USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Mercersburg > History of the Presbyterian Church of Upper West Conococheague : now Mercersburg, Franklin County, Penn'a. > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
-
16
History of Mercersburg
heard on that day, and all this followed by the reading of the Scriptures and other religious exercises. In the Day- school also, the teacher was required to teach the children the Shorter Catechism. And then the Pastor, besides the instructions which he gave them from the pulpit, visited each family annually, or held district-meetings for religious instruction in different parts within the bounds of the con- gregation. These latter meetings were called "Examinings." They were held during the winter season. All the families in the neighborhood in which they were held, were expected to attend. They were generally held at the house of a Ruling Elder, and old and young, men and women, parents and children, masters and servants, were all catechised, the children on the Shorter Catechism, while those who were more advanced in knowledge were questioned on subjects growing out of the answers which were given by the chil- dren on the Shorter Catechism.
These early settlers also had a very high regard for their Pastor and for the Eldership. The Pastor was not only" their instructor in religious things, but he was also their confident and counselor in temporal things. If any instru- ment of writing was to be drawn up, or if a Will was to be written, or if any important transaction was in contempla- tion, the minister was to be consulted about it. He too was looked upon as their sympathizing friend in times of sick- ness, of sorrow and bereavement. And the pastoral rela- tion itself, while it was regarded as one of the closest and most endearing, was also looked upon as a permanent ar- rangement which was not to be dissolved except by death or for causes which would place the question beyond doubt.
And so of the Eldership. They too were highly esteem- ed for their office' sake. They had charge of the flock. They were overseers of the flock. Hence in carrying out this idea, and in order to make the Eldership an efficient "help" to the Pastor, the Congregation was divided into districts, and each district was in charge of a Ruling Elder
17
Presbyterian Church.
who attended to its spiritual wants and made report thereof to the Pastor.
In organizing their churches in those early times, and in erecting their Church buildings, great care was taken lest the limits of one Congregation should encroach on those of another. Hence when application was made to the Pres- bytery for the organization of a new Congregation, or the erection of a new Church building, the Presbytery would appoint what was called a "perambulating committee," who would measure the distance of ten miles from the nearest House of worship. And this usage continued until the un- fortunate division in 1741, which rent the Church in twain.
Their Church buildings were of logs, of small dimensions and were built in the same style in which their cabins were builded. They were very plain, without ornamentation, were fitted up with benches to accommodate the worship- ers, had a barrel-shaped pulpit, a clerk's box, and were without fire-places or stoves. The introduction of fire into our Churches is a modern improvement. In their attend- ance on public worship in the Sanctuary, even during the coldest and most inclement season of the year, and through deep snows, neither pastor nor people met with fire from the time of their leaving home until their return. And in attending on these services, it was no uncommon thing for both the pastor and the male members of the congrega- tion to bring their rifles with them in case of an attack by the Indians.
The preaching was of the most edifying kind. The preach- er did not entertain his people with mere declamation. He brought "beaten oil" into the sanctuary. And while he preached the doctrines of the bible, he did not overlook or fail to inculcate the duties of religion. In his public services in the pulpit he used a small pocket bible, with brief notes of his sermon placed inside of its pages. The singing was purely of a Congregational kind. The clerk, or precentor, occupied a place just below and in front of
18
History of Mercersburg
the pulpit, and standing up in full view of the congregation would "line out" the psalm, and take the lead in singing some plain and simple tune, such as "Old Hundred," "Coleshill," "Dundee," "Martyn," "Eglin," while all the people would strike in with him. True, the music may not have been of the most scientific kind, or perfectly har- monious, yet it was praising God from the heart, and angels loved to hear it, while it was a service acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The version of the Psalms which was in general use in the churches was Rouse's version.
