Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 50

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 50

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stalled May 22, 1892. The present elders are: ing from the bounds of the congregation, was T. Blair MeGary, clerk; David Calhoun, An- probably never installed as an elder. thony S. Stuchel, William D. Fairman. The last three were ordained and installed March 14, 1898. The membership of the Sabbath school is 72.

The house of worship first built having been destroyed by fire, a new house was built at a cost of about $1,200. It is a frame structure, '36 by 50 feet, with sittings for about 300 per- sons. It was first occupied October 2, 1886.

CLARKSBURG CHURCH

The Clarksburg Church was organized in the spring of 1857, as we learn from the fol- lowing minutes taken from the sessional rec- ords : "At a meeting of the Presbytery held at Indiana on the second Tuesday of Janu- ary, 1857, a petition of sundry persons, members of the Presbyterian Church, residing in Clarksburg and vicinity, was presented, praying that a congregation might be organ- ized by the order and under the care of said Presbytery. On motion it was resolved that the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and the Rev. Alexander Donaldson, D. D., Rev. George Morton and Rev. Franklin Orr, min- isters, and William McElwain, James Mar- shall, and Joseph Harbison, elders, be ap- pointed a committee to organize said organi- zation."

The above committee met in Clarksburg on the last Wednesday in March, 1857. Rev. George Morton was chosen chairman, and Franklin Orr, clerk. By this committee the church was at this time organized, and the following named twenty persons who pre- sented certificates of dismissal from other churches constituted its original membership : From the church of Elders Ridge-Samuel Cochran, Nancy Cochran, Mary Cochran, Samuel Cochran, Jr., J. G. Thompson, Louisa Thompson, Jane E. Thompson, Emily J. Thompson, William M. Hazlett, Mary Ann Hazlett, Samuel M. Russell, Polly Russell, Dr. John Kennedy, Mary Jane Kennedy, J. H. Caldwell and Martha Caldwell. From the church at West Lebanon-Alexander Hazlett and Mary Hazlett. From the church of Ebenezer-William C. Marshall and Esther Marshall.

On the same day Mr. John G. Thompson and Mr. Alexander Hazlett were chosen rul- ing elders, and Mr. Hazlett was ordained and installed. Mr. Thompson being absent from home that day, and shortly afterwards remov-

For a year little or nothing seems to have been done by the congregation, as the first meeting of the session after the organization of the church was in April, 1858. On the first of May, 1858, the congregation employed Mr. J. E. Caruthers, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Saltsburg, as stated supply until the fall meeting of the Presbytery. Mr. Caruthers preached during the summer, while at the same time he filled the position of assistant teacher in Eldersridge Academy. He also continued his services for one half his time during the following winter while complet- ing his studies at the Western Theological Seminary. Under the faithful ministration of this devoted servant of Christ the church en- tered upon a remarkable career of prosperity, as the following extract from the narrative of the state of religion found in the minutes of the sesssion dated April 11, 1859, will show: "During the year the presence of the good shepherd has been maintained among this little flock. The membership has been in- creased fourfold, the greater part of which increase has been gathered in from the world. The Sabbath school during the summer was well attended and very interesting. At the close of the summer the Sabbath school was merged into a Bible class, which has been kept up with interest during the winter. There are now three weekly prayer meetings carried on. The first is a congregational meet- ing, under the control of the session. This had been largely attended during the year, and often gave manifest indications of the presence of God's spirit. Next a meeting of the ladies, conducted by themselves, well at- tended, interesting and profitable. Lastly a meeting of the young men, which has been carried on during the winter months, much to the edification and spiritual growth of those who attend."

Brother Caruthers having completed his studies entered upon his Master's work in another field of labor, but the life and energy infused into the congregation during his min- istrations were kept up the following sum- mer under the faithful labor of Mr. R. J. Evans, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Allegheny. He was a faithful and earnest preacher, and one of the most amiable and godly of men. Having completed his studies he devoted himself to the cause of domestic missions, and was sent by the Board of Mis- sions to Washington Territory, where he en-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

tered with zeal and earnestness into the work at Clarksburg in the afternoon. Rev. Mr. assigned him. He was, however, not permitted Irwin was followed by Revs. A. E. Hubbard, to labor long. The Master soon saw fit to E. W. Byers, G. A. Fulcher and A. D. Fraser, the present minister. release him from the toil of earth, and call him to the rest of Heaven. "Brother Caruth- In 1859 the congregation erected a neat and substantial house of worship. In 1870 there were 60 names on the roll of the church, but the actual membership was perhaps not more than 40 or 50. The present membership is 150. ers has also ceased from his labors and gone home to glory. These devoted servants of Christ have passed away, but their power and influence are still felt and their names are tenderly cherished in the memories of those among whom they labored and by whom they were dearly and tenderly loved."

