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 32
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The church at Hookstown is an offspring from the old Mill Creek organization. After a religious awakening among the people of Mill Creek Valley in 1853, in which more than ten score of souls were converted to God under the preaching of Rev. David Robinson, pastor, and assistants Revs. Dr. Stockton, S. F. Grier, J. S. Pomeroy, Wells, Jennings, Murray and others, there being an addition of one hundred and twelve converts to Mill Creek Church, thus making a very large congregation, it was thought well by members in and near Hookstown to form a new organization at that place. In 1854 the new church was organized. The original members were the following, viz .: David Kerr, Mary Kerr, John S. McCoy, Nancy McCoy, James S. Walker, Margaret Walker, Milton Lawrence, Sarah Law- rence, Joseph McFerran, Sarah E. McFerran, Mary McFerran, John McFerran, Martha J. McGinnis, Nancy Stewart, Eliza McGahan, Mary Blackmore, Mary Patterson, Almira and Jane Witherspoon, Stephen and Margaret Whitehill, Wm. Thomp- son, Ruth Thompson, Rachel Kerr, Wm. Ridgely, Thomas J. Laughlin, Mary Moody, John Moody, Margaret Moody, Benoni Reed, Joseph Moody, Joseph Cain, Nancy Cain, Wm. Miller, Milo Thompson, Thos. H. Moore, A. R. McClure, Kaleb Whim, Rachel Whim, John and Mary Galbraith, Sarah Black- more, Jane Miller, Nancy Chapman, Nancy Goshorn, Thos. and M. A. Calhoon, S. W. Miller and others.
The first church erected was in 1854, at a cost of two thou- sand five hundred dollars. The basement was used for worship before the audience room was finished. Slabs, with wooden pins for legs, supplied the seats and a common table the pulpit. After a time the church was comfortably and neatly furnished for religious services. The Sabbath-school room was in the
* By FRANK D. KERR, M.D.
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basement, where were the heaters for the whole building. In 1884 the church , was repaired at considerable expense, but on the 30th of January, 1885, took fire from a defective flue, and was burned. In 1886 a new church was built, at an expense of three thousand dollars, and was dedicated on October 29, 1886. This service was conducted by Rev. Dr. Ross Stevenson.
The first pastor of the Hookstown Church was the late Rev. R. S. Morton. A minute of the session record reads : "On the 12th day of June, 1855, Rev. R. S. Morton was installed pastor of the united congregations of Mill Creek and Hooks- town by a committee of the Presbytery of Washington, in which service Rev. Smith F. Grier preached the sermon and proposed the constitutional questions, Rev. Joseph S. Pomeroy deliv- ered the charge to the pastor and Rev. O. M. Todd the charge to the people." We enjoyed the services of Rev. R. S. Morton (pastor), 1854-63; Rev. J. S. Pomeroy and others (supply), 1863-66; Rev. W. M. White (pastor), 1866-70; Rev. David Hervey and others (supply), 1870-73; Rev. George Shaeffer (pastor), 1873-74; Rev. B. O. Junkin and others (supply), 1874 -76; Rev. D. L. Dickey (pastor), 1876-SI; Rev. Childs and others (supply), 1881-82; Rev. R. S. Morton (pastor), 1882- 85, who died January 13, 1885; Rev. Robert Cochran and others, 1885-89. Rev. Cochran now holds the call of this church and that of Bethlehem, but has not yet accepted, March I, ISS9.
The elders of Hookstown Church, at first elected, were John S. McCoy, 1854-62, dismissed on certificate ; James S. Walker, 1854-62, dismissed on certificate; David Kerr, 1854-87, died November 25th. Afterwards were elected the following: James McCready, 1857-72, died September 9th; William Snowden, 1857-65, dismissed on certificate; Robt. WV, Stewart, 1873: Joseph Moody, 1873-75, dismissed on certificate; Watson Ramsey, 1873-79, died; John B. McCready, 1883-88, dismissed on certificate ; Franklin D. Kerr, 1883.
The Sabbath-school in this village was started in Goshorns' shoe-shop, by Rev. Geo. M. Scott, pastor of Mill Creek, about 1826. It was looked after in an irregular way until about 1840, when Rev. David Polk, who supplied preaching at Mill Creek,
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organized the school permanently, and became its first superin- tendent. He was followed by Rev. J. Brice McCoy, who was accidentally killed near Wheeling, while on his way to presby- tery. Matthew Glass was superintendent from 1841-48, Samuel Jeffrey from 1848-54, James S. Walker from 1854-62, David Kerr from 1862-82, John B. McCready from 1882-88, J. Marion Blackmore from 1888 -.
