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 24
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SKETCHES OF RULING ELDERS .-* William Cowen was born in Mount Pleasant Township, Washington County, in 1795. In 1823 he married Miss Susan McMillan, of Cross Creek, who died June 5, 1825, and in 1830 he married Elizabeth Hughes. In early life he united with the church, and in 1831 was elected and ordained elder. He was a zealous Christian, and improved every opportunity of talking with the unconverted. Either day or night found him ready to visit, pray with and counsel the sick and troubled. He adorned his office, and was a cheerful and liberal giver. He died April 29, 1857.
* Hon. Walter Craig (see sketch of " Deceased Elders ").
* James Dinsmore (son of Elder John Dinsmore, of Upper Buffalo), was born May 20, 1803. In 1831 he moved to Cross Creek, and united with the church in 1835. "In 1837 he was ordained and installed a ruling elder, the functions of which of- fice he continued faithfully to discharge with great acceptance to the congregation till his decease," April 3, 1870.
* Joseph Graham was born December 25, ISII. He became a Christian in early life, and was called to the office of elder,
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and ordained June 23, 1854, serving only until March 19, 1855, when he was called to his reward. "He was greatly beloved by his brethren, and enjoyed, in a high degree, the confidence of the congregation." He was married February, 15, 1837, to Miss Jane Lee.
* Joseph Vance, Jr., was born September 18, 1802, and when a young man united with the church. On June 23, 1854, he was inducted into the office of elder, and on March 26th he died. " He was a brother highly esteemed by the session for his piety, wisdom and generous character."
* Andrew Reed was born July 4, 1798, near Upper Buffalo. At the age of eighteen he united with the church under the pastorate of Dr. Anderson. In 1835 he came to Cross Creek, and was called to the eldership and ordained June 23, 1854. He died July 30, 1368. He rests with kindred dust at Upper Buf- falo. "He was well versed in Scripture, strongly attached to the Presbyterian system of doctrines, a man of ardent piety."
* Major William Lee, son of Elder Hugh Lee, was born July 24, 1807. During the revival of 1827 he united with the church, and on March 18, 1858, was ordained an elder. He died August 17, 1888. He represented the church in all her courts, was a thorough Presbyterian, both in order and doctrine and a conscientious, faithful officer. On a pleasant Sabbath evening in July, 1888, he was last permitted to enter the house of God to hear the history of the church read. He was mar- ried September 21, 1836, to Miss Jane, daughter of Walter Craig.
Russell T. Johnson was born in Newark, Vt., August 25, 1815. When fourteen, he united with the Methodist Epis- copal Church of that place. At the age of twenty-one he went to Wisconsin, and after visiting his parents, he came with a friend, within the bounds of Upper Buffalo, in 1840. In 1843 he came to Cross Creek, and united, with this church in De- cember, 1850. On March 18, 18;8, he was ordained, and still serves the church. On April 3, 1845, he married Miss Eliza- beth Patterson.
David Gault was born February 8, 1815 ; when sixteen, he united with the church, and on April 16, 1870, was ordained, and is still in active service.
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JOHN
WILLIAM
PFF
ANDREI
EZENTEL.
ROBERT SLOAS
RULING ELDERS, UPPER BUFFALO.
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 273
Samuel D. White was born May 9, 1827. Married Miss Sarah A. Dinsmore December 20, 1855. Became a communi- cant June, 1856. Was ordained an elder April 16, 1870, and is now serving.
* James Donehoo was born A.D., 1800, in Armagh, Ireland, and was brought to this country an infant. Became a commu- nicant very early in life. Was married in 1824, to Eliza Ram- sey, of Washington County. Ordained an elder April 16, 1870. Died June 16, 1873. Rev. E R. Donehoo, of Pittsburgh, is a son. Rev. J. D. Spriggs, of this presbytery, Rev G. P. Don- choo, of Redstone Presbytery and Rev. J. De Q. Donehoo, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, are grandsons. Another grandson is about to begin theological study.
UPPER BUFFALO .*
This church having its house of worship in Hopewell Town- ship, Washington County, Pa., eight miles northwest of the town of Washington, was organized in May or June, 1779. It was incorporated March 29, 1804. The first trustees were Jas. Taggert, Sr., David Boyd, Alex. Hunter, Wm. McComb, John Flack, Matthew Morrow, James Dinsmore, John Gilchrist, Wm. Hughes. The Rev. Joseph Smith was its first pastor. He was called to Upper Buffalo and Cross Creek June 21, 1779. Hc accepted the call October 27, 1779, and in December of the next year took charge of the congregations. He continued as pas- tor until his death, April 19, 1792, having served eleven years and four months.
