USA > Pennsylvania > Huntingdon County > Huntingdon > History of the Presbytery of Huntingdon > Part 15
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
141
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
period, consisted in dissolving pastoral relations, constituting others, and licensing candidates.
The pastoral relation of Rev. McK. WILLIAMSON to the congregation of Lower Tuscarora, was dissolved on the 8th of April. Mr. SAMUEL N. HOWELL, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York, was called to Clearfield town and Pike congregations ; the Rev. JOHN WHITE of the Presbytery of Northumberland, to Yellow Creek and Martinsburg; the Rev. GEORGE D. PORTER to Millerstown, and Rev. WILLIAM J. GIBSON to Sinking Valley for half his time. Heretofore Mr. G. had been supplying Martinsburg, in connection with Williamsburg, his pastoral charge. The Rev. MATTHEW ALLISON was called to Mifflin- town and Lost Creek. Mr. ALLISON was a member of the 2d Presby- tery of New York. The Rev. PETER HASSINGER was called to Newton Hamilton and McVeytown.
At this meeting a second application was made by Mr. JOHN G. HOWELL, whose case was before stated, to have the action of Presby- tery repealed, prohibiting him from preaching within the bounds of the Presbytery. At his earnest request, having made suitable ac- knowledgments in regard to the matter which gave offence to the Presbytery, the prohibition was repealed, and the stated clerk directed to inform him accordingly. The following resolution was offered by Rev. Dr. LINN, in view of this case, and adopted, viz :
" As our Book of Discipline and Form of Government designs that marriage shall be solemnized by ministers ; therefore,
Resolved, That we disapprove of licentiates solemnizing marriages, as they thereby assume a power not given to them by Presbytery."
The name of the Frankstown congregation was, at this time, by re- quest, changed to Hollidaysburg. It was ordered that an Obituary Book be kept by Presbytery, in which the decease of members shall be recorded, with brief sketches of their lives, as prepared by appro- priate committees.
An adjourned meeting of Presbytery was held at Alexandria, on the last Tuesday of June following the stated Spring meeting. At this meeting the Rev. Messrs. ALLISON and WHITE were received on the customary testimonials from their respective Presbyteries, as members of this Presbytery.
As most of the parties interested in judicial cases which occurred at this time are either dead or removed, and as no principle was set- tled by them which might be set forth as example worthy of imita- tion, it would answer no good purpose to make further reference to
142
HISTORY. OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
them. In all of them there was much of human passions, and "the wrath of man which worketh not the righteousness of God." But there was business of another character. It was very agreeable to receive into the Presbytery such ministers as the Rev. JAMES Y. Mc- GINNIS and the Rev. JOHN WHITE, the former being called to the church of Augwick, and the latter to the church of Spruce Creek for half his time.
The Rev. WILLIAM ADAM, on account of failing health was, at his own request and with consent of the congregations, released from his pastoral relations to Spring Creek and Sinking Creek congregations, at this meeting. By request of the congregation of Millerstown, the Presbytery consented that it should be attached to the Presbytery of Carlisle. It was not the least agreeable circumstance connected with this meeting to have the presence of the Rev. Dr. WILLIAM CHESTER, the worthy representative of the Board of Education, and to hear from him of its objects and necessities. Presbytery adopted unani- mously a resolution urging ministers, elders and people, to give im- mediate attention to the pressing wants of the Board.
The stated meeting of the Presbytery in the Spring of 1846 was held in the Presbyterian Church in Sinking Valley, and was opened with a sermon by the Rev. JOHN BERNHEIM, a converted Jew, from Hosea 6: 11.
The Rev. B. H. CAMPBELL was received as in good standing by cer- tificate of dismission from the Presbytery of Salem. Calls were pre- sented from Spring Creek and Sinking Creek churches for Mr. ROBERT HAMILL, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York. Mr. H. being present, but not having received his letter of dismission, the calls were retained by the Presbytery ; and at the adjourned meeting held in May following, put into his hands, accepted by him, and at the same meeting he was ordained and installed pastor of Spring Creek, and a committee appointed to install him over Sinking Creek on the 2d Tuesday of June.
The Rev. SAMUEL H. McDONALD was received on certificate from the Presbytery of Carlisle. A call which had been presented for him at the stated meeting of the Presbytery from West Kishacoquillas, was put into his hands, and being accepted, Messrs. HUGHES, PEEBLES and HASSINGER were appointed a committee to install him at a convenient time.