In its spiritual condition the church of Hookstown has ex- perienced more, probably, than the usual degree of vicissitude to which churches are subject. It has passed through some seasons of fiery trial. Its changes of pastorate have been fre- quent, and much of the time it has been dependent on stated and occasional supplies. There have, accordingly, been seasons of serious depression. Even when ordinances were regularly enjoyed, they seemed at times to be barren. A "Narrative" prepared by the pastor, Rev. G. Shaeffer, in 1874, records his great discouragement. The only hope was that "foundation work was being done," and that God would not suffer "his word to return unto him void." This hope was joyously ful- filled the year following, when the Spirit was poured out, and half a hundred souls were added to the Lord. Other refresh- ings from the Lord's presence have also been realized, so that abundant reason is had " to thank God and take courage."
More than a score of years ago, one of the daughters of this church, Miss Rachel Kerr, gave herself to missionary work in India, as the wife of Rev. W. F. Johnston. After many years of service she was compelled to return to this country, and but recently entered into rest. The missionary spirit of the church is still manifested in keeping up somewhat feebly a Woman's Missionary Society. It were greatly to be desired that more of this spirit prevailed in the church.
WASHINGTON SECOND .*
The Second Presbyterian Church of Washington was organ- ized by the Presbytery of Washington, in the First Church of Washington, on March 12, 1861. It had its origin in the inade- quacy of the First Church building to accommodate the grow-
* By REV. JAMES H. SNOWDEN.
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ing congregation, and its separation from the First Church was attended with expressions of the best Christian feeling. It is a blessing and an honor to Presbyterianism in Washington that it never has been a house divided against itself, and its two churches have grown out of prosperity and not out of strife. The lead- ing spirit in the movement for a second church was Mr. Colin M. Reed, and at its organization thirty-seven members were en- rolled, of whom thirty-six came from the First Church and one from the Church of Martinsville, O. Of these original members only two, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Clark, now remain in the church. The Civil War came on, however, before the church began active work, and, as a consequence, the members continued to worship with the First Church, and the whole project was held in abeyance for three years. During this time Mr. Reed and nine others returned to the First Church. In the spring of 1864 the dormant organization was called into activity. On April 7, 1864, a congregational meeting was held in the lecture-room of the First Church at which it was resolved to go forward imme- diately with the work of the church. Harvey H. Clark, Andrew Brady and William Blair were appointed a committee on sup- plies, and the trustees were instructed to secure a place of wor- ship. Smith's Hall, on the third floor of the Smith store build- ing, was obtained, and on May 15, 1864, the first service was held, and the Rev. R. V. Dodge, of Wheeling, preached. A call was made out for him at an annual salary of $1200. He accepted the call, was installed October 4, 1864, and served as pastor till May 3, 1868. Mr. Dodge, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere, was a man of noble character and genial, winning disposition. The church was fortunate in having him for its first pastor, and owes much to him. His memory is still dear to many in the church. On June 19, 1864, Harvey H. Clark, William B. Cundall and John Grayson, Jr., were installed elders, and Harvey J. Vankirk and William Blair were installed deacons. In April, 1867, Freeman Brady, Jr., and Morgan Hayes were installed deacons.
Mr. Dodge was succeeded by the Rev. John C. Caldwell, who was installed pastor August 2, 1868, and served the church suc- cessfully till December 28, 1869. In his pastorate, on February
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14, 1869, Robert Boyd, Hugh McClelland, Freeman Brady, Jr., and John B. Vowell were installed elders. From January to August, 1870, the church was served acceptably by Prof. Henry Woods, and he was called to the pastorate on April 20, 1870, but owing to his duties in Washington and Jefferson College, was constrained to decline.
In the winter of 1870 the Rev. George P. Hays, D.D., having been called to the presidency of the college, began to serve the church as stated supply, not being willing to accept the pastoral office. With the exception of two years, from September, 1872, till September, 1874, during which his place was taken by Prof. George Fraser, D.D., Dr. Hays served the church with marked success till September 1, 1881, when he retired from the college and went to the Central Church of Denver, Col. On April 14, 1872, James Rankin, Morgan Hayes and James Houston were installed elders, and Robert S. Winters and Hiram Warne were installed deacons. The Smith Hall becoming unsatisfactory as a place of worship during the pastorate of Dr. Hays, the church building belonging to the M. P. congregation on West Beau Street was leased for fifteen years, and was repaired and re- furnished at an expense of $3437. It was opened for service on January 5th, 1874, and was used by the congregation till March 4, 1887. On December 9, 1877. Dr. William R. Thompson, Robert S. Winters and William G. Pollock were installed elders, and John Addison McIlvaine, D. M. Donehoo and R. J. S. Thompson were installed deacons.
