Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 51

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 51

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record of an "application for preaching at the salt-works." and soon after this "October 21, 1817, the Rev. Porter, second Sabbath of November, at Saltsburg." From this time occasional supplies were sent by the Presby- tery until April 21, 1824, when "application was made by the people of Saltsburg to be Woodend. November 19th, 7 P. M.

On November 20, 1874, the church, being completed at an expense of $27,765, was dedi- cated with appropriate and impressive serv- ices. The following carefully arranged programme was fully carried out :

Opening sermon by the pastor, W. W.

Dedication sermon by Rev. Dr. Geo. P. Hays, November 20th, 11 A. M.

Sermon by Rev. Wmn. M. Robinson, Novem-

organized into a congregation, which was granted." In accordance with this action, and by appointment of Presbytery, Rev. Thomas Davis organized the Saltsburg Presby- ber 21st, 11 A. M. terian Church August 21, 1824. The number and names of the original members were not known, the early records being lost. Five years later the number of communicants was about fifty.

Sermon to Young People, by Rev. J. W. White, November 21st, 7 P. M.

Sermon on Missions, by Dr. James Allison, November 22d. 11 A. M.

Sermon to Youth, by Rev. Dr. T. A. Me- Curdy, November 22d, 7 P. M.

Houses of Worship .- When Mr. Boggs laid out and sold the first lots in the village of Sermon, by Rev. Dr. Alexander Donaldson, November 23d, 11 A. M. Saltsburg he deeded to the "Saltsburg con- gregation" one lot at the northern end of the Sermon to Young People, by Rev. Geo. W. Chalfant, November 24th, 11 A. M. plot. In 1819 a lot adjacent to the one donated was purchased, and the people, Sermon, by Rev. Samuel H. Thompson, November 24th. although not yet organized as a church, pro- ceeded to erect a house of worship. This edi- Sermon on Temperance, by Rev. Dr. E. P. Swift, November 25th. 7 P. M. fice was of stone, and cost when finished about six hundred dollars. It was first occupied "Thanksgiving," November 26th. for public worship in 1820, and the bare walls Up to this time there was paid on the build- ing and grounds $20,336. The principal part of the remaining indebtedness was allowed to continue, little more than the interest being paid, until the year 1882-3, when the balance and rafters resounded to the praise of God ascending from glad and grateful hearts. The preacher on this occasion was Rev. Joseph W. Henderson, the pulpit a workbench, and the pews, the sleepers on which the floor of $6,500 was fully provided for by subscrip- was not yet laid. For several years little tions, to be paid in three semi-annual install- more was done toward completing and fur- ments. It should be added here, that the nishing the house than glazing the windows usual effects of a church debt had been felt in all these years, in the direction of the benev- olent work of the church, of needless post- and laying the floor. It was finally com- pleted and furnished with pews and pulpit in 1831, and a few days later (April 1st) was ponement of needed improvements and the destroyed by fire.

provision of accommodations for the congre- gation.

Soon after the second house of worship, a substantial brick structure, 60 by 75 feet, was This edifice is Gothic in style of architect- ure, and one of the most substantial brick and stone structures in this part of the State. The walls are respectively 18 and 22 inches in thickness. The main audience room is 80 feet erected at a cost of about five thousand dol- lars. This building continued to be used by the growing congregation until early in 1873, when upon examination by the architect em- ployed for the purpose it was pronounced un- long, 43 feet, 6 inches wide, and 33 feet high,

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inside measurements. The wing is 46 feet, 4 times by family and personal afflictions, yet inches, by 28 feet, 8 inches, and is built in it was not till April 9, 1845, after fifteen and two stories. It contains a lecture room below, a half years of earnest toil and care, that he and session and infant Sabbath school room was constrained on account of his health, and above. The windows are modern in style and loss of his voice, to seek a dissolution of the filled with a good quality of stained glass, pastoral relation. At the close of his pastor- while the main front window is large, of ate the membership of the church was 219, beautiful design and yet unpretentious. The a net increase of 119. spire is justly regarded as very beautiful, and has a height of 145 feet. It, with the entire building, is covered with slate. It stands today, to all passers by, as a just testi- monial to the character of an enterprising and worthy people.