This state of prosperity in the church con- tinued to a considerable degree during the following year, part of which the congrega- tion engaged the ministrations of Mr. J. B. Diekey. After this, for two or three years, the congregation was in a very languishing condition, enjoying only occasionally the min- istrations of the brethren appointed as sup- plies by the Presbytery.

On October 1, 1864, the congregation pro- cured the services of Rev. David Harbison, pastor of the church of Livermore, as stated supply for one third of his time. He con- tinued to supply them for about two years, preaching every third Sabbath. His ministra- tions were greatly blessed, and under him the congregation entered upon a career of prosperity.

During the summer of 1867 and part of the following winter the congregation was supplied by Mr. T. R. Ewing, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Saltsburg, for one half his time. By his ministrations the congrega- tion was greatly profited, and continued in its former condition of spiritual prosperity and Christian activity. After this, for about two years, the congregation passed through another season of great discouragement and trial, owing to the difficulty of procuring sup- plies, and there being no congregation in the bounds with which a pastoral charge could be conveniently formed. At length, after several earnest but ineffectual attempts, an arrange- ment was made in the spring of 1870 with the church of Ebenezer, by the pastor being released for one third of his time, in order to take charge of the church at Clarksburg. This agreement having been made, a call was made out and presented to the Presbytery, which was accepted, and on the 29th day of April, 1870, Rev. D. J. Irwin was, by a com- mittee of the Presbytery of Saltsburg, in- stalled pastor of the church of Clarksburg for one third of his time. After that time he continued to serve both churches, generally preaching at Ebenezer in the morning and

On the 14th of June, 1856, Mr. Henry Rob- inson was installed as ruling elder, having been formerly ordained a ruling elder in the church of Congruity. Mr. Robert Anderson was ordained and installed as elder March 11, 1859. The ' following persons have also been elders in this church : William Kier, installed June 22, 1860; George Reed, S. P. Marshall, Thomas Anderson, installed Feb- ruary 20, 1876; James Hazlett, John Ash- baugh and Robert A. Harbison were added to the session March 15th, 1878. The present session are Messrs. R. A. Harbison, T. S. Marshall, T. S. Ashbaugh, J. C. Rose.

The Sabbath school is in a flourishing con- dition. The following have been superintend- ents: Henry Robinson, Thomas Anderson, Thomas Getty, Robert Harbison, Nelson Cole- man, James Hazlett, John Ashbaugh, John Cunningham, Matthew Elliott. Mr. R. A. Harbison is the present superintendent and the school numbers 105.

The ladies' missionary societies and bands have been, with fidelity to the Master's cause, actively engaged in the special department of the Lord's work committed to them. From a feeble beginning and having overcome its early difficulties and trials, Clarksburg has, by the blessing of God, grown to be quite a strong and vigorous church.

The present trustees are H. P. Sandles, J. T. Young, J. S. Ferguson, Charles Stormer.

Rev. Charles C. Cribbs, a former teacher of the county, was reared in this congrega- tion and is now a minister located at Beech- woods, Jefferson Co., Pennsylvania.

CENTERVILLE CHURCH

The Presbyterian Church of Centerville, West Wheatfield township, was organized by Rev. S. Swan and W. Colledge May 12, 1852, with 20 members and four elders. Rev. S. Swan, pastor at Armagh, was stated supply from that date until April 3, 1855, and from April 15, 1857, Rev. Ross Stevenson was supply, with eminent success for two years, while he was supplying also at Armagh. Revs.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

O. H. Miller, G. W. Shaffer and D. L. Dickey were pastors for the same respective time at Armagh. For a time this church suffered seriously from frequent changes of citizens when changes occurred in the management of the canal. When the canal was done away with, the condition became still worse, as Cen- terville began to retrograde and New Flor- ence, on the Central railroad and across the river, where most of the members resided, be- came a steadily growing town. This church was disbanded more than thirty years ago and no traces of the building now remain.

