USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Mercersburg > History of the Presbyterian Church of Upper West Conococheague : now Mercersburg, Franklin County, Penn'a. > Part 4
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
41
Presbyterian Church.
was assented to, and after spending some time in social prayer, we adjourned to meet again the next Sabbath after- noon, or perhaps that day two weeks. In the meantime we mentioned the subject as we had opportunity, to several of those who, we supposed, would favor 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 flourishing and at other times languishing; but at all times a source of richest consolation, and a means of quickening and encouragement to those who attended it in a proper spirit.
The Congregation having so increased in the number of its families, it was found necessary to erect a new house of worship in the country. This took place in 1819, and was opened for public service January, 1820. The Church edi- fice had been twice enlarged, but was still insufficient to accommodate the Congregation. The cost of the building was six thousand dollars. At this time the Congregation was in its most prosperous condition externally. It num- bered over one hundred and seventy families, and had con- nected with it two Bible classes-the female consisting of one hundred and seven members, and the male of seventy members. This prosperous state of things, however, was not of long continuance. A change ensued, which, carry- ing its influence through a series of years, so greatly dimin- ished the Congregation in numbers, that it never fully recovered from it. The following causes may be mentioned as bringing about this change :
(1.) The organization of a church in Loudon. This was effected in 1820, and was the means of taking off a number of families which had been connected with this Congrega- tion. After it was organized, it enjoyed for several years
42
History of Mercersburg
the ministerial labors of Rev. Isaac Keller, in connection with McConnellsburg, and subsequently those of Rev. Robert Kennedy; but it has since become extinct. (2.) Another cause was a change in the financial world. Prior to this everything appeared to be in a condition the most prosperous. Providence had smiled upon the labors of the husbandman, and the earth had yielded her abundant stores.
Our commerce was whitening every sea, and our manufac- tories were accumulating vast wealth for their owners. The expansion of the credit system was never greater; debts were contracted, and our citizens were in the full tide of prosperity. But reverses came. The smiles of Providence were withdrawn. Judgment began to be mingled with mer- cies. 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 great expense, were so affected by this " change of times," that to meet their liabilities, their all was swept from them. It is sup- posed that by this reverse of fortune, more than half a score of the best families and largest supporters of this Congrega- tion were almost entirely ruined in their temporal circum- stances. O, that men would profit by the past! How vain and fleeting are all earthly possessions ! "Riches make to themselves wings and fly away !" (3.) But there was still another cause, which was far more severely felt in this di- rection than either of the preceding. In the years 1821-'22 and '23, an epidemic sickness prevailing to so great an ex- tent that the surrounding country resembled a vast hospital. The number of those in health, were almost insufficient in many places, to take care of the sick. The effect of this visitation was, that in the second named year, twenty-seven died ; and in the following year, forty-five-thus aggregating in two years, seventy-two persons, and of these seventy-two persons, many of them were members of the church in full communion ; many were heads of families; and some of
43
Presbyterian Church.
them the most liberal supporters of the gospel. "During this scourge, the faithful shepherd of the smitten flock em- ployed every day of the secular week in spiritual and other ministrations to the sick and dying, even against the protest of his physician, who predicted that he would be a victim. But God beheld his faith and sheltered him from harm."
The following persons were added to the session, May 13, A. D., 1822, Messrs. John Brownson, John McCoy, (of Robert), and William Crawford. In 1825, the "Female Home Missionary Society was organized. At its first for- mation it numbered eighty-three members ; at the present time about sixty. The total amount of funds contributed since its organization, is, seventeen hundred dollars. None of its original members are now living within the bounds of this congregation. And it is worthy of remark, that prob- ably, there is not another society of the kind within the bounds of our Church which has been in existence for so long a period. May it continue in existence for untold years to come! The fruits of these offerings of love to the Lord, eternity alone will reveal.
In 1826, June 20th, 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 is given in these words by Dr. Elliott. "It was in the fall of 1828, that God visited this church with a season of reviving grace. The work was chiefly confined to that branch of the church which was in town. It commenced rather suddenly, and to me unexpectedly. I had been mourning over the low state of religion, particularly the worldly spirit that pre- vailed. On the Sabbath preceding the meeting of the Pres- bytery 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.
