USA > Pennsylvania > Huntingdon County > Huntingdon > The Historical memorial of the centennial anniversary of the Presbytery of Huntingdon : held in Huntingdon, Pa., April 9, 1895 : 1795-1895 > Part 11
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At the reunion the Session of each of the two churches resigned and new elders were chosen, some of which had served before. Those elected were John Dean, John Gahagan, David Tussey, William Stewart, George Wilson, and John Porter; the first three were chosen from the Hart's Log part of the congregation and the last three from the Alex- andria.
Mr. John Porter served as clerk of the united Session for fifty-six years, keeping the records in a very neat, methodical manner. He also served as superintendent of the Sabbath-school for fifty-two consecutive years, lacking a few weeks. In this capacity he was much beloved by the young, over whom he exercised an excellent influence for good ; and it is due this good man to say that in all his relations in life he was an exemplary Christian.
In 1841, James Davis, Christian Sheller, William Shaw, and D. Houtz, M.D., were chosen elders. In 1851, Peter Stryker, J. M. Gem- mill, M.D., and George Stiner were elected. In 1859, John Gemmill, John Dysart, and Patrick Davis were elected. In 1869, Samuel Hat- field, John A. Whittaker, James McElroy, and Samuel Patterson were selected. In February, 1878, William Stryker, James H. Dysart, and Alfred Porter were elected. In January, 1888, Charles P. Hatfield, George B. Porter, W. S. Livingston, and William A. Whittaker were chosen.
The present membership of this church is two hundred and twenty- one. It is harmonious, well organized, and in good running condition. The Session is composed of men of judgment and wisdom. The borough cemetery, which has been recently enlarged and beautified through the liberality of Mr. William Thompson, of Philadelphia, and Mr. W. H. Wolverton, of New York, is the property of this congrega- tion. This church has been the feeder of a number of Presbyterian
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THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
congregations within a radius of ten miles, notably Tyrone. The churches of Sinking Valley, Spruce Creek, and Shavers Creek were all organized after the Hart's Log.
The present church edifice is a substantial, commodious, home-like brick structure of two stories, furnished with a handsome pipe-organ, surrounded with a beautiful grove, and is in every way a desirable church home. It was built in 1851, during Rev. George Elliot's pas- torate. It has been the church home of doctors, lawyers, ministers, statesmen, and successful business men, notably Hon. John Scott, ex- United States senator, Hon. H. J. McAteer, ex-State senator, who is at present a member, J. M. Gemmill, M.D., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rev. Henry Van Dyke, D.D., New York, Rev. T. Calvin Stewart, Easton, Pennsylvania, Rev. T. C. Porter, D.D., Easton, Pennsylvania, Jacob Stewart, Esq., Easton, Pennsylvania, and others.
The present officers are: Elders, Alfred Porter (clerk), J. A. Whit- taker, Charles P. Hatfield, William Whittaker, and William Stryker.
Trustees, John Hatfield, Henry W. Swope, Benjamin Hatfield, Wilson Robb, William Work, Calvin Laird, and Calvin Porter.
Deacons, Hon. H. J. McAteer, Calvin Porter, and Enoch Kline.
Henry W. Swope, president board of trustees, and John Phillips, treasurer; William Stryker, Sabbath-school superintendent.
The writer of this sketch begs to acknowledge his indebtedness to the historical sermons of Rev. J. C. Barr for data.
November 11, 1895.
W. E. STEWART.
ALTOONA FIRST.
THE First Presbyterian Church, the natural and nursing mother of all churches of that denomination now in the city of Altoona, was organized November 8, 1852. The elders then chosen were John McCartney, Jonathan Hamilton (only one now living), John Hutchison, G. D. Thomas, M.D., and James L. Gwin.
The first building was erected on what is known as Gospel Hill, now occupied by the pleasant home of William Murray, Sr., for many years an active elder of this church (now retired). That building was burned Sabbath morning, March 4, 1855, just as the people were assembling for worship. Two lots were then purchased on what is now Eleventh
TELYINCORNELLUS
REY A.B CLARKE
ALTOONA, FIRST. PASTORS.
OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON. 109
Avenue (née Virginia Street), and the present edifice built there in the year 1855.
The village of that day seems to have resembled the anatomy of the crane, and these builders had no dream of a city of fifty thousand, there- fore desired to place the church in the midst of the village and on the main and almost only passage-way through it. Now they would gladly be farther from the shriek and rattle and rumble and ding-dong of steam- cars, trolleys, and the roar of city business that have too little. regard for the Lord's day, the Sabbath. But then they could buy for fifteen hundred dollars what is valued to-day at fifty thousand dollars.
In November, 1854, Rev. A. B. Clark was chosen the first pastor, which office he is said to have filled with acceptance and efficiency until April II, 1863, at which date he resigned. The records of this pastorate are too meagre to learn much concerning it. That was not the day of full records and figuring out great results.
January 25, 1864, Rev. R. M. Wallace, D.D., was chosen pastor. This was a time of war and secession. In that period the Second Church went out from the First; yet certainly not from a spirit of re- bellion or secession, we believe, but assured the mother family was large enough to spare them, and their duty to the Lord's house was to set up another family and gather children of their own; therefore, June 21, 1869, the Second Church was organized with forty charter members from the First Church, and now enrolls between seven and eight hundred mem- bers. Dr. Wallace's pastorate closed June 8, 1875, by resignation.
Rev. M. N. Cornelius, next pastor, began his ministry January I, 1876. This year opened with large accessions, the first communion twenty-eight were received from the Sabbath-school. From reports, Dr. Cornelius was evidently very popular, both inside and outside his congregation ; although afflicted with lameness, as a pastor he excelled, and as a preacher he was ready, fluent, and entertaining. His pastorate closed by resignation in May, 1885. Just one year later, May, 1886, Rev. J. W. Bain began his pastorate, and occupies the pulpit at the present date. The roll at that time contained four hundred and eighty- four names ; to these have been added four hundred and twenty-four, and had all been retained the number would now be nine hundred and eight, but we know where many of them have gone. When the number reached six hundred we believed it a duty to swarm. As small congre- gations are, in proportion, more efficient than large ones, we have never permitted our roll to exceed five hundred and fifty or six hundred. And
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THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
the rapid growth of the city demanded that we multiply Presbyterian churches if we were going to occupy and till our field. Therefore, on January 14, 1889, the Third Church was organized, to which we dismissed fourteen charter members; on July 18, 1892, the Fourth, or Juniata, Church was organized, to which we dismissed thirteen charter members ; and on September 15, 1892, the Fifth, or Broad Avenue, to which we dismissed six charter members. To all these new organizations the First Church has since contributed liberally both money and members, and they now number from one hundred to three hundred members each, and give good promise of growth spiritually and financially, as one of them will soon finish one of the finest church buildings in the city.
Of the present pastorate, the incumbent is only willing to say he hopes it has been as pleasant and profitable to every member and hearer as to himself. His salary has been fully and promptly paid every month, and there has not been war and worry enough to gray a single hair since he came. More than this it would not be proper to say, as like Tennyson's brook, it is still running on, with murmurs and ripples enough to prove it is still a living stream. When the pastorate ends, others can, if they wish, estimate it and write its record.
The church is at the present officered by strong and faithful men and helped by scores of fervent, devoted women. The present able and intelligent Session are Jonathan Hamilton, the saintly patriarch of the Session, passing from four- to fivescore years, William Murray, Sr. (re- tired), Benjamin F. Custer, T. M. Wiggins, A. C. Shand, Morris Davis, Samuel Patterson, Professor D. S. Keith, William Black, J. G. Hirst.
With a convenient and commodious building, in a pleasanter location, the First Church will continue its great power and usefulness in this needy, industrious, and rapidly-growing city until the end and the exaltation come.
J. W. BAIN.
ALTOONA SECOND.
