Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 55

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 55

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From the Sabbath school and congregation the following ministers have gone forth to pro- claim the gospel of Christ: J. H. Nesbit, T. D. Ewing, T. A. McCurdy, T. R. Ewing, S. M. Davis. N. H. Miller, E. P. Lewis, and later many others.

. There are now many Presbyterian Churches in the territory formerly occupied by this alone. In later years the congregation was much reduced by deaths and removals, the membership in 1888 being 160. Rejoicing in the truth that the God of the fathers is the God of the children, they still kept the ban- ner of the covenant unfurled. With a com- mendable degree of Christian activity they are striving faithfully to do the work of the Lord committed to them.

HOMER CITY CHURCH

The early settlers of the neighborhood were principally Scotch-Irish, among them one John Alison, who opened up a part of the country now occupied by the town. The land was owned previously by Mr. Evans. This was in the latter part of the last century. About this time other openings were made by Messrs. McKissin, McConaugey, Hamilton, Houston and a few others. The names of some of these families connect themselves with times of darkness and scenes of fire and blood in the mother country, of which we cannot here speak; suffice it to say, they loved pure religion more than the endearments of home; they feared less the perils of the wilderness than the power of Satan's emissaries.

Among these were those of other national- ities, the Welsh and the Germans, who, with like motives, shared the toils and enjoyments of Freedom's home. The early settlers were largely of the Presbyterian faith and pro- clivities. Their places of worship were, for the greater number, Indiana and Bethel. As they grew in numbers, desire and purpose were formed to procure church privileges near their homes. Other denominations, the Methodist Episcopal, the United Presbyterian, the Evan- gelical Lutheran, and a very few of the Bap- tist ("Christian"), had already effected their several organizations.

Desirous of having divine worship accord- ing to the teachings of their fathers, the Presbyterians, in the spring of 1870, made their first arrangements for preaching in the town (Homer City). Through the efforts of G. A. Ogden, J. P. Douthett, W. H. Stanley and others, the services of Rev. D. G. Rob- inson, then preaching at Blacklick, were pro- cured. Results were so encouraging that as early as May following a meeting was called in the town hall for making more permanent arrangements. They succeeded in raising $300 toward the support of the gospel, and pro- cured the services of Rev. D. G. Robinson for one half time. In the desire to have a church home, a committee consisting of Dr. John Ev- ans, Rees R. Ellis and Joseph Griffith was appointed to petition Presbytery for a church organization. Said petition was presented to the Presbytery of Kittanning met at Ma- rion, Pa., and was favorably received. By appointment of Presbytery, a committee con- sisting of Rev. A. McElwain, Rev. Franklin Orr and Elder W. B. Marshall met at Homer City July 21, 1870, and organized a church with the following members: John McClain, Joseph Griffith, William H. Stanley, Mrs. Rachel Stanley, J. M. Watt, Mrs. Jane Watt, Miss M. J. Watt, Dr. John Evans, Mrs. Bell Evans, John Barclay, Mrs. Margaret Barclay, Miss Mattie Barclay, John A. Barclay, Joseph Dauthett, Mrs. Allen R. Dauthett, Walter B. George, Mrs. Nancy J. George, Rees R. El- lis, Mrs. Bell Ellis, Jessie Griffith, Mrs. Susan- nah Griffith, Miss L. E. Griffith, Miss Susan Griffith, Mrs. Elizabeth Peddicord and, on ex- amination, Mr. G. H. Ogden, Messrs. Joseph Griffith, Joseph Dauthett and John Barclay were elected and ordained ruling elders.

With characteristic zeal these members, on the 13th of the following month, met and de- termined "to rise and build." Sufficient money was procured, a site chosen and ground broken immediately. Because of unexpected

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delays, caused chiefly by the sudden death of Up to 1888 there had been connected with this church 112 members. In 1875 there was reported $500 for pastoral support, $38.50 miscellaneous objects. their pastor, the house was not made ready for occupancy until the spring of 1873. The Rev. D. G. Robinson died April 3, 1873. The for the boards of the church, and $169.29 for congregation met April 13, 1873, and adopted the following minutes :

"WHEREAS, it hath pleased a Divine and overruling Providence to call from his toils and trials below, to his triumphs above, the gie Wallace, and in 1874 Mr. Richard B. Al- Rev. D. G. Robinson, who has supplied this len and Mrs. Jane Phillips, were removed by death. Some were removed by letter. church since its organization ; therefore,

"Resolved, That we bow with submission to our heavenly Father's will, knowing that he afflicteth not willing, and that whatsoever he doeth is for the good of his people; and,

"Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved wife and parents for their irreparable loss."

