Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 48

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Pennsylvania > Indiana County > Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I > Part 48

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On Friday, September 20th, Prof. James H. Snowden, D. D., of the Western Theological Seminary, opened the anniversary services with a most appropriate, keen, masterful ad- dress on "The Church and Its Value to the Community." The evening of the same day the choir of the church gave a classical mus- icale which was much enjoyed by all who heard it. Saturday was Old Home and His- torical Day. In the morning the sons of the church paid their respects to the mother church and gave interesting reminiscences of the old days and the old-time people of the congregation. Among these sons were Rev. George H. Hill, Rev. Hermann M. Hosack, Rev. John C. Laughlin and Rev. R. Frank Getty. At noon the ladies of the church served an old-time dinner, at which sat over five hundred persons. The after dinner hour was spent in toasts from prominent visitors, and then the people enjoyed a delightful mingling of old friends, the renewing of old ties and the forming of new ones. Saturday afternoon was historical. The ministry of Rev. Thomas Davis was reviewed by Thomas Davis, M. D., his grandson. Maj. T. D. Cnn- ningham spoke on the ministry of Rev. George Hill, D. D., and Rev. C. C. Ilays, D. D., and gave the history of the ministries of Rev. J. W. Criswell and Rev. W. L. Barrett.

In connection with the anniversary services were held the rededicatory services of the remodeled church. In the past year the con- gregation made needed and artistic improve- ments. An addition has been made to the church, in which there are twenty-four large individual classrooms for Sunday school pur- poses. All the rooms face into the commod- ions chapel. Each classroom has been equip- ped with slate blackboards and a set of maps

Mr. MeDivitt was born in Clearfield county, Pa. His father, who was a miller by trade, migrated to Westmoreland county, where Mr. MeDivitt received his education in the public schools. He was graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in the class of 1904, and afterwards graduated from the Western placed in easy access of each class. These Theological Seminary, Pittsburg, Pa., taking blackboards and maps, together with chairs

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

for the infant rooms, were given in memory of Dr. Hill. In the basement of the addition have been built a dining room, kitchen, toilets, gymnasium, and a modern steam heating plant. A new pipe organ has been installed. The auditorium has been refrescoed, repainted and recarpeted. A new lighting system has been placed in the church. Concrete walks and steps adorn the outside of the church. The total cost of the improvements is $16,000, all of which has been given by the people, with the exception of a donation of $1,250 from Mr. Andrew Carnegie for the organ. A feature of the rededication was the presentation of two hand-carved walnut pulpit chairs by Mr. John Loughry. Mr. Loughry placed these chairs in the church in memory of his father and mother, who were honored members of the church in the early days.

The rededication services were held on Sab- bath, September 22d. President James D. Moffat, D. D., LL. D., of Washington and Jefferson College, preached the rededicatory sermon. It was a fitting and powerful address on Pure Religion.

The average increase of membership from 1822 to 1840 was 161% per year, and from 1840 to 1871, 221% per year. The increase from 1822 to 1871 was 971-this amount of course subject to usual decrease by death, re- moval, dismissal, etc., so that the comparative exhibit of actual membership results thus: In 1822, 33 members; in 1871, total members in communion, 222; in 1913, 608.

The contributions of the church, as by com- parative statement, show for two years, 1840- 41, the sum of $161.20, and for 1870-71, total for two years, $3,114.15. The contributions for benevolent purposes for a period of thirty years, from 1841 to 1871, show an average per annum of $487.85, not including private donations, expenses for house of worship, poor fund, Sabbath school, or pastor's salary.

The Sabbath school was started in 1820 or 1821, and has been continued ever since with excellent results to church and community. It now has a membership of 558. Mr. Frank B. Andre is the superintendent.