Mr. DAVID WILSON, a candidate under the care of the Presbytery, with a view to the ministry, requested that his name may be with-
143
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
drawn for the present from the list of candidates. His request was granted.
A case of reference from the session of the church of Martinsburg was presented, respecting the marriage of a member of that church with his deceased wife's sister, and the consideration of it was postponed.
Messrs. A. T. McALEVY and JOHN A. CAMPBELL were, after exami- nation, received as candidates for the Gospel ministry, and recom- mended to the Board of Education for aid in the pursuit of their studies.
A pro re nata meeting of Presbytery was held in Lewistown, Septem- ber 8, for the purpose of investigating charges by common fame against the Rev. B. H. Campbell. The main charge was of intoxica- tion. The Presbytery found that there were sufficient grounds for investigation ; and as the witnesses were chiefly residents in and about Lewistown, and the next stated meeting of Presbytery was to be held at a distance from that place, appointed a commmittee of seven to take testimony, giving Mr. CAMPBELL notice of the time and place of their meeting, and to report to the meeting to be held at Clearfield in October. Mr. C. was cited to appear and answer; and the clerk was ordered to cite any witnesses he might desire to appear and testify on his behalf before the committee.
Mr. S. N. HOWELL, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York, was taken under the care of Presbytery ; Mr. JAMES SMITH, a member of the congregation of Hollidaysburg, was taken under the care of Pres- bytery as a candidate for the ministry ; and Mr. JOHN W. HAZLETT Was licensed to preach the Gospel. Mr. S. N. HOWELL having accepted the calls from Clearfield and Pike, was ordained, and arrangements made for his installation as pastor of those churches; and the Rev. Messrs. ALLISON and HASSINGER having also accepted the respective calls presented for their pastoral services, committees were appointed for their installation. The Rev. Mr. WHITE held the calls from Yellow Creek and Martinsburg under advisement, and afterwards de- clined them.
The regular Fall meeting of the Presbytery was held at West Kish- acoquillas, October 7, 8 and 9. At this meeting a considerable amount of business was transacted; but most of it pertaining to matters that were not of a very agreeable character. There were no less than four judicial cases which came before Presbytery by reference or complaint. Two from the Session of Hollidaysburg church, one from Pike or Cur-
?
144
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
wensville, and one from West Kishacoquillas. The two from Holli- daysburg were parts of the same transaction, growing out of the same causes; the other two originating in personal differences between members of the church.
The stated meeting of the Presbytery in the Fall, at Clearfield, was opened with a sermon by Mr. JAMES SMITH, a candidate for licensure ; the popular sermon appointed him at a previous meeting. Mr. CAMP- BELL, who was under charges, and whose case had been commenced at the special meeting of Presbytery held in September at Lewistown, not being present, sent a request by Rev. JOSHUA MOORE for a dissolu- tion of the pastoral relation subsisting.between him and the congrega- tion of Lower Tuscarora. It appearing that the congregation had notice, and concurred in the request, it was granted. Also, by letter, Mr. CAMPBELL requested that Mr. MOORE might be appointed to con- duct the trial in his behalf, in case it should be issued at this time. The Presbytery, believing that he expected and wished his case to be issued at this time, resolved to proceed, and Mr. MOORE was appoint- ed, as requested, to act in his behalf.
Mr. MOORE, the representative of Mr. CAMPBELL, being asked if the accused plead guilty or not guilty ? and gave as answer the following, viz: "The case being taken up on general rumor, it devolves on the Presbytery to prove it." On being further asked whether he was prepared to proceed in the case ? Answered, "Not prepared."
The Presbytery then appointed an adjourned meeting to be held at Lewistown on the 10th of November, and ordered a second citation to be issued to Mr. C. to appear and answer to the charges; with notice that in case of his non-appearance Presbytery would proceed against him as directed in the Book of Discipline.
At this time (October 8, 1846) Mr. JAMES SMITHI, a candidate under the care of Presbytery, having passed through all his trials to the satisfaction of Presbytery, was licensed to preach the Gospel, and Rev. McK. WILLIAMSON was dismissed to the Presbytery of Iowa.
The adjourned meeting was held at Lewistown at the time appoint- ed. The principal business was to issue the case of Mr. CAMPBELL. He was again absent, but by letter to Mr. MOORE gave reasons for his absence, which were accepted by the Presbytery. In said letter he acknowledged the truth of the allegations against him-that he drank ale, and afterwards some brandy to correct the sickness arising from the use of the ale, and he was overcome.