The Rev. Thos. Marquis served as stated supply one-half the time, from June 13, 1794, to the beginning of the year 1798, a period of three years and six months. From 1798 to ISoo the church was dependent on presbyterial and transient supplies.
In October, 1800, Rev. John Anderson, D.D., began work as stated supply. He was called to be pastor and installed in the spring of 1802. The pastoral relation was dissolved June IS, 1833. His term of service was thirty-two years and eight months. He died January 31, 1835.
The Rev. John Eagleson, D.D., preached his first sermon to
* By REV. THos. A. ANDERSON.
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this people January 19, 1834, and was regularly called June 2, 1834. Was ordained and installed December 24, IS34. Died January 23, 1873. His ministry covered a period of thirty-nine years.
The fourth pastor was the Rev. James D. Walkinshaw, May 22, 1874, to October 1, 1882. His term of service was seven years and four months.
The fifth pastor was the Rev. W. W. Morton, who began work in the congregation November 1, 1884. Was installed February 20, 1885, and continued as pastor to October 1, 1887. He served the church two years and eleven months.
The present pastor is the Rev. Thos. A. Anderson, called January 23, 1888. Began work in congregation February 8, 1888. Was installed May 8, 1888.
The ruling elders of Upper Buffalo congregation in all have numbered thirty-two. The names are-Wm. Smiley, Sr. (died November 21, 1813), John Johnson, William McCullough, Wil- liam Hughes, John Cowan, James Dinsmore (died April 20, 1817), Robert Lyle, James Brice, William Patterson, John Flack (died September 12, 18.12), David Rannells (died September 24, 1809), John Gilchrist, William Wallace (died November 23, 1845), John Dinsmore (died July 7, 1858), John McWilliams (died October 8, 1837), James McConaughey (died November 7, 1836), Robert Caldwell, William Smiley, Jr. (died January 22, 1887), David McComb (ordained 1831, died December 18, 1837), James Taggert (ordained January 9, 1840, died July 28, 1863), Parker Reed (ordained January 9, 1840, died March 27, 1871), Andrew Herron (ordained January 9, 1840, died Novem- ber 20, 1869), Samuel Donahey (ordained January 9, 18.10, died December 25, 1840), Ezekiel Davis (ordained September 25. 1853, retired 1886), William R. Donahey (ordained September 25, 1853, died August 14, 1884), Robert Sloan (ordained Sep- tember 25, 1853, died December 19, 1888), Anderson S. Cald- well (ordained January 7, 1872, ceased to act June 12, 1882), W. W. Hunter (ordained January 7, 1872), David C. Ross (or- dained January 7, 1872), Joseph R. Rankin (ordained May 10, 1885), Samuel D. Blancy (ordained May 10, 1885), J. Luther Davis (ordained May 10, 1885).
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The first house of worship was erected in 1779. The site was chosen by Wm. Smiley and Robert Caldwell, acting as a committee for the congregation. The first building was situated in the northwest corner of what is now the graveyard. It was built of logs, and used as a place of worship until 1798.
The second house was mostly built in 1797, but not entered until 1798. It was on the site of the present church. It was a hewed log house, 70 feet by 40. It was finished with a gallery on the ends and on one side, with the pulpit on the other side. The entire work of putting it up, closing it in, and roofing it was done by the voluntary labor of the inen of the church. Stoves were first used in 1806. Weather-boarding was put on in 1808. It was furnished with communion tables in 1810, and with pews in 1812. It was afterward plastered and the pulpit painted. This was all the paint ever used on that church. It was used for 47 years, until 1845.
The third house was of brick, and was built in 1845, on the same ground as the second house. It was 65 feet by 53, and one story high. The building committee consisted of Wallace McWilliams, John Reed and John Lowry. The contractor was Henry Shearer, of Washington, Pa. The house cost about $3300. It was dedicated October 26, 1845; the sermon being preached by the pastor from 2 Chron. 7: 1. A lecture-room was also built during the years 1845-46. It was first entered, though in an unfinished state, May 11, 1846. The house was completed before the following winter. . This church was occu- pied 27 years.
The fourth and present house was commenced in 1872. It is built of brick and two stories high. It is 80 feet by 54. The basement story is twelve feet high, and contains a Sabbath-school room, an infant class room, and a session room. The audience room is twenty-two feet at the eaves and twenty-seven in the centre; has stained-glass windows, and was built by Nelson Vankirk, of Washington, Pa., from designs furnished by Barr & Mosier, architects, Pittsburgh, Pa. The building committee consisted of William Dinsmore, James McConaughey, Robert Hamilton, Robert Sloan, Anderson S. Caldwell. The total cost, when finished, was $20,597. The cost of the building proper
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was $18,985, which was raised by popular subscription and sale of pews. The church was dedicated May 22, 1874. The dedi- catory sermon was preached by Rev. J. T. Fredericks, from Ps. 122 : 7. The dedicatory prayer was made by Rev. John Stock- ton, of Cross Creek, Pa.