The first ruling elders were Michael Camp- bell, Daniel Smith and John Cunningham. The next was John McCrea, June 5, 1830. W. T. Smith, Samuel Matthews and Mathias Lich- tenthaler were ordained September 8, 1838. These were reduced by removal and death till in 1854 there was none but Judge Cunning- ham left, and on June 25 of that year James Speer, H. A. Thompson and Mathew George

were added to the session, the latter by ordina- tion, the others by installation, having been ordained in other churches. In March, 1861, James H. Fair, Joseph Moorhead, Jacob Zim- mers and J. M. Turner were ordained and in- stalled, and on April 26, 1868, Joseph Hender- son, Jesse A. Cunningham and Samuel M. Bell were added, the former by installation, the latter two by ordination and installation. Of these seventeen Dr. Hill says in 1871, "but five now remain with us; five others are office bearers in other churches, and seven have gone to their reward in heaven."

In 1855 the congregation for the first time elected a board of deacons, consisting of James Baird, David Lintner, James H. Fair, Samuel Kennedy, W. A. Loughrey, Thomas Campbell and Jacob Zimmers, and subsequently to fill vacancies James Alexander, E. G. Still, Thomas Hatham, S. M. Bell, Samuel Barr, M. H. Hassock and William Lintner.

The present officers are: Michael M. Mc- Divitt, minister ; Samuel Martin Jordan, min- ister abroad, Teheran, Persia ; session, William Pounds (clerk), George L. Clawson, J. M. Turuer, Joseph Moorhead, Coulter Wiggins, A. W. Smith, John W. Moorhead, R. P. Dong- lass, T. D. Cunningham, Joseph France, Clark Dunlap, Frank B. Andre ; deacons, T. C. Wat- son (president), William Pounds, E. H. Curtis (secretary), Clark Dunlap, N. M. Baker, M. S. Grumbling, Dr. J. B. Carson ; Charles H. Moore, teacher of Men's Brother- hood Bible class and president of the Brother- hood; William B. Slonaker, caretaker.

ROCKBRIDGE CHURCH

The Rockbridge Presbyterian Church is one of the five located in the village of Richmond (Rochester Mills P. O.). At a meeting of members of the Presbyterian Churches in the vicinity held July 4, 1868, it was resolved to invite Rev. John Caruthers, then pastor at Gilgal, to preach one fourth of the time at Richmond, to which invitation he acceded, his active labors there dating from June 1, pre- ceding. An organization seeming desirable, Robert Lowry was commissioned to carry a petition to the Presbytery of Saltsburg. This petition was presented to the Presbytery, and the request granted, December 29, 1868, and Revs. S. P. Bollman and John Caruthers, with Elders Robert Thompson, Sr., John Gourley and James S. Martin, were appointed a com- mittee to effect the organization. This com- mittee met January 27, 1869, and after a sermon by Rev. S. P. Bollman from Romans

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

i.16, the church of Rockbridge was duly or- 1886, having been released by the Presbytery ganized.

The original members were thirty-three in all, as follows : From Gilgal-Eleanor Ayers, Mary Leasure, Mary Leasure, 2d, David C. Leasure, Eveline Leasure, S. Porter Black, Mary R. Black, Violet Arthurs, Isaac Simpson, Sarah Simpson, John Moore, Lucy Moore, Hannalı Doty, Thomas Johnston, Isabella Johnston, Elizabeth Johnston, Sarah J. Me- Afoose, Jemima Moore. Samuel Stuchell, Phoebe Stuchell, George Richardson, Elizabeth Richardson, Jane Stanley ; from Mount Pleas- ant-Thomas Arthurs, Samuel Calderwood, James Saltsgiver, Mrs. Saltsgiver, Robert Lowry, Mary A. Lowry ; from Marion-Sam- nel Wingart, Keziah Wingart; from Clarinda, Iowa-William T. Collins, Harriet J. Collins.