The Rev. John G. Cowden succeeded Dr. Hays, and served the church as pastor elect from February, 1882, till January, 1883. The Rev. John F. Magill, D.D., was installed pastor October 7, 1883, and ably served the church till March 14, 1886. The present pastor, the Rev. James H. Snowden, was called September 11, 1886, at an annual salary of $1800, began work the 16th of October following, and was installed March 6, 1887. On April 17, ISS7, the Hon. John Addison Mellvaine and Hiram Warne were installed elders, and James V. Boyd, Andrew J. Montgomery, Jr., Frank B. Mckinley, Augustus L. Smith, Louis S. Vowell and H. Frank Ward were installed deacons.
The hope of a church building of its own had long been
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entertained by the congregation, and as its membership grew and the expiration of the lease approached, the necessity for action became pressing. On August 23, 1884, a congregational meeting was held at which it was resolved to build a church to cost $25,000. At a meeting on August 31 the first subscriptions were taken, amounting to $10,484. A lot was now purchased on East Beau Street, between Main and College Streets, at a cost of $3500. In January, 1885, a Building Committee was appointed consisting of John Addison McIlvaine, chairman, H. H. Clark, Freeman Brady, Jr., William R. Thompson, Hiram Warne, H. J. Vankirk and James Prigg; and on June 29th the committee awarded the contract. The building was dedicated on March 6, 1887, Dr. George P. Hays preaching the dedicatory sermon. It contains an auditorium with a groined ceiling and bowled floor ; a lecture-room separated from the auditorium by curtains which can be drawn aside, throwing both rooms into one ; Bible and infant-class rooms ; a library room, session room, ladies' parlor, dining-room and kitchen. The auditorium seats 450, and, with the lecture-room, the seating capacity is Soo. The church is remarkable for its convenience in arrangement, and for its taste and beauty. The cost of the lot and building was $24,840. In January, 1888, a Johnson Pipe Organ was placed in the choir-gallery back of the pulpit at a cost of $2535. The whole cost of the property has been $28,040.
The Sabbath-school of the church was organized July 17, 1864. Its first superintendent was John Grayson, Jr., and his successor is Robert S. Winters, who still serves with great ac- ceptance.
Three memorable revivals of religion have visited the church. The first in 1867, under Mr. Dodge, when seventy-two persons were added on confession ; the second in 1876, under Dr. Hays, when seventy were added; and the third in 1884, under Dr. Magill, when there were seventy-two such additions. During its active history, since 1864, the church has received an aver- age of forty-two additions a year; and the whole number of members that have been on its roll is 1050, of whom 500 were received by letter and 550 on confession. At present it has seven elders, eight deacons, 337 Sabbath-school scholars and
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464 members. During its history it has raised for all purposes $86,006. Of this, $72,426 were for congregational objects and $13,580 were for the boards of the church. Its contributions to the boards for the last two years ($1165 for the year just closed) have been double its average contribution, and it expects to grow in this direction in the future.
In connection with the church are the Pastors' Aid Commit- tee, the Ladies' Aid Society, the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, the Woman's Missionary Society, the Young Ladies' Society, the Pansy Band and the Gleaners, the last three being missionary societies for young people and chil- dren.
The Pastors' Aid Committee consists of twenty-two mem- bers, two in each of the eleven districts into which the town is divided. It is their duty to note any changes among the fami- lies in their respective districts, call upon new families, visit the sick and report any cases needing attention to the pastor. A general meeting of the committee is held twice a year, at which the whole field is carefully gone over.
The Wednesday evening prayer-meeting has always been one of the best services of the church. The attendance is large, and often fills the lecture room. After the opening ex- ercises of song and prayer, and remarks on the printed topic, not usually exceeding five minutes, by the pastor, the meeting is conducted voluntarily. Remarks, hymns, prayers and Scrip- ture quotations follow each other in rapid succession, throwing side-lights upon the topic from many points of view, until the expiration of the hour when the meeting is promptly closed.
The prayer-meeting of the Society of Christian Endeavor, held on Sabbath evening, one hour before service, is a growing power for good among the young people. The society has seventy-six members, of whom fifty-six are active members, pledged to attend and take some part, other than singing, in every prayer-meeting of the society, except when prevented by conscientious reasons.