Mr. Robinson was an earnest and faithful minister, and in every sense of the word a good man.

The neat and commodious church building was dedicated to the worship of God, free of debt, June 15, 1873. The total cost was about $2,500. The dedicatory services were con- ducted by Rev. J. St. Clair Stuchell, who also in the prime of life was called to his reward.

At the time of the dedication of the church there had been received, in addition to the original membership, twenty-three on certifi- cate and eleven on examination, making in all fifty-nine. For about one year after the death of Mr. Robinson the church obtained supplies as often as possible. During this time eight members more were added on cer- tificate.

On April 4, 1874, a call was made for the services of Rev. John S. Axtell, for one half his time. It was accepted by him, and the church was transferred to the Presbytery of Blairsville to form a union with the church at Blacklick. The pastor elect was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Blairs- ville at Blacklick July 28, 1874, and on the evening of the same day was installed by a committee of Presbytery over the church at Homer City.

On March 21, 1875, Walter B. George and Rees R. Ellis were chosen and ordained rul- ing elders. During the pastorate of Mr. Ax- tell there were received on certificate eight- een, and on examination twenty-five. Part of this addition was the fruit of a series of revival meetings held in continuance with the week of prayer.

The Sabbath school was organized in 1874, and reported in 1875 a membership of ninety. In 1873 Hon. Isaac M. Watt and Miss Mag-

On October 17, 1877, Mr. Axtell was re- leased from the pastoral charge of Homer. Rev. T. R. Ewing, principal of Blairsville Ladies' Seminary, became stated supply in November, 1878, continuing until the fall of 1879. In the interval the church had Pres- byterial and other supplies as they could be obtained. Mr. Ewing's engagement with the congregation terminated in the fall of 1879, when the church passed through another pe- riod of irregular supply until in April, 1880, Rev. John Gourley was called to the pastor- ate. Mr. Gourley was already the pastor of Bethel Church, and in connection with it had been 'serving the church of Blacklick. Ac- cepting the call to Homer City, this church and Bethel became united under one pastor- ate, Bethel being allowed two thirds of his time.

By permission of Presbytery the call was held for one year, and April 27, 1881, was ac- cepted. Mr. Gourley was installed June 2, 1881. This pastorate was continued with profit and blessing to the people until June 26, 1883, when Mr. Gourley was released, but remained on the field as supply until August 1, 1883.

In July, 1883, the church extended a call to the Rev. J. H. Bausman, who had been or- dained as an evangelist by the Presbytery of Washington at Wheeling, April, 1883. The call was held by permission of Presbytery and accepted at its fall meeting held at Ma- rion. This call was for half time, Bethel ap- plying for the other half. Mr. Bausman was installed January 31, 1884.

Following are the changes in the eldership since 1876: Rees R. Ellis was dismissed (place not mentioned) December 1, 1880. John A. Barclay died June 16. 1885. On June 1, 1884, Messrs. George H. Ogden, John P. St. Clair and James S. Flickinger were or- dained and installed ruling elders.

From the time of its organization to 1888 the church received into its communion on certificate seventy-five, and on examination,

In April, 1876, the pastoral relation at Blacklick was dissolved and this church was transferred to the Presbytery of Kittanning. 101. The roll of membership calling for 110

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HISTORY, OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

has perhaps a few more than could now be planted it; the hills were covered with the found within the bounds. There were three shadow of it and the boughs thereof were like periods of ingathering up to this time that the goodly cedars." And may the prophecy continue to be fulfilled with respect to this portion of God's vineyard, is the prayer of the pastor. may be called large if the circumstances of the field be taken into consideration, there be- ing no considerable population about the vil- lage from which to draw numbers of strength.

In February, 1875, under the ministry of Rev. John S. Axtell, and during a series of meetings, following the Week of Prayer, sev- enteen persons professed their faith in Christ for the first time. During the ministry of J. H. Bausman, in the winter of 1884, sev- enteen professed their faith at one time. In February, 1885, twenty persons were received. It is written that most of these remained faith- ful, but that some returned to the world. The writer is disposed at this point to make the following comment; that being personally acquainted with abont all of the ministers mentioned in the foregoing, he can unite his own with the willing testimony of all the people in evidence of the high attainments, the good and faithful qualities, of those who, in the providence of God, were called to be overseers of this flock; also that the frequent change of pastorates is a matter for serious consideration on the part of both pastor and people as being detrimental to the spiritual- ity and threatening to the future prospects of a church thus subjected. Mr. Bansman was released from his charge April 27, 1887. The church then received supplies in connection with Bethel for six months.