44
History of Mercersburg
Having seen these things several times before, I attached no great importance to them. The next day, I left for the Presbytery ; reported to the Presbytery a low and formal state of religion ; remained abroad the next Sabbath, assist- ing with a Communion service; and returned home early the following week. No sooner had I reached home, than I was greeted with the intelligence, that their prayer meet- ings in town, seemed to be visited with the special tokens of God's presence; and that the solemnity and tenderness which appeared on the Sabbath before I left, had increased, and that many evinced great anxiety about their souls. I immediately proceeded to town, and found all to be as stated. Religion was the engrossing subject of conversation, 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 ex- pected 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.
But Dr. Elliott's labors in this part of our Lord's vine- yard were about to come to a close. The Lord had need of him elsewhere; and he was not "disobedient to the Heav- enly call." During his ministry in this church which covered a period of more than seventeen years ; he Baptized, six hundred and fifty five persons : and there were received to the Lord's supper, three hundred and forty persons-on profession, two hundred and sixty one; and by certificate, seventy nine.
Dr. Elliott having received a call from the Presbyterian church in Washington, Pennsylvania, and having accepted it, his relation to this church was dissolved by the Presby- tery of Carlisle, October 29th, A. D., 1829. The resigua- tion of this pastoral charge on the part of Dr. Elliott was made after much earnest prayer to God, and great delibera-
45
Presbyterian Church.
tion in regard to the path of duty. His people were de- votedly attached to him. He was to them all that they de- sired him to be as a pastor and preacher. As a preacher he was instructive and edifying; as a pastor he was sympa- thizing and laborious; as a friend he was social and reliable ; and as a man he was godly and exemplary in all his con- duct. It was therefore with the deepest grief that they consented to the severance of a tie which had bound them so long and so closely together. Nor was the separation less painful to him. Speaking of it to a friend, in after days, he remarked : "This separation from this people has cost me more painful feeling than any one event in my life." But it was the will of the Lord, and his subsequent life clearly manifested that in leaving this church, and in enter- ing on other fields of labor, he was led by the Spirit of God.
We may add in regard to Dr. Elliott's after life; that having removed to Washington, and having entered on his pastoral work in that Congregation, he was after a short time called to the presidency of the College in that place which was in the lowest state of decline. By the blessing of God on his efforts he was not only enabled to resuscitate the College and bring it into a high state of prosperity; but as a pastor also, in building up the Church he was also greatly successful. But the great Head of the Church had still another and a different field of labor for him. Hence, at the meeting of the General Assembly, May, 1835, he was called to a professorship in the Western Theological Semi- nary in Allegheny city, Pennsylvania. But he could not see his way clear to accept this position to which he was called, for nearly one year. Having, however, accepted it, he was inaugurated and entered on his work in June, 1836 ; but his relation to his church was not dissolved by Presby- terial action until the following October. In this new field of labor, Dr. Elliott spent the remainder of his days. The last four years of his life, in consequence of growing in- 7
46
History of Mercersburg
firmities, he was released from active duty ; was appointed "Emeritus Professor," in giving pastoral counsel to, and in prayer with the students. 1
Well and truthfully does James I. Brownson, D. D., in his Memorial Address" thus speak of Dr. Elliott in this re- lation: Its long continuance, its incessant watching, its various and assiduous labor, and its honor and success be- long to the written and unwritten history of the Seminary which, with God's help he redeemed from destruction, bore along the path of its unparalleled trials, and at length be- held it with his own eyes, established and prosperous. He came to it in its adversity, from a pleasant and growing charge. He bowed under its burdens with a trustful heart. His faith looked through its clouds of discouragement, to read its future in the promises of a covenant keeping God. Upon its altar he laid his best offerings of talent and schol- arship, zeal and prayer. He has many witnesses of his fidelity before the throne. He has hundreds more linger- ing on earth behind him. He is dead, but the Seminary stands to commemorate him, and its sons are proclaiming throughout our land, and in the dark places of the earth, full of the habitations of cruelty, the truth of God which fell from his lips."