Pastors and Stated Supplies .- In October, 1824, two months after the organization was effected, Rev. Joseph Harper, a member of the Presbytery of Richland, was appointed stated supply by the Presbytery of Redstone, half of his time to be devoted to this congre- gation, and the remainder to that of Warren (now Apollo), until the next meeting of the Presbytery. On the 3d of May, 1825, he was installed as pastor for half time, by a com- mittee of the Presbytery consisting of Revs. John Reed, Jesse Smith and Thomas Davis. Little is known concerning him. He is said to have been an ardent and impulsive man. His administrations were evidently attended by tokens of the divine favor. One season of refreshing during his ministry resulted in the addition to the membership of the two churches under his care of sixty-five persons upon profession of their faith. The pastoral relation existing between him and this church was dissolved in April, 1829. Dr. Woodend in his history written in 1870 says: "We have not been able to trace Mr. Harper's his- tory after he left this field. He spent some time missionating in Venango county and died about twenty years since near Beaver, Pa. The membership of the church at the close of Mr. Harper's pastorate was about one hun- dred."

The largest amount of benevolent contrib- utions in any one year was that of 1838, being $422, and the highest salary which he received during all those years was $475. In the his- tory referred to above, his successor, Dr. Woodend, says of him: "Few could speak more affectionately than he. All felt while drinking in his words that they were the sin- cere utterances of an honest and pious heart. It does not often happen that a people so long retain their warm attachment to a former pastor, or that a successor finds in his prede- cessor so kind a helper and so faithful a friend. I would be doing injustice to my own feelings not to express my high appreci- ation of Mr. Hughes and my entire confidence in him as a faithful friend and devoted min- ister of the gospel."

The "History of the Pastoral Charges in the Presbytery of Kittanning," by Alexander Donaldson, D. D., contains the following reference to Mr. Hughes: "He continued until 1845, when on account of throat disease he resigned his charge, and soon after moved away, chiefly that his successor might have a fair opportunity to gain the undivided affec- tions of his people. Afterwards he was pastor for a while at West Newton, in Redstone Presbytery, and supplied occasionally or statedly at various other places." He finally made his permanent residence at Pittsburg, Pa., where he died very suddenly, March 26, 1870, ripe in years, in dignity, and in meet- ness for heaven.

W. W. Woodend, D. D., graduated at Jeffer- son College in the class of 1839. He was priv- ate tutor in the family of Hon. Henry St. G. Tucker, of Virginia, one year; principal of the County Academy at Greensburg, Pa., for four years; and served the church of Corinth, in the Presbytery of Steubenville, Ohio, for one year, previous to his settling in Saltsburg. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Redstone October 5, 1843, hav- ing pursued his theological course privately under the direction of Dr. J. I. Brownson, of

Mr. Walter Hughes, who succeeded Mr. Harper, was licensed to preach by the Presby- tery of Hartford in October, 1829, and began preaching here soon afterwards (November 1, 1829). He was ordained and installed pastor of the united charge of Saltsburg and Warren by the Presbytery of Redstone October 26, 1830, during the sessions of the same meeting at which steps were taken for forming the Presbytery of Blairsville. IIe continued his labors in both congregations until April 3, Washington, Pennsylvania. He preached his 1838, when he was released from Warren and first sermon in Saltsburg on Sabbath, April devoted all his time to this place. His activ- 28, 1845. From this date he served the ity and usefulness were much impaired at church as stated supply until January 14,

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

1846, when he was installed as pastor. This uated at Jefferson College in the class of 1860, relation, which may be truly designated as a and at the Western Theological Seminary in long, happy and fruitful one, terminated only that of 1864. He was licensed to preach in April of the same year; pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, Wooster, Ohio, six years; of the First Presbyterian Church, Mansfield, Ohio, six years. after the lapse of thirty-four years. It was modified by the Presbytery April 23, 1879, at the mutual request of pastor and people, 90 as to constitute Dr. Woodend pastor emer- itus, with a salary of $200 per annum. Not Rev. George MacKinney Ryall became pastor in June, 1900, and is still serving. The present membership of the church is 560. proving satisfactory, as standing in the way of securing a successor, this relation was dis- solved at the November meeting of the Presby- tery. In his quarter centennial discourse later referred to, Dr. Woodend gives a brief sum- mary of his ministerial labors, which elearly indicates the character of this faithful, labor- ious and successful workman in the Master's vineyard. This is as follows: "Sermons, lectures and public addresses delivered, 4,607 ; pastoral visits paid, 3,676; funerals attended, 204; marriage ceremonies performed, 187; communion seasons officiated at, 198; adults baptized, 89, infants baptized, 506; total, 595; admitted on examination, 466, admitted on certificate, 334, total, 800; ecclesiastical meetings, conventions, etc., attended, 177 ; dis- tance traveled (in miles), 31,918."

