other parts of the Congregation ; although there was some increase of attention on the part of the people generally." As the fruits of this work of grace, it may be stated, that twenty-four persons were added to the Church on profession of their faith.
Dr. Elliott having received an invitation to become Pastor of the Church in Washington, Pennsylvania, and having accepted it, resigned the pastoral charge of this Church, October 29th, 1829. During his ministry, he Baptized six hundred and fifty-five persons : and there was admitted to the Communion of the Church three hundred and forty :- on Profession, two hundred and sixty-one ; and by Certificate, seventy-nine. Of Dr. Elliott, as a man and as a minister of our Lord, he needs no panegyric from me. His name is in all the Churches. It has become identified with our Church at large. It forms part of its history. And so long as soundness in the faith is appreciated, and the Presbyterian form of Church Government, and its Discipline are respected, the name of " Elliott" will shine forth with resplendent lustre. During the seventeen years that he was your Pastor, he made full proof of his ministry. And not a few in this assembly are the seals of that ministry, and will arise to call him " blessed." Long may he live to honour his Divine Master, in the work in which he is engaged.
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PERIOD IV.
FROM THE CLOSE OF DR. ELLIOTT'S MINISTRY IN THIS CHURCH, A. D. 1829, TO THE PRESENT TIME, A. D. 1845.
The Rev. Thomas Creigh becomes Pastor. Revival of Religion, and remarks thereon. The Female Sewing Society. Revival of Religion. The Session. Religious Controversy. Review of this period. Pre- sent state of this Church. Concluding remarks.
ON the 17th of November, A. D. 1831, two years after the close of Dr. Elliott's ministry, He, who now addresses you-a Licentiate of the Carlisle Presbytery-was ordained and installed Pastor. From the time of my settlement among you, to the present time, you are as familiar with the history of this Church, as is the speaker. I will there- fore mention some of the most prominent occurrences only, without entering into detail.
In the beginning of 1832, this Church was again visited with a " Revival of religion ;" which commenced with great power during a Protracted meeting held in the month of February ; although there had been indications before this, of a change for the better. As the fruits of this gracious outpouring of the spirit, one hundred and seven persons were added to the church that year. Of these, forty-five were males; sixty-two were females; and thirty-five were heads of families. In regard to the character of this work, I would beg leave to remark, that while there were some measures used of a very questionable tendency-although in accordance with the spirit of the times-yet, if there have ever been genuine revivals of religion, this deserves to be classified with them. Unworthy members will find admit-
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tance to the Communion of the church, even when the great- est vigilance has been used to guard its portals. Among our Saviour's own immediate followers-his chosen twelve- there was a Judas. And He has given us intimation in the " parable of the wheat and the tares," that the 'visible church' will be a mixed society, until " in the day of judg- ment," He will separate the righteous from the wicked. Why then should we look for a different state of things, from that which now exists ? Ardently as we pray for, and earnestly as we desire it, we cannot expect it fully, while the Church is in an imperfect state. I would then briefly add, that after a period of nearly thirteen years, since these one hundred and seven persons were received into the Church, the following is the result. Twelve, have died; thirty-five, have received letters of dismission to other Churches; six, have removed without taking certificates, and of whose residence we are ignorant, but who for aught we know may be, at the present time, consistent members of other Churches ; three, have been the subjects of Church discipline ; and one, has been ordained to the ministry of the gospel ; while all the rest are still in connection with us, and are in good and regular standing. I simply ask, . even when persons are received into the Communion of the Church in the ordinary way-when there is no special interest on the subject of religion-whether any Church register presents a more favourable result ? To God alone, be all the praise !
In this same year, 1832, "The Female Sewing Society" was organized, the object of which was to educate poor and pious young men for the Gospel ministry. After a short time however, it changed its relation and became auxiliary to the "Foreign Missionary Society," and is now applying its funds to educate a Heathen youth in the Orphan Asylum at Futtehgurh in North India, under the care of the Rev. Henry R. Wilson ; and who bears the name of your former much loved pastor, " David Elliott." The amount of funds
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contributed since the formation of this society is six hundred dollars. In 1833, the following persons were added to the session : Messrs. John Witherspoon, John McCullough and John Dorrance.
In the winter of 1842 and '43, this Church was again visited with a " Revival of religion." During the nine months immediately following its commencement, thirty- four persons were received into the Communion of the Church, on profession of their faith. Of those who were then received I will not now speak. We would rather that a still longer period should intervene, in order to test the genuineness of their conversion. Yet, judging of the future by the past, we think that we shall have no cause to regret their introduction among the professed disciples of our Lord. Not a case has occurred requiring the exercise of the dis- cipline of the Church. The manner in which this Revival was conducted ; the truths which were presented, and the manner in which they were exhibited; the instructions which were given to the inquiring; and the care which was exercised in receiving applicants into the membership of the Church, afford us every reasonable ground from which to ยท expect the most favourable results.
