Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 54

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 54

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Harbison, Anne Harbison, Margaret Patter- son, Joseph Patterson, Hannah MeComb, Sr., Hannah McComb, Jr., Charles MeComb, Mary MeComb, David McComb, William McComb and Jane McComb, Robert Wray and Abigail Wray, all previous members of Bethel. Ebe- nezer or Saltsburg. Of these, Joseph Harbi- son, Esq., and David McComb were elected as elders, but as the father of the latter lay in his coffin the day of ordination, it was de- ferred and effected in December following by the same minister.

Church Grounds .- Grounds for church pur- poses were donated, James Smith, Esq., gave one acre off the corner of his farm in the form of a rhombus, Charles MeComb one half acre in the form of a diamond, all cornering at the same point, and bounded by lines parallel to those of each man's farm. Esq. Smith's por- tion was used mainly for buildings and ap- proaches to them ; Allen McComb's for hitch- ing ground, and Charles MeComb's for cem- etery purposes. About 1850 the congregation sold to its pastor one third of an acre from the diamond, which had disfigured his land.

Buildings .- Before the organization, in the fall of 1829, the original log building, 36 by 24 feet, with a widening of 5 feet at the mid- dle to connect the central with the end logs. was erected. It was located near the south end of Esq. Smith's lot, and cost about $300. In the fall of 1845 it had become dilapidated, and a brick building 50 by 40 feet was erected, 10 feet from the north end of the former, at a cost of about $1,600. Daniel Wilson and Samuel M. Taylor were the contractors. The Associate Reformed Church of Olivet was kindly given in the meantime for the worship of this congregation. Neither the log house nor this one was formally dedicated. In con- sequence of deficiencies, in the structure this house was taken down May 10, 1878.

A third house of two stories, 70 by 40 feet, was built 10 feet north and 6 feet west of the former, on land donated by Robert Elder. It was neatly freseoed and had narrow win- dows of stained glass, and cost $8,000 and the material of the former house. John Oliver, Esq., of Mount Lebanon, was the contractor. This house was dedicated free from debt No- vember 20, 1879. The sermon was preached by Rev. D. H. Sloan, of Leechburg, and the prayer offered by the pastor. Meanwhile the congregation had worshipped in the Elders- ridge Academy. It is worthy of note that John Smith, one of the original members,

Pastors .- The congregation had only occa- sional supplies during the first four years. Then it obtained Rev. David Kirkpatrick, of Westmoreland county, for one half time as stated supply. He served it in that capacity for three and a half years. Then, being called to Poke Run for full time, he announced his withdrawal from this congregation April 4, 1838. On that day, by the Presbytery of Blairsville in session at Saltsburg, Alexander Donaldson was licensed to preach the gospel, and persuaded by Elder MeComb to fill on the succeeding Sabbath the pulpit made va- cant by Mr. Kirkpatrick. This he did on the 8th of April, 1838. Then, while completing his course in the Western Theological Semi- nary, he supplied this congregation and Cur- rie's Run, and for six months also Apollo, with these two congregations, each for one third of his time. Then on a joint call he was settled as pastor of Eldersridge and Cur- rie's Run, each enjoying half his time, and paying him a salary of $250. He was or- dained and installed at Eldersridge June 20, 1839. Rev. David Lewis preached the ser- mon, Rev. Robert Johnson offered the prayer and charged the pastor, and Rev. Samuel MeFarren charged the people. This relation continued without change till the spring of 1853. Then, owing to the general belief that the charge was too extensive, Currie's Run was demitted, and Eldersridge congregation so divided as to set off about one third of it as a separate congregation at the village of West Lebanon. New calls were given with the same salary, two thirds of it to be paid by Eldersridge and one third by West Leb- anon, and the time to be divided in the same manner. In the spring of 1855 the salary was raised to $600, and paid in the former proportion. During the Civil war, by dona- tions and otherwise, it was made about $750, and in the spring of 1867, by an appendix to the calls, it was made $1,000, and contin- ned that for a long time, each congregation paying in the usual proportion. For four years two Sabbaths were given at the Ridge and one at W. Lebanon. For the next year two sermons each Sabbath were given at the Ridge and one at W. Lebanon, and that order was reversed every third Sabbath. For thirty years the forenoon of each Sabbath was given to Eldersridge and the afternoon to West Lebanon, but the old proportion of salary still continued.