ABOUT one hundred years ago our grandmother church was organ- ized in Hollidaysburg, and was nourished not only by the membership there, but received no little vitality from that beautiful valley to its south- east known as Scotch Valley. Having from its early history a very
M. W. THOMPSON.
A. T. LINDLEY.
W. S. ROSS, M.D.
H. K. MCCAULEY.
J. M. CAMPBELL.
REV. HENRY HOWARD STILES.
C. J. MANN.
ALTOONA, SECOND. PASTOR AND ELDERS.
III
OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
decided leaning towards missionary work, we find, as early as 1824, its pastor, the Rev. James Galbraith, was doing this work in this neighbor- hood, and held the first services within the bounds of Altoona, preaching in what was then known as the "Black Oak Rock" school-house, our late elder, James Hutchison, being present. The Rev. W. J. Gibson, D.D., afterwards preached in the old Union school-house in 1838, and was succeeded by that sturdy old divine, Rev. David McKinney, D.D., with whom recollections of the Shorter Catechism are associated. H preached in the same place about 1842.
The city of Altoona was founded near the middle of the nineteenth century, and its rapid growth very soon drew many Christians of various denominations, and as Presbyterians are usually thrifty in business, they were naturally drawn to the place, and at an early date the church was organized. This was the First Presbyterian Church of Altoona, and in 1854 called to its pastorate the Rev. A. B. Clark, who served that church until his death, in June, 1863. The Rev. R. M. Wallace, D.D., was his successor; he was pastor of this church from 1864 until June, 1875. During the years of his pastorate the church grew in numbers and in efficiency until the building was too small to accommodate the congregation. The rapid growth of the city was such that it became necessary that a new organization should be effected and a new church building erected. This was suggested as early as 1869, and a meeting was called to consider this question ; this meeting was held at the home of William M. Lloyd, at which the following persons were present: Mr. Lloyd, Thomas McCauley, Joseph Dysart, James Hutchison, Daniel Laughman, Charles J. Mann, Dr. J. M. Gemmill, S. C. Baker, and per- haps one or two others. These were not the only ones identified with the movement, for James H. Dysart, John M. Campbell, and John H. Converse were present at subsequent meetings.
After careful deliberation, a petition was presented to the Session of the First Church, praying them to unite with the petitioners in requesting the Presbytery of Huntingdon to organize a Second Presbyterian Church at Altoona ; and as a result of this action the Presbytery appointed the following committee to organize a church, if the way be clear : the Rev. S. M. Moore, D.D., Rev. R. M. Wallace, D.D., Rev. R. H. Campbell, and Elder Jonathan Hamilton. This committee met and organized the Second Church of Altoona on the evening of June 21, 1869. This meet- ing was held in the First Church, and the following persons were the original members: John M. Campbell, Mrs. Cornelia M. Campbell,
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THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
James Knox, John Shafer, Mrs. Mary Shafer, Wm. M. Lloyd, Mrs. Jane E. Lloyd, John McCormick, Miss Mary McCormick, H. I. Simpson, Cornelius Campbell, Mrs. Lizzie Campbell, Miss Nannie Craig, Mrs. Lavinia Plowman, Hugh A. Campbell, Mrs. A. E. Campbell, Miss Fannie M. Campbell, Thomas McCauley, Dr. J. M. Gemmill, Mrs. Anna T. Gemmill, Miss L. G. Wallace, Daniel Laughman, Mrs. Mary A. Laugh- man, Miss Annie M. Laughman, John M. Bowman, Joseph Dysart, Mrs. M. A. Dysart, Miss Ella M. Dysart, Miss Emma Dysart, Miss Lizzie Dysart, Charles J. Mann, Mrs. Ann Mann, James Hutchison, Mrs. Mary Hutchison, Miss Ann Hutchison, Miss Jennie Scott, Miss Anna Barnes, Miss Annie H. Baker, John Miller, Mrs. Mary Miller, Miss Ellen Miller, Miss Martha Miller, Miss Clara Miller, Mrs. Anna M. Osterloh, Miss Maggie Campbell, Miss Harriet Foster, James H. Dysart. The Rev. Dr. Moore, of Tyrone, preached the sermon. The following officers were elected :
Elders, James Hutchison, J. M. Campbell, and James H. Dysart.
