USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Washington > History of the Presbytery of Washington : including a brief account of the planting of the Presbyterian church in Western Pennsylvania and parts adjacent, with sketches of pioneer ministers and ruling elders ; also sketches of later ministers and ruling elders > Part 22
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the original members of the church of New Cumberland, and . was one of its first elders, being elected to that office at the time of its organization in May, I851. He was a good man, firm and .decided in his opinion, a wise counsellor, and always manifested a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the Church.
WILLIAM L. BINGHAM was born in Fayette County, Pa., and lived for many years in Fairview, West Virginia, and was con- nected with that church. In 1853 he removed to New Cumber- land, and united with the church there. In 1866 he was elected to the eldership, and held that office until his death in 1873. He was naturally diffident, and this want of confidence in him- self hindered his activity and usefulness in the church. But he was a sincere Christian, faithful in duty, a wise counsellor, a good citizen, and died lamented of all.
Mrs. Maria Irvine (Bingham) Campbell, who with her hus- band, Rev. David Elliott Campbell and their two children, Willie and Fannie, suffered martyrdom at Cawnpore, India, June 13, 1857, in the Sepoy rebellion, was a niece of Wm. L. Bingham, and for a number of years made her home with her uncle at Fairview. While residing here she made profession of her faith in Christ, uniting with the church of Fairview.
ALEXANDER H. EDIE was born October 1, IS41, and died September 9, 1885. He united with the church on profession of his faith, in 1858, and was elected to the eldership in 1866, which office he held until his death. He was the youngest member of this session, but was always faithful in the discharge of all his official duties.
HOOKSTOWN.
DAVID KERR was born in Beaver County, Pa., in 1811. His parents were members of the Presbyterian Church, and by them he was dedicated to God in baptism, and faithfully instructed in the doctrines and polity of that church.
In 1834 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Swaney, and the same year, in connection with his wife, he made a pub- lic profession of his faith in Christ, and united with the church of Mill Creek, under the ministry of Rev. Geo. M. Scott. He
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remained in connection with this church until 1853, when he transferred his membership to the church of Hookstown, which had just been organized. Here he was immediately elected to the office of ruling elder, which office he held until his death. He was also a teacher in the Sabbath-school for thirty-three years, and its superintendent for twenty years. He was always deeply interested in everything connected with the welfare of the church, and his influence on the side of truth and righteous- ness was always felt in the community where he lived. He was naturally timid and fearful of himself, and yet he was always willing to bear any burden, or discharge any duty to which he might be called. Of him it might be said in truth : "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile."
He was permitted to see all his children, as the result of his instructions and prayers brought into the church. One of them, Mrs. Rachel J. Johnson, wife of Rev. W. F. Johnson, D.D., now president of Biddle University, was for many years a mis- sionary in India; and another, Frank D. Kerr, M.D., is an elder in the church of Hookstown. Mr. Kerr died November 25, 1887, in the seventy-sixth year of his age.
VII.
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
PREFATORY NOTE .-- It is due to the writers of the following papers to state that the plan of the volume, as fixed by Presbytery, admitted of but brief historical sketches of the several churches,-and these largely statistical. This accounts for the omission of biographical facts relating to pastors and elders which, under the plan adopted, find their place elsewhere in the volume,-COM. OF PUB.
PIGEON CREEK .*
THE church of Pigeon Creek whose house of worship is in Somerset Township, Washington County, Pa., ten miles east of the town of Washington, constituted part of the first pastoral charge established west of the Allegheny Mountains. Rev. John McMillan preached the first sermon within its bounds, on Tues- day after the 4th Sabbath of August, 1775. The year following he accepted a call to become pastor of the united congregations of Pigeon Creek and Chartiers, but was prevented from perma- nent settlement until 1778. Meanwhile " he visited the churches as frequently as he could, and ordained elders," which fixes the date of organization previous to 1778,-most probably 1776. In 1793 Mr. McMillan resigned the charge of Pigeon Creek, thenceforth giving all his time to Chartiers.