Students of the college have been a great help to the Second Church. A number of them attend and take part in the Wed- nesday evening and young people's prayer-meetings; some of
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them teach in the Sabbath-sehool ; a Bible class of students is taught by the pastor; and from seventy-five to 100 of their number attend the preaching services. A large number of students who attended and worked in the Second Church dur- ing their college course are now ministers and foreign mission- aries.
Nine young men who were members of the church have be- come ministers. They are Charles M. Fraser, George M. Hickman, Robert A. Hunter, J. V. Milligan, William G. Pol- lock, Benjamin G. Van Cleve, Mark Austin Denman, Andrew J. Montgomery and David M. Skilling.
Seven members have gone out as foreign missionaries. They are --- William C. Gault, Africa; George W. Pollock and Minnie Ewing Pollock, his wife, India (now in Colorado); Mrs. Lillie White Touzeau, South America; George S. Hays, China; Miss Kate A. Rankin, Alaska; and George W. Fulton, now under appointment of the board to Japan.
The church has been marked throughout its history by a spirit of unity. No trouble has ever imperilled or divided it. Few people have ever left it on account of dissatisfaction. In the days of its weakness and struggles it could not afford to fight, and now, in its strength and prosperity, it does not want to. To this unity and harmony its growth is largely due.
These years have also been marked by faithful work on the part of the members. The making of this church has been no easy task ; it did not grow up itself, but has cost twenty-five years' hard work. It has been a self-reliant church from the beginning. For almost half its history under Dr. Hays it had little pastoral care. Dr. Hays did the preaching, and did it faithfully, and with remarkable acceptance and success. But he could not give much attention to the general interests of the church. As a consequence, it learned to take care of itself, and can, with divine help, do so still. It has efficient, enterprising men, who have given largely of their time and means to its in- terests ; and its women have worked with remarkable energy and devotion in its service.
But the main feature of these twenty-five years has been their spiritual fruitfulness. The gospel has been preached and the
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ordinances administered with unbroken regularity. The chil- dren have been taught in the Sabbath-school. The prayer- meeting has been a live service, full of interest and refresh- ment. The Holy Spirit has descended in frequent rains of grace, and in three seasons of Pentecostal power. More than 500 conversions have occurred within its walls. One hun- dred communion seasons have been enjoyed. Thousands here have been helped in the Christian life. Hundreds have been turned from the error of their ways. Out of this communion scores of redeemed spirits have gone up to glory. For all these manifold blessings, material and spiritual, not unto us, not unto us do we ascribe praise, but unto the Lord God Almighty, the Lord gracious and merciful, slow to anger and full of good- ness and grace, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. He has done these things for us, and not we ourselves. Often have we been unfaithful, but never has He forsaken us. All our way He has led us. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad : to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
CAMERON-(WEST VA.) .*
This church was organized September 23, 1867, by Rev. Messrs. J. S. Pomeroy, J. W. Alexander, D.D., and Samuel Graham, acting under authority of the Presbytery of Washing- ton. The following persons presented certificates of Church membership, and were enrolled, viz : William Hosack, Sr., Mrs. Nancy Hosack, Mrs. Mary Martin, Mrs. Sarah Grey, Gustavius Bowers, Mrs. Mary E. Bowers, Mrs. Minerva E. Davis, Milton McCuskey, John B. Kilpatrick, Mrs. Mary Kilpatrick, Miss Re- becca Fisher, Martin B. Cummins, Mrs. Clarinda Cummins, John Fry, Mrs. Rebecca Fry, George McCuskey, and Miss Mattie McConaughey.
Of these, William Hosack, Sr., Gustavius Bowers, and George McCuskey were ordained elders.
The meetings were continued for a week, and twenty-three were added to the church on profession of faith.
A church building was commenced in the spring of 1868, and was completed and dedicated in the fall of the same year.
* By B. L. CROW.
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Mr. George McCuskey, member of Session, was removed by death. John B. Kilpatrick and Milton McCuskey were ordained ruling elders.
The church building was destroyed by fire, October 26, 1879. It was re-built in 1880, and was used for church and Sabbath- school-but was not dedicated till February 6, 18Sr. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. George D. Buchanan.
Preaching has been by stated and occasional supplies -- there never having been an installed pastor. Rev. Messrs. D. H. Laverty, Robert B. Farrar, J. S. Pomeroy, and James Garver have served successively as stated supplies.
The present members of Session are, Milton McCuskey, J. K. Francis, Isaac Moose, and B. L. Crow.
Sabbath-school has been kept up all the time, except while the congregation was without a house of worship. Its member- ship is about one hundred and twenty. Average attendance about 75.
M. McCuskey was superintendent for several years following the organization. For the last eight years B. L. Crow has been superintendent.
