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 31
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The building committee bought the residence and grounds of Mr. Wm. Chapline, occupying the half-square extending from Market street to the alley, and from Twentieth to Twenty-first streets.
Church services were held in the residence from September 3, 1848, until the spring of 1850.
The first Communion was held in the new church building, March 24, 1850.
The cost of this structure was nearly $12,000. Unfortunately, the ground not covered by it was sold.
In 1856 Dr. Dickson resigned, to accept a call to the West- minster Church of Baltimore. During the eight and one-half years of his pastorate the church grew rapidly.
The vacated pulpit was supplied for six months by Rev. Sam'l J. Wilson, when a call was offered to him; but receiving at the same time an appointment from the General Assembly to a pro- fessorship in the Western Theological Seminary, he accepted the latter.
Rev. R. V. Dodge, of Springfield, Ill., was called August 24, 1857. He was installed October 19, 1857. During his pastorate the late Civil War occurred, engendering its deep and bitter feelings. But although the members were not of one mind politically, they were harmonious in all church matters.
Mr. Dodge resigned in October, 1862, and was succeeded by Rev. John Moffat, of Bellaire, Ohio. He began his work here in 1863. In February, 1871, he was compelled to desist from preaching by an attack of facial paralysis. In the spring follow- ing his eldest son, James D., was licensed to preach; and was invited to occupy the pulpit until the fall of that year. This arrangement was continued until April 21, 1873, when the son was called to be co-pastor with his father. He was installed May Sth following. At the death of Mr. John Moffat, Decem- ber 27, 1875, Mr. James D. Moffat became sole pastor.
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THE PRESBYTERY OF WASHINGTON.
He resigned January 1, 1882, to become President of Washing- ton and Jefferson College.
Rev. William H. Cooke was elected pastor the same month, and still holds that office.
During the existence of this church more than one thousand persons have been connected with it. The present membership is 250. The growth has been gradual and healthful, unmarked by periods of excitement followed by deadness.
In the summer of 1872 the building was remodeled and re- paired at a cost of some $10,000; and an organ purchased and put in its place for $2,500.
Two thousand dollars were spent upon the house in I888. It is now in a thorough state of repair.
The following persons have served as elders: The original elders were, Samuel Ott and William B. Quarrier. Mr. Ott was, after six years of faithful service, dismissed to the Third Church of this city. Mr. Quarrier died suddenly, April 2, 1862. Hc was greatly loved both in church and Sabbath-school.
Mr. Robert Crangle was made an elder February 25, IS49, and continued in office until his death, February 22, 1888. In continued liberality and service he stood first.
Mr. Edgar Woods was elected elder February 25, 1849. He was licensed to preach, June 6, 1852.
Messrs. William M. Berryhill, Alexander Bone and Alexander Hadden were ordained October 5, 1851. They are all dead.
Messrs. John H. Thompson, James Dalzell, James C. Orr and John C. Hervey were ordained June 1, 1856. Of these, only Mr. James C. Orr is now with us. Mr. Thompson lives in Du- buque, Iowa; and Messrs. Dalzell and Hervey are dead.
A. S. Todd, M.D., and William B. Simpson were ordained November 24, 1872. Dr. Todd is deceased.
Messrs. George Carnahan, Robert C. Dalzell (son of James Dalzell, mentioned above), and Walter H. Rinehart, were or- dained January 1, 1888. They, with Messrs. James C. Orr and William B. Simpson, constitute the present session of the church.
The following is the list of deacons: Francis M. Bassett, from 1849 to 1871; Robert Pratt, from 1849 to 1878; John French,
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from 1872 to 1879; George Carnahan, from 1872 to 1888; George Hubbard, from 1881 to 1887; Peter Phillips, John McKee, Chas. B. Reed, and Wm. C. Carnahan, from 1888.
Messrs. Pratt and French died while in office; Messrs. Bassett and Hubbard removed from the city, and were dismissed by letter.