Other positions, besides these, Dr. Elliott was called to fill, which show the high esteem in which he was held by his brethren in Christ. Not unfrequently was he called to preside as Moderator over Presbytery and Synod, and was a member of some of the most important committees of these Church judicatories and of the Boards of the Church. He was also chosen to be Moderator of the General Assem- bly, and presided over its deliberations when the disruption of the Church took place, in 1837 and 1838. It was a diffi- cult and delicate and greatly responsible position to occupy. It required a very large measure of human wisdom, firm- ness and christian courtesy. And yet he was fully equal to the emergency. And while under the force of circum-
47
Presbyterian Church.
stances, he approved of the division of the Church at the time, although deeply regretting it; yet when the time for reunion came, on the basis of the standards "pure and sim- ple," no man in the Church took a deeper interest in it, and exerted a greater influence to bring it about.
Thus lived and thus labored this godly man and minister of Christ, until he had completed his eighty-seventh year when, on the 18th day of March, A. D., 1874, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. Among the last things which he penn- ed was the following to a friend, a few weeks before his death, and on the day preceding his birth-day, which may be considered his dying testimony. "This, therefore, is the last day of my eighty-seventh year. How my present state of health may terminate, I cannot, of course predict. Although I am somewhat stronger than I was weeks ago, I hardly venture to hope for any great increase of vigor. As to this, I feel willing to leave it with all other and high- er interests, in the hands of my covenant keeping God. Death is a very solemn event, but it has long been familiar to my thoughts, and I hope that through the abounding mercy and grace of God I shall be sustained in that solemn hour.
Memorial services were held in this Church on Lord's day, March 29th, 1874. The Church was draped, and a sermon on the life, labors and character of Dr. Elliott was preached by its pastor, from II. Kings I. 7; "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof;" The fol- lowing is an extract from this sermon : As a man, Dr. El- liott was not a genius; nor was he possessed of any remark- able originality of mind. No one faculty of his mind stood out in undue prominence; but there was a harmonious blending of all the faculties of his mind so as to form one complete whole. He possessed a well disciplined mind and one that was well balanced. He was a man of remarkable good common sense. And all these things made him a judicious and safe counselor. He was not hasty in coming
48
History of Mercersburg
to his conclusions. He looked at things in all their bear- ings and surroundings. And so he was not often mistaken in his judgment. He was a man of great firmness of pur- pose, and would conscientiously follow his convictions of duty. And yet with all this, his views were large and liberal, and did not partake of the illiberal and exclusive. He was an earnest man in whatever he engaged; and though in its execution he went forward in an unpretending, noiseless manner, yet for all this it was no less effective in accom- plishing the end he had before him. As a member of our Church judicatories, he took the highest rank, and was one of our ablest debaters. He seldom failed to carry his point. And yet, it was not for fame's sake, but for the truth's sake, he would throw his whole soul into the discussion.
The piety of Dr. Elliott was of a marked character. Nothing demonstrative, or noisy, or boisterous about it; but quiet, unobtrusive and intelligent. Not enthusiastic ; but steadfast and fixed, showing his faith more by his works than by what he would say, And yet, we think, that in the evening of his life, his piety became much more mellow as he advanced in years and drew nearer to eternity. He had been brought through many and great trials, all which seemed to be greatly sanctified to him, and to have more and more prepared him for his everlasting rest beyond the grave. He was well preserved, both mentally and physically, to a great age. And when death came, he came to his grave in the joyous hope of a blessed immortality. We thank and praise the Lord that he was spared to the Church for so many years, and that he was enabled, through Divine grace, to do so great a work. We glorify God in him.
As a Church, we ought to feel that a very close tie between Dr. Elliott and it, has been severed. For more than seventeen years he was the faithful counselor, the sympathizing friend, the under shepherd among this people, solemnizing their marriages; preaching to them the word of everlasting life ; administering the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's
49
Presbyterian Church.
