USA > Pennsylvania > Huntingdon County > Huntingdon > History of the Presbytery of Huntingdon > Part 11
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 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32
The following constitutional rule sent down by the General Assem- bly to the Presbytery for their consideration, was at this time taken up and unanimously adopted by the Presbytery, viz :
" When any emergency shall require a meeting of Synod sooner than the time to which it stands adjourned, the moderator, or in case of his absence or inability to act, the stated clerk shall, with the concurrence or at the request of three ministers and three elders,-the ministers and elders being at least of two different Presbyteries,-call a special meeting. For this purpose he shall send a circular letter, specifying the particular business of the intended meeting to every minister belonging to the Synod, and to the session (if practicable) of every vacant congregation, and between the time of issuing the letters of convocation and the time of meeting shall elapse at least twenty days, and nothing shall be transacted at such special meet- ing besides the particular business for which the judicatory has been con- vened. 'It shall be the duty of the moderator to cause notice to be given in the public prints, of the time and place of such intended meeting."
In this year commenced troubles in the Presbyterian Church of East Kishacoquillas, at least so far as the Presbytery had to deal with then. The troubles in that congregation came first before Presby- tery by a complaint made to Presbytery against a decision of a ma- jority of the session, by the Rev. JAMES NOURSE, the pastor of the church. The controversy between Mr. NOURSE and the majority of the congregation was long continued, and occasioned several meetings of the Presbytery and committees of the Presbytery, before it was finally quieted by the resignation of Mr. NOURSE and the division of
1
104
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
the congregation, and the organization of the friends of Mr. N. into a congregation to be called the church of Perryville, (now Milroy,) by which Mr. N. was called to be pastor, over which he was installed and which he served many years afterwards. A more particular account of this unhappy controversy would neither be for the honor of religion or the glory of God. Suffice it to say, that Mr. NOURSE's advanced ideas on the subject of temperance are believed to have been at the bottom of this quarrel. Not that Mr. NOURSE's views were more ad- vanced on the subject of temperance than the majority of his brethren of the Presbytery, but he was a much more impulsive man than his brethren, and he was unfortunate in coming more immediately in contact with manufacturers and dealers in intoxicating liquors, thần most of his brethren. Kishacoquillas is a very productive valley, rich then as now, in corn, rye, wheat, and barley. Temperance had not taken such a hold of the consciences of christians then as in later days. There is much to be said by way of apology, both for Mr. NOURSE and the people. Mr. NOURSE, though believed by his brethren to be sufficiently orthodox, according to the Confession of Faith, yet seems not to have been always careful and definite in the statement of his doctrinal views from the pulpit, and therefore incurred the suspicion of sympathy with errors that were then believed to be spreading throughout the church. This diminished his power to con- tend against a real and great practical evil, admitted to be so by all his brethren, and for his opposition to which they all sympathized with him. Though Mr. NOURSE always denied that he held any sentiments contrary to the Confession of Faith, yet it was often necessary for him to explain, and his brethren always accepted his explanations ; his opponents in his congregation were not so willing to be satisfied. He unfortunately came into the Presbytery and into charge of the con- gregation under suspicion of heresy, for his honest but uncalled for commendation in part, of Mr. BARNES sermon on "The Way of Sal- vation."
This ecclesiastical year of 1833 was filled up with many important items of business by the Presbytery, some not very agreeable, others very pleasant. The first item of business, that is of any importance to note as occurring at the stated meeting in the Fall, is the appoint- ment of a committee to prepare a memorial to the Synod on the sub- ject of the formation of a Presbyterian Tract Society. This is the origin of the present Board of Publication, which has accomplished so much good to the church, and is still working so efficiently in spread-
105
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
ing abroad a sacred literature, which is always to be relied on as teach- ing the unadulterated doctrines and precepts of the gospel. The subject had been discussed in the religious press of the church, and by individual writers no doubt before this time, but this is believed to be the first ecclesiastical action on the subject, and so ought not to be overlooked to the honor of the Presbytery of Huntingdon. It is certain that the old Synod of Philadelphia had taken no formal action on the subject up to this time, and if not, then no other Synod had moved in the matter. The old Presbytery of Philadelphia, the Mother of Presbyteries and Synods, did then indeed, lead the way in the great controversies that then agitated the church, but we are not aware that they had then taken any formal action on the subject of forming a Presbyterian Tract Society. We claim the honor for the Presbytery of Huntingdon till otherwise informed.