PASTORS .-- The full list of pastors is as follows :
Dr. John McMillan, pastor from 1776 to 1793.
Rev. Boyd Mercer, pastor from 1795 to 1799.
Rev. Andrew Gwinn, pastor from 1800 to 1817. Dr. Andrew Wylie, stated supply from 1822 to 1829. Dr. William P. Alrich, stated supply from 1829 to 1830. Dr. William C. Anderson, pastor from 1832 to 1836. Rev. Ebenezer S. Graham, pastor from 1837 to 1842. Dr. James Sloan, pastor from 1844 to 1862.
* By PROF. J. C. MESSENGER.
2.49
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Rev. Samuel Henderson, pastor from 1863 to 1867.
Rev. John S. Marquis, pastor from 1868 to 1884.
Rev. H. O. Gilson, present pastor, installed June 7, 1888.
RULING ELDERS .- The first bench of elders was elected and ordained in 1776, and consisted of the following persons : Hugh Cotton, Hugh Scott, John Stevenson, Sr., Patrick McCullough, and Patrick Scott. The last two are buried in the cemetery of this church. During the pastorate of Rev. Gwinn the following persons were elected and ordained ruling elders: James Smith, John Hosack, James Kerr, Joseph Vaughn, John Stevenson, Jr., William Ferguson, Aaron Kerr, Robert Moore and John Atkin- son. Date of election and ordination unknown.
During Dr. Anderson's pastorate John Vance, Samuel Gamble, Samuel Ritchey, Dr. Boyd Emery, William Kerr and David Riddle were chosen and ordained elders. This addition was made July 17, 1836: During the period of Dr. Sloan's labors there were additions at three different times : Ist. Andrew Smith, James Vance, John Leyda, John Scott and Greer McIlvaine, elected February 13, 1849 ; ordained April 8, 1849. 2d. William Ramsey, William Smith and Edward Paden, elected March 3, 1856; ordained April 14, 1856. 3d. Alexander Hamilton, Zachariah Pees, James Rankin and John C. Messenger, elected March 5, 1860; ordained April 8, 1860. During the pastorate of Rev. John S. Marquis, Andrew Wylie Smith, Robert Camp- bell McIlvaine, James Jones and H. Fulton Power were elected September 3, 1883; ordained November 11, 1883. The present session are Greer McIlvaine, Alexander Hamilton, H. Fulton Power, Edward Paden, Andrew Wylie Smith, James Jones, Robert Campbell McIlvaine, John C. Messenger.
DEACONS .- William Barkley, William Davis, Isaac V. Riddle, and James Jones were chosen deacons, and were ordained March 7, 1864. Barkley is dead, Davis united to First Presbyterian Church of Washington, Riddle and Jones are the present Board. It is believed that these persons constituted the first Board of Deacons in this church, although clearly a scriptural office.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP .- The first church building was erected near the centre of the present graveyard. The date of erection
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is not certainly known, probably about 1778. The first winter it was used for worship it was neither chunked nor daubed, and was without fire. It was built of round logs; roof and door clapboard. The lady-worshipers came from homes where the luxury of a "dish of coffee" was only enjoyed on Sabbath morning. The Sabbath dress of both sexes was the plain "home- spun." They came to church to hear the Gospel.
The second building was of stone. Preparations were com- menced in 1797, and the house was finished in 1800. The structure was plain and unimposing ; aisles earthen. The pew- holders made their own seats, and these seats were as varied as the fancy of the makers. This building stood at the southeast corner of the present cemetery. During the summer, when the weather was favorable, the preaching services were conducted in a grove, a few rods southwest of the church building.