And then their Communions. These were celebrated twice in the year-spring and fall. The pastor was gener- ally assisted in this service by one or two of his ministerial brethren. The services connected with the Lord's Supper commenced on the Friday preceding ; sometimes Thursday was observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, and were ended on Monday. Persons attended these Com- munion services from distant parts of the country, and oftentimes the assembled congregation would be so large, that while one of the ministers would be in the Church con- ducting its services, another of them would be preaching in the grove close by. These were seasons never to be for- gotten by the children of God, and to which they loved to recur when God so graciously revealed Himself to them in the "breaking of bread."
The "Token" which was used on these occasions, was considered an important appendage to the Lord's Supper. It was a round piece of lead, or of some other metal, about the size and thickness of a dime, which was given to each communicating member by the minister or elders of the church on the Saturday preceding the administration of the Lord's Supper, and was again returned to the Elders after the communicants had taken their places at the table. The "Token" was a testimonial that the person holding it was entitled to this distinguishing privilege. In Scotland as in this country, as it has been said, ministers with their
19
Presbyterian Church.
congregations would meet in different churches to enjoy these Communion services ; hence in order to distinguish those who had a right to come to the Lord's table from those who had no such right, each minister and his elders gave to their own members this token of admittance to this feast.
Nor must I overlook their funerals. These good men and women died just as others before them had died, and as others die, and will die. The grave has closed over them. Their bodies have returned to the dust. And greatly do we regret that there is scarcely a grave-stone to mark the place or places where they slumber in the dust. But it was of the "funerals" of the early settlers that I was going to speak ; and briefly to say, that while they were conducted with all due decorum and proper respect for the dead, yet there were no religious services for the benefit of the living, either at the house or at the grave; and yet the spirit-bot- tle and the water-pail were freely circulated among those who came to pay this last earthly tribute of respect to the departed. We make no apology for these defects, yet they were in accordance with the customs of the times. Still, notwithstanding all this, they were a noble class of persons who first settled and lived and died in these parts of Cono- cocheague. These Scotch and Scotch-Irish should never be forgotten by us. Justice has not been done to their memo- ry. We read and hear much of the Pilgrims of New Eng- land, and from their memory I would be the last person to detract one single iota of praise. They deserve it all, and far, far more; but after all, are not the Scotch and the Scotch-Irish deserving of equal praise? If the memory of the Pilgrims should not be forgotten, should the memory of these early settlers of this valley be forgotten ? Should they not stand beside, and do they not deserve to stand, side by side with our Pilgrim fathers ?* And when the
*And what has been said of the Scotch and Scotch-Irish in this connection applies with equal force to the Germans who settled in the eastern counties of this State.
20
History of Mercersburg
tribute of praise is given to the one class, is not the other class equally entitled to it? But the time is coming when full justice will be done to their memory. It may be slow in coming, but it will come most surely. Their character will be better understood than it has hitherto been. And their labors, and efforts and sacrifices to build up the Church in this Western world, and to found this Republic, will be more fully appreciated than they have yet been. And let us endeavor to live worthy so noble an ancestry, and carry out fully the principles which they loved and by which they were influenced !
CHAPTER II.
FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH, A. D., 1738, TO ITS REORGANIZATION AND PERMANENTLY SETTLED STATE, A. D., 1767.
Settlement of the Country-Organization of the Church-Its Extent-Location of Church Edifice-Religious Controversy -Origin of Lower West Conococheague Church-The Rev. John Steel-The Settlement Broken Up and the Congrega- tion Dispersed-Mr. Steel's Removal-Reorganization-Sup- plies-The Country Again Disturbed-Attachment to the Church-The Session.
This immediate part of Kittochtinny valley called "Cono- cocheague Settlement," began to be inhabited by the Scotch- Irish from the North of Ireland about the year 1730. In their "fatherland" they belonged to the Presbyterian church. Among the first things which claimed their attention in this their new home, was the organization of a Church according to the faith of their fathers. This took place, A. D., 1738, and was styled, "Upper West Conococheague." So extensive was the territory which it covered that it em- braced all the region which is now occupied by the Congre- gations of "Welsh-Run," "Loudon," and "Saint Thomas"
21
Presbyterian Church.