The present pastor is Rev. J. Reed Morris. The elders (1913) are: John P. St. Clair, clerk ; J. S. Fliekinger, William G. Hovis, W. W. Coup, Thomas Simpson. The member- ship of the church is 137; and of the Sabbath school seventy-four.

EAST UNION CHURCH

About the year 1835 Samuel Lydick and Robert T. Allison gave about four acres of land in what is now the village of Taylors- ville to the Presbyterian Church, and upon this was erected a log church 25 feet in width and 35 in length. At this time, however, the people did not seek to be organized into a congregation. The church was formally or- ganized by the Presbytery of Blairsville April 29, 1846, Rev. John Caruthers and Rev. John H. Kirkpatrick being the committee. The original members were ten in number, as fol- lows: Samuel Lydiek and Catharine his wife, Robert T. Allison and Jane Allison his wife, Jane Allison, Mary Nickle, Samuel Wa- dell and Martha his wife, Mary Ann Shields, Eliza Allison.

The old church answered and was used as a place of worship until 1861, at which time a much more commodious building was ereeted, size 40 by 44 feet, at a cost of about $1,500.

In September, 1887, Rev. R. H. Fulton, by invitation, preached on the first two Sab- batlis of the month at Bethel and Homer City. A unanimous call from each of the churches was then presented for the pastoral services Rev. David Mills was the first pastor of the church, continning until about 1853. From about this date Rev. John Caruthers served as a stated supply until June 13, offered by each congregation was $500. Mr. . 1857. On the 23d of June, 1857, Rev. John Rice was installed for the fourth of his time, the remainder being given to Harmony and Mechanicsburg. He was released from this church June 18, 1861. Rev. S. P. Bollman then served as a supply till about the close of 1864. Occasional supplies were followed by different ministers until June 26, 1867, when Rev. J. Logan Sample was installed for one fourth time, the remainder being given to Harmony and Rayne. He was released from this church October 18, 1869. For sev- eral years following there were only occa- sional supplies. On April 8, 1874, Rev. A. of Mr. Fulton. Having signified his willing- ness to accept, his installation took place Jan- uary 31, 1888, at each church. The salary Fulton was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Blairsville in April, 1876, during his term at the Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny, and was ordained by the Presbytery of Pittsburg May 7, 1877. The attendance by the people was very faith- ful. Sabbath schools were well filled up and in regular session every Sabbath in connec- tion with the preaching service. The school of Homer enrolled sixty pupils and Bethel considerably more than 100. Providence seemed to be smiling on the efforts put forth, for the people were of one mind and one heart. "Thou hast brought a vine ont of T. Bell became stated supply and continued Egypt; thou hast cast out the heathen and until March, 1879. During the time of his

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ministry God's presence seemed more visible than ever before. In the spring of 1876 for- ty-five persons were admitted to the church on profession of their faith. On October 9, 1879, Rev. James Caldwell became stated sup- ply, preaching every two weeks, and served the congregation until 1892, a period of thir- teen years. The present pastor is Rev. Wil- liam J. Sproull.

Following is the list of ruling elders with terms of service so far as they can be given. At the time of organization Samuel Lydick and Robert T. Allison were chosen, the for- mer serving for a period of twenty-nine and a half years and the latter fifteen. From May 29, 1853, Robert Barbor served for twen- ty-two years, and James Martin twelve years from the same date. S. Lowry, James T. Shields, Joseph Nickle, James Waddell, John Lowman and Jacob L. Lydick served each two years from March 12, 1859. From April 3, 1861, Thomas Gibson served for about seven years. On November 28, 1875, at a congrega- tional meeting, the rotary system was adopted as regards the eldership. All the elders in office having resigned, a new election was held resulting in the choice of James T. Shields, G. W. Thomas, William Gallagher, Edward O'Neill, Jacob L. Lydick, who were duly inducted into office. David Short, chosen at the same time, refused to serve. Moses Ly- dick and Robert Barbor served three years from December 19, 1880; James Nickle, three years from December 19, 1883, and S. S. Gib- son, three years from December 18, 1884. James Hadden was elected in December, 1885, and Bruce Leasure December 18, 1887. The present elders are: Edward O'Neill, clerk; Alexander McCoy, W. E. Allison, Bruce Leasure, Frank D. Donahey, T. M. Ross, Fred Mock.