The present church edifice was built in 1829. It is seventy by fifty-six feet. The cost, including plastering, painting, pews, etc., was $2714. It is worthy of note that the cost was promptly met, and no debt, with its depressing influences, was left hanging over the congregation for years afterwards. Persons subscribed what they intended to pay and paid it. The building has been repaired four times : Ist, 1854, cost $280; 2d, 1858, cost $298 ; 3d, 1875, cost $363; 4th, cost $1495. The last repairing was quite an advancement upon the former ones. The windows were enlarged, the walls and ceiling frescoed, and a modernized pulpit took the place of the curtained sheep-rack, and subse- quently the mantel-piece, as they were sometimes termed.
In 1871 the congregation erected a parsonage and other necessary outbuildings, at a cost of $4000. Three and one-half acres of pasture-land are attached to the parsonage. This is used by the minister exclusively and free of rent.
In 1832 a sexton-house was built and a well dug, costing in the aggregate $130. In 1882 another house of like character was erected, costing $590. An acre of land, for the use of the occupant, is around and near this building.
The CEMETERY is among the oldest, if not the very oldest, in this section. The first burials were about 1777, and it was used for this purpose, many years afterwards, by the citizens of an
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extensive territory around it, as well as the families of other Christian denominations. Besides the ones appropriately desig- nated, there are nearly four hundred unmarked and unknown graves in it.
The first meeting of the Presbytery of Redstone, west of the Allegheny mountains, was held within the bounds of Pigeon Creek, September 19, 1781. Members present: Rev. John McMillan, Moderator; Ministers, James Power, Thaddeus Todd ; Elders, John Neil, Demas Lindley, Patrick Scott.
SPIRITUAL HISTORY .- The first revival commenced near the close of the year 1781, and continued with little interruption till the close of 1787. The second, during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Gwinn, known as the " Falling work," commenced at the beginning of 1800, and continued till the close of 1802. During almost the entire ministry of the Rev. William C. Anderson, the church was in a revived state, and in five years and six months, the term of his pastorate, two hundred and thirty-two persons cast in their lot with God's people.
Whilst during the ministerial labors of Rev. E. S. Graham, there was no marked manifestation of the work of grace in the church, yet there was a regular growth in additions to its mem- bership. At the beginning of the year 1857, Dr. Sloan pastor, the Spirit's converting power was specially displayed, and at the following March communion seventy-eight publicly re- nounced the world and came out on the Lord's side. The whole number added to the church that year was one hundred and two. His pastoral work, covering a period of eighteen years, was blessed by the addition of three hundred and six to the household of faith. About the Ist of November, 1867, the church being vacant, a precious season of grace was experi- enced, and on the following December communion, sixty-eight made an open profession of religion. The work began in a prayer-meeting, few in number, and in a private dwelling. It was transferred to the church building, and in a few evenings a crowded house, impressive solemnity, and an earnest congrega- tion, proved unquestionably that the Holy Ghost was present by an influence that brightened every Christian joy and melted the hardest heart.
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During this revival ministers of neighboring churches were frequently present to preach and exhort. In this connection Rev. J. P. Irwin, then a young licentiate, now of the Presby- tery of Erie, was made chiefly instrumental in doing a good work for his Master. At the first of the year 1877, the hearts of God's people were made to rejoice by the special presence of the Divine Spirit, and at the next communion eighty-one per- sons publicly professed their faith in Christ. The last season of spiritual refreshing, and regenerating work, occurred at the beginning of the year 1886, and was chiefly noticeable during the month of March. As a result, forty persons took their stand for the Saviour and his cause. It is worthy of note that a large majority of the additions, especially at the last revivals, came from the Sabbath-school, and the interest, in a measure, began during the week of prayer.