A parsonage was built in 1875-William Dinsmore, James McConaughey and James France acting as building committee. It cost $2530, and was paid for by voluntary subscriptions.
Upper Buffalo has been the scene of several remarkable revivals. In the latter part of 1781 special meetings were held, week day and night. There was a deep conviction of sin on the part of unbelievers and great travail for souls on the part of Christians. Much prayer was offered, and in 1783 the fruits ap- peared, about 100 persons being added to the church. The revival continued with great power for three or four years, and there was not much visible decline for six or seven years.
The year 1802 witnessed another remarkable revival. Then occurred at the fall communion what is known as the falling- work. There was a great concourse of people assembled for the communion. As many as ten thousand persons were estimated to be present. The public exercises began on Saturday, Novem- ber 13th, 2 o'clock, and continued with short intermissions until Tuesday evening. Fifteen ministers were present, all members of the Synod of Pittsburgh. There was an extraordinary effu- sion of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of the hearers. Hundreds were convinced of their sin and misery. Many sunk down and cried bitterly; some fell suddenly; some lost their strength gradually ; others lay quiet and silent, while many were violently agitated. The whole of Saturday night was spent in preaching, exhortations and prayer. On the Sabbath 960 communicants partook of the Lord's Supper. The meetings were continued throughout Sabbath night, Monday, Monday night, and Tuesday until late in the evening. So greatly was God's power manifested, that it was with difficulty the people were persuaded to return home. Fifty-five persons were the fruits of that revival in this church. There were other seasons of special revival during the pastorate of Dr. Anderson, but of these we are unable to speak.
In 1835 thirty-one persons were added to the church at the June communion.
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SAMUEL OLDHAM.
ANDREW YATE
BARNET BOUAR
JOHN M'DONAL
JAMES TODD .
JOHN REED.
JOHN REKD, 2ND.
RULING ELDERS, WEST ALEXANDER.
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SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
In 1853, after special meetings arranged for by Presbytery, there were received into the fellowship of the church, at the ad- ministration of the Lord's Supper, May 15th, twenty-nine per- sons. Again, on March 9, 1857, nineteen were received. The years 1858 and. 1859 were also marked by reviving influences. Marked religious interest was visible during the years 1841, 1843, 1847, 1853, 1854, 1865, 1867, 1868, 1871, 1872. From the year 1841 up to the time of Dr. Eagleson's death, the church enjoyed an almost uninterrupted revival. Since its organization God has blessed it abundantly.
Twenty-nine ministers have gone out from this congregation, viz : William Wylie, Joseph Anderson, David Smith, Andrew Wylie, James Cunningham, William Reed, John Reed, Samuel Reed, Jacob Wolf, William C. Anderson, James Sloan, Robert Herron, James H. Dinsmore, Alex. Hamilton, John M. Smith, Fred. R. Wotring, John McClintock, David McCombs, John Bowman, Robert B. Farrar, John W. Dinsmore, J. Brice Reed, William S. Eagleson, Samuel T. Davis, James D. Reed, Alex. G. Eagleson, M. Luther Donahey, Joseph A. Donahey, Charles P. Blaney.
The Sabbath-school in connection with this church has been in existence since 1815. Patrick Miller was the first superin- tendent. Some of his successors have been Robert Caldwell, Jr., John Dinsmore, Parker Reed, William Donahey, Thomas Stew- art, W. W. Hunter, S. A. Caldwell, John Blaney, William Ross, James M. Dinsmore.
At present the school has fourteen teachers and one hundred and ninety-two scholars.
The membership of the church is two hundred and eighty- nine. Contributions are made to. all the boards of the Church. The church is well organized: It has three mission societies, a W. C. T. U., and a Young People's Meeting. Prayer-meetings are held in all the districts.
WEST ALEXANDER .*
This church was first called " The Three Ridges." The name came from three ridges converging and meeting near the place.
By REV. W. H. LESTER, D.D.
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The time of its organization cannot be precisely given, as there are no existing records of the event. The first mention of it is found in the minutes of the Redstone Presbytery, as follows, at its fall meeting in 1785 : "Supplication for supplies was made by Three Ridges." "The supplication" was renewed in the fall meeting in 1786. From this time supplies were sent till 1790. Whether it was only a preaching point or organized church can- not be determined. The early members were of Scotch-Irish origin, and of the Old Presbyterian faith.