In addition to the above he served seven years as principal of Saltsburg Academy, and sixteen years as stated clerk of his Presby- tery. Though ceasing from the service of this church in 1879, he could not cease from the work he loved so well, and in which he had . engaged so long. To him, inaction was im- possible, nay, to him inaction would have been misery. On the prairies of Kansas, at High- land, and among the mountains of his native state, at Philipsburg, he continued the labors of a pastor until increasing years and gather- ing infirmities compelled him to cease from the full service of the pastorate. Even then he did not cease the hallowed work of preach- ing the gospel which he loved, but accepted appointments by his Presbytery, and carried the bread of life to the poor in the weak and vacant churches, where the people hailed his coming with delight, receiving his messages as from an honored servant of the Lord. He died at his residence in Indiana, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1886, and after appropriate, solemn and tearful services in the church at Saltsburg, of which he was so long the faith- ful and beloved pastor, his remains were in- terred in Edgewood cemetery, Saltsburg.

Samuel W. Miller, D. D., entered upon the full duties of the pastorate in this church May 16, 1880, but was not formally installed until a year later. Hickory, Washington Co., Pa., was the place of his nativity. He grad-

Ruling Elders .- The elders ordained or in- stalled between 1824 and 1887 were: John Robinson, April 1, 1824 (died April 25, 1865) ; John MeKec, April 1, 1824 (died .August 18, 1849) ; William H. Wray, April 1, 1824 (dis- missed or ceased to act April 24, 1854; died January 1, 1869) ; Andrew Love, 1825 (died March 16, 1852) ; Alexander White, 1834 (died October 21, 1842) ; William MeIlwain, 1840 (died March 11, 1884) ; Samuel Patton, 1840 (dismissed) ; James Rhea, July 22, 1849 (died November 29, 1867) ; William Moore, July 22, 1849; Thomas McKee, May 23, 1852; James B. Robinson, December 3, 1858 (died November 2, 1877) ; James Rodgers, Decem- ber 3, 1858 (dismissed or ceased to act March 18, 1880) ; Isaiah White, December 3, 1858 (died May 10, 1864) ; Simon B. Mercer, Sep- tember 8, 1867; James H. Ewing, September 8, 1867; Johnston Glass, September 8, 1867 (died April 22, 1886) ; Daniel Rhea, Septem- ber 8, 1867; Valentine Blank, June 2, 1878; Alex. W. Beatty, June 2, 1878; W. G. Me- Connell, June 5, 1887; John Weister, June 5, 1887. The elders at present are: A. W. Wil- son, Jr., T. S. Stewart, Elmer Onstott, M. D., Harry F. Carson, H. F. Dixon, R. W. Hair, J. C. Moore, R. Y. Elder, A. J. W. Robinson, W. T. Richards, W. H. Ewing.

The trustees are: A. J. W. Robinson, pres- ident; R. B. MeNeil, James W. Lemon, J. W. Robinson, Archibald G. Campbell, James R. McKee.

Sabbath School .- From Dr. Woodend's "Quarter Centennial" discourse we again quote : "Perhaps the first distinct movement of a religious kind looking towards organi- zation within our bounds was the opening in the early part of the nineteenth century of a little Sabbath school and prayermeeting united, in the Robinson and Wilson neighbor- hood. This, on days when there was no public worship at Ebenezer, was held in their private dwellings. The families came together to one place on Sabbath mornings and spent the day in giving and receiving instructions from the Scriptures, and offering their prayers and praises before the mercy seat. The school was

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

usually tanght by Messrs. Robert and John Seasons of Special Interest and Large In- Robinson, and is believed to have kept up gatherings .- In addition to that during the until finally transferred, when our first church edifice was erected, to a little log schoolhouse standing at the end of the railroad bridge. This little Sabbath school and prayer-meeting was the germ out of which the Sabbath school grew, and was probably the earliest move- ment of the sort in this region of western Pennsylvania." Although it was certain that a Sabbath school was maintained in connec- tion with this church from the time of its organization, no records for the first forty- eight years being found, dates cannot be given. It is believed that Robert or John Robinson continued to superintend the Sabbath school for some time after its transfer from the country. Several years after the organi- zation of the church, John M. Robinson, son of John Robinson, became the superintendent, and so far as can be learned continued to hold the office for perhaps a score of years. He was succeeded by James Moore, and later by William Moore. These brothers filled the posi- tion for the next ten or fifteen years, except one or perhaps two years, during which it was filled by Prof. S. B. Mercer. On March 1, 1872, another brother, Chambers S. Moore, was elected superintendent and continued in