SABBATH-SCHOOL .- In the year 1814 a class of young men convened in the church on Sabbath morning, for the purpose of studying the Scriptures, catechism and holding religious confer- ence. Some of the members of session or older members of the church were always present as instructors. The class num- bered ten, and Thomas Vaughn, James Vaughn, Andrew Pees, Zachariah Pees, were in that number. The first Sabbath-school proper was organized the 17th of May, 1822. The first super- intendent was Aaron Kerr; David Hart, Sr., teacher of male Bible class; Sarah Smith, teacher of female Bible class. The other teachers were Joseph Kerr, John Stevenson, Robert Moore, Ralph Atkinson, James Mercer, Robert Mercer, Andrew Smith, James Smith (afterward Rev.), Aaron Gamble, Flora Ferguson, Elizabeth Stevenson, Elizabeth Vaneman, Sarah Fer- guson, Sarah Dawson, Margaret Stevenson, Phoebe Kerr, Ruth Gamble. In 1824 a class of colored ladies and gentlemen was organized, Joseph Kerr teacher. He is the father of Rev. B. M. Kerr, now pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Browns- ville. The superintendents that followed in the different con- secutive periods were James Smith, Robert Moore, Dr. Boyd Emery, assistant, Samuel Hamilton, David Riddle, John C. Messenger, James Jones, assistant, Alvy Leyda.
The school is kept open the entire year. A large adult Bi-
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ble class is a prominent feature. The total membership of the school is two hundred and twenty-two. The church member- ship is two hundred and seventy-five. The average congrega- tion on Sabbath is two hundred and seventy-five.
During the pastorate of Dr. Sloan the church of Fairview, Munntown, was organized, and a few years afterward the church of Mount Pleasant, South Strabane Township. Both these churches were composed largely of families connected with Pigeon Creek, thus considerably reducing her membership and territory. There are two working mission bands, one composed of the young, the other of the older ladies of the congregation.
MINISTERS .-- The names of some of the sons of this church who have entered the ministry are as follows: Deceased- James Stevenson, John Hattery, James Smith, George Vane- man, Thos. B. Wilson, Wm. Kerr. Now living-M. Parkinson, John G. Riheldaffer, Boyd M. Kerr, Wm. Paden, Ross Paden, James Leyda, Craig Vaneman, William A. Jones.
MISSIONARIES .- Two daughters of the church are on the mis- sion field, Mrs. J. C. Mechlin, of Persia, formerly Miss Ella F. McIlvaine, and Miss Catharine Fingal, of Alaska.
Contributions to all benevolent objects $225.20; congrega- tional, including minister's salary, $1500.
CENTENNIAL .- On the 24th of August, 1875, the congrega- tion held a centennial commemoration of the preaching of the first sermon within its bounds by Dr. McMillan. The as- semblage was immense. Children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren of the first worshipers came long distances to the spot, around which clustered so many hallowed associations and impressive reminiscences.
EDUCATIONAL .- The first regular educational meeting in the interest of common schools ever held, it is believed, in our State, was in this church, Dr. Sloan pastor. Robert Milligan, professor in Washington College, addressed the meeting. Re- sults --- county conventions, superintendents and institutes.
UPPER TEN-MILE.
This church, having its house of worship at Prosperity, in Morris township, Washington county, Pa., was at the first a * By REV. GEO. MCDONALD.
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constituent part of the Ten-Mile Church, organized August 15, 1781, and for a considerable period existing as one organization, having two houses of worship. In the spring of 1817 the two branches became two distinct bodies.
The founder of Ten-Mile Church was the Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, who had first visited the field in 1777, and had settled in it with his family in 1779, some two years before the organi- zation.
The most authentic list of members at its organization is as follows :
Thaddeus Dodd (V.D.M.) and Phebe, his wife; Demas Lind- ley and Joanna, his wife; William Hays and Anna, his wife; Jabez Baldwin, William Leonard and Mary, his wife; David Dille and Elizabeth, his wife; Jacob Cook and Phebe, his wife ; Daniel Axtell and Ruth, his wife; John Eady and Mary, his daughter; Joseph Coe and Abigail, his wife; Daniel Dodd and Charity, his wife; Abner Brown, James Milliken and Sarah Mc- Farland, wife of Daniel.