CLYMER CHURCH

The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1908 with eleven charter members, John G. already, and passed a resolution then that Lexfield and wife, George Cole and wife, Mrs. Mary Good, Dr. H. Ney Prothero and wife, Harry Lynn Prothero and wife, J. Ward Houk and Alexander Hunter. Only six of Kittanning and Indiana pike, near Crooked creek.

these are still residents of Clymer. The first meetings were held in the woods, with rough board seats for pews. The first pastor was Rev. W. J. Sproull, who also preached at East Union. The congregation is now united with Rayne Church, and the pastor is Rev. A. L. South, who was installed in Septem- ber, 1912. The handsome brick church is located on the corner of Sixth and Hancock streets, and there are 53 active members.

CURRIE'S RUN CHURCH

The original members were twenty-nine in number, as follows : R. M. Walker, Mrs. Jane Walker, John Robinson, Mrs. Jane Rob- inson, R. T. Robinson, Mrs. Nancy Robinson, Samuel Bothel, Mrs. Elizabeth Bothel, Alex- ander Beatty, Mrs. Deborah Beatty, Robert Beatty, Mrs. Nancy Beatty, Ruben Jewell, Mrs. Jemima Jewell, David Anthony, Mrs. Floranna Anthony, James McElhose, Mrs. Nancy McElhose, Thomas Lucas, Mrs. Mary Lucas, Joseph Peelor, Mrs. Nancy Peelor, John Lucas, Mrs. Susannah Lucas, William Anthony, Mrs. Nancy Anthony, Miss Sarah Beatty, Miss J. E. Anthony, Miss Margaret Anthony.

The first house of worship occupied by the congregation was erected in the fall of 1837, but was not finished until the summer of 1838. It was a frame building 40 by 45 feet, 14 foot ceiling, resting upon six posts, two aisles running in front of the pulpit. There were four outside doors. In 1865 the house was repaired, and the door at the south end of the cross aisle was taken out and a window put in its place. The repairing at this time cost $500. Mr. "Stiller" Jemmie Bothel was the contractor. The cost of the building com- pleted was $1,400.

In the fall of 1837, when Mr. William An- thony presented a memorial asking an organ- ization, the Presbytery complained that steps had been taken for the building of a church such step would be a barrier to the organiza- tion of a church. The church is located one mile and a quarter east of Shelocta, on the

Pastors and Stated Supplies .- Mr. Alexan- der Donaldson preached for the congregation on the second Sabbath of June, 1838, while the scaffolding was still up in and around the house. It was supplied for the next three months by Rev. Edward R. Geary, when the Presbytery of Blairsville appointed Mr. A. Donaldson stated supply for six months. At the expiration of this period he was unani- mously chosen pastor, and was installed for one half of his time on the 20th of June, 1839. He continued to be the pastor for fourteen

Currie's Run Presbyterian Church was or- years. "Then, with warm affection subsist- ing between the pastor and every member of

ganized July 7, 1838. The committee on organization was appointed by the Presbytery the flock, and the other part of the charge of Blairsville, consisting of Revs. Reed, Bar- rett and Johnston. Robert M. Walker and William Anthony were elected ruling elders, and on the 7th of July, 1838, were ordained and installed by Revs. Reed and Barrett.

wanting all the time, the relation was dis- solved in the spring of 1853." The Scotch version of the Psalms was in use all this time. The singing was led by two clerks, who stood in front of the pulpit, and for about three years the Psalm was lined out in couplets at a time. The communion was administered with the communicants seated around tables placed in the cross aisle, and tokens of admis- sion were also used.

Large numbers walked to church, some of them as far as six, seven or even eight miles. It was no unusual sight on Sabbath morning to see as many as forty walking to the house of God in company. The church was greatly blessed during these fourteen years.

Rev. Franklin Orr was unanimously elected pastor October 3, 1853, and was installed for half time on the 11th of November following. He served the congregation with acceptance

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and good success for nearly five years, when a member of the Iowa Presbytery, reported the pastoral relation was dissolved in the an evangelist, with post office address at Bona- spring of 1858, in order that he might give parte, Iowa. Then, after a vacancy of three years, supplied meantime by the Presbytery and students from the Western Theological Seminary, some of whom the congregation would gladly have called as pastor, Rev. George K. Scott was elected pastor in the spring of 1869. Although his pastorate was the briefest in the history of the congregation, yet he did good work and was kindly remem- bered by all. He tendered his resignation and the pastoral relation was dissolved in the spring of 1871. his whole time to the territory then covered by his other church. There was peace and harmony among the members and a good de- gree of religious interest. No communion season passed without some additions to the membership. In the beginning of his pas- torate the change of Psalmody took place. "Some few families and individuals left on that ground and united with the United Pres- byterian Church, organized about that time near Shelocta." "I must add," says Mr. Orr, "that the congregation was blessed with a good, intelligent and faithful eldership at that time, who stood by their young and in- experienced pastor faithfully."