pastorate of Mr. Harper, and already noticed, two stand out with great prominence, and are esteemed worthy of special mention. In the summer of 1875 there seemed to be much in the state of religion in the church to discour- age, and little to cheer, the hearts of God's people. Many professors seemed to have lost their first love, and some to have fallen asleep ; mournful inconsistencies and scandalous sins, in regard to which attendant disciples had seemed to fail, threatened to rend the church. The word preached and taught appeared to produce but slight impression, and few were inquiring the way to Zion. At the June communion only two, at the September com- munion only one, and at the December com- munion none were added on examination. About the close of the year many Chris- tians became sensible that something was wrong, and through humiliation, confession and prayer they sought earnestly a revival of religion. The Week of Prayer was well ob- served, but although the services were con- tinued from day to day for more than two weeks the interest slackened, the attendance diminished and the meetings were closed amidst discouragement. Just then, by the that office four years, and was succeeded as liberality of the people, the pastor was en- follows : David S. Robinson, two years, from abled to attend the Christian Convention at Messrs. Moody and Sankey in that city. His.

April 1, 1876, until April 1, 1878; John S. Philadelphia, held during the labors of Smith, one year, from April 1, 1878, until April 1, 1879; John W. Robinson was chosen report on his return seemed to awaken new superintendent April 1, 1879. Mr. J. C. Moore, the present superintendent, has served for the last twenty-three years.

The first election of Sabbath school officers by the session of the church was in 1872, and inasmuch as the Sabbath school records were not preserved great uncertainty attaches to order of incumbency, and to dates previous to that time.

The Sabbath school numbers at present 214 members.

Roll of Ministers of the Gospel Formerly Members of the Saltsburg Church .- William M. Robinson, John Allen Brown, George W.

Chalfant, Alexander S. Foster, James E. other. At the close of the very interesting Lapsley, Matthias M. Shirley, John W. White, service of the Week of Prayer the meetings Henry H. White, Moorehead Edgar, John W. Van Eman, Walter L. Lyons, A. J. Bolar, Johnston D. White, Albert H. Brown, J. C. R. Ewing, John C. Gilkerson, Andrew J. Gregg, Arthur H. Ewing, J. Stewart Kunkle, Newton Andrew, Joseph Ewing. Mrs. Mary C. Peck, nee Moore, and Hannah Kunkle went from this church as missionaries to China.

interest, and meetings were resumed and con- tinued for two months, and as a result God's people were greatly quickened and 105 added to the church on examination.

The other marked season of interest was en- joyed during the winter of 1884-85. In the closing days of 1884 the pastor and session found that certain professing Christians were rearing again the family altars which had fallen into decay, and that certain parents were evincing an unusual concern for the salvation of their children ; they also observed a deeper interest and spirit of inquiry on the part of non-professors isolated from each

were continued, but without any visible re- sults until the third week, when, in response to a personal and individual request, the ses- sion made an appointment to meet inquirers. When the hour arrived the session was no less surprised than the different inquirers pres- ent when, instead of one, they found twenty- two gathered for spiritual counsel, and indeed

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all desiring to make a profession of their the oldest church in the northern part of Red- faith in Christ. Preaching services were held once or twice a day for three months and as a result the church was much revived and ninety-nine received into membership in the church on examination and profession of their faith. The services differed little from the ordinary Sabbath services. The preaching, or rather talking, was done entirely by the pastor, and the people held up his hands by prayer and work. One special feature of the work was the judicious distribution of tracts. Never did we feel or see more clearly the fact that success in such work depends upon the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and not on eloquent preaching or exciting services.

Go on, people of God, go on praying, preaching, teaching, hoping, trusting only in the Lord. for the Lord will yet give years of grace. He will bless His people, He will bless His people with peace, and greatly mul- tiply the number of those who will turn unto Him and be saved. Hosanna! Amen and amen !

HEILWOOD CHURCH

The church was built in 1906 by the Penn- Mary Coal Company and remained a union church for six years. It was organized as a Presbyterian Church October 27, 1912, with twenty-one charter members. The elders were H. R. Rupp, Fred Vinton, James Hawk- ins. The organization was consummated by Rev. Mr. Sproull of Penn Run, Pennsylvania ; Rev. Mr. Worrall, Cherrytree, Pennsylvania ; and Elder W. N. Templeton, of Clymer, Penn- sylvania. In 1910 and 1911 Rev. J. A. Lesh, a teacher of the Indiana State normal school, served the people, and in 1912 Rev. H. L. Smith. The church has no regular pastor at present, but has supplies.

Mr. A. W. Donaldson is the superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an enroll- ment of 180, with an average attendance of 150. The Men's class taught by Mr. H. R. Rupp has an enrollment of forty-two, with an average attendance of thirty. When the Sabbath school was organized there was but one man in it. The Men's class is well organ- ized and holds socials monthly, and the dif- ferent committees are assigned special work.