The first pastor of the church was Rev. John Caruthers, who was installed for the fourth of his time, May 6, 1869, and continued to serve until October 1, 1872. During the summers of 1873 and 1874 Mr. Johnston Me- Gaughey, a licentiate, supplied the church a period of six months each year, and in the intervals there were occasional supplies from the Presbytery. During the winter season of 1875-77 Rev. Andrew Virtue, then pastor at Center, held a series of meetings and preached occasionally, and through his labors the church was revived and blessed. For six months in the summer of 1876 Mr. A. F. Irwin, a licen- tiate of the Presbytery, supplied with accept- ance this church and Mount Pleasant. In the spring of 1877 Mr. William F. Gibson, then a licentiate, began to supply this church in con- nection with Mount Pleasant and Gilgal, giv- ing one third of his time to each place. Calls being made out for him, he accepted them, and was ordained at Marion, June 28, 1877, and installed in the charge July 7th following, the services being at Gilgal. His pastorate continued until April 25, 1882, when he was released at his own request.

At a meeting of the congregation held March 1, 1883, a call was made out for the services of Mr. A. S. Elliott, in connection with the other two churches of the charge. Having accepted these calls, and been or- dained at Mechanicsburg June 26, 1883, he was duly installed in the charge, July 31 following, the service being in this church. He was released April 23 of the following year.

Rev. William F. Gibson began preaching November 9, 1884, and being called to the churches of his former charge he was installed May 12, 1885. He remained to November 9,

October 12th preceding.

Rev. Franklin Orr supplied the church for four months, ending April 17, 1887, and Rev. J. C. Ambrose for six months from June 1st of the same year. This church was also served by Rev. William M. Devors and H. W. Warn- shuis as regular pastors.

Until recently Rev. Douglas Warden was stated supply of the church, but at present there is no pastor.

In connection with a communion service held October 1, 1871, by Rev. John Caruthers, as- sisted by Rev. James Caldwell, at a congrega- tional meeting, a committee consisting of D. C. Leasure, Samuel Calderwood, George Richard- son, Samuel Stuchel and Robert Lowry was appointed to secure ground, and to build a house of worship. A lot of about half an acre, valued at $150, was secured as a dona- tion from Mr. Q. Armstrong. The house was built in 1872. It is a studding frame, 35 by 55 feet, with vestibule, belfry and steeple, the latter about 70 feet high. The audience room is finished in chestnut wood. The spire was struck by lightning June 20, 1887, and dam- aged to the amount of $100, which was paid by the insurance company.

At the time of organization Samuel Stuchel, Robert Lowry, Samuel Calderwood and D. C. Leasure were chosen elders. The last named declined to serve. Mr. Stuchel, who had been an elder at Gilgal, was installed, and the other two were ordained and installed. Additions to the session were as follows: March 3, 1869, James Saltsgiver, who was dismissed Septem- ber 2, 1871; November 13, 1875, Aaron H. Braughler and William H. Stanley. Robert Lowry first served as clerk of the session. On April 9, 1887, this office was filled by William H. Stanley. The present elders are: William H. Stanley, clerk : Samnel Calderwood, Aaron H. Braughler, R. Clark Doty, Herbert H. Black, William Harvey Lowry.

The following have served as trustees: D. C. Leasure, S. P. Black, F. S. Black, D. J. Branghler, J. D. Johnston, Thomas Johnston, Johnston Sutton, T. M. Moore, W. M. Stuchel, R. H. Work, Jr., R. Lowry, George Richard- son, J. H. Black, William H. Stanley. The trustees serving in 1888 were Robert Lowry, president; William Stuchel, secretary; J. D. Johnston, treasurer: Johnston Sutton, R. H. Work, Jr., William H. Stanley.

The present trustees are : S. C. Work, F. B. Work, L. A. Philippi, A. L. Braughler, Ed. Altman, J. S. Doty.

Previous to 1872 the Presbyterian and

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

United Brethren Churches held a union Sab- bath school. But in the spring of that year the U. B. Church decided to organize separ- ately, and as the Presbyterians were using their building they also then organized separ- ately, meeting for two summers in the upper story of an unfinished house belonging to Robert Miller. At that time Samuel Stuchel was superintendent. Others who have served in the same office for longer or shorter periods have been Robert Lowry, William H. Stanley, Aaron H. Braughler, R. H. Work, Jr.