The Presbytery then adopted the following resolution :
.
145
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
" Resolved, That the letter of Mr. CAMPBELL be considered as an admis- sion on his part, of the truth of the charge, and an acknowledgment that he was intoxicated in Lewistown on the 14th of last August."
A committee of five, three ministers and two elders, were appointed to prepare a minute expressive of the mind of Presbytery in this case, which brought in the following minute, which, after considerable dis- cussion, was adopted, viz :
" WHEREAS, The Rev. B. H. CAMPBELL has acknowledged the fact of his being intoxicated, and has expressed his regret and deep sorrow for his offence, which from all that Presbytery can learn, was not a repetition of an old offense, nor has been repeated since ; Presbytery sympathizing with Mr. C. in his bodily infirmity, and personal trials, would not harshly cen- sure him, nor confound his case with that of a common transgressor. Aware, however, that the cause of our Divine Redeemer is greatly in- terested in the faithful administration of discipline, which cannot allow us to exculpate even " a brother who has been overtaken with a fault," while we are far from being willing to justify unmerited public censure, we still feel constrained for the honor of our Master, and the peace and purity of the church, to pass the following judgment in this case, viz : That the Rev. B. H. CAMPBELL be and hereby is censured as guilty of a serious misde- meanor; that Mr. C. be informed by the Moderator of the Presbytery of this sentence, and that he shall notify Presbytery of his acquiescence in it. Presbytery would also affectionately advise Mr. CAMPBELL, and admonish him totally to abstain from every portion of drinks which may intoxicate, lest having been once overcome he may again be seduced, and in all cases to use nothing even as a medicine (though recommended by members of the medical faculty) which may have a tendency to unhinge the mind, or prevent him from exercising that self-possession which is demanded of every minister of Jesus Christ."
Mr. JOHN C. BARR was received under the care of Presbytery, who was pursuing his studies at Tuscarora Academy with a view to the ministry, and recommended for aid to the Board of Education. The Synod having recommended that missionary meetings be held during the winter in the Presbyteries, and that the services of Rev. HENRY R. WILSON, Jr., be procured at these meetings as far as practicable ; the Rev. Mr. MOORE was appointed to correspond with Mr. WILSON and invite him to our bounds. Mr. WILSON was then an agent of the Board of Missions.
.
The stated meeting of the Presbytery in April, 1847, was held at the East Kishacoquillas Church. Not much business out of ordinary routine of Presbyterial business demanded the attention of Presby- tery. Some changes only are to be recorded in regard to pastors,
19
146
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
churches, and licentiates. The Rev. GEORGE W. THOMPSON was re- ceived from the Presbytery of Northumberland, and a call was pre- sented for him from Lower Tuscarora congregation, put into his hands and accepted by him. The Rev. Messrs. JARDINE and ALLISON were appointed to install him at a time to be agreed on among themselves.
The pastoral relation between Rev. JOHN WHITE and the congrega- tion of Spruce Creek, was dissolved at his request. Upon which, the elder from that congregation requested that a committee might be appointed to visit that congregation, with a view of reconciling the difficulties in reference to church Psalmody. The request was granted, and Messrs. LINN and GIBSON, ministers, and JOHN KERR, elder, were designated that committee. Mr. GEORGE BOAL was afterwards sub- stituted for Mr. KERR. In that church for some years there had been two parties in reference to Psalmody, and for some time nearly equally divided. The one party was for the exclusive use of ROUSE's version of the Psalms in church services, and the other for the use of WATTS' version of the Psalms, with hymns. We have no recollection of the particular proceedings of this committee at their meeting with the congregation, to effect a compromise between the parties, but we know that the end designed was not effected, for the same difficulties continued to exist till the congregation was divided, a few years after- wards into the Ist and 2d congregations of Spruce Creek. As has always been the result in similar cases, the congregation using Psalms and Hymns continued to increase, and the other to be gradually diminished by deaths and removals, till it became extinct. We sup- pose that the compromise proposed by the committee was to divide the time on the Sabbath between the use of ROUSE's version and the Hymns. This proposition was rejected by the old side, no doubt from principle in the first place, and as among them were some very fore- seeing men, they knew that if they permitted the Hymns to be sung in the church at all, it would soon be as between ROUSE and the Hymns, like the house of DAVID and the house of SAUL.