Deacons, Charles J. Mann and Daniel Laughman.
Trustees, Wm. M. Lloyd, S. C. Baker, Thos. McCauley, Joseph Dysart, John H. Converse, and Dr. J. M. Gemmill.
Deacons and elders served in the same capacity in the mother church.
The trustees decided in the first meeting, which was held in Bell's Hall, July 6, 1869, that the new church should be located on the east side of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Bell's Hall was located at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Twelfth Street, and was rented and fitted up to be a temporary place for the Sabbath-school and church services. The first public service was held in Bell's Hall on Sunday, July 11, 1869, and conducted by the Rev. C. S. Kitchell, after which time regular services both Sunday and Wednesday evening were held.
As an indication of the necessity of this organization, it may be mentioned that at the first anniversary held in the City Hall, Sunday, July 17, 1870, the main school numbered three hundred and one, and the infant department one hundred and twenty-six scholars, with eight officers and thirty-seven teachers. The first sacrament of the Lord's Supper that was observed was Sunday, August 29, 1869, being admin- istered by Rev. D. X. Junkin, D.D. Monday, August 30, 1869, was set aside as the day for the baptism of the children, being the first in the history of the congregation. Monday, September 20, 1869, at a congre- gational meeting, the Rev. David Hall, of Mansfield, Ohio, was elected pastor, but declined to accept the call. However, some time later the
ALTOONA, SECOND.
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OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
call was renewed and again declined. April 5, 1870, the Rev. Dr. J. H. Mathers acting as moderator, a unanimous call was made to Licentiate W. J. Chichester, of the Presbytery of Baltimore, who was attending the Western Theological Seminary. This call was accepted on condition that he be permitted to continue his studies during the next year at Princeton. The congregation accepted this condition, and he was not installed until the second Tuesday of June, 1871. At the installation the Rev. R. M. Wallace, D. D., presided, and proposed the constitutional questions ; the Rev. D. H. Barron, D.D., preached the sermon ; the Rev. S. M. Moore, D.D., charged the pastor, and the Rev. O. O. McClain, D.D., charged the people. During the interval between Mr. Chichester's call and installation the church was supplied by various ministers, but Rev. Stuart Mitchell, D.D., acted as stated supply from October, 1870, until June 1, 1871.
The ground upon which the present church is located was purchased from Mr. Clement Jaggard in 1870 for four thousand five hundred dollars. Subscriptions were received for building a chapel and Sunday-school room, amounting to fourteen thousand three hundred and twenty-three dollars. Mr. Joseph Dysart superintended the building of this structure, the work being commenced in September, 1870; and the chapel was dedicated in April, 1871. Rev. Dr. David Hall, of Mansfield, Ohio, preached the dedicatory sermon. The chapel cost about twenty thou- sand dollars. At the dedication a subscription of seven thousand five hundred and forty-one dollars was made, but that was insufficient to cancel the debt. The following persons have served as elders or deacons of this congregation since its organization, including the above named : November 22, 1871, Dr. J. M. Gemmill, Wm. M. Lloyd, and Robert L. Gamble were elected elders, and John M. Bowman and Maxwell Kinkead were elected deacons. February 1I, 1874, Charles J. Mann and Alex- ander B. Findley were elected ruling elders, and John A. Castor, C. B. Bowles, T. H. Wigton, and W. A. Magee were elected deacons.
Additional elders were elected March 28, 1877, as follows : James D. Irvin, Wm. J. Allen, Joseph Dysart, and S. M. Ross ; and deacons, J. N. Barr, Harry Slep, J. C. Wilson, and Thomas E. Campbell.