Mr. M. M. Shirley supplied the pulpit from April 1, 1858, to June 30, 1859, when he was chosen pastor, ordained and installed for two thirds of his time, giving the other third to Cherry Run. Serious opposition arising he resigned in the spring of 1863. Mr. Shirley was born near Saltsburg, Pa., February 27, 1829. At the age of twenty years he pro- fessed faith in Christ, and united with the Presbyterian Church of Saltsburg. He pre- pared for college at the Saltsburg Academy, and entered Washington College, but did not graduate. He studied theology with Dr. W. W. Woodend and at the Western Theological Seminary, though not graduating. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Saltsburg April 7, 1858, and was ordained by the same Pres- bytery June 30, 1859. His first charge was Cherry Run and Currie's Run. He was dis- missed to the Presbytery of Clarion, and re- ceived by that body October 9, 1864, and was installed over the churches of Academia, Em- lenton and Rockland June 20, 1865. He was received by the Presbytery of Erie in 1868, and was appointed stated supply of the churches of Utica and Waterloo until May 11, 1873, when he was installed pastor over the churches of Utica, Waterloo and Mount Pleasant. He was released from Waterloo October 20, 1877, and remained pastor of Utica and Mount Pleasant until his death, which occurred at Waterloo, Pa., July 22, 1879, of consumption. He left a wife and six children.

The congregation was supplied by the Pres- bytery and otherwise until March, 1865, when Rev. H. K. Hennigh became stated supply for the remainder of the year. He then left and soon after removed from the MeNutt died December 4, 1840. Mr. Hender- bounds of the Presbytery. He later became

In 1872 the congregation made out a call for Mr. Jacob L. Thompson, who had been supplying them for some time. He did not accept the call, but continued to supply the pulpit until July, 1874, when a second call was presented to him from the congregation for half time, which he accepted, and was in- stalled July 2, 1874. Mr. Thompson had previous to this time received and accepted a call from Elderton Church, and had been ordained and installed for one-half time. He served the congregation with a good degree of acceptance for three years, when he ten- dered his resignation, and at his earnest re- quest Presbytery dissolved the pastoral rela- tion at its spring meeting in Freeport, Pa., 1886. He was dismissed to the Presbytery of Blairsville, and accepted a call from the church of New Salem.

The congregation through its delegate, Dr. R. McChesney, secured the services of Rev. Lycurgus Mechlin for six months, to begin the first Sabbath of May, 1876. At the end of that time an arrangement was made to supply the church from the seminary during the win- ter. In the spring of 1877 he accepted a unanimous call and was installed pastor for one-half time the 6th of September following.

The next pastor after Rev. Mr. Mechlin was Rev. W. J. Wilson, who was installed June 1, 1891, and was released in 1907. Fol- lowing Rev. Mr. Wilson was Rev. Mr. Auffet, who is pastor at the present time, giving one half his time to this church.

The Eldership .- Mr. R. M. Walker and Mr. William Anthony were the first ruling elders elected. They were ordained and installed July 7, 1838. Mr. Walker died July 29, 1847. Mr. Anthony died May 12, 1856. The second election was held August 30, 1839, when Alex- ander McNutt, Joseph Henderson, James Speedy and James Lewis were elected. Mr. son was dismissed to the Presbyterian Church

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

of Blairsville, Pa., in 1861. Mr. Speedy died public schoolhouse, near James Speedy's. Mr. October 20, 1866, and Mr. Lewis March 20, James Lewis was chosen superintendent. The school was moved again to the Cribbs school- house, when James L: Lewis became superin- tendent. This school disbanded a few years afterwards, and the scholars nearly all went to Currie's Run, which, with the Bible class taught by the pastor, formed the Currie's Run school. Mr. Joseph Henderson is thought to have been the first regularly elected su- perintendent. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Miller, and he again by Mr. James L. Lewis, who served until the spring of 1875, when William Robinson was chosen his successor. He served two years and was succeeded by William Fleming. He served until the spring of 1881, when Michael Kaufman succeeded him, serving as superintendent until May 1, 1887. William Fleming was again elected by the session as superintendent, with Thomas N. Fleming as assistant. A good many young people were brought into the church through the work of the Sabbath school, so that it is a very important branch of church work. The present superintendent is Mr. Perry Mc- Creight. The school has a membership of 60.