In 1840 Boiling Spring Church was organ-

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ized, taking more than half its members from session, Mr. McComb ceased to act. Esq. Orr Eldersridge. In 1853 West Lebanon was in 1869 was dismissed to Delmont. S. J. wholly taken from it, and in 1857 the organi- zation at Clarksburg took more than half its members from this one. Dr. Donaldson re- signed after fifty years of service, April 11, 1888, but the members refused to accept his resignation, so the pastoral relation was con- tinued. Rev. David E. Hepler is the present pastor. The membership of the church is 137.

Craighead, David Findley and John Smith were chosen to office February 24, 1870, and the first two ordained and installed April 3d, and the last September 16th, of that year. Mr. Craighead in 1874 was elected clerk of the session and began the third book of rec- ords, and held that office nine years, repre- senting his Presbytery at Brooklyn in the General Assembly of 1876. David Findley T. B. Elder and A. D. McComb were ordained and installed September 3, 1882. Prof. El- der was elected clerk of the session May 26, 1883. Mr. McComb was dismissed to Beatrice February 11, 1885. The elders at present are: E. E. Townsend, clerk; Samuel F. Bo- den, William A. Wray, Samuel Hine.

The Eldership .- Of the original elders Jos- died February 21, 1882. James A. McAdoo, eph Harbison, Esq., having acted as clerk of the session for fifteen years, and repre- sented Blairsville Presbytery in the General Assembly of 1835, was set off to West Leba- non in 1853, and David McComb died in the year 1872. Joseph Henderson was ordained and installed in 1835 and dismissed to Cur- rie's Run, April, 1839. William L. Cunning The Deacons .- In this congregation the of- from Ebenezer was installed in the spring of fice was so unpopular at first that no one 1838, and in 1840 withdrew to the Associate would accept it, and the financial interests were managed by a board of trustees annually Church without asking a certificate. On April 20, 1841, James Elder, John Wherry and elected. But in the year 1859, when the pas- Joseph A. Henderson were ordained and in- tor's salary had always been far in arrears, a resort was made to the deaconry. William stalled. Mr. Elder, who was clerk of the ses- sion from 1856 till 1874, and represented his Fritz, William H. Wray, John A. Ewing, S. Presbytery at Baltimore in the General As- P. Townsend and Robert Reeves were or- dained and installed in that office. - Immedi- ately they addressed themselves to the work, raised the subscription to the amount re- quired, and paid the pastor in full. But soon Mr. Wray moved from the congregation, Mr. Townsend went as captain to the Civil war, Mr. Reeves was absent at his trade. The bur- den was too heavy for the other two. At- tempts were twice made to secure assistance for them, but no one would accept the office. So in 1863 the congregation, under compul- sion, relinquished the office and fell back to the trustees again as agents. sembly, died February 5, 1877. Mr. Wherry had held the same office from 1845 till 1856, beginning the second book of records when he was dismissed to West Lebanon. Mr. Hen- derson was dismissed to Indiana on the same day. Samuel M. Taylor and David Wilson were ordained and installed April 9, 1853. Mr. Taylor was dismissed to the Sixth Church, Pittsburg, in 1857, and Mr. Wilson to the church of Bethel in April, 1867. John Thom, Esq., from New Rehoboth, Clarion Presbytery, was installed June 5, 1855, and died August 23, 1862. Samuel Kennedy, Esq., from Johnstown, was installed and Samuel Sabbath Schools .- During the first six Thompson ordained and installed December years of the pastorate a Bible class was taught by the pastor in each branch of the charge, to prepare teachers, and in 1844 a school was commenced with about fifty pupils, mostly young, and six teachers, mostly females. For twenty-five years the school was open only in the summer season. Then, with reluctance on the part of some, a winter school was tried, and with the consent of all was kept up. Old people as well as young attended it. In 1888 the school numbered 175, with fourteen teach- ers, and the attendance encouraging. No rec- ord of superintendents was ever kept, but the following persons have held the office: Da- 12, 1856. Esq. Kennedy was dismissed to Freeport in October, 1861, and Mr. Thomp- son to Boiling Spring in 1866. William Fritz and Samuel Virtue, M. D., were ordained and installed February 25, 1865. Dr. Virtue was dismissed to West Lebanon in April, 1866. Labana Townsend, from Boiling Spring, was installed in the spring of 1865, and dismissed to Apollo on April 12, 1868. Simon P. Town- send, Alexander McComb and John Orr, Esq., from Freeport, in 1867, were ordained and installed, the latter, however, having been ordained previously. Mr. Townsend repre- sented his Presbytery in the General Assem- vid Elder, John M. Barnett, John M. McEl- bly at Saratoga. In 1880, by consent of the roy, John C. Thom, James Elder, James E.