Supper; directing inquirers; comforting the sorrowing; warn- ing the careless; visiting the sick and burying the dead. And yet of all the three hundred and forty persons who were received into the Communion of the Church during his ministry among us; but four of them are with us now. All the rest have died, or have removed beyond the bounds of this Church.
"Love, rest and home, "Sweet home ! "Lord, tarry not, but come !"
The following paper was adopted by the Session of this Church in regard to David Elliott, D. D., L. L. D., a former pastor of this church :
With feelings of sorrow we record the death of our ven- erated father and friend in Christ, David Elliott, D. D., L. L. D., who departed this life in Allegheny City, March 18, 1874, in the eighty-eighth year of his age; and who had been the pastor of this Church from October 7th, 1812, to October 29th, 1829. Dr. Elliott made full proof of his ministry. He was faithful and diligent, and earnest, as a pastor and preacher. His labors were greatly blessed in this part of our Lord's vineyard. His life was without a blemish. He was greatly beloved.
While we thus sorrow for his departure, we feel thankful to the great Head of the Church that his life was spared so long,-a life of great usefulness; and that for so long a time this Church shared his labors.
While we sympathize with his family and friends, and the Western Theological Seminary, (of which he was an hon- ored professor) in this bereavement, our prayer is, "Let us die the death of the righteous, and let our last end be like his."
1
50
History of Mercersburg
CHAPTER V.
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE PASTORATE OF REV. THOMAS CREIGH, NOVEMBER 17TH, A. D., 1831, TO THE PRESENT TIME, JULY 4TH, A. D., 1876.
The Interval-Congregation Incorporated-Thomas Creigh -- His Birth, Education and Church Connection-Licensure, Ordination and Installation-Revival-Session-Female Sewing Society-Revival-Division of the Church-Church Edifice Remodeled-Services in Town-Chapel Built-Re- vival-Session-Church Refitted-Loss of Members-Dea- cons-Church Bell-Cabinet Organ-Civil War-Mite So- ciety-Legacies-Failing Health and Resignation-Church Refitted -- Session -- Hymnal-Revival- Salary-Changes- Results and Statistics-Conclusion.
After the resignation of Dr. Elliott, the Church was without a pastor for two years. Supplies were had from the Presbytery, and other ministers were invited by the Session to supply the pulpit. During this interval, the number of persons Baptized was twenty-six, and there were added to the Communion of the Church, twenty-five per- sons. The Congregation was also incorporated by the Leg- islature.
The Rev. Thomas Creigh, who was now. called to the pastorate of this church, was born in Landisburg, Perry county, Pennsylvania, September 9th, A. D., 1808, and is the son of Dr. John Creigh and Eleanor Dunbar. I re- ceived my Classical and Collegiate education in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and graduated in Dickinson College, Septem- ber 24th, A. D., 1828. Made a profession of religion in the First Presbyterian church in Carlisle, under the pastor- al care of George Duffield, D. D., May, 1828, and com- menced the study of Theology under his direction in the fall of the same year; and having spent the winter of 1829 and 1830 in the Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey; was licensed to preach the gospel of our Di-
51
Presbyterian Church.
viue Lord, by the Presbytery of Carlisle, April 12th, A. D., 1831. Being licensed, I was appointed by the Presby- tery to supply this church the first Sabbath in the month of August following. Having preached with some degree of acceptance, I was invited by the Session to return and occu- py the pulpit for another Sabbath. To this I consented with great reluctance. It had been intimated to me, that a number of persons in the Congregation had expressed a desire to invite me to become their pastor. But the im- pression made upon my mind on my former visit was alto- gether adverse to such a movement. The Congregation itself was a large one, and was made up of many persons in advanced life, and who had passed middle age, persons too of intelligence and large experience, and who had been favored with pastors of more than ordinary standing; and, I so young-only in my twenty-third year, and of but little experience, and having had a very limited acquaintance with men and things, I greatly hesitated about making them another visit. However, I laid the case before my venera- ted friend and pastor, Dr Duffield. His reply was : "Thom- as, it may be the call of God; take care what you do; it may be with you as it was with Jonah." This was enough. I came. I preached. I was called by a unanimous vote to become the pastor of this church.