PASTORS .- Of the successive pastors of the church mention can here be made in only the briefest terms. The fuller por- traiture of their life and character has devolved on others. The first pastor was Rev. John Brice. He preached his first sermon in this church the second Sabbath of the year 1788. In April, 1789, he received a call from this and the neighboring church of " the Forks of Wheeling," and was appointed by Presbytery to preach to them until its next meeting. Having accepted the call to the united charge, he was ordained and installed over the . church April 22d, 1790.
The following is the minute of Presbytery :
" APRIL YE 22D, 1790.
" Three Ridges, one O'clock, P. M .- The P.b.y, according to appointment, pro- ceeded to the ordination of Mr. John Brice, and did, by fasting, prayer and imposi- tion of the hands of P.b.y, set him apart to the holy office of the gospel ministry. Mr. Dodd preached the ordaining sermon from Gal. I : 10. Mr. McMillan presided, and Mr. James Finley gave the charge. Mr. Brice now takes his seat as a member."
There is no record of the election of the first elders of the church. It was probably about 1790.
The Forks of Wheeling and Three Ridges continued one pas- toral charge until 1812, when each field, through increase of members and means, was able to sustain a minister the full time. This pastorate continued till 1807, when, from infirmities of age, Mr. Brice resigned the charge. He was beloved by his people, and is said to have been a solemn, fervent, instructive preacher of the Word, and faithful pastor. His labors were abundantly blessed.
The successor of Mr. Brice was Rev. Joseph Stevenson. Having received a call to become pastor of the united charge
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of this church, and of the Forks of Wheeling, he was or- dained and installed June, 18og. He was released from Forks of Wheeling in 1812, and thenceforth gave all his time to Three Ridges. The relation continued until 1825, when, at Mr. Stevenson's request, it was dissolved. The union between the pastor and people was harmonious to the end. Under his ministry the church increased in numbers and strength. In an eminent sense, he was a peace-maker. In the disturbances that come into neighborhoods, churches and families, the common resort was to send for Father Stevenson. The oil of peace calmed the troubled waters. Over all, and controlling all, he was a devout, humble, prayerful and cheerful Christian.
From 1825 until 1828 the church was without a pastor. The pulpit, during this interval, was supplied by appointments from the presbytery and other ministers, who were candidates for the pastorate.
The third pastor was Rev. John McCluskey, D.D. He was ordained and installed in October, 1828. On account of in- creasing infirmities he resigned the charge in April, 1854. For further particulars concerning this great and good man we must be content to refer to sketch by our brother, Dr. Brown- son.
The fourth pastor is the Rev. William H. Lester. He was ordained and installed October, 1854. This relation, which has continued now nearly thirty-five years, has been harmonious, and blessed of God. The church will soon have completed its one hundred years. It has had only four pastors to break to the people the bread of life.
The first church building was a log-house, made of timber that grew near to where the church stood. Here all the people originally worshipped as one congregation. Between 1793 and 1795 there was a division, which resulted in the " Associate Re- formed Church of Three Ridges." The cause of this division was the matter of Psalmody. The book of praise in use was " Rouse's version of the Psalms." On one occasion Mr. Brice gave out to be sung one of "Watts' Psalms." Those opposed to this innovation at once left the house, and organized into what is now the U. P. Church in the place.
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In 1849 there was another division -- those going out forming the " Free Presbyterian Church of West Alexander." Being situated on the border of a free and slave State, the question of slavery was, almost from the first, one of great interest. It passed from the arena of politics into that of religion. A paper adopted by the General Assembly of the church to the effect that slaveholders, professing Christians, were not to be debarred from communion and fellowship, was the cause of the rupture. After the close of the war, which ended in the emancipation of the slaves, the organization was disbanded, and many of the members returned to the old church. Revs. J. S. Poage, Rob- ert Burgess, J. B. Dawson and Samuel McLain were pastors or supplies to this people.
This church has always cultivated the revival spirit. Many precious works of grace have come to revive and strengthen. When the great revival, about the year 1800, came to this entire region of country, this people were especially blessed. It was known as " the falling work." Under the solemn and alarming preaching of the " terrors of the law," the hearers were violently agitated in body and mind -- fell to the floor, and for a consid- crable time remained unconscious. The most hardened would often be most affected. Whatever may be said of the bodily movements, the fruit of the work was a deep and abiding piety.