Mr. George Carnahan was promoted to the office of elder, and Mr. Wm. C. Carnahan, his son, elected in his place.
The deacons of the church now are : Peter Phillips, John Mc- Kee, Charles B. Reed, and William C. Carnahan.
The Board of Trustees consist of Hon. Wm. L. Hearne, president; Joseph Lawson, secretary ; Thomas C. Moffat (son of Rev. John Moffat), treasurer; William B. Simpson, T. T. Hutchison, and George Hannan.
The usual societies, co-operating with the boards of the church, are in existence. They do a good work in the way of present helpfulness; and, by training their junior members in beneficence, this church is doing a good, steady work in Wheeling. In its past history it has had some serious disasters; but, notwith- standing these, and in the face of certain disadvantages of local- ity, and the fluctuation of population incident to manufacturing cities, there is abundant reason to thank God and take courage.
WHEELING THIRD. *
On Friday, November 2, 1849, a committee of the Presby- tery of Washington, consisting of Revs. H. R. Weed and Cy- rus Dickson, met in the Bogg's Run School-house for the pur- pose of organizing a church, to be located in Richietown, a suburb of Wheeling.
The organization was effected, and consisted of the following members : From the first Presbyterian Church of Wheeling, Duncan Campbell, Margaret Campbell, Andrew Hall, Hiram Martin, Elizabeth Martin, Mary Gariston. From the Re- formed Presbyterian Church of Three Ridges, Pa., Rosanna Harris. From the Forks of Wheeling Church, Thomas Mc- Combs and Elizabeth McCombs, his wife. On examination George Blake, Grace Blake, William Little, Delilah Little and Sarah Hilsman.
* By REV. L. W. BARR.
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Thomas McCombs and Andrew Hall were chosen, and set apart to the office of ruling elder. Hiram Martin and George Blake were elected trustees.
Rev. Alfred Paull served the congregation as stated supply, beginning early in the year 1850, and continued until the fall of 1852. During his time here the congregation secured a house of worship, a small frame building, located on the lot of ground where the present church stands. The roll of membership increased during his ministry to forty-three members.
In the winter of 1852 Rev. Edgar Woods, a licentiate, began preaching for this people. His services were very acceptable, and the congregation made out a call for Mr. Woods to become their pastor. The call was accepted, and Mr. Woods was or- dained by the Presbytery of Washington, October 5, 1853. His installation followed soon after. Rev. Woods continued as pastor until June 9, 1857. After severing his connection with this church, he labored for a time in central Ohio. Then going South, has spent the remainder of his life in Virginia.
The first regular supply after Rev. Woods was Rev. J. V. Dodge, 1859-60. He was followed by Rev. Marcus Wishart 1861-62, and Rev. R. V. Dodge 1863-64.
In the fall of 1866 Rev. Jonathan Cross began to labor in this field; was installed pastor December 16, 1866, and contin- ued their honored and highly esteemed pastor until February 4, 1873, when the pastoral relation was dissolved.
Rev. Cross' labors were greatly blessed in the Third Church. On different occasions the Holy Spirit was given in great measure, and many souls were converted to Christ.
May, 1873, Rev. A. G. Eagleson became pastor, and served in that capacity until April, 1875. He was followed by Rev. Daniel Williams, stated supply 1876-79.
Rev. Joseph G. Lyle began to labor as pastor November 9, 1879, and continued until his death, April 11, 1884.
Rev. Lyle was a man greatly loved by all who knew him. He was most earnest in his labors, active in ministering to every good work. During his ministry the church passed through seasons of great revival, when large numbers were enrolled as servants of Christ.
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The congregation also had its trials. In February, 1884, the time of the great flood in the Ohio Valley, this congregation suffered severely-scarcely a home in which the floods did not enter and cause damage.
At this time the trials and anxiety of the people were great. Brother Lyle did what he could to relieve the suffering and protect the property which seemed in danger.
Exposure, no doubt, hastened on the end, for disease had already fastened itself in his systein, and at 3 o'clock, April II, 1884, he passed to his reward.