The call was presented to me by elder Thomas McDow- ell, and after mature deliberation, and earnest prayer to the Lord for direction, it was accepted ; but on two conditions.
The first, That Baptism shall not be administered to children unless one of or both the parents are communing members of the Church. And the second was, That I was to have a vacation for myself of one month in each year. The commissioner assured me that the Session were of one mind on the Baptismal question and would make the change, and that the Congregation would cordially acquiesce in the latter. I found it to be so. And the very first meeting of the Session after my becoming the pastor of the church, a
52
History of Mercersburg
resolution in accordance with these views on the subject of Baptism was introduced and unanimously adopted.
The ordination and installation services took place in the Church in town, November 17th, A. D. 1831. The Rev. John McKnight preached the sermon, Henry R. Wilson, D. D., offered the ordaining prayer, and the Rev. Robert Ken- nedy presided and gave the charges to the pastor and the congregation. The state of my mind in view of the fearful responsibility I was about to assume, was of the most try- ing kind. Under the pressure of such feelings I wrote to elder John Brownson, who was at that time the Clerk of the Session, and who had notified me of my election. To this letter, elder Brownson thus replied : and I treasure up this letter as one of the most precious in my letter-cabinet. It is full of wise counsel and encouragement. "The view you take of your responsibility is correct; but, sir, have you not the promise of your Master to rely upon for assist- ance and direction ; and if it is His will to call you to take these responsibilities on you, as we hope and trust it is, will He not give you strength and direction for the accomplish- ment of whatever is His will toward both you and us ? With respect to those with whom you will be associated in the government of this people, I can only say, that hitherto they have been harmonious, and appear to act under a sense of their own responsibility, and I flatter myself that that harmony and peace which have hitherto prevailed, will yet prevail, if we are faithful to the Master, to ourselves and to the people over whom we are made overseers. The oldest among us feel the necessity of the teaching and direction of the Head of the Church, and would never desire to be left to ourselves. And, sir, although you are young in years, recollect, so was Timothy, whose duties must have been as arduous, and his responsibilities as great as yours, and I do hope, no man will despise your youth. I think you have the prayers of God's people among us, and I have no doubt we have yours, and on Him we must rely."
53
Presbyterian Church.
But while all this was encouraging; on the other hand there were discouragements. Leaving my father's house to enter on my new field of labor and to find a home among strangers, while I tarried over night in Chambers- burg, (I was on horseback), one of those inquisitive beings who will know everybody's business, having approached me and ascertained who I was, and where I was going, re- marked : " Well, young man, I pity you; you will have neither peace nor comfort there ; it is one of the most quar- relsome congregations in the world !" But I was on my way. I was committed to go forward. I could not go back. I must see and know for myself. It was, however, with more despondency than ever that I resumed my journey the next morning. Every mile I passed over, and every step that brought me nearer my journey's end, seemed but to increase the weight of the burden which oppressed me. Making my way in this state of mind along the bank of the creek, on the old road leading from Mount Parnell to Bridgeport, a small yellow dog came running up to me, gamboling and leaping and frisking before my horse, as if he recognized both the horse and the rider, full of joyous emotion ; and so continued to sport and to dance before me for several rods. The effect upon me was magical. Whether it was superstition or not, I care not to discuss. But I have always regarded that little dog as a messenger sent to me, by God, to cheer me in the liour of my deep despondency, and to indicate to me that I would receive a cordial welcome from the people who had chosen me to be their pastor, and that Jesus would be with me. Nor was I, nor have I been, disappointed. And as it was with the fathers and the mothers, so has it been with all who have come after them. Entering on my work, I preached alternately on the Sabbath- days in the Church in the town and at Church-hill. Two services in the daytime, with an intermission between them of thirty minutes, from April to October; and one service each Sabbath from October to April. The evening service 8
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.