Seasons of special interest in the church were in the winter of 1875, in connection with the labors of Rev. A. Virtue, and. early in 1885, during the pastorate of Rev. W. F. Gibson. The report made in April, 1885, showed 22 additions on profession for the year. In 1888 the whole number of names on the roll of communicants was 131; the number of active members, 82; the number of infant baptisms recorded, 29. The number of active members at present is 91. The Sabbath school has an enrollment of 80. W. H. Lowry is superintendent.

MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH

During the summer of 1839 Mr. John Nott, a licentiate, preached occasionally in the barn of John Gourley in North Mahoning town- ship, about two miles north of Covode. The Presbyterians of this neighborhood, most of whom were members of Gilgal Church, about eight miles southward, with a few of Perry Church, the same distance northward, were thus brought together, and made to feel that they were one and should have greater con- venience in public worship than was afforded by existing organizations of the Presbyterian denomination.

Not feeling able as yet to support a new organization, an arrangement was made with the churches of Gilgal and Perry, then the pastoral charge of Rev. John Caruthers, each to grant the pastor time to preach two sermons annnally. They thus met for worship four times a year in a log schoolhouse that stood near the place where the church was after- wards built. This arrangement continued for fourteen years.

The church of Mount Pleasant, located at Covode, formerly called Kellysville, was or- ganized September 8, 1854, by a committee of the Presbytery of Blairsville, consisting of Rev. A. MeElwain, Rev. C. Forbes and Rev. John Caruthers. The original members were thirty in number, twenty-eight being received

on certificate from the Church of Gilgal and two from Perry.

About the time of the organization a parcel of ground was purchased, and on it was erected, in 1855, a frame building, in size 45 by 60 feet, which is still occupied by the congregation, and is a fairly commodious and comfortable place of worship. The congrega- tion has also a neat and comfortable parson- age, with five acres of ground attached, and also ground upon which was erected in 1862-63 an academy building, all of which property is held under the provision of a charter.

At the time when the erection of a church building was undertaken, the "dry summer" had just ended, causing a time of financial de- pression, so that with great difficulty the church was completed. The members were mostly farmers, crops had failed, and pros- pects were gloomy. At one time the workmen demanded "flour" or "money," and as neither could be procured, it seemed that the work must stop. Just then some timely aid was received from a friendly church in the East, and this was followed by help from some of the churches of the Presbytery. Thus the people were encouraged, and the work com- pleted. The new church was dedicated Sep- tember 9, 1855, Rev. A. McElwain, who was present, assisting in a communion service, and preaching the dedicatory sermon from the text, "And his rest shall be glorious." At this time nine were added to the church, the total membership being then forty-six.

At the time of its organization, Rev. John Caruthers, pastor of Gilgal, the mother church, took charge of the daughter also, and become pastor of Mount Pleasant, for one fourth of his time, continuing faithfully to serve the congregation until he was released, October 16, 1867. It has been said of him, that "his labors were abundant; he was instant in season, out of season." A fuller notice of his life and work will be found in connection with the churches of Gilgal and Marion Center.

For the time after the release of "Father" Caruthers the church had only occasional supplies. At length another pastor was secured in the person of Rev. Carl Moore. On the 13th of April, 1869, at which time he was received by the Presbytery from the Presby- tery of Cincinnati, he accepted calls from this church and from Plumville and Smicksburg, giving to Mount Pleasant one half of his labors in the gospel, and to each of the other two one fourth. From this church he was released October 2, 1872, but continued to serve the

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

other two for about a year afterward. As a granted, and Mr. Elliott was dismissed to the pastor he was earnest and untiring.