1852. The third election was held August 23, 1847, when Mr. R. T. Robinson and Mr. John McGara were elected. The date of their ordination and installation is not recorded. Mr. MeGara was dismissed August 17, 1851. Mr. Robinson was also dismissed, Angust 19, 1854. On January 4, 1851, Mr. Hugh Miller and Mr. William McKnight were chosen rul- ing elders. The date of their ordination and installation was not recorded. Mr. MeKnight was dismissed in 1857. Mr. Miller was the senior member. Robert McChesney, M. D., James L. Lewis and John Walker were elected December 19, 1854, and were ordained and installed a few weeks later. Mr. Walker died April 4, 1882. He was truly a good man, and highly esteemed by the congregation, the old- est member of the Sabbath school. Mr. Lewis was dismissed February 4, 1882, to the Pres- byterian Church of Indiana, Pa. The sixth election was held in 1865, when Joseph Cribbs and Mr. Samuel Fiscus were elected. They were ordained and installed in August fol- lowing. Mr. Cribbs dicd November 6, 1881. At the election held May 18, 1880, William Flem- ing, Thomas N. Fleming, Michael Kaufman and W. A. McChesney, M. D., were chosen. Their ordination and installation took place June 13, 1880. The present session consists of Dr. William McChesney, Michael Kauf- man, J. C. Walker, Harry Boyer. The pres- ent membership of the church is 129.

The present church was built in 1889 at a cost of $4,500. The trustees at this time were Messrs. Jesse Thomas, James H. Allison, R. M. Fleming, William Robinson, J. C. Walker. The building committee consisted of Jesse Thomas, William Fleming, James H. Allison. The new building was erected on the William Robinson farm a short distance from where the old building was located. The present trustees are Messrs. Verne Thomas, Arthur Miller, Perry McCreight, Albert Miller, Milo Hileman, J. C. Peclor.

Sabbath School .- The Sabbath school began with a Bible class taught by the pastor, Rev. A. Donaldson. The class increased in numbers and interest until it was found necessary to organize a Sabbath school in the regular order. The first Sabbath school in all this region was organized in 1829 or 1830, by Francis Fairman, Jesse Marlin, James Speedy and James Lewis, at the house of Francis Fairman in Washington township, Indiana county. Mr. Fairman was superintendent. A few years later the school was moved to a be rivaled by its population and wealth. A

SALTSBURG CHURCH

In 1769 a patent for a large tract of land lying between Black Legs creek and the Kisk- iminetas and Conemaugh rivers was granted to Hugh and Thomas Wilson. From this time the wave of emigration rolled in rapidly. The patentecs divided their lands and sold por- tions to actual settlers. In the early part of the eighteenth century William Johnston, who is described as a man of "remarkable energy, courage and nobility of character," purchased and occupied a large tract on both sides of the Conemaugh and Kiskiminetas at the mouth of the Loyalhanna. Salt, which had been worth $5 a bushel, became during the war of 1812-15 exceedingly scarce and dear, and Mr. Johnston, with his characteristic enterprise, determined to bore for salt near one of the "licks" which he had noticed. If he failed he was a ruined man. But after the expend- iture of three thousand dollars, ten days after his partner had abandoned the enterprise in despair, and at a depth of between three and four hundred feet, the rude drill, driven by a spring-pole, "struck brine." Immediate promise was given that the unsurpassed beauty of the Kiskiminetas valley would soon

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

third interest in the well was sold for $12,000. safe. The location being at the extreme lower New wells were sunk. Settlers and capital end of the village, a new and central site, at the corner of Salt and Washington streets, was selected, and two lots, making a plot 180 feet square, were purchased for the sum of $3,000. April 1, 1874, found the new church edifice under roof, and $7.261.39 paid on the work. During the erection of this building

from the East flowed in, and soon the valley for miles was dotted with salt works. Mr. Johnston gave to his sister, Mrs. Boggs, that part of the land which originally belonged to the Wilson patent. There, in the winter of 1816-17, Andrew Boggs, her husband, laid out the town of Saltsburg. Prior to this the the congregation worshipped in the main hall locality was known as the salt-works. In the of the "Memorial Institute," the property of minutes of the Presbytery of Redstone, in the church, and a history of which, by an able session at Beulah, April 16, 1817, we find the pen, will be found elsewhere.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 50

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