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Caruthers, John Thom, Esq., Samuel Ken- coming in growing numbers for nearly eight nedy, Esq., William H. Wray, Labana Town- years, amounting to about a dozen. Then by send, Samuel Guthrie, S. J. Craighead, Wil- the earnest advice of many influential per- liam Fritz, R. Y. Elder. Some mission schools sons Eldersridge Academy was formally were kept up during the summer which need not be described. The present membership of the Sabbath school is 212.

The Prayer Meeting .- The first eight years only a monthly concert was observed on the first Sabbath of each month. . In 1846, when students were increasing, they, with the pas- tor in his cabin study, maintained a weekly meeting. This in the spring of 1850 was open to the public. Immediately reviving influ- ences became apparent, spread over the con- gregation, and with few interruptions con- tinued for twelve years. During this happy time large numbers of students joined the church, and prepared for the ministry. The influence was also felt in our families. Again in 1872 large additions were made to the membership and zeal of the church. At such times the attendance on the prayer meeting was cheering, but in time of coldness it dwin- dled sadly, and few would lead in prayer, occasionally indeed not one but the pastor. Still as an almost regular occurrence one true heart held up his hands and God's promise could be plead, and some, at least, felt it good to be there.

General Remarks .- The congregation, when organized, for four years used the common Psalmody of the denomination with but lit- tle opposition. The stated supply preferred the Scotch version of the Psalms, and to please him the congregation consented to use it for the time. When the pastor came many wished to restore the Psalmody, but most thought proper to defer it still further, and this was done for fifteen years, and when the change was made, in 1853, twelve families went to other congregations. Precentors lined out each couplet before singing. But this ceased in two years. Tokens were given in advance to communicants and appropriate tables with seats in the aisles were used. This custom, too, was given up about 1860, and the ele- ments of the Lord's Supper have since been given to communicants in the middle block of pews, and sister denominations more especially invited to commune with them, and many do so.

Eldersridge Academy .- At the ordination of the pastor the Presbytery arranged for a young man, looking to the ministry, to recite privately to him. He soon brought another, and in the following spring three or four came for the same purpose. So they kept

opened with sixteen students, April 16, 1847, and the assistance of Mr. John M. Barnett. The pastor's log cabin study was used for the first quarter. Then a frame building like a common schoolhouse was erected for the purpose at a cost of about $300. In 1850 a two-story building, costing $2,020, took its place. But as interest accrued on most of this during twenty-two years, the cost was nearly double, and when the whole was paid off, in 1872, the entire expense was about $4,000. This fell upon the pastor as founder of the in- stitution, and became a contribution from him to the cause of education. Over 2,500 pupils have enjoyed its privileges. About ninety have studied medicine, and nearly an equal number have been admitted to the bar, and six of these have signally adorned the bench. In 1876 the institution was given to a board of self-perpetuating trustees, under whom he continued to act as principal. In 1884 he asked to be released, which was not done till a year afterwards. Thus the whole time of his daily teaching and acting as principal was thirty-eight years and three months. Prof. T. B. Elder, A. M., who had held the mathe- matical chair for more than twenty years, was elected principal in his stead.

Ecclesiastical Connections .- This congrega- tion has been connected with three Presby- teries. The authority for its organization was an order from "Old Redstone." For twenty-six years it was under the jurisdic- tion of Blairsville, in which time its pastor was installed on two different occasions, and when in 1856 the portions of Armstrong and Indiana counties lying between the Allegheny river, Mahoning and Blacklick creeks, with the Conemaugh river, were organized into a separate Presbytery, this congregation was included in it. The new organization was first called Saltsburg, because that village sustained about the same relation to it as Blairsville to the old one, and suggested the line of division between them. But after the Old and New School Churches united, in 1870, the whole of Armstrong county, with all of Indiana, north of the Blackliek, was in- cluded in our Presbytery, and it was called Kittanning. At the same time, we who had previously been amenable to the Synod of Pittsburg were set over to that of Erie, and when in 1880 synods were bounded by State lines, we naturally became responsible to the

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Synod of Pennsylvania, and thus have been gations to become their pastor, although he included in three synods also. never was formally installed.