Mr. JOHN W. HAZLETT, a licentiate, was dismissed to put himself under the care of the Presbytery of Beaver. And Mr. JAMES SMITH, also a licentiate of this Presbytery, was dismissed to place himself under the care of the Presbytery of Clarion.
At a special or pro re nata meeting of the Presbytery held at Belle- fonte, July 7th, Rev. S. N. HOWELL was released from his pastoral relation to the churches of Clearfield and Pike. The meeting of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, in October of this year, has on record but
147
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
few things that are of sufficient general interest to record here. The chief business at this session of the Presbytery was of a local charac- ter, with the exception of a few items. The most important items of business were presented in the report of the committee appointed on the minutes of the preceding General Assembly. A committee, as suggested by the Assembly, was appointed to have pastoral supervision of the candidates for the gospel ministry under the care of Presby - tery ; to report annually to the Presbytery. An item in the commit- tees report, respecting the demission of the ministerial office, was postponed till the next stated meeting. A committee of three was appointed on the subject of Parochial Schools, namely, Messrs. MOORE, WOODS and HUGHES.
The following minute was adopted in reference to the interests of the Board of Education :
" WHEREAS, The Board of Education are unable to send an agent to visit the churches of this Presbytery the coming winter; And whereas, Mr. STERRETT agrees to visit as a voluntary agent such of the churches as by their pastors shall express such a desire ; therefore,
Resolved, That this Presbytery cordially approve of the kind expression of Mr. STERRETT, and recommend to the churches the plan suggested."
The church of Spruce Creek continued to be divided and agitated on the subject of Psalmody. The majority of the Session were in favor of the exclusive use of the old Psalms in the public worship; and the majority of the private members of the church in favor of the use of Psalms and Hymns. Mr. ADAM RANKIN complained to Presby- tery against two resolutions passed by the majority of the Session on this subject. When the case came before Presbytery, the complaint of Mr. RANKIN was sustained; after which a committee was appoint- ed to confer with the parties, and draft a minute expressive of the sense of the Presbytery in reference to the whole case. This commit- tee reported the next day, as follows :
" Your committee have had a free conversation with the representatives of parties in the congregation of Spruce Creek, and with a number of mem- bers of both sides of the question of Psalmody, and would recommend the adoption of the following resolutions :
1st. Resolved, That in sustaining the complaint of Mr. RANKIN, Presby- tery would cast no blame on the Session.
2d. Resolved, That it is expedient to divide the congregation.
3d. Resolved, That the majority at the late vote on the question of Psalmody are the congregation of Spruce Creek; and that they be directed to meet on the 4th Saturday of October, and elect additional elders, if such
148
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
addition shall be deemed necessary; and that Mr. D. MCKINNEY be ap- pointed to meet with them, and moderate the meeting, and ordain the new elders.
4th. Resolved, That the new congregation shall be known as the 2d con- gregation of Spruce Creek, and that Mr. MOORE be appointed to meet with them on the first Saturday in November, and attend to all duties needful to the future organization."
The Rev. JOHN FLEMING was received from the Presbytery of Blairs- ville, to which Presbytery he had been dismissed with the usual testi- monials from this Presbytery, and therefore, on motion, the usual ex- amination on receiving new members was omitted.
1848, APRIL MEETING.
The stated Spring meeting of the Presbytery was held at Mifflin- town the second Tuesday of April. The first matter of record was the death of the Rev. WILLIAM STUART on the morning of the 30th of March preceeding, in the 89th year of his age. He had long been the oldest member of Presbytery. The history of the Presbytery during this year consists principally in the dissolution of pastoral relations, forming new ones, the reception of candidates, and records of death among the members. The pastoral relation of Rev. D. STERRETT to the congregation of Shaver's Creek was dissolved after a continuance of fourteen years with great success and acceptance. Messrs. JOSEPH P. MOORE and SAMUEL J. MILLIKEN were taken under care of the Pres- bytery as candidates for the ministry. The Rev. J. MCKINNEY gave notice of his desire to resign pastoral charge of the congregation of Alexandria. Spruce Creek Ist and Pine Grove congregations pre- sented calls for the pastoral services of Rev. DANIEL L. HUGHES of Little Valley. The General Assembly of 1847 sent down an overture to the Presbyteries, proposing to add a section to the 15th Chapter of the Form of Government, providing for the voluntary demission of the ministerial office. The matter being deferred at a previous meet- ing till this time, was taken under consideration, and the question being, Shall such a section be added ? was answered in the negative.