A congregational meeting was held April, 1881, at which meeting H. K. McCauley and Wm. S. Ross were elected elders; and on May 2, 1888, James D. Irvin and J. C. Wilson were elected to the office of ruling elder, while George F. Jackson, Henry Canan, Wm. R. Gamble, C. Camp- bell, George F. Armstrong, and Calvin C. King were elected deacons.
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THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
The next election of officers was held December 7, 1892, when M. W. Thomson and T. H. Wigton were elected elders, and Charles W. Moore and J. E. Wallace deacons.
During 1872, 1873, and 1874 there seems to have been a revival in this church ; many were added to its membership on profession of faith. It is well to observe that this occurred during the time of great financial depression. Steps were taken towards the erection of a church building proper, and the present structure was decided upon, and the contract awarded to a Mr. Leach. Work was commenced in August, 1875, and the building was dedicated December 17, 1876. Rev. George P. Hays, D.D., preached the opening sermon. The cost of the building was thirty-four thousand nine hundred and sixty-five dollars and sixty- six cents. Mr. Chichester, the pastor, received a call to the First Church of Titusville, Pennsylvania, February, 1878, and accepted it. June 19, 1878, a call was tendered to the Rev. S. W. Duffield, and was accepted by him, he being installed October 7, 1878. Rev. J. C. Kelly presided and proposed the constitutional questions; the Rev. M. N. Cornelius preached the sermon; Rev. George Duffield, D.D., charged the pastor, and the Rev. J. H. Mathers, D.D., the people.
During the winter of 1878 and 1879 provision was made for the establishment of a sinking fund for the purpose of liquidating the church debt.
The State Sunday-school Convention was held in this church during Mr. Duffield's pastorate, Rev. Dr. John Hall, of New York, and Rev. P. S. Henson, of Chicago, being present. April 14, 1885, " Aunt" Ann Dysart, a woman of most lovable character, departed this life, leaving a legacy of one thousand dollars to our church, which is the only bequest it has ever received in its history. It is stated that she made a personal gift of the same amount to a former pastor. Mr. Duffield re- ceived a call to the Westminster Church of Bloomfield, New Jersey, December 1, 1881, and entered upon his labors in his new field Janu- ary 1, 1882, and remained there until his death, May 12, 1886.
From January I, 1882, Rev. W. H. Gill, D.D., of Westfield, New Jersey, served us as stated supply for three months. September 6, 1882, a call was tendered to the Rev. T. A. McCurdy, D.D., of Wooster, Ohio, but was declined. November 29, 1882, Rev. J. L. Russell, of Philadel- phia, was called to be pastor, and accepted the call, being installed the 28th of April, 1883. The Rev. M. N. Cornelius presided and proposed the constitutional questions. The Rev. S. F. Scovel, D.D., preached the
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OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
sermon ; Rev. D. K. Freeman, D.D., charged the pastor, and Rev. J. C. Kelly the people.
At the meeting of the Huntingdon Presbytery, held in this church on the first Tuesday of December, 1882, G. Stuart Hackett, one of our Sunday-school scholars and a member of our church, was to have been ordained to the gospel ministry to go as a missionary to Chile, but, on account of physical disability, could not accept the appointment. He was, however, licensed at the meeting of the Presbytery at Newton Hamilton, ordained by the Presbytery of St. Clairsville, and installed in the church at Uniontown, Ohio.
During Mr. Russell's pastorate many events of unusual interest occurred. October 14, 1883, the Reformation Memorial was observed, almost all of the Protestant churches of the city taking part.
Mr. Moody held a series of meetings in this church during October, 1885, which added largely to its membership, as well as to all of the other churches of the city. During this pastorate the Daily Penny Offering Committee was appointed in 1884, and that scheme was under- taken to lift the church debt. This committee has been very successful, and it is due to them to make this public acknowledgment of their services. I name with pleasure the members : H. K. McCauley, George F. Armstrong, Cornelius Campbell, John McCormick, G. W. Mehaffey, who, on his removal to Philadelphia, was succeeded by J. Elliott Wal- lace.