EBENEZER

Ebenezer Church was organized about 1790

Mr. Henderson was truly in many respects an extraordinary man, and was an earnest and faithful preacher. He was greatly be- loved by the congregation, and had the re-

or 1791, and, in connection with Bethel, spect and confidence of the entire commu- formed a pastoral charge. To form any cor- nity. He was especially noted for his prompt- rect idea of the times in which our fathers here erected an altar to God, and gathered around it from time to time to offer up their sacrifice, and mingle together in scenes of devotion and praise, we must take into con- sideration their surroundings. It was about seven years after the close of the Revolution- ary war, and about four years after the adop- tion of the constitution of the United States, and in the second year of Washington's ad- ministration. It was abont twenty years be- fore a steamboat was built, and about forty years before a mile of railroad track was laid in the United States. The territory included in the bounds of the congregation at that time was very large. Many persons came from Elders Ridge and many others from and be- ness, shall shine in the firmament of heaven. yond Saltsburg. It is not known by whom the church was organized.

ness and punctuality. He was deeply inter- ested in all the missionary operations of the church, and was a zealous friend and advo- cate of the cause of temperance, and both by precept and example inculcated the princi- ple of total abstinence from intoxicating drinks. He zealously and faithfully served the church for more than a quarter of a century, and in 1824, on account of increas- ing age and infirmity, he was released from his pastoral duties, and in patience and res- ignation awaited the call of the Master to come up higher. He was called to rest Sep- tember 9, 1836, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, and now he enjoys the reward of those who, having turned many to righteous- His mortal remains were buried in the grave- yard at Bethel, where his sleeping dust, min- gling with that of many of his loved and lov- ing parishioners, awaits the resurrection of the just.

Pastors and Supplies .- Rev. Mr. Marquis preached here in 1793. With this exception there is no account of any regular preach- ing prior to the time when Rev. Joseph Hen- derson probably preached here first, in 1797,

Shortly after Mr. Henderson's release, Rev. Jesse R. Smith became pastor. In many re- and in 1799 he became settled pastor. He was spects he was preeminently qualified for the a native of Franklin county, Pa. He was position. He was a man of fine culture and graduated by the College of New Jersey in 1776, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Donegal June 16, 1779. He was ordained and installed pastor of the church in Cone- highly educated. He was affable and conrt- eons, and was a fluent and eloquent speaker. He unfortunately fell a victim of the snares of the wine cup. After a pastorate of four wago June 20, 1781. On the 15th of April, years the congregation, while they loved and 1795, he asked leave to resign his pastoral charge because the congregation failed to meet their engagements in regard to his sal- ary, and his request was granted by Presby- tery.

respected him for his many noble qualities of head and heart, were compelled in great sor- row and anguish, on account of his infirmity, to ask a dissolution of the pastoral relation.

Shortly after this he traveled westward as far as Kentucky. On his return he preached two Sabbaths in the bounds of Bethel and Ebenezer. On the 11th of April, 1798, he re- ceived a dismission from the Presbytery of Carlisle to connect with that of Redstone. years he was pastor of this church, and al- While on his way with his family to the West he was urged by the congregations of Bethel and Ebenezer to remain with them, and he consented to supply them for a year. Before the close of the year he consented to remain permanently, and on the 9th of April, 1799, he accepted a call from these congre-

In 1832 Rev. David Lewis became pastor. Ile was born in North Wales October 13, 1786. He was but eighteen years of age when he began to preach the gospel. After having preached for twenty-eight years in England he emigrated to America, and for twelve though he died at the age of fifty-eight, he had been an herald of salvation for forty years. In the full vigor of life, and appar- ently in the enjoyment of perfect health, he was suddenly called, December 9, 1844, to cease from his labors on earth and enter into the rest of heaven.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

In less than a year after the death of Mr. vestibule, session room and gallery, and a Lewis Rev. John Cross became pastor. He very commodious and well-arranged audience was a good scholar, a fine theologian and an room. humble, devoted Christian. While all ac- In 1870 the congregation decided to erect a new church building, which is the present house of worship. It was the fourth erected by the congregation, or the fifth place of wor- ship including the tent first erected. It is a two-story building, 68 feet long and 48 feet wide, with vestibule and three rooms below, and audience room and gallery above, and in regard to comfort and convenience is sur- passed by few country churches. knowledged him to be an earnest, loving Christian brother, objections were urged against him by some that owing to certain peculiarities of disposition, and his manner of preaching, his ministrations were not prof- itable. Feelings of dissatisfaction having manifested themselves, the pastoral relation was dissolved in 1850. Shortly after he set- tled at Middletown, Franklin Co., Pa., and there for a short time labored in the Master's