At the same meeting of the Presbytery the following standing rule was adopted, which has been observed ever since, viz :
"Resolved, That it be a standing rule of Presbytery to have a missionary sermon preached at every stated meeting."
A collection is always taken up after the sermon, and divided equally between the Boards of Home and Foreign Missions. The appointment of a preacher is made at the previous meeting, and the Rev. WILLIAM ANNAN, pastor of West Kishacoquillas church, was the first appointment to preach the sermon after the establishment of the rule.
The authority was given at this meeting of the Presbytery for the organization of the church at Yellow Creek, Bedford county, and Mr. GEO. D. PORTER, a licentiate of the Presbytery, who had been mission- ating in that region, and who intended to continue for some time, was ordained as an Evangelist. Messrs. JAMES W. COULTER and MATTHEW B. HOPE were licensed. The death of the former, after a short illness, is noticed on the minutes of the Presbytery, a little less than two months after his licensure, and appropriate resolutions passed to his memory.
1834, STATED SPRING MEETING.
The Rev. DAVID STERRETT'S name first appears on the minutes of Presbytery by the presentation of a certificate of dismission from the Presbytery of New Castle, and request to be received into this Presby- tery. At the same time a call for his pastoral services, by Shaver's Creek congregation, was laid before Presbytery, and being found in
14
106
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
order, put into his hands, accepted, and a committee appointed to install him pastor, on the 30th day of May following.
- The pastoral relation of Rev. WILLIAM STUART to Spring Creek and Sinking Creek congregations was dissolved at his own request, on account of age and infirmities. Mr. STUART was the oldest member in the Presbytery. At the same session of the Presbytery the pastoral relation of Rev. GARRY BISHOP to the congregations of Pike (Curwens- ville) and Clearfield was, at his own request, dissolved, and he obtained permission to travel during the Summer without the bounds of Presbytery.
Mr. THOMAS J. KEATING, a member of Shaver's Creek or Alexandria church, a convert from the Roman Catholic faith, having expressed a. strong desire heretofore to preach the gospel, and for this end re- quested to be taken under the care of Presbytery, at this time renewed his request, and was taken under the care of Presbytery as a candi- date for the ministry.
At the stated meeting of the Presbytery, in the Fall of 1834, the first matter of record was the death of the Rev. JOHN COULTER, as follows :
" The Presbytery record with unfeigned sensibility, though with humble acquiescence, the recent afflictive dispensation of Divine Providence in the removal by death of the Rev. JOHN COULTER, one of the oldest and most efficient of our members. His death occurred on the 22d of June, 1834. While we mourn his removal from his earthly sphere of most exemplary activity and usefulness, we would faithfully cherish in our memory his many virtues ; especially his uncommon punctuality, and his prudence as a member of ecclesiastical judicatories, and entertain the pleasing hope that he now rests from his labors, and that his works do follow him to the Sanc- tuary above."
On November 26, 1833, the Presbytery was called upon to record the death of JAMES W. COULTER, a licentiate; and on October 7, 1834, the death of his venerable father, as above.
The Rev. JOSEPH MAHON, an agent of the Board of Education, being present, addressed the Presbytery ; after which the following resolu- tions were adopted, viz :
" Resolved, That the Presbytery, cordially approving of the design and plan of operations of the Assembly's Board of Education, rejoicing in the number of pious, but poor young men of talents, who offer themselves to the service of the Church ; and believing it to be the duty of the Church to educate her own youth, and to prepare and send forth her ambassadors, do hereby carnestly recommend to the churches under their care, to make a
107
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
vigorous and persevering effort to aid in relieving the Board from its pecul- niary embarrassments.
Resolved, That it be and hereby is enjoined on all the members of Pres- bytery, to aid in the canse by every prudent means in their power consis- tent with incumbent duties."