During the greater part of this period which has been claiming our attention, our Church at large was agitated by a difference of opinion, chiefly in reference to doctrines and polity, and which resulted in a division in 1838, known by the names of Old-school and New-school. In all this con- troversy, which was deep and wide-spread throughout the whole length and breadth of the land ; while here too, intense interest was felt in relation to it, yet as a Church, we have stood fast in the faith of our fathers. Nor at the present time, is there a Church-composed of as many members- more harmonious, or more united, or more cordial in their adherence to the symbols of our faith, as taught in the West- minster Confession of faith, Catechisms, and Form of Go-
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vernment. We record the fact as a matter of sincere and heartfelt thankfulness.
Within this period there have been Baptized, three hun- dred and sixty persons-Infants, two hundred and eighty- seven-Adults, seventy-three. The number of persons received into the Communion of the Church, four hundred and one-on Profession, three hundred and five-by Certifi- cate, ninety-six. And there have been contributed to differ- ent objects of benevolence, three thousand three hundred and fifteen dollars. When I commenced my ministry among you in 1831, the number of Families belonging to the Con- gregation was about one hundred and forty: and at the present time-after a period of thirteen years-it amounts to one hundred and fifty-five. Of these, twenty are Colored. And the number of Communicating members is, four hun- dred and four-of whom, forty are Colored persons.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
In view then of all that has been said in your hearing this day, in relation to this our beloved Church, may we not erect our " Ebenezer"-for " hitherto hath the Lord helped . us." And from all which let us learn :-
1. That to God's care and kindness, we are indebted for the permancy of this Church thus far, and for its prosperity. It has had its trials and its changes, but " the gates of hell have not prevailed against it." At one time in its early his- tory, it was entirely scattered; at another time, it was nearly broken up; and a third time, it was greatly diminished by death, in connection with pecuniary embarrassments ; and yet, in the midst of all these adverse circumstances, the Lord has kept it. And this day, after a period of one hundred and six years, notwithstanding all the disasters which have befallen it, the number of its Families and Communicants have not only not diminished, but has been greatly augmented.
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It is an interesting fact connected with the history of this Church, and which ought not to be passed over unnoticed on the present occasion, that for the space of seventy-five years, as far back as our records reach, our Church has maintained its ground, as will be seen from the following statements :- In the year 1769, when Dr. King became its Pastor, the number of families then connected with it, was, one hundred and thirty. In 1789, twenty years afterwards, he makes the following remark :- " The number of families connected with this congregation, is about the same as when I set- tled." In 1812, the number was, one hundred and thirty- seven. In 1820, upwards of one hundred and seventy. In 1831, about one hundred and forty-having been greatly diminished by the causes already mentioned. And at the present time, (1845,) they number one hundred and fifty- five. Thus has it never sunk below the first named num- ber, but has always exceeded it. And rarely has there been a Communion season at which, according to the register, there has not been an addition to its membership. And thrice has it been visited with the special tokens of Divine grace. With devout gratitude we record these facts; and in recording them, we give all the glory to Him, who has brought them into being. Ministers and members of the Church may labour and pray for the building up of Zion, but unless God hears their prayers and blesses their efforts, Zion cannot prosper. " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Or, in the expres- sive language of that most laborious of all Christ's Apostles, " I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the in- crease. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase."- 1 Cor. iii. 6,7. Hence ;
2. If God has thus prospered this Church for so long a time, let us never yield to despondency in regard to its future condition. If, in looking back upon its past history, we can discover that the Lord has led it, and kept it, and pros-
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pered it ; we are warranted in drawing the conclusion-that if we remain faithful to Him-He will continue to dwell among us : If we remain faithful to Him-these are the terms. "The Lord is with you while you be with Him : and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you : but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you."-2 Chron. xv. 2. On this principle He has always acted towards the Church. Its entire history, from its commencement to the present time, warrants the remark. And what is thus true of the Church in general, is equally true in its application to particular Churches. It is true in relation to this Church. If this Church has been preserved and prospered, it is because it has been faithful to its Head. If it would continue to prosper, it must continue in its fidelity to its King. Its Minister-whosoever he may be-and its Oficers, and its Members, must possess the Spirit of their Lord and Master ; must follow closely in His footsteps ; must yield implicit obedience to his commands ; must maintain and dis- seminate the truth ; must be united to one another in senti- ment and in affection ; and must labour and pray for its welfare. Thus living and thus acting, God will still bestow upon it the choicest riches of His grace; its prosperity shall continue to increase, and its permanency shall be rendered sure. . And to secure these ends, let us all, dearly beloved Christian friends, this day, in humble dependence upon the grace of our Divine Redeemer, adopt the language of the captive Israelite, and ever live under its constraining influ- ence,-" If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; if I prefer not Jeru- salem above my chief joy."-Psalm exxxvii. 5, 6. .
ANDREW M. SPANGLER,
Mercersburg,
WOULD RESPECTFULLY INFORM THE PUBLIC
THAT HE KEEPS A LARGE AND GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF
School, Classical, Theological, & Miscellaneous
BOOKS,
ALSO, A CONSTANT SUPPLY OF
PLAIN
FANCY STATIONERY.
His business connexions enable him to supply, at short notice, and on reasonable terms, old works, and those of recent date, published in this country, or in Europe.
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