-about fourteen miles square. At this early period there were but few of any other denomination of Christians in this large field. The Presbyterian church was predomi- nant. Its members were the first and almost the sole pos- sessors of the soil.
Scattered over so great an extent of country it is not at all surprising that a diversity of opinion should have exist- ed in regard to the location of the Church-edifice. The two most prominent places selected, were, the one near what is now known by the name of "Waddell's graveyard" near Bridgeport, and which was then opened for interments in anticipation of the Building being erected there; and the other, at what is called "Church-hill." In the spirit of compromise, and as being the most central and eligible lo- cation, the latter place was chosen. The warrant for the land was taken out by Messrs. William Maxwell and Wil- liam Campbell. And thus for more than a century on that hallowed ground was the glorious gospel of the Son of God proclaimed.
It was a short time before this, that the Presbyterian Church in this country began to be agitated by a Religious controversy which resulted in a separation which continued seventeen years. Religion for many years had been in a low and languishing state. In the History of the Presby- terian Church by Dr. Hodge, it is thus described by an eye witness. "I doubt not," writes the Rev. Samuel Blair, "but that there were some sincerely religious persons up and down ; and there were, I believe, a considerable number in several congregations pretty exact, according to their edu- cation, in the observance of the external forms of religion, not only as to attendance upon public ordinances on the Sabbath, but also as to the practice of family worship, and perhaps secret prayer too; but with these things, the most part seemed, to all appearance, to rest contented, and to satisfy their consciences with a dead formality in religion. A very lamentable ignorance of the essentials of true prac- 4
22
History of Mercersburg
tical religion, and of the doctrines relating thereto, very generally prevailed. The nature and necessity of the new birth were little known or thought of; the necessity of con- viction of sin and misery by the Holy Spirit opening and applying the law to the conscience, in order to a saving closure with Christ, was hardly known at all to most. The necessity of being first in Christ by a vital union, and in a justified state before our religious services can be well-pleas- ing or acceptable to God, was very little understood or thought of; but the common notion seemed to be that if people were aiming to be in the way of duty, as well as they could, as they imagined, there was no reason to be much afraid. In consequence of this ignorance of the nature of practical religion," he adds, "great carelessness and indiffer- ence about the things of eternity; great coldness and un- concern in public worship ; a disregard of the Sabbath, and prevalence of worldly amusements and follies existed."
About the year A. D., 1730, however, a visible change for the better began to take place. God from on high, poured out upon some of the churches the influences of the Holy Spirit; and the work thus begun, did not cease until all the churches in America were more or less operated upon. But while the Son of Man was sowing wheat, the Evil one was sowing tares. Many things took place in con- nection with this work of grace of a very questionable char- acter. Good men and wise men differed in regard to it. And so far separated did they become in opinion and feel- ing, and so tenacious were they of their own peculiar views that they became divided into two parties. The friends of the revival were called, "New-side-men," or "New-lights;" while the others were called, "Old-side-men, or "Old-lights." These parties thus arrayed against each other, in the pro- gress of the collision, became more excited and ardent. Animosity which had long been burning in secret, now burst into a flame. Old-side-men, under the influence of prejudice, regarded their opponents as a body of extrava-
23
Presbyterian Church.
gant and ignorant enthusiasts ; while the New-side, under an equally strong prejudice, regarded the Old-side-men as a set of pharisaical formalists. Undue warmth of feeling and speech, and improper inferences were admitted on both sides. And one act of violence led to another, until, at length in the year 1741, the highest judicatory of the church was rent asunder ; and the Synod of New York, composed of the New-side-men was set up in opposition to that of Philadelphia." But although they divided, Dr. Hodge re- marks, "it appears that this great schism was not the result of conflicting views, either as to doctrine or church govern- ment. It was the result of alienation of feeling, produced by the controversies relating to the Revival." The effects of this state of things in the church at large, were felt here also. A division was the consequence. This occurred in 1741. Hence originated the congregation of "Lower West Conococheague," or what was called, "Welsh Run Church ;" but now "The Robert Kennedy Memorial Church."