Rev. Samuel G. Hair served the church as pastor from Oc- tober 1, 1884, to February 24, 1886. He was followed by Rev. W. M. Eaton as stated supply until October 1, 1886, when the present pastor, Rev. L. W. Barr, began to labor in this field.
ELDERS .- The following members have held the office of ruling elder in this congregation :
Mr. Thomas McCombs, 1849-55 ; Mr. Andrew Hall, 1849 -- 64; Samuel Ott, 1854-68; James Cowen, 1866-76; William Morrow, 1866-84; Edward Steele, 1868-84; Joseph Dudley, 1868 -; James Brown, 1874-86; Isaac F. Stewart, 1883 -; Isa- dore Fulton, 1883; Anthony Christian, 1885 -; John R. Rob- inson, 1887 -.
Mr. Thomas McCombs and Andrew Hall were the original elders chosen at the organization of the church. Shortly after- ward Mr. McCombs moved to Allen Grove, severing his con- nection with the church in 1855.
Mr. Hall continued one of its carnest, active supporters until his death. He was always faithful in performing the duties of his office to the best of his ability, making many sacrifices for the church's welfare.
Mr. Samuel Ott came to this church from the Second Pres- byterian Church, Wheeling, and was a very warm friend of the church.
He organized the Sabbath-school, out of which grew the church.
On the minutes of the " Session Book " we find this record :
"In the death of Bro. Ott this church has lost one of its most useful officers and members; South Wheeling, one of
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its most honored and upright citizens, the poor one of their greatest benefactors, and society one of its brightest ornaments."
Mr. Edward Steele was another true friend and supporter of the church. A man of strong Christian convictions. The church was foremost in his thoughts, and often he has sacrificed personal interests for her welfare.
The present efficient members of the session are Joseph Dud- ley, John R. Robinson, Isaac F. Stewart, Anthony Christian and Isadore Fulton.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP .- The congregation was organized in Bogg's Run School-house, and it would seem that for a short time the people met for worship either in the school-house or in some dwelling. Their first church home was a little frame building, a gift from Rev. Alfred Paull. It was located on the lot where the present church building stands, 3804 Jacob St.
In a few years this building was taken away, and a brick structure erected, which was replaced by a still larger and more commodious building in 1884, our present house of worship.
The seating capacity of the present auditorium is about 500.
The first floor is arranged for the Sabbath-school and other church meetings.
SABBATH-SCHOOL .-- The Sabbath-school was organized by Mr. Samuel Ott, in 1848, when he was still a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
At first he would have the children gather in the basement room of his house, now the residence of Mr. Joseph Seybold, and instruct them from God's word.
Later they went to the school-house, until the congregation had a building, and after that the Sabbath-school was a factor of the church.
The following persons have acted as superintendent of the Sabbath-school : Mr. Samuel Ott, Mr. Edward Steele, Isaac F. Stewart, Isadore Fulton, Henry Kunkle and others.
At the present time the Sabbath-school officers and teachers number thirty-eight, with a large enrollment of pupils inter- ested in the study of God's word. From the Sabbath-school many souls have come to the church seeking to find Christ, their Saviour, their hope of eternal life.
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The ladies of the church do efficient work through their missionary organizations.
The Woman's Society meets monthly, the Children's Bands meet once or twice a month. In these bands much good is done for the church in advancing the knowledge of Christ abroad and engaging the hearts of the children for Christ ..
BURGETTSTOWN .?