For nearly a year the congregation wor- cause with very encouraging success, but at shipped in the basement, and on the 17th of the call of the Master he ceased from the la- bor and toil of earth to enter upon the enjoy- ment of his reward in the mansions of glory. October, 1871, the building, being entirely completed, was formally dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, and soon the glory of the Lord filled the house and a precious season of revival was enjoyed during the fol- lowing winter and spring.

In 1851 Rev. George Morton became pas- tor, and in 1854, at his own request, he was released. In 1855 he was a second time set- tled as pastor, and again, at this own re- quest, he was dismissed in 1859. Under his ministrations the congregation enjoyed a good degree of prosperity.

Part of the following summer the pulpit was supplied by Mr. George P. Ilays (later Western Theological Seminary. The church remained vacant for abont two years, the pul- pit being supplied by students from the Semi- nary and others during that time.

On the 11th of April, 1861, Mr. D. J. Irwin, a student of the Western Theological Seminary, received a call from this church, and June 17, 1861, was ordained and installed pastor by the Presbytery of Saltsburg. Rev. R. E. Leard, Samuel Nesbit, M. K. Leard. The Charles D. Fraser is the present pastor of the elders in 1913 are S. T. Marshall, clerk; F. congregation. which has a membership of W. Barkley. Cyrus Stiffy. 147.

Houses of Worship .- The first place of preaching was a tent constructed of rough boards, and was used only on wet or stormy days. On pleasant days the services were held in the surrounding grove. The first house of worship was about 25 feet square, and was built of hewed logs. The seats were made of split logs. There never was a fireplace or a stove in this house.

The second house was also built of hewed logs. and was about 50 feet long and about 30 feet wide. For a considerable time the congregation worshipped in this house with nothing but loose boards for a floor; and for several winters they had neither stoves nor fireplace.

Elders .- The first elders were Patrick Jack, S. Coulter. John Marshall, and John Robinson. Since that time there have been the following elders: James Marshall, James Coulter, John Douglass, John Ewing, Samuel Marshall, William Leard, John G. Thompson, Dr. Ilays, of Cincinnati), a student of the James Fulton, William Conney, William

Moore, John Barkley, John Miller, Robert Ewing, Tobias Bricker, Samuel G. Miller, John MeCurdy, William Wray, Francis Harbison, James Jack, Robert Wray, R. E. Leard, S. P. Marshall. James M. Barkley, David Stiffy, Samuel Nesbit, M. K. Leard. The following persons composed the sessions in 1888 : Francis Harbison, James Jack, David Stiffy,

Sabbath School .- The Sabbath school was organized in 1820, and for a long time was managed by Mr. James Coulter and Mr. Rob- ert Ewing, without any formal organization. from year to year. At the death of Mr. Coulter the Sabbath school was suspended for some time. About 1830 it was again for- mally organized by the appointment of Mr. John Barkley as superintendent. For a con- siderable length of time the session seems to have had entire control of the Sabbath school, as the minutes show that they appointed both superintendents and teachers. In 1840 Mr. John Montgomery, a member of the church, bequeathed $75 to Ebenezer Sabbath school. With this money a library was purchased, probably the first the school ever had. The following persons have been superintendents

The next building was a substantial and beautiful brick structure, 65 by 45 feet, with of the school: James Coulter. Robert Ewing, 18

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

John Barkley, R. E. Leard, David Stiffy, J. M. Barkley, Samuel Nesbitt. The Sabbath school membership at present numbers ninety- two.

Prayer Meeting, Etc .- It is not known at what time a weekly prayer meeting was es- tablished, but quite early in the history of the church there was a monthly concert for prayer with special reference to mission work of the church, and at stated times it was the custom to take up collections to sustain the various benevolent enterprises of the church. Ladies' missionary societies were also formed, and for a considerable time their efforts were chiefly directed to the work of foreign mis- sions. In later years these societies have de- voted their energies to the special department of Christian work, "Woman's Work for Woman." The ladies have also done good work in the cause of temperance.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 54

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