There is no known record of persons received into church membership during the pastorates of Revs. Brice and Stevenson. Under Dr. Mccluskey there were received, in 1829, sixty-three members, in 1835, one hundred and one, and in 1853, fifty-three. Under the present pastor there have been several precious sea- sons of the outpouring of the Spirit. In 1858 fifty-one mem- bers were received, in 1861 thirty-four, in 1869 sixty-two per- sons and in 1875 sixty-four became members of the church.
While large numbers have been enrolled, yet, owing to re- movals, the strength of the church remains about the same. Sometimes the membership is somewhat above, and sometimes a little under three hundred.
The Sabbath-school was organized during Mr. Stevenson's labors here, probably about 1820. It has continued without
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interruption ; is one of the oldest schools in the presbytery ; and is now in a flourishing condition. A large number of those who have confessed Christ in the church have come through the Sabbath-school. A scholarship in one of the schools in India has, for more than twenty-five years, been supported by its benefactions.
Many of the youth of this church have become ministers. At least twenty-five from families directly connected with the con- gregation have entered the sacred office. They are in home and foreign fields, preaching "the unsearchable riches of Christ." Besides these, twenty-six at least, who were members while prosecuting their studies, have gone into the ministry. Surely her " line has gone out into all the earth."
One of the first endowment gifts to Jefferson College was made by John McPherrin, one of the first elders of the church, near the year 1800. It was about $2,000-a magnificent donation, for those times, to Christian education. This stream of benevolence, beginning in the infancy of the congregation, has flowed on in an increasing volume. The Boards of the church have been repeatedly remembered in the wills of the departed members, and some of the living count it "more blessed to give than to receive." Collections are regularly taken for the Boards. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1871, and from that time has, in part, supported a missionary in China, and also contributed largely to the destitute in this land. A " Band" of children, a " Circle" of young ladies, and the Sabbath- school are contributors. Beside the support of the church at home, the amount of offerings to the Lord in 1888 was $1,680.
The living will soon have passed away, but the promise will not fail -- there shall be "a seed" here who " shall fear Him as long as the sun and moon endure throughout all generations."
A List of the Officers of the Church.
PASTORS .- Rev. John Brice, ordained and installed April, 1790; dismissed April, 1807. Rev. Joseph Stevenson, ordained and installed June, 1809; dismissed 1825. Rev. John McCluskey, D.D., ordained and installed October, 1828; dismissed April,
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IS54. Rev. William H. Lester, ordained and installed October, 1854; pastoral relation still continues.
ELDERS .--- There is no record of the first election of Elders. It was probably about 1790.
So far as known the full list is as follows . About 1790 : John McPherrin, John Maxwell, John Waits, John Faris. 1800: John Henry, George Sutherland, Silas Coe, William Scott, George Lee, Moses Hull. 1813 : James McCammon, William Gaston, John Miller, Thomas Byers. 1819: Thomas Yates. 1828 : John Pollock, John McDonald, Samuel Oldham, Andrew Yates, George Sutherland, 2d, Thomas Maxwell. 1847 : Barnet Bonar, James Gaston, James Todd, Henry Hervey. 1853 : Hugh Arm- strong, Joseph Carson, Byers T. Yates, John Reed. 1858 : John C. Hervey. 1869 : William Armstrong, Joel Trucsdell, William Reed. 1880: John Reed, 2d, Alexander McCleery, James F. Blayney, R. Milton Maxwell, Thomas G. Yates, David S. Eagle- son, M.D. Of these all are deceased except Byers T. Yates, who is an acting elder in the West Liberty Church; and James Todd, John Reed, William Armstrong, Joel Truesdell, John Reed 2d, Alex. McCleery, James F. Blayney, R. Milton Maxwell and Thomas G. Yates, who compose the existing ses- sion.
SONS OF THE CHURCH WHO ENTERED THE MINISTRY .- I. Those whose families were directly connected with the congregation, viz .: William G. Bell, Samuel Templeton, Milo Templeton, J. Brice McCoy, Andrew B. Frazier, Irwin Carson, Nicholas Mur- ray, Joseph Whitham, John Whitham, William Bonar, Hamilton Byers, D.D., John V. Miller, Joseph Todd, George McDonald, Richard Carson, J. Mccluskey Blayney, D.D., Henry G. Blay- ney, James H. Smith, Chester P. Murray, William G. Pollock, William H. Lester, Jr., Thomas A. Anderson, Frank E. Arm- strong. (This list does not include those whose early life was spent in this church, but who were connected elsewhere before they became candidates. Rev. J. M. Stevenson, D.D., Rev. George W. Pollock and some others were of this class.) 2. Those who united with the church while in a course of study at West Alexander Academy, viz. : John M. Dinsmore, Francis B. Dins-
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