In the year 1845 a church building was erected in the village of Burgettstown, Washington County, Pa., by Presbyterians re- siding in or near that place, being mostly members of Cross Roads Church at Florence, the pastor of which frequently held service at Burgettstown on Sabbath afternoons and evenings. In 1849 application was made to the Presbytery of Washington for an organization, which in the first instance was refused, but an appeal having been taken to Synod, which met two weeks later, the action of presbytery was overruled, whereupon pres- bytery appointed Rev. J. Stoneroad to organize said congrega- tion. The organization was effected October 18, 1849, under the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Burgettstown. The following names appear in the list of original members : Robert Patterson, Mary Patterson, Samuel Riddle, Sr., Margaret Riddle, Mary McFarland, Ann Covert, Ann Hays, Thomas Thompson, Rebecca Thompson, Mary Ann Boyd, Mary Jane Scott, William Melvin, Margaret Melvin, Elizabeth Melvin, Miss Mary Patterson, John Lamb, Elizabeth Lamb, Samuel Riddle, Jr., Elizabeth Riddle, John Melvin, Jane Whittaker, John Ray- buch, James L. Patterson, James Cunningham, Josiah Scott, Ann Crawford, Elizabeth Proudfit, William Blair, Ann Stewart and Jane Stevenson. On the 26th of the same month elders were elected as follows : Robert Patterson, Thomas Thompson, John S. Lamb, William Cunningham and John Moore.
PASTORS .- On the 4th of April, 1850, an unanimous call was extended to James P. Fulton, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, which was put into his hands in October following, and the same having been accepted by him, he was ordained and in- stalled pastor by the Presbytery of Washington, October 2, 1850.
* By REV. JOSEPH L. WEAVER.
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In this service Rev. Alfred Paull preached, Rev. James W. McKennan presided, Rev. David Robinson gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. J. W. Scott gave the charge to the congre- gation.
This pastoral relation was dissolved April 22, 1857. After less than a year's vacancy a call was presented to. James T. Fredericks, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Richland, who, having accepted the same, was ordained and installed pastor by the Presbytery of Washington, October 26, 1858. In this ser- vice Rev. David Hervey preached, Rev. J. Y. Calhoun presided, and Rev. Dr. Stockton delivered the charges to both pastor and people.
This pastoral relation was dissolved by Mr. Frederick's death, July 21, 1886.
Rev. Joseph L. Weaver, present pastor, was installed May 10, 1887. Rev. J. P. Anderson preached, and Rev. Dr. Henry Woods delivered the charges to both pastor and people.
RULING ELDERS .-- Fuller notices of some of these will be found in sketches of deceased elders. The following takes in the whole list from 1849-S9: Robert Patterson, previously ordained, elected 1849, died January, 1861 ; Thomas Thompson, previously ordained, elected 1849, died June 23, 1850; John S. Lamb, previously ordained, elected 1849; William Cunningham, elected 1849, ordained March, 1850, died 1878; John Moore, elected 1849, ordained March, 1850, died 1872; Samuel P. Rid- dle, ordained 1854, dismissed by certificate 1881 ; W. W. Van Eman, ordained 1854, dismissed by certificate 1879; John Farrar, previously ordained, installed about 1858, died 1875; John L. Proudfit, ordained 1864, dismissed by certificate 1881, died 1882; Finly Scott, ordained 1864, dismissed by certificate 1881 ; James L. Patterson, ordained 1864; John L. Rankin, ordained 1868; David M. Pry, ordained 1874; W. V. Riddle, M.D., ordained 1874, dismissed by certificate 1881 ; W. V. McFarland, ordained 1874, dismissed by certificate 1881 ; Alex. Walker, installed ISSo, dismissed by certificate 1881; William M. McElhany, ordained 18SI; George M. Miller, ordained 18SI : L. C. Botkin, M.D., ordained 1885 ; Albert G. Lec, ordained 1886.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP .- The first house of worship, built in
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1845, gave place to the present more commodious structure, which was erected in 1874 at a cost of $20,000.
SPIRITUAL HISTORY .- The church has been mainly indebted for its growth to gradual accessions steadily maintained. There have also been times of special awakening, and of most precious and encouraging refreshings from the Lord's presence. The number of communicants has never been less than at the time of organization. The largest enrollment at any time has been 445. Her spiritual life has probably never been higher than at the present time, with a membership of 350.