On Sunday, May 15, 1886, impressive memorial services were held at four o'clock, in memory of Rev. S. W. Duffield. Mr. Russell conducted the services, and was assisted by Rev. J. W. Bain, of the First Church.
The State Sunday-school Convention was again held in this church, September 25-27, 1888. Mr. Russell resigned his pastorate December 15, 1888, to accept a call to the First Church of Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, and a dissolution was effected December 31.
About January 20, 1889, this church sent out a colony with some additions from the First Church, which formed the Third Church, in the eastern portion of the city.
February 13, 1889, Rev. Arthur W. Spooner, of Elmira, New York, was unanimously elected pastor of this church, and was installed on the 29th day of April. The Rev. D. K. Freeman, D.D., preached and pro- pounded the constitutional questions ; the Rev. J. C. Russell, of Elmira, charged the pastor, and the Rev. J. R. Davies, D.D., of Tyrone, the people.
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THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
The Synod of Pennsylvania met in this church, October, 1889, and, during Mr. Spooner's pastorate, the Young People's Christian Endeavor was organized both in the senior and junior departments.
During the winter of 1890 and 1891 a remarkable series of revival services were held in our church under the leadership of Rev. Mr. Rees. September, 1892, another colony put off from this church and formed the Broad Avenue Church. Mr. Spooner made a great effort to lift the church debt, and received enough subscriptions to meet the demand, but the financial stringency of 1893 and 1894 hindered many from making payments who had made subscriptions.
About February 1, 1893, Mr. Spooner was called to the First Church of Camden, New Jersey, which call he accepted, and the pastoral relation was dissolved, to take effect April 1, 1893.
After Mr. Spooner left, the Rev. J. Elliott Wright, D.D., of German- town, ministered to us as a stated supply. We made calls to brethren, which, in the providence of God, they thought it best to decline ; but, at a congregational meeting held February 28, 1894, the Rev. Henry Howard Stiles was tendered a call by acclamation, which he accepted, being duly installed on Thursday evening, April 19, 1894. Rev. J. W. Bain pre- sided, and proposed the constitutional questions; Rev. Joseph Brown Turner, then of the Broad Avenue, now of Dover, Delaware, preached the sermon; Rev. Professor Thos. H. Robinson, D.D., of the Allegheny Seminary, charged the pastor, and the Rev. Harvey Græme Furbay, Ph.D., the people.
The following ministers have gone out from this church: M. Percy Crouse, G. Stuart Hackett, George Plack, Albert E. McCauley, Edward W. McDowell, Ira J. Laughman.
Since the organization of this church, 1869 to 1894, 1083 persons have been added to it upon examination, 681 on profession of faith, making a total of 1764; 272 adults have been baptized, 446 infants, making a total of 718. We have dismissed 631 to other churches, and 188 have died, making in all 819. For congregational expenses we have contributed $182,779, and for the benevolent work of the church $17,404, or a total of $200, 183.
ALEX. T. FINDLEY.
ALTOONA, THIRD.
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OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
ALTOONA THIRD.
THE germ from which the Third Church of Altoona has grown was a small Sabbath-school of four officers, nine teachers, and fifty-four scholars, which was organized May 6, 1888, in the chapel of the German Baptist Church on Fifth Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
The organization was effected by some of the local members of the committee appointed by the Huntingdon Presbytery to further the work of Presbyterian extension, together with other members of the First and Second Churches. This continued to be the meeting-place of the school for several succeeding months. On December 9 of the same year the first meeting was held in the new church building which had been erected under the direction of Presbytery's committee, on Fifth Avenue and Second Street. The growth of the school was so promising that it was deemed advisable to proceed to the organization of a church. Accord- ingly, on January 14, 1889, Rev. J. H. Mathers, Rev. J. W. Bain, and G. L. Myers, the committee of the Presbytery of Huntingdon ap- pointed for the purpose, met with others who were interested, and or- ganized the church with thirty-three members. Twenty-nine of these were received by certificate from the other churches,-the large majority of them from the First and Second Churches, and four were received upon confession of their faith.
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