For several years after this the pulpit was following summer the churches were supplied vacant. During this time Rev. J. L. Sample and Rev. A. T. Bell held communion services, and other occasional supplies held services. During the summer of 1874, for six months, the church was supplied with preaching by Mr. J. MeGaughey. Mr. A. T. Irwin, a licen- tiate at the time of Kittanning Presbytery, supplied the church in connection with Rock- bridge for six months, during the summer of 1876. On June 27, 1877, this church, Gilgal and Rockbridge presented to the Presbytery calls for the services of Mr. W. F. Gibson, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Allegheny, each asking for one third of his time. These calls he accepted, and on the following day, June 28th, was ordained. He was installed in the charge July 7, 1887, Rev. G. W. Mechlin, D. D., preaching the sermon, Rev. J. L. Sample delivering the charge to the pastor, and Rev. A. T. Bell presiding and delivering the charge to the people. Under Mr. Gibson's labors the churches were greatly strengthened and en- couraged. But deeming the work upon this field beyond his strength, and having a call from the church of Cherrytree, Mr. Gibson, on June 22, 1881, asked the Presbytery to release him from his charge. To this request the churches made such objection that at its meet- ing, in October following, the Presbytery de- cided not to effect his release. But the request being renewed upon the same grounds as formerly, and the churches expressing reluct- ant assent, after each church had presented a call for one half of Mr. Gibson's time and he had declined to decide between them, the

A vacancy for a year ensued, when, April 24, 1883, a call was presented from the charge, each church asking third time for the services of Mr. A. S. Elliott, a licentiate of the Pres- bytery of Clarion. Having accepted these calls he was ordained at Mechanicsburg, June 26, 1883, and installed in the charge at Rock- bridge, July 31st following. Rev. J. Spencer presiding and preaching the sermon, Rev. A. T. Bell giving the charge to the pastor, and Rev. James Caldwell that to the people. But this relation was of short duration, for on the 23d of April, 1884, he asked of the Presbytery to be released from his charge, and the congre- gation expressing acquiescence the request was

Presbytery of Central Dakota. During the by Revs. J. Spencer, B. S. Sloan and A. H. Jolly. During the fall of 1884 Rev. W. F. Gibson, being released from his charge in Illinois, returned to this region, and at the request of these churches he began to labor among them. Calls were presented for him to the Presbytery at the December meeting, each church asking third time. At the spring meeting the Rockbridge call was changed to half time, and the others were modified ac- cordingly. These calls Mr. Gibson accepted, and he was installed for the second time in the charge at Mount Pleasant, May 12, 1885. In the services Rev. A. H. Jolly presided and preached, Rev. L. Mechlin gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. A. T. Bell to the people. The old love being thus renewed, the churches of this charge indulged the hope that they had secured a pastor for a long time to come. In this hope, however, they were destined to be disappointed. Mr. Gibson, having received a call to the church at Clyde, Kans., again asked release, which Presbytery reluctantly granted October 12, 1886. The churches were then vacant, having only occasional supplies, chiefly from Revs. G. W. Mechlin, D. D., L. Mechlin, B. S. Sloan, J. C. Ambrose and Messrs. J. C. Mechlin and L. E. Keith. Later the church was served by Rev. William M. Devors as regular pastor, and afterwards by Rev. W. H. Warnshuis. Until recently Rev. Donglas Warden was stated supply of the church, but at present there is no pastor.

At the time of the organization of the church four ruling elders were ordained, viz. : Presbytery released him from his charge, William Black, John Gourley, J. L. McComb, April 22, 1882, and January 2d, following, dis- missed him to the Presbytery of Bloomington, where he had charge of the church at Hey- worth, Illinois. William G. Lewis. Mr. Black died February 2. 1874, and Mr. McComb was dismissed to Heyworth, Ill., in 1866. The following ad- ditions have been made to the session : A. J. T. Crawford, who was installed September 3, 1859; John North and James H. McAlister, ordained and installed August 2, 1868; James Wachob, Thompson McConaughey, J. L. Mc- Alister and J. Milton Shields, ordained and installed December 17, 1875. Of these J. H. McAlister died October 21, 1874; John North was dismissed to the C. P. Church, Punxsu- tawney, November 22, 1875, and J. Milton Shields, M. D., was dismissed to Santa Fe. N. M., February 18, 1878. The elders at present are: G. W. MeConaughey, clerk; J. S. Flem- ing, J. M. Hamilton.