Although a division was the result, it was what their situ- ation as a congregation called for, it being much too exten- sive to allow frequent meetings in one place. And when effected, it was done with so much christian spirit, that both churches still adhering to the same Presbytery, were fre- quently represented in this Judicatory by the same com- missioner.
In the year A. D., 1754, this church invited the Rev. John Steel to become its pastor, Mr. Steel having accepted the invitation, continued to exercise the pastoral office among this people for about two years, having charge also of "East Conococheague," now Greencastle. He settled at a time when the neighborhood was greatly disturbed by the Indians. General Braddock had been defeated, and the Indians, gathering fresh courage from this disaster, hastened to wreak their vengeance on the inhabitants of these then frontiers. It was about this time that Colonel James Smith, and Messrs. John McCullough and Richard Bard and his
24
History of Mercersburg
wife were taken captive by them, all of whom were con- nected with this congregation (the latter three after their captivity) and whose thrilling narratives are recorded in "Incidents of Border Life," and which gives a good idea of the exposures, and hardships, and sufferings of the inhabit- ants of this region of country at this early period. In con- sequence of these frequent attacks of the Indians, the set- tlement was entirely broken up; the congregation was dis- persed, and Mr. Steel left for other fields of labor.
Mr. Steel was born in Ireland, and was a licentiate of the Presbytery of Londonderry. Emigrating to this country in A. D., 1742, he put himself under the care of the Pres- bytery of New Castle. By the request of the Presbytery of Donegal he supplied the churches of Rockfish, Roanoke and Great Conewago, now Hunterstown, and Gettysburg, from which last named congregation he received a call to become its pastor, but after mature deliberation, declined to accept it. He was ordained to the work of the ministry by the Presbytery of New Castle, A. D., May, 1744, and was for several years located at New London. In A. D., 1754, he removed to Conococheague Settlement, and became pastor of this church in connection with that of East Conoco- cheague. His pastorate in these parts was in troublous times. After having left this field of labor, he preached for a time at Nottingham, and then at York and Shrews- bury; and was afterwards called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian church in Carlisle, which he accepted, and where he continued to exercise his ministry until his death, which occurred August, A. D., 1779. Mr. Steel was a man of great intrepidity. It was a common thing for him to take his rifle with him when he went to the place of wor- ship, and would have it standing by his side, ready for use in case of an alarm. When the yell of the Indian was heard in the neighborhood, it was not an unusual thing for him to gather together a company of riflemen and lead them, as their Captain, in pursuit of the marauders. "And
25
Presbyterian Church.
among the first companies organized in West Conoco- cheague on the bloody outbreak of the Delaware Indians in 1755, the Rev. John Steel their pastor, was selected for its captain. This command was accepted by Mr. Steel, and was executed with so much skill, bravery and judgment as to commend him to the Provincial government, which ap- pointed him a Captain of the Provincial troops which he retained for some years." In the war of Independence, Mr. Steel took an active and conspicuous part. At the very beginning of these troubles, in a meeting called in his church in Carlisle, of the citizens of Cumberland county, to concert means to carry forward the war when it was re- ported to the assembly that three thousand men were or- ganized, armed and furnished for the contest, the Hon. George Chambers in his Tribute &c.," says, that "the com- pany which was in the lead was under the command of the Rev. John Steel." He was called the "Reverend Captain." Not by way of reproach ; but as a title of honor. All re- vered him, and admired him for his bravery. His charac- ter was beyond reproach. He was esteemed as a christian man. He was regarded as a sound and instructive preacher and faithful pastor.
After the return of the people to their desolated homes, they reorganized themselves into a congregation, and re- ceived supplies from the Presbytery of Donegal, until in the years A. D. 1762 and 1763, the settlement was again disturbed by the irruption of the Indians, which had once more well nigh broken up the congregation. But though few in number, and laboring under great difficulties, they still clung to the church. And although it had scarcely an existence, still it lived to administer comfort to them, and to encourage them in their trying circumstances. They seem to have identified themselves so closely with the church from their first settlement in these parts, that they could
*Dr. Alfred Creigh's Archives.