The first Sabbath school was organized about 1858 or 1859, but no records were reg- ularly kept. So far as can be remembered the following have served as superintendents : Samuel Lydick, Jacob Lydick, James T. Shields, William Gallagher, Samuel L. Barr and Edward O'Neill. The membership of the Sabbath school in 1913 is eighty.

The membership of the church in 1888 was ninety-six; in 1913 it is sixty-four.

JACKSONVILLE CHURCH

The village of Jacksonville is located nine miles southeast of the town of Indiana, and nearly half way between Bethel and Eben-

ezer, the oldest churches in the county, dis- tant three miles from either. The distance from these nearest churches made it very inconvenient for members in the village of Jacksonville to attend church the greater part of the year. This consideration led a number of families in and adjacent to the vil- lage to take measures to provide a church of their own choice, where they might enjoy the ordinances of God's house more regularly. Accordingly, in the year 1855, the matter be- gan to assume a definite form, and the result was that in the summer of 1856 the house of worship was erected, a frame building, in size 45 by 55 feet. During the fall and win- ter of the same year Rev. Franklin Orr, pas- tor of Bethel and Currie's Run Churches, preached occasionally in the afternoons and evenings until about the first of January, 1888. He then preached regularly one third time, though as yet the congregation had no regular organization.

At a meeting of the Presbytery of Salts- burg, held at Eldersridge the first Tuesday of April, 1857, a petition was presented asking for the organization of a church to be called "the Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville." This petition was granted, and a committee consisting of Andrew McElwain and Frank- lin Orr, ministers, and William Robinson and Joseph Henderson, elders, was appointed to organize said church should the way be open. On the 19th of June, 1857, the committee met and completed the organization, the follow- ing members uniting: William R. Hunter, Lydia Hunter, Mary Henderson, Lucinda L. Henderson, Nancy Henderson, Scott Marshall, Hannah Marshall, Mary McCurdy, Catharine Jewel, Samuel Swanger, Sarah J. Swanger, James McKee, Nancy McKee, Ellen McKee, William Latimer, Catharine Latimer, D. R. Stitsill, Matilda Stitsill, John McIntire, Ma- ria Thompson. The above were admitted on certificate. The following were also admitted on profession of their faith: Clarissa Mc- Intire, Lucinda Christman, Hannah McKee, Harriet McKee.

Elders .- An election for elders was then entered into, resulting in the choice of James McKee, William R. Hunter and John Mc- Intire, McIntire declining. Mr. Hunter was ordained and, in connection with Mr. McKee, who had been a ruling elder in the church of Bethel, was installed. The following persons have been elders in the church since its or- ganization : James McKee and William R. Hunter, installed June 19, 1857; William Mc-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Farland, John McIntire and I. N. Hodge, earnest and faithful ambassador of Christ, June 27, 1858; Evan Lewis and J. M. Guth- he proclaimed to them the glad tidings of rie, January 12, 1863, Israel Thomas and J. J. Lewis, September 19, 1870; J. L. Robinson, January 17, 1874; J. M. Barkley, Carson Fails and Walter Robinson, in 1887. The elders in 1913 are: A. W. Robinson, clerk; John L. Robinson, William Fails.

A regular call was made and presented to the Presbytery at its meeting, June 15, 1858, for one third of the ministerial services of Rev. Franklin Orr. The call was accepted. He was installed on the 28th of the same month, Mr. McMillan and Mr. McElwain be- ing the committee of installation.

The limited territory occupied by the con- gregation rendered the growth of the mem- bership slow. But the saddest trial in the early history of the church was the removal of so many of its founders and supporters. At times the very existence of the church seemed to be threatened, but a kind provi- dence raised up others to take their place, and the church still lived and did a great work, and, though not free from such trials, greatly overcame them.