The Rev. JOHN HUTCHESON was at this time elected stated clerk, in place of Mr .. COULTER, deceased.
Action of the Presbytery in regard to the Act and Testimony, adopted and issued by a minority of the members, and others of the General Assembly of 1834.
In the Assembly of 1834, that portion of the church which was afterwards called "The New School," were in a majority. Such was their action in all the matters of controversy in regard to doctrines and measures as greatly to alarm the minority, and those who agreed with them as to the integrity of the fundamental doctrines and order of the church. Immediately after the close of the General Assembly, a meeting of the minority, and other ministers and elders who hap- pened be present, was called for the purpose of consultation, as to the present condition of the church. The result of the impromptu conven- tion, was the adoption of a certain paper, called " The Act and Testi- mony." The purport of this paper was a testimony against errors, enumerated contrary to the doctrines of the Confession, Faith, and Catechisms, then believed to be rapidly spreading throughout the limits of the church, and also to testify in behalf of the truths to which these errors stood opposed, with a pledge to maintain the doc- trines of the Confession, and oppose by all proper and appropriate means the errors enumerated. This paper was sent or carried down to the Presbyteries for their action. In the Presbytery of Hunting- don there was some diversity of opinion in regard to the adoption of the Act and Testimony, but none affecting the soundness in the faith of the brethren on the one side or the other. The paper was adopted by a large majority, and when the division occurred four years after- wards, not one of the minority went with the New School. We have reason to know that before the division took place the minority were fully prepared to adopt the Act and Testimony. It was not because they sympathized with the errors enumerated in the document, but they could not believe that they were so extensively spread among the ministers of the church, as the Act and Testimony implied. The substitute which the minority of the Presbytery proposed for the original resolutions adopted by the majority, is itself a sufficient vin-
108
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
dication of the orthodoxy of the excellent brethren of the minority. And if any more proof be wanted to show that these brethren found cause to alter their mind before the actual division came, the fact that the only two living ministers of the minority at the time of the re-union voted in Presbytery against it. With these remarks we submit the complete record of the action of Presbytery, as found in the minutes.
On October 8, 1834, the consideration of the Act and Testimony was made the order of the day for the afternoon. At that time, the following resolutions were offered for consideration and adoption, viz :
" Resolved, 1. That Presbytery renewedly express their attachment to the Articles and Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, in their plain and common sense meaning, both in their own ministrations and in the admis- sion of candidates for licensure and ordination.
Resolved, 2. That Presbytery express their adherence to the Act and Testimony, sent down from certain members of the minority of the last Assembly, purporting to be a statement of errors that are received (by some) in the Presbyterian Church."
After discussing the foregoing resolutions at some length, adjourned till the next morning at 9 o'clock, at which time the discussion was resumed, when the postponement of the resolutions was moved, for the purpose of adopting the following substitute, viz :
"The Presbytery of Huntingdon during its session at Sinking Creek, took into consideration the Act and Testimony signed by several ministers and elders, in the minority of the last General Assembly of the Presby- terian Church, and, after much deliberation, adopted the following pream- ble and resolutions, as expressive of their views on the subject :
" WHEREAS, This Presbytery firmly believe that the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church contains the system of doctrine taught in the Word of God; and being cordially attached to this system, cannot view with indifference the rise and progress of errors calculated, when carried out by just inference, seriously to affect the foundations of our common faith ; and being convinced that strict adherence to the truth, as contained in the Sacred Scriptures and our standards, is, under God, the best security for the peace, purity, and prosperity of our beloved Zion ; and it being our firm determination, with meckness, to contend carnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints ; therefore,
Resolved, 1. That the Presbytery concur in the testimony, borne against the doctrinal errors specified in the document alluded to, whether they be found in or out of the Presbyterian Church, as being in our view, contrary to the standards of the Church.
2. Without undertaking to determine to what extent error obtains among the ministers of our connection, Presbytery do declare it to be their decided
109
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
opinion that no individual holding and publishing the opinions denounced in said Act and Testimony, ought to be a member of the Presbyterian Church. Holding them he could not consistently enter it, and continuing to hold them he ought not to remain there, but should immediately withdraw.