An adjourned meeting of the Presbytery was held at Spruce Creek church on the 13th of June following. At that meeting the pastoral relation of the Rev. D. L. HUGHES to Little Valley congregation was dissolved, and he permitted to accept the calls from Spruce Creek and Pine Grove congregations, over which he was installed.
The application of Rev. J. MCKINNEY for permission to resign the charge of Alexandria was granted, the congregation having made
+
149
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
known their acquiescence in the case. Mr. JAMES H. ORBISON, a mem- ber of the church of Huntingdon, was received under the care of the Presbytery as a candidate for the gospel ministry.
At the stated Fall meeting of this year, held at Waynesburg, Mifflin county, Mr. THOMAS C. PORTER, a licentiate of this Presbytery, re- quested and obtained a dismission, to put himself under the care of the German Reformed Classis of Lebanon. The Rev. JOHN McKIN- NEY was dismissed to the Presbytery of Maumee; and Rev. JAMES SMITH, who had been dismissed to the Presbytery of Clarion the year before, returned to Presbytery with suitable testimonials from the former Presbytery. The Rev. ALEXANDER BOYD was received from the Presbytery of Erie, and calls were put into his hands from Fruit Hill and Mt. Pleasant congregations, which were accepted by him, and over which he was installed by committees of Presbytery.
Mr. RICHARD MORROW, a member of the congregation of Upper Tus- carora, was taken under care of Presbytery as a candidate for the Gospel Ministry.
.At the first stated meeting of Presbytery in April, 1849, it was the mournful duty of the Presbytery to record the deaths of Rev. Messrs. JOHN LOYD and B. H. CAMPBELL. The former, a missionary to China, died December 6, 1848, and the latter December 31, same year. Suit- able notice of these brethren was taken by the Presbytery, which will be found in sketches of their lives hereafter to be given.
The Rev. Messrs. MILES F. MERWIN was received from the Presby- tery of Erie, RICHARD CURRAN from the Presbytery of West Jersey, and ISRAEL W. WARD from the Presbytery of New Lisbon.
Mr. GIBSON resigned as stated clerk of the Presbytery, and Rev. ROBERT HAMILL was appointed in his place.
Mr. CURRAN was called to Shaver's Creek, Mr. Ward to Spruce Creek 2d, and Mr. JAMES SMITH to Little Valley ; and Mr. GEORGE ELLIOTT, a licentiate of the' Presbytery of New Lisbon, was called to Alexandria.
The Rev. JOSHUA MOORE was appointed to prepare an obituary notice of Rev. B. H. CAMPBELL; and Dr. D. MCKINNEY of Rev. JOHN LOYD, to be inserted in the Memoranda Book of Presbytery. At this time the first movement was made to have a cheap religious paper, by memorializing the General Assembly on the subject.
Mr. JOSEPH L. LOWER was taken under the care of Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry. It was resolved to hold an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery at Alexandria on the 4th Tuesday of June.
150
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
At this meeting Mr. GEORGE ELLIOTT, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Lisbon, who had been called to Alexandria, was received, or- dained and installed.
The Rev. P. HASSINGER resigned at this meeting his pastoral charges of Waynesburg and Newton Hamilton. And Mr. NOURSE gave notice of his desire to resign the charge of Perryville congregation. Mr. MERWIN was called to Clearfield for half his time, and arrangements made for his installation. Mr. SAMUEL T. WILSON, a member of the congregation of Hollidaysburg, was taken under the care of Presby- tery, as a candidate for the ministry.
Mr. NOURSE's pastoral relation to the church of Perryville, was dis- solved October 2d, he having given previous notice to the Presbytery of his design, and the congregation acquiescing in his desire.
Mr. STERRETT received a call to the united congregations of Waynes- burg and Newton Hamilton, which he accepted, and committees were appointed to install him on the 3d Friday of January next, which was attended to at the time appointed, at Newton Hamilton; and at Waynesburg on the 4th Friday of same month.
The Rev. GEORGE GRAY, by letter, asked, leave to resign the charge of Upper Tuscarora congregation on account of ill health, and the congregation was cited to answer.
Mr. SILAS HAZLETT, a member of the church of Canonsburg, on application, was received under the care of Presbytery, after the usual examination, as a candidate for the ministry.
The committee previously appointed on the minutes of the General Assembly reported, directing the attention of the Presbytery to several items of important business, viz: The subject of Church Music; and in regard to the posture of the congregation in public prayer. The following resolution passed by the General Assembly of 1849, will be found on the 255 page of their minutes :
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.