The church from the beginning was blessed with a good session, and with praying men and women. The prayer meeting was the life of the church. With the spirit of prayer came the spirit of giving and working. So both time and money were given when the church demanded either or both. This church has not been permitted to rejoice in any very remarkable revivals of religion, yet many sea- sons of deep spiritual interest have been en- joyed, and there have been few times when there were not some tokens of Divine favor and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Sabbath School .- The Sabbath school has been a power for good ever since the church was organized. The greater part of the par- ents attended with their children. It was made a special feature in the Sabbath school to cultivate a spirit of missions, and by en- couraging the children to contribute to some particular object, the result has been very gratifying. The present membership of the Sabbath school is sixty-four; H. B. MeIntire, superintendent.

The women of the church have done their work very well. Always ready to do what they could, they have been behind few churches in their gifts to missions, and few so- cieties of equal numbers showed a greater de- gree of liberality.

Rev. Franklin Orr was the first pastor this church had. For twenty-six years, as an

salvation, and as a pastor he enjoyed the con- fidence and esteem of the entire congregation. He was installed for one third of his time, but generally preached at Bethel in the morn- ing, and at Jacksonville in the afternoon, every Sabbath. At his own request the pas- toral relation was dissolved December 31, 1884. He, with others, supplied the church until April 1, 1886, when Rev. T. R. Ewing, D. D., became stated supply, and continued to labor with acceptance and profit. Until recently (1913) Rev. James M. Finley was the pastor, but the pulpit is now vacant.

There has been only one church building, but the old building was repaired through- out in 1882, at a cost of $400.

In 1888 the membership was ninety. Rev. William Harvey Robinson entered the min- istry from this church. He was once and again a missionary to Africa, and returned each time on account of ill health. He also labored as a missionary in Chili, South Amer- ica. The church as a whole has from the beginning been an active, working one, though few in numbers, letting its light so shine and exerting an influence for good that will be felt for all time to come. The membership in 1913 is seventy-eight.

RAYNE CHURCH

Rayne Presbyterian Church was organized November 16, 1849, by the Presbytery of Blairsville, through a committee consisting of Revs. John Caruthers and John H. Kirkpat- rick. The nearest Presbyterian Church at that time was Washington, it being seven miles distant, while Harmony was about the same distance on the other side. The people in this community attended one or the other of the churches, but they had preaching occa- sionally in the dwelling houses and school- house close by the present site of this church. A desire for organization was thus created, and the Presbytery, being petitioned, ap- pointed the above committee to effect the organization. The meeting for this purpose was held in the dwelling of Mr. Peter Kinter. At this time there were twenty-three persons received as members, as follows: Isabella Kinter, Isaac Kinter, Hannah Kinter, Peter Kinter, Agnes Kinter, Mary Kinter, Josiah Kinter, Sarah Kinter, James Moore, Ruth Moore, Margaret Moore, Matthew Ray, Jane Ray, John Kinter, Elizabeth Kinter, James

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Kinter, Nancy Kinter, James McCunn, Cath- of Pittsburg Presbytery, was employed by the arine McCunn, Sarah Ann Kinter, Philip Rice, Abraham Stuchel, Margaret Kinter.

The congregation continued to worship in private houses and schoolhouses in different parts of the neighborhood for ten years. At the end of that time there was a desire to have a regular place and house of worship. Con- siderable difficulty was experienced in decid- ing on a location for the church. There was great diversity of opinion, some holding for oue place and others for another, until finally some withdrew from the church. At one time

The first church building was erected in the year 1859, at a cost of about $800. It was a plain frame building, with no paint either outside or in. Its seating capacity was about 250. In 1885 it was found necessary to have another building erected and here again the location became a subject of dispute. Some wanted to build a quarter or half a mile far- ther north, and when it was finally decided to build upon the old site another split was made, and some eight or ten members with- drew and organized a Cumberland Presby- terian Church. They built about one mile from the old church.

This second church was completed in 1885, at a cost of $1,400. It is a frame building, 50 by 35 feet, with a seating capacity of 250. It is a plain but very neat and substan- tial building, nicely finished outside and in- side.

The congregation had no settled pastor until 1867. Rev. John H. Kirkpatrick labored in the congregation for eleven years after the organization. Rev. S. P. Bollman was stated supply from 1862 to 1865.

Rev. J. Logan Sample was the first settled pastor. He was installed June 26, 1867, and continued to serve the church until April 13, 1870, when, at his request, the pastoral rela- tion was dissolved. Mr. Sample's labors here were greatly blessed, the number of members was considerably increased, the collections to the various boards were more liberal, and the pastor's salary was also increased.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 55

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