HARMONY CHURCH, PENN RUN

stone Presbytery, having been organized by that Presbytery in the year 1806, three years after the formation of the county of Indiana and the year the town of Indiana was laid out. The first settlers within the bounds of this congregation were chiefly from eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the rest from Scotland, Ireland, Germany and Wales. The names of these were as follows: John Evans, David Fulton, Thomas Barr, James Dunwoody, John Huston, Charles Gibson, James Stewart, Thomas Lapsley, Robert John- ston, Andrew Wilkie, Joseph and Thomas Erskine, James and John Lydick, Isaac Grif- fith, Ad. Carson, Alex. and Samuel Ferguson, John Coleman, Peter Gordon, Matthew Ray, Samuel Moorhead, William Fowler, Thomas Craven, Alex. Telford and John Martin. Three of the sons of the last named were elders in this and other churches.

Some of these persons, feeling the neces- sity and desiring the privilege of religious ordinances, commissioned one of their num- ber, Thomas Barr, to ask the occasional serv- ices of Rev. Joseph Henderson, minister at Bethel and Ebenezer, to which some of these belonged, but which churches were inconven- ient to reach on account of distance. Mr. Henderson readily consented to preach once each month, on Friday evening, so as to re- turn to his regular charge on the Sabbath. He organized the church with ten members. Mr. Henderson gave the church its name, and Mr. Barr relates, "that it was undeserving of the name at that time, yet it was as a little oil cast upon the troubled waters" (its life had not been a very harmonious one). Three years after its organization it had ouly doubled its membership. In these years the famous Kentucky revivals took place and their influence extended to this region. Prayer- meetings were held and effects similar to those recorded in other places took place here. There were doubts in the minds of many whether this was the genuine work of the Holy Spirit or not, but great awe and solemn- ity pervaded the meetings.

Grounds .- In the year 1821 a grant of about three acres and thirteen perches of land was obtained from Mr. Thomas Bradford, of Philadelphia. The deed for the same was made to Thomas B. Morgan, James Dun- woody, James Lapsley and David Fulton,

Harmony Church is situated about nine trustees, for the consideration of one dollar. miles east of Indiana, Indiana county. With On this lot were the schoolhouse, church and the exception of Ebenezer and Bethel it was cemetery. In 1861 an additional lot of 17

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ground adjoining the church lot, containing 1872, 140; in 1875, 150; in 1887, 100; in 1913, one acre and twenty-six perches, was pur- 122. chased from Mary Fairchild, of Boston, Mass., This church has seen many changes and has come up through great tribulation. But she has done a good work that the Master will own and reward at last. for the sum of $25, and made over by deed to Dr. Thomas McMullen, James M. Barr, George Ray, James Hadden and William Martin, trustees, and to their successors in office. In 1883 a half-acre lot was purchased in the village of Greenville, one mile from the old ground (which the congregation still holds), and on it was erected a new church building.

Church. Buildings .- Harmony Church first worshipped under the oaks in one of "God's first temples." After a time they built a lit- tle log schoolhouse and held services therein. Some time after a large tent was erected and generally well filled, for people then came long distances to church. About 1820 a log church was built which served till 1844, when a large frame church took its place. It was in size 40 by 55 feet, costing seven or eight hundred dollars. In 1883 a frame church was built in the village of Greenville, costing over $4,000; size 58 by 38 feet.

Ruling Elders .- At the organization of the church, in 1806, the ruling elders were Charles Gibson, Alex. Telford and Isaac Grif- fith. We find no sessional records for this church from its beginning till the end of forty-two years. In 1833 (we learn from an- other source) the elders were-John McFeat- ers, John Huston, Sr., Robert Johnson, Isaac Hamilton, James McFeaters and Robert T. Allison. In 1848 William Evans, Samuel H. Johnson, John W. Huston and Robert C. Martin were ordained and installed as elders. In 1860 Mr. Patrick Lydick was added to the session. On the 27th of February, 1874, Mr. James M. Dickey, Joseph Lida, and James T. Dresser were ordained as ruling elders. On July 15, 1876, Mr. Samuel S. Gibson, Samuel Rugh, John O'Neil and Alexander Stuchell were ordained. On November 21, 1885, the "rotary system" being adopted, Mr. John O'Neil and Alexander Stuchell were re- elected; Calvin S. Gibson, Elmer E. Hadden and James C. Fair were elected and ordained and all were installed. On March 6, 1887, Mr. James E. Ray was added to the session. The present elders are J. E. Ray, G. D. Low- man, E. E. Hadden.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 51

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