3. That the opinions in question are entirely subversive of the " system of doctrine" contained in our Confession of Faith, and taught in the Word of God. They amount to "another gospel," which however plausible or agreeable to the carnal heart, is adapted to exert a most baleful influence in regard to genuine revivals of religion, and the best interests of the Church of God.
4. That according to the essential principles of our Church government, none can consistently be admitted into our connexion but such as we have every reason to believe are sincere friends.
5. That the formation of Presbyteries and Synods on the principle of "' elective affinity," is unconstitutional ; and being fraught with danger to the Church, ought not to be countenanced by our Supreme Judicatory.
6. That whilst Presbytery declare their determination to adhere strictly to our doctrinal standards, they would protest against any construction being put on their views, as though they implied a regard to mere ortho- doxy, to the exclusion of the spirit and power of vital godliness; but would affectionately urge upon their ministers, elders and private members, that in reliance on the aid of the Holy Spirit, they would diligently use all serip- tural means to have religion revived in their own hearts, and the hearts of the people throughout our churches."
A very protracted discussion was had on these resolutions; and when the vote was about to be taken the yeas and nays were called for, and the question was decided in the negative by the follow- ing vote :
Yeas-Messrs. Woods, Peebles, Collins and Sterrett, ministers; and Messrs. Nathaniel Wilson, G. Rothrock and Samuel McClay, elders.
Nays-Messrs. Stuart, Hutcheson, Linn, Hill, Galbraith, McKinney, Wilson and Porter, ministers; and Messrs. Kyle, Long, Kerr, Lowry, Rankin, Tussey, Wason and Gilliland, elders.
The vote was then taken on the original resolutions, and decided in the affirmative by the following vote :
Yeas-Messrs, Stuart, Hutcheson, Linn, Galbraith, Hill, Mckinney and Porter, ministers ; and Messrs. Kyle, Long, Kerr, Lowry, Rankin, Tussey, Wason and Gilliland, elders.
Mr. ANNAN, being moderator, asked, and was granted leave, to record his name among the ayes.
Nays-Messrs. Woods, Peebles, Sterrett and Collins, ministers; and Messrs. N. Wilson, Rothrock and MeClay, elders.
110
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
Rev. SAMUEL WILSON, (Dr. WILSON, of El Paso,) obtained leave to have the following paper inserted in the minutes, as expressive of his views in relation to the Act and Testimony :
" The subscriber would, in connection with the Presbytery of Hunting- don, hereby declare his approbation of the Act and Testimony, with the following explanation of his views and convictions in relation to it :
1. He thinks, from the strength of the language in some parts, and some of the general features of the document, it is calculated to convey an idea that the errors specified exist in a greater extent then he believes they do really exist. He does believe, however, that some or all the errors, both in regard to doctrine and order, specified in the instrument, do exist in our Church to such an extent as to call for the prompt and decided action of the friends of truth for the maintenance of the orthodox faith, as exhibited in our venerable standards ; but he believes that many orthodox and pious brethren are ranked among the friends of error, only because they have not felt at liberty in conscience to go with the adherents of orthodoxy in all their measures ; and that there is still a majority of the ministers in our Church sound in the faith, and lovers of the Presbyterian form of church government.
2. He cordially agrees with the signers of the Act and Testimony in the opinion that the formation of Presbyteries and Synods on the principle of "elective affinity," is unconstitutional, and fraught with dangerous ten- dency. But as one or more judicatories have been formed already on this obnoxious plan, and recognized by our General Assembly as a constituent part of it, he would not be willing to treat all their actions and doings as null and void, merely on account of the acknowledged unconstitutionality of their formation. He would be willing to treat theirs as the acts and doings of other churches, not in connection with the General Assembly.
"SAMUEL WILSON."
This important matter being disposed of, Presbytery proceeded to the transaction of the ordinary, but not unimportant business. A petition from the inhabitants of the village of Pine Grove and vicin- ity, to be organized into a congregation, was granted; and Mr. LINN was appointed to this service, and at the following meeting reported its performance.