Previous to its separation into two parts, Ten-Mile Church had three pastors .- The Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, 1779-93 ; Rev. Thomas Moore, 1794-1803 ; Rev. Cephas Dodd, 1805-17.
During this period, its elders, with the dates of their installa- tion, are as follows : 1781-Demas Lindley, Jacob Cook, Joseph Coe, and Daniel Axtell; 1784-William McFarland and Stephen Cook; 1795-Stephen Sanders, Joseph Lindley, John Car- michael, John Smiley, William Logan, and Abel McFarland ; 1805-Israel Dille, Jonas Condit, Ziba Casterline, John Headly, and Abijah Loveridge.
Following the separation, Rev. Thomas Hoge was stated sup- ply 1817-19; Rev. Andrew Wylie, D.D)., stated supply 1819-21; Rev. Boyd Mercer stated supply 1821-23; Rev. Ludovicus Rob- bins stated supply 1823-24. During the period from 1824-27 the church was vacant. The Rev. Cornelius Laughran was pastor 1827-29. Rev. Jacob Lindley stated supply 1830-32. Again followed a period of vacancy from 1832-38. The Rev. James Smith was pastor 1838-44. Various supplies from 1844-45. The Rev. Nicholas Murray, D.D., stated supply 1846-53; Rev. Cyrus Braddock stated supply 1853-54; Rev. E. C. Wines stated
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supply 1854-58; Rev. N. B. Lyons stated supply 1859-68; Rev. Henry Woods stated supply 1868-70; Rev. William Ewing stated supply 1870-71. Rev. Samuel M. Glenn pastor 1871-78; Rev. John H. Sherrard pastor 1878-82; Rev. George McDonald pastor 1883 ---
Under its separate existence the church has had the following elders :
Daniel Tuttle, John Lindley, Aaron Kerr, Jacob Hathaway, James Reed, Reuben Sanders, and Zenas Condit. Of the above the time of their installation is not known. Installed 1831- Lewis Dille, Sylvanus Cooper, Thomas Axtell, Samuel Day, John Wolf, and Jacob McVay. Of these, the five last mentioned withdrew to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. James Reed died 1845. Thos. B. Ringland installed 1841; John Reed installed 1852; dismissed 1856. John Wilson installed 1852; died 1872. Harvey Gamble installed 1852; dismissed 1855. S. L. Blachley installed 1857. Thomas Hanna installed 1857; dismissed 1887. Nathan Axtell installed 1857; dismissed 1865. Isaac N. Day installed 1857. John McFarland installed 1870; died 1878; Stephen Post installed 1875. John Black installed 1875; died 1880; John Hazlett installed 1875 ; dismissed 1877. Phillip A. Minton and Albert O. Wilson installed 1882.
Demas Lindley served in his office sixty-two years, and Lewis Dille fifty-four years. All have proven themselves worthy of their office, and have been efficient helpers of their pastors. The present session consists of Dr. S. L. Blachley, Isaac N. Day, Stephen Post, Phillip A. Minton and Albert O. Wilson.
DEACONS .- In 1838 the congregation resolved to introduce the order of deacons, and the following persons were elected : Milton Lindley, J. Miller Day, William V. Day, William San- ders and Matthias Minton.
Mr. Lindley declined serving. William Sanders died 1875. William V. Day died 1883. The present board consists of J. Miller Day, Matthias Minton and D. L. McVay, elected 1875. Time and experience have proven the office to be highly bene- ficial to the congregation.
SABBATH-SCHOOL .--- The Sabbath-school was organized as early as 1825 ; probably as early as 1823, during the ministerial
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services of Rev. L. Robbins. The following persons have, with great faithfulness and efficiency, served successively as superin- tendents : Aaron Kerr, Luther Day, Sr., Mr. Colburn, Thos. Hanna, Luther Day, Jr., Jackson Hazlett, Ira Dille, William San- ders, Matthias Minton, Bayard McVay, and Johnston Fleniken.