MISSIONARY SOCIETIES .- The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, organized early in the history of the church; The Young Ladies' Home and Foreign Missionary Society, organized somewhat later; The Golden Chain Band for Home and Foreign Mission Work; and The Ten Per Cent. Band for Home and Foreign Missions, have done and are doing efficient service.
SABBATH-SCHOOL .-- Robert Patterson, Esq., and William Cun- ningham established a Sabbath-school here in 1833. Under the superintendency of these, and others of like devoted spirit who followed them, the school has flourished continuously, and from its feeble beginning has grown to a present membership of 250. Among its more recent superintendents have been David M. Pry, James L. Patterson and Dr. J. C. Nesbit.
MINISTERS' WIVES .- Two of the daughters of this church have been married to ministers : Miss Mary Patterson to Rev. J. T. Fredericks, and Miss Sarah Fredericks to Rev. S. F. Marks, of Tidioute, Pa.
MINISTERS .- Three sons of the church have entered the gospel ministry : Rev. Samuel G. McFarland, D.D., Bangkok, Siam; Rev. John W. McFarland, Juneau, Alaska, and Rev. Zechariah B. Taylor, Scottdale, Pa.
George A. Duncan, who died January 11, 1882, while pur- suing his theological course at the Allegheny Seminary, was also a member of this church.
The loss of a volume of "Congregational Records" has prevented that full exhibit which might otherwise have been made of the church's home work, and also its outreaching efforts in the various lines of benevolent contribution.
:
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THE PRESBYTERY OF WASHINGTON.
NEW CUMBERLAND .*
The Church of New Cumberland, Hancock County, West Virginia, was organized May 7, 1851, by a committee of the Presbytery of Washington, consisting of Revs. David Robinson and Thomas M. Newell. At the time of its organization it con- sisted of twenty-eight members, most of whom had been con- nected with the Church of Fairview, three miles distant. For the first eighteen months this church was supplied by Presby- tery, and in November, 1852, Rev. S. F. Grier became its pastor, dividing his labors between this church and Frankfort, Pa. This relation with Frankfort continued until October, 1857; since which time, Mr. Grier has given his entire labors to the Church of New Cumberland.
Names of first members: John H. Atkinson, Melissa G. At- kinson, Melinda Atkinson, Eliza A. Atkinson, Thomas Lyons, Eliza J. Lyons, Mary V. Stewart, Julia Ann McCarty, Susannah Troup, William Montery, Josiah A. Adams, Elizabeth Adams, Margaret Repham, James R. M. Stewart, Cordelia Stewart, Jane Prosser, Isaac Flowers, Catharine Flowers, Elizabeth Stewart, Nancy A. Stewart, Wallace Haney, Samuel F. Marquis, Sarah Jane Marquis, William Lindsay, Jane Lindsay, John Wylie, Eliza Wylie, Matilda Reed.
PASTORS .-- This church has had but one pastor since its organ- ization. Rev. S. F. Grier has held that relation since November, 1852, until the present time.
ELDERS .- At the time of the organization of this church, four ruling elders were elected, viz : John Wylie, J. R. M. Stewart, Wallace Haney and J. H. Atkinson.
John Wylie died October 15, 1873. J. R. M. Stewart retired from office in 1867, and died about 1875. Wallace Haney re- moved in 1888. In August, 1866, William L. Bigham, John Francy, Alexander N. Edie and Thomas Peterson were elected to this office. Mr. Bigham died April 10, 1873; Mr. Edie died September 9, 1885. Mr. Francy removed from the bounds of the church, February 26, 1883. Dr. P. C. McLane, Hugh L. Irvin and R E. Lindsay were chosen elders, and D. S. Carothers
* By REV. S. F. GRIER.
1
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had been elected some time before-having come as a ruling elder from the Church of Frankfort.
The present session are, Thomas Peterson, D. S. Carothers, P. C. McLane, Hugh L. Irwin, and Robert F. Lindsay.
CHURCH BUILDINGS .- The first house of worship erected by this church cost about $6,000. It was not completed until -some three years after the present pastorate commenced. A new edifice, 92 by 62 feet, of white sandstone, and costing about $17,000, was dedicated February 10, 1889, to the worship and service of God. It is a beautiful structure and most convenient in all its appointments.