A committee previously appointed on the subjects of catechetical instruction and family religion, presented a report which was unani- mously adopted, and is as follows :
" The committee appointed to prepare a minute for the adoption of the Presbytery, in reference to catechetical instruction of youth and family religion, report the following :
1. Resolved, That Presbytery views with much regret the rapidly declin- ing attention of parents, and others concerned in the education of youth, in
111
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
regard to the use of that most excellent and effectual method of imparting knowledge, catechetical instruetion.
2. Resolved, That we do earnestly recommend and exhort all our minis- ters to attend punctually and faithfully to the catechetical instruction of the youth of their respective charges, and that all parents, heads of families, and others intrusted with the education of the young, to use their utmost diligence to have them instructed in the doctrines exhibited in our Confes- sion of Faith and Catechisms, especially that they endeavor to have them commit to memory that most valuable compend of Christian theology-the Shorter Catechism.
3. Resolved, That we cordially recommend for their assistance in this important duty, that excellent little work entitled, " A Key to the Shorter Catechism.77
4. Resolved, That the use of the Shorter Catechism in Sabbath-Schools, as far as practicable, be earnestly recommended.
5. Resolved further, That Presbytery views with feelings of the deepest regret, the great negleet of family prayer, which prevails to some extent within our bounds. Heads of families who are professors of religion, who have taken on them the most solemn vows to keep up family religion, to pray with and for their children, and even elders in some instances, wholly neglect the performance of this duty, to the great detriment of vital godli- ness, and the serious hindrance of the cause of Christ."
These resolutions were passed unanimously in the Fall of 1834, and they are just as appropriate now, after nearly forty years have elapsed, and even more so, than they were at the time they were adopted. And not only within the bounds of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, but throughout the whole church. It is to be feared that catecheti- cal instruction and family religion, are much neglected in many of the churches.
At this time the Rev. JAMES GALBRAITH requested that the pastoral relation between him and the Frankstown congregation be dissolved, and it appearing that the congregation concurred, his request was granted. At an adjourned meeting held during the session of the Synod at Gettysburg, October 30, his relation to the congregation of Williamsburg, was, at his request also dissolved. At the previous stated meeting a call was presented from the congregation of Sinking Creek for the one-half of the pastoral labors of Rev. DAVID MCKINNEY, .and from the congregation of Spring Creek for the other half of his time, of which calls Mr. MCKINNEY having declared his acceptance, and Messrs. LINN and WILSON were appointed a committee to install him at a time to be fixed on between them and the congregations.
112
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
The Rev. JAMES NOURSE was called to Perrysville, the new congre- gation formed out of his former charge of East Kishacoquillas; the call was laid before Presbytery at the stated meeting in the beginning of October, and at the adjourned meeting, at Gettysburg, he an- nounced his acceptance, and Messrs. WooDs and STERRETT were ap- pointed a committee to install him on the Ist Wednesday of Decem- ber following.
At this meeting also, a call was presented from Middle Tuscarora congregation for the pastoral labors of the Rev. JAMES M. OLMSTEAD, for three-fourths of his time. Mr. O. presented a certificate of dis- mission from the Presbytery of Carlisle, of which he was a member, and was received and took his seat as a member of the Presbytery ; the call was put into his hands, and having announced his acceptance of it, Messrs. HUTCHESON and WooDs were appointed to install him on the fourth Wednesday of November.
At the stated meeting of the Presbytery, April 7, 1835, the Rev. JOHN HUTCHESON called the attention of the members to the decease of the Rev. WILLIAM REED, which occurred on the 12th of August preceding. Mr. REED was appointed a missionary to Northern India, from this Presbytery, under the care of the Western Board for Foreign Missions. The Presbytery had pledged itself for his support. On the 5th of April, 1833, Presbytery ordained him with a view to his missionary work, and on the 7th of April, 1835, his death was an- nounced to the Presbytery, and the following minute was recorded :
" The attention of Presbytery being called to the decease of our lamented brother and missionary to Northern India, the Rev. WILLIAM REED, Pres- bytery take occasion to express their deep sense of this affliction of Divine Providence, and would humble themselves in submission to the Divine Will, and record their affectionate sympathy with the bereaved widow, and numerous connections and relatives of their departed friend and brother."
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.