26
History of Mercersburg
not live without it. They seem to have caught the very spirit of the Psalmist; "They shall prosper that love Thee."" Hence, when they were driven from their homes and from their "Meeting House," their wail was : "As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God ; when shall I come and appear before God ? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say : Where is thy God ? When I remember these things I pour out my soul in me ; for I had gone with the multi- tude ; I went with them to the House of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy day." Psalm xlii, 1-4. Thus were they called to pass through many changes and to experience many and great trials, until, in 1767, we find the church permanently estab- lished and in a more prosperous condition than it had been at any former period of its history. The following persons at this time composed the Session. Messrs. William Max- well, William Smith, John McDowell, William McDowell, John Welsh, Alexander White, John McClelland, Jonathan Smith, William Campbell, Robert Fleming, Samuel Tem- pleton.
How different is our condition from that of these early settlers ! Their condition was one of toil and great anxiety and constant exposure to imminent danger; ours is one of comparative ease and safety, no one daring to molest us when in the exercise of our lawful rights and privileges. With them it was no uncommon thing to meet together for the worship of God in the sanctuary with their fire-arms in their hands and their swords at their side. To us belongs the high privilege of meeting together in the House of God without fear. The ancient Church was inclosed by a fortifi- cation, erected for the safety and protection of the inhabit- ants of the surrounding neighborhood-fit emblem of that safer, securer refuge which God has provided in His Son for the penitent believer, from the storms of Divine wrath and from the enemies of his soul.
27
Presbyterian Church.
CHAPTER III.
FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF JOHN KING, D. D., AS PASTOR, A. D., 1769, TO THE CLOSE OF HIS PASTORATE, A. D., 1811.
Dr. King Becomes Pastor-The War of Independence-The Church Bears Its Part in the Conflict-The Session-Mer- cersburg Laid Out and a Church Edifice Erected in Town- The Session-Dr. King Resigns His Charge-Results of Labors-His Life, Character and Death.
The church having been thus brought into a more pros- perous condition, and its members feeling the importance of having a settled ministry among them, in 1768 invited Mr. John King, a licentiate under the care of the Presby- tery of Philadelphia, to preach to them, with this in view. Mr. King having accepted the invitation, and having labored among them with much acceptance for several months, was at length ordained and installed as pastor of the church, A. D., August 30th, 1769. At the time of his settlement the congregation numbered one hundred and thirty families.
Dr. King commenced his ministry in exciting times. It was not long after he had entered on the work of the ministry in this church, until the whole community was thrown into a ferment by the following occurrence, which seriously threatened the best interests of the church. But he was the man to meet the emergency. And he did meet it man- fully and fearlessly, and the storm expended itself without any serious results. In the year 1770, Colonel James Smith had been lodged in prison, in Bedford county, on the charge of murder which had occurred in an affray which had taken place in that county. For more safe keeping he was re- moved to the prison in Carlisle, His friends becoming ex- asperated at such treatment, and calling themselves "Black Boys," determined to go to Carlisle and attempt his rescue. Through the persuasion of the Colonel they desisted. On their return to Conococheague they met three hundred per-
28
History of Mercersburg
sons who had set out on the same mission, so great, so in- tense, so general was the excitement throughout the whole settlement. It was on this occasion that the young Pastor delivered the following address to the congregation .* And it teaches two things: First, That he was a man of great moral courage; to stand up and deliver such an address, under these circumstances, and in the very place where this excitement was so intense, and when so many of his own congregation sympathized so deeply in the movement. And secondly, That Presbyterian ministers, were then, as they are now, law abiding men. This address embodies principles in regard to subjection to the Civil Magistrate which are as important now as when they were delivered on the occasion which called them forth. It may be added, that Colonel Smith was honorably and justly acquitted of the charge preferred against him. t
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.