Luther Day, Sr., served as superintendent for more than thirty years. Through its whole history the school has been a success, and has wielded a mighty influence for good. The in- gatherings of the Church have been largely from this precious nursery.
It is in possession of a good library. The Westminster Helps are used, the Shorter Catechism is regularly taught, weekly col- lections are lifted, and much interest is taken in the music.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP .-- The first house of worship, a log structure on the site donated by Demas Lindley, near the village of Prosperity, was built about 1790.
The second was a commodious frame building on the site of the first, and built 1817. This house served the congregation about thirty-six years. In 1854 it was removed and a third one of more modern style was built on the same site. In January, 1860, this beautiful house was burned. The spring following the congregation resolved to rebuild, and acting with commend- able zeal and a generous liberality, before the winter came they had a fine brick edifice completed on the site of the three former houses, and in which a happy people are still permitted to wor- ship the God of their fathers.
MANSE .- The question of a manse had been frequently con- sidered without success till 1871, when a committee consisting of Thomas Worrel, Thomas Hanna, and Hyman Andrew, was appointed to see what could be done. Through the zeal and perseverance of the chairman, Mr. Worrel, the committee met with a generous response from the people, encouraged by the very liberal offer of Dr. S. L. Blachley to give one-seventh of the entire cost. As a result, in the spring of 1872, a suitable house and grounds was in readiness for the occupancy of the pastor and his family. This was at a cost of $2900.
Music .-- This congregation has always taken a deep interest both in the matter and manner of its praise. From its organi-
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zation it has been noted for the excellency of its music. The spirit infused by the first pastor, that much depended on the music, has been preserved; and now in the fifth generation we are favored with sweet melody from voice and instrument to tune our hearts for blissful intercourse with God in the other parts of worship. God forbid that this department of worship should ever be neglected.
Long may God's praises here be sung, And higher strains to him ascend; From generations yet to come, Till work and worship here shall end.
MINISTERS .- Among those who entered the ministry at an early date from this part of the old Ten-Mile Church, may be named Stephen Lindsley, Jacob Lindsley and Jacob Cozard. At a later date William Reed, Charles Cooper, Charles P. French, Alanson R. Day and Henry Minton.
LOWER TEN-MILE .*
This church having its house of worship at Amity, in Amwell Township, Washington County, Pa., was at first a constituent part of the Ten-Mile Church organized August 15, 1781, and for a considerable period existing as one organization having two houses of worship. In the spring of 1817, the two branches became two distinct bodies. (Vide Upper Ten-Mile.)
Under its separate existence, Lower Ten-Mile had the follow- ing pastors and stated supplies : The Rev. Cephas Dodd, who was pastor of the united charge of Upper and Lower Ten-Mile previous to the separation having been released as pastor con tinued as stated supply of Lower Ten-Mile from 1817-56. Rev. James W. McKennan, D.D., was associated with Mr. Dodd, as stated supply during 1851-54. Rev. Wm. P. Harvison was pas- tor during 1856-61 ; Rev. James Black, stated supply, 1861-64; Rev. Wm. B. Faris, stated supply, during the winter of 1863 -- 64; Rev. Wm. I. Brugh, D.D., stated supply, 1864-65 ; Rev. Jesse W. Hamilton, stated supply, 1865-70; Rev. J. C. Hench, pastor, 1871-73 ; Rev. John S. Atkinson, pastor, 1874-SI; Rev. Ross Stevenson, D.D., pastor, December, 1882-86; Rev. John S. Marquis, stated supply, 1886 -.
* By REv. A. B. LOWES.
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RULING ELDERS .-- Under its separate existence the elders, with the dates of their installation, are as follows :
William McFarland, installed 1787; died 1823.
John Smiley, installed 1790; dismissed
Jonas Condit, installed 1805 ; died 1850.
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