LIMESTONE .*
The Limestone Church was formed originally from the con- tiguous parts of Allen Grove and Wolf Run churches. It was organized May 24, 1871, by a committee of Presbytery consist- ing of Revs. Jonathan Cross and R. B. Farrar.
The original members were, Emanuel Francis and Jane, his wife; Samuel Francis and Martha A., his wife; Miss Martha M. Francis, Edward B. Francis and Nancy, his wife; John K. Fran- cis, James Standiford and Sarah, his wife; Daniel Wilson and Mary, his wife .- All these on certificate. Also, John Allen and Cornelia, his wife, and Mrs. Melinda Winters, on profession of their faith.
PASTORS AND STATED SUPPLIES .- Rev. W. C. Smith was stated supply from 1873-75 ; Rev. J. F. Curtis was stated supply from 1876-77; Rev. J. A. Brown was pastor from 1877-80; Rev. W. W. Morton was stated supply 1881-84; Rev. A. B. Lowes was occasional supply 1886-88; Rev. Jacob Ruble, stated supply, 1889.
* By REV. A. B. LOWES.
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RULING ELDERS .- Emanuel Francis, John K. Francis, James Standiford, Daniel Wilson, and John Allen were elected May 24, 1.871. Samuel Wilson and William Coffield were elected June 23, 1883. James Standiford died January 17, 1877. John K. Francis dismissed to Cameron, November 11, 1884. William Coffield died 1888.
HOUSE OF WORSHIP .--- A lot had been procured and a house of worship erected in 1870, at a cost of $3000, before the Pres- bytery was asked to organize the church.
The Sabbath-school was organized June 4, 1871. The first superintendent was John K. Francis, succeeded by Daniel Wil- son, William Coffield, A. W. Pence. Number of teachers, 9; num- ber of scholars, 60.
MOUNT PLEASANT .*
This church, having its house of worship in South Strabane Township, Washington County, Pa., five miles east of the town of Washington, was organized by a committee of Presbytery, July 2, 1872.
STATED SUPPLIES .--- For the first few years of its existence it was supplied successively by Rev. William Ewing and Rev. George Fraser, D.D. From April, 1875, to May, 1887, by Rev. W. F. Hamilton. Subsequently by appointments of presbytery, and since June, 1888, by Rev. R. Stevenson, D.D., stated supply.
RULING ELDERS AND DEACONS .-- Its ruling elders have been Isaac Dager, William Pees and Robert Munnell, ordained at the time of its organization, and John B. Herron and John Herron ordained February 12, 1877. Isaac Dager died December 4, 1876. John Herron continues to act. All the others have re- moved out of the bounds.
At the organization Nicholas Pees and Josiah L. Smith were ordained deacons. Mr. Pees died January 3, 1877.
ORIGINAL MEMBERS .- At the time of the organization twenty- eight names were enrolled, nine males and nineteen females. Those continuing at this date are four : Mrs. Martha Darling- ton, Mrs. Nancy Myers, Mrs. Sarah E. Hallams and Mrs. Martha E. Doak. The total membership reported in 1888 is forty.
CHURCH EDIFICE .- A neat frame building was erected previ- ous to the organization at a cost of over $2000. It has been * By REV. W. F. HAMILTON, D.D.
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improved and furnished in later years, and fully meets the wants of the congregation.
SABBATH-SCHOOL .- A flourishing Sabbath-school, with an average attendance of sixty, has been maintained since before the organization of the church. In its earlier history Dr. John Mckean, of Washington, superintended it. Its present super- intendent is David A. Hootman.
REVIVALS .--- Two seasons of special awakening have occurred, the first in I879, with an accession of eighteen on profession ; the second in 1886, when ten were thus received.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY .- The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society has made an annual average contribution of $25 since its organization in 1876.
BEQUESTS .- Mr. John Dill Wilson, who died January 22, 1887, made bequests to the principal of the church's Boards amount- ing to $4950. He was a son of one of the active workers in the establishment of Mount Pleasant Church, the venerable Mrs. Jane Dill Wilson, who died June 20, 1877, at an advanced age. She was the mother of Rev. Thomas Wilson, deceased, and Rev. Samuel J. Wilson, D.D., LL.D., Professor in Western Theological Seminary, also lately deceased. Among her grand- children are Rev. Maurice E. Wilson, D.D., and Rev. Calvin D. Wilson, both of the Presbytery of Baltimore, and Rev. John R. Paxton, D.D., of the Presbytery of New York. She was a person of remarkable force of character and most devoted piety.
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