Sabbath school has been maintained in the church from the time of organization, being

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

kept open the entire year. In the superin- about twenty years Wheatfield was vacant, re- tendency of the school there have been but ceiving occasional supplies. few changes.

The membership of this church has never been large. The number reported for 1887 was 66. The membership at present is 31. The Sabbath school has an enrollment of 25.

ROSSITER CHURCH

In 1900 the church was organized as a Union Church and later dedicated as a Cumberland Presbyterian Church with a membership of 35. In 1909 the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches were taken into the. Presbyterian Church, hence the church is now Presbyterian. The present officers of the church are: John Harvey, elder; Harry Vandyke, Andrew Thompson, Allen Stewart, deacons. Until recently Rev. Douglas Warden was pastor, but the church has no pastor at present. There is now a membership of 34. In connection with the church is a Sabbath school which numbers 160; also a Christian Endeavor Society, in which the young people are very active.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ARMAGH

Armagh may be regarded as a continuance of Wheatfield, and so dates its origin back as far as October 7, 1786. Probably, however, it had a sort of reorganization, such as was then common, about 1820. For a number of years, supplies had been sent about alternately to Wheatfield and Fairfield. Fairfield, with Donegal and Wheatfield, called Rev. George Hill April 17, 1792, four months after he had been licensed. He was ordained and installed at Fairfield November of that year. Rev. Samuel Porter preached and J. Power gave the charge. Wheatfield ought to have been reported to the first Assembly. It was situat- ed in what is now Indiana county midway perhaps between Rodgers' Mill on the Cone- maugh river and Armagh. Probably it never had a house of worship ; if any, it was doubt- less an humble one. It was ten miles distant from the pastor's residence. To reach it he sometimes swam his horse across the river, preached and returned home in his wet clothes. Doubtless exposure like this had much to do with the premature breaking down of his mighty constitution.' From this branch he was released April 11, 1798. and gave after- wards two thirds of his time to Fairfield. For

Mr. J. H. Kirkpatrick was ordained and in- stalled at Armagh, December 13, 1826. Rev. S. Swan preached and David Barclay gave the charge. Harmony Church had half of his labors. From Armagh he was released Octo- ber 3, 1833. Afterwards this was statedly supplied by Rev. S. H. Terry, pastor at Johns- town, for half time from June 9, 1835, till October 6, 1840, when all his time was given to Johnstown. Then for four and a half years there were occasional supplies. Rev. S. Swan, pastor of Johnstown, then supplied statedly until May 22, 1846, when for half time he was installed as pastor. Rev. A. Donaldson preached, Rev. R. Johnson charged the pastor, and Rev. G. Hill, the people. He resigned the charge April 13, 1855, and removed. to northern Illinois, where he supplied at various points until June 18, 1871, when he came back to reside in Blairsville. On April 15, 1857, Armagh in connection with Centerville ob- tained as stated supply Rev. Ross Stevenson, who continued in that relation about two years, doing a great work for the Master. On January 16, 1861, Rev. O. H. Miller was installed as pastor at Armagh in connec- tion with Centerville. Rev. D. B. Harbison preached, B. L. Agnew charged the pastor, and J. W. Walker, the people. He was re- leased June 17, 1863. On December 2, 1867, Rev. G. W. Shaffer was installed over the same charge. Rev. S. H. Shepley preached, G. Hill charged the pastor, and J. A. Mar- shall, the people. He resigned the charge October 7, 1873. Since that time the pulpit has been filled by the following ministers: D. L. Dickey, J. P. Kennedy, D. M. Miller, Mr. Shearer (who died in Armagh after being there but a short time), J. M. Hamilton, J. S. Mccutcheon, M. B. Kline, J. R. McMillan, R. M. Fulton, C. A. Waltman, the present min- ister. In 1879 there were 120 members, but at present there are only 67.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 48

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930