REVIVALS .- This church has enjoyed frequent seasons of revival of greater or less power. Some years as high as sixty or seventy have been received into the Church.
MISSIONARY WORK .- The missionary spirit and contributions to the boards have steadily increased, and a " Woman's Foreign Missionary Society" has been in existence for several years, by which much has been done.
CANDIDATES FOR THE MINISTRY .- William E. McRea and Joseph E. Andrews, sons of this church, have entered the min- istry and have been successful in their work.
SABBATH-SCHOOL -- organized and conducted as a union school until the church building was completed in 1855; since which time it has been strictly Presbyterian, and numbers about 250 scholars and teachers. J. H. Atkinson was superintendent for many years. Since 1883 Robert E Lindsay has been its super- intendent.
Membership, nearly 300; contributions increasing every year; salary, $1000.
ALLEN GROVE .*
The history of this church is meager both in incident and record. It was organized by a committee of Presbytery con- sisting of Revs. Alfred Paull and John R. Duncan, on June 28, 1852.
The following original members were received on certificate from the surrounding churches of Forks of Wheeling-Eliza- bethtown, Rock-Hill and Wolf-Run : William Haliday, Mary
* By REV. A. B. LOWES,
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Haliday, Joanna Haliday, Joseph McCombs, Nancy McCombs, Hannah Kiger, Nancy Fleming, John McCombs, Rachel Mc- Combs, John Hilsman, Sarah Hilsman, Lucinda Harris, William Kyzer, Mary R. Kyzer, James Standiford, and Sarah Standiford.
PASTORS AND STATED SUPPLIES. --- The first pastor was Rev. John R. Duncan, from 1853-57; Rev. Alfred Paull, stated supply from 1858-59; Rev. James Alexander, D.D., pastor from 1859- 66; Rev. Samuel Graham, stated supply from 1867-68; Rev. D. H. Laverty, stated supply from 1869-70. From 1870-74 the pulpit was filled by supplies appointed by Presbytery. Rev. W. C. Smith, stated supply from 1874-76; Rev. J. F. Curtis, stated supply from 1876-77; Rev. John A. Brown, pastor from 1877- 80; Rev. W. W. Morton, stated supply from 1881-84; Rev. A. B. Lowes, occasional supply, 1886-88; Rev. Jacob Ruble, stated supply, 1888.
RULING ELDERS .- William Kyzer and John McCombs were elected and installed as elders at the organization of the church, June 28, 1852. Noah Harris and William L. Kennedy were installed October 30, 1854. John Allen and Thomas McCombs were installed November 23, 1856. James Standiford, Lemuel T. Gardiner and William T. Grindstaff were installed July 21, 1867. Alexander D. Hood and Edgar McCombs were installed December 2, 1881. John McCombs died October 6, 1866, aged 80. Noah Harris was dismissed, having removed West. John Allen died September 1, 1876. Thomas McCombs died July 23, 1882. James Standiford was dismissed to Limestone, 1871. Messrs. Gardiner and Grindstaff were both dismissed, having removed.
William L. Kennedy, Alexander D. Hood, and Edgar Mc- Combs, constitute the existing session.
HOUSE OF WORSHIP .-- The present house of worship was built in 1852. The contract was let for $500-the material to be de- livered free of charge.
There is no parsonage connected with the church. There has never been any notable revival of religion in this church, neither has it had to encounter special difficulties. Its growth has been gradual, and its future prospects are very encouraging.
SABBATH-SCHOOL. - The Sabbath-school was organized in
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1854. John McCombs was the first superintendent, succeeded by William L. Kennedy, Dr. I. V. Lucas, Joseph McCombs, John Hood, and the present one, Edgar McCombs.
The membership has not varied greatly, and is at present -- teachers, 10; scholars, 60.
HOOKSTOWN (BEAVER COUNTY, PA.) *
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