USA > South Carolina > History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, Vol. I pt 2 > Part 36
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
688
SYNOD OF THE CAROLINAS.
[1790-1800.
regions east and west of the Alleghanies. James Templeton and Robert Hall, nominated by the presbytery of Southi Car- olina, and Robert Archibald and John Bowman, nominated by the presbytery of Orange, were appointed, each to serve for six months, the compensation to be at the rate of $200 per annum. The commission, on the 10th of October, drew up their instructions. They were directed to extend their labors chiefly to those places where congregations have not yet been formed, to assist them in organizing into regular societies where they were disposed to do so; not to tarry longer than three weeks at the same place in the bounds of twenty miles, except peculiar circumstances should make it necessary. They ordered Messrs. Templeton and Hall to spend each four months, before the middle of April, in the lower part of South Carolina and Georgia, and Mr. Archibald four months, and Mr. Bow- man three months, in the lower part of North Carolina. On the 17th of April, 1792, the commission met at Steele Creek, North Carolina, to receive the report of the missionaries, each of whom had fulfilled his appointment in whole or in part, ex- cept Robert Hall, who was hindered by ill health. Mr. Tem- pleton was appointed to itinerate for two months in South Carolina and Georgia, before October, Mr. Archibald in North Carolina, and Mr. Bowman in the frontier settlements of the synod generally. In October, 1793, synod appointed Rev. James Hall, Robert McCulloch, and Samuel C. Cald- well, ministers, and John Bowman, and Robert Montgomery, probationers, as missionaries, each for three months. The commission meeting at Colonel Bratton's, Bethesda, October 5th, 1792, directed Rev. James Hall and Samuel C. Caldwell to spend three months between the Roanoke and Cape Fear rivers ; Mr. John Bowman to spend six months in the bounds of Orange and Abingdon presbyteries; the Rev. Robert Mc- Culloch to spend three montlis in South Carolina, and Mr. Robert Cunningham in the State of Georgia. The Rev. Alex- ander Caldwell to be a substitute for Mr. Bowman, in case he did not accept. The next meeting of the commission was at Bullock's Creek, April 10, 1793, at which Messrs. Hall and Caldwell presented their reports. Again, at Sugar Creek, October 4, 1794, at which Mr. Bowman's report was sent in. Rev. Messrs. McCulloch, James Hall, and S. C. Caldwell gave in their reports. They declined to receive from the synod any compensation, beyond the collections they had made. The next appointments were Messrs. John Robinson, James Bowman, John M. Wilson, and Robert Wilson. These breth-
1790-1800.]
REPORT OF ROBERT WILSON. 689
ren fulfilled their appointments, and the order of synod was passed to compensate them for their services. The commis- sion, meeting October 5, 1793, at Sugar Creek, appointed Rev. James Hall, and Messrs. John Robinson and James Bowman, for three months, to the lower parts of North and eastern parts of South Carolina ; John M. Wilson to the country adjacent to the Yadkin, and Robert Wilson to the lower parts of South Carolina; and ordered them to give in careful reports of their labors. At Steele Creek, October 7, 1794, their reports were handed in.
Mr. J. M. Wilson received on his tour, £17 5 0 hard money.
" Robert Wilson, 9 8 7 sterling.
" John Bowman, 9 11 3
" John Robinson, 12 70
The report of Robert Wilson, as it refers to our own State of South Carolina, is here spread out before the reader:
" Being appointed by the synod to the missionary business for the term of three months, and ordered by the commission to spend that time in the lower parts of South Carolina, on the 6th of December, 1793, I set out from Long Cane ; and on Sabbath, the 8th, and Wednesday, the 11th, preached at Mr. Bell's, below the Ridge, where the roads from Long Cane to Charleston, and from Augusta to Granby, cross each other. No Presbyterian had ever preached in this settlement ; yet no motive, not even curiosity, could excite the people, generally, to give their attendance. The country is thick settled, but the opinions of the inhabitants are so various in matters of reli- gion, that no one denomination can obtain a settled pastor. Dunkards appear to be most numerous, having had for some time a small part of a preacher's labors. The number of Pres- byterian families in this place does not exceed four, and only some of these appear anxious for the gospel. For my services, have received thanks.
"Sabbath, 15th of December, preached at Columbia, to a very respectable assembly. The great concourse of people rendered it difficult to obtain any certain information of the number and desires of this village, with its vicinity. And on hearing that they had a gentleman of the presbytery of South Carolina in view, and hoped to be supplied by him, a very particular acquaintance did not appear so necessary. Re- ceived £2 16s. 8d.
" Sabbath, 22d of December, preached at Mr. Smith's (the Indian Head), to a pretty large assembly of people, who, con- sidering their poor opportunities, paid very good attention,
44
690
SYNOD OF THE CAROLINAS.
[1790-1800.
and discovered some sensibility. Some of the oldest settlers in this place had never heard a Presbyterian ; nevertheless, as many as twelve or fifteen families declare themselves desirous of obtaining a good man of some kind or other. It is truly lamentable to see and hear of the great profanation of the Sabbath that is everywhere practised, even among those wlio make a profession of the Christian religion. Hunting, shoot- ing, and all kinds of amusement, is engaged in on the Sab- bath day; and, although such wickedness is connived at, even by those in authority, it is probable if they had the opportu- nity of liearing the gospel frequently by one who in doctrine and practice would condemn such things, they would be per- suaded to forsake them. In this place there are both Baptists and Methodists, the former of which are most numerous. They have many followers, but few in communion with them; the most of the preachers of that denomination who have fre- quented this place are men of infamous characters, such as are an indignity to human nature, much more a disgrace to the Christian name. No man of the smallest discernment can possibly become one of their party. Received thanks.
"Sabbath, 29th of December, and Wednesday, Ist of Janu- ary, 1794, preached in Orangeburgh, to pretty large assemblies. Before the war, this place was regularly supplied by a gen- tleman of the Church of England, who was removed by death, and since that time the place has been vacant. Numbers of the original settlers lost their property, and many their lives, during the war, and several have emigrated, whose places are now filled up by persons of different persuasions, but chiefly such as have been raised among Presbyterians. At the present time it appears the serious desire of every one to encourage and support a man who will both teach and preach the gos- pel. From the attention paid, and the expressions of inward concern manifested in many countenances, it is probable, through divine grace, a preacher would be successful. Re- ceived £1 13s. 1d.
" Sabbath, 5th of January, preached at Turkey Hill, about five miles above Orangeburgli, to a pretty large assembly, al- most universally of German extraction, the majority of whom profess themselves Calvinistic Presbyterians. The attention paid, and the sensibility discovered by the majority of the congregation, was hopeful, though many irregularities are practised. The people here, since the war, have encouraged almost every man who came unto them, calling himself a preacher ; and therefore have been supplied by a great number
.
691
REPORT OF ROBERT WILSON.
1790-1800.]
in succession who have been invariably addicted to vice, and most commonly drunkenness. Hence, with the idea of a min- ister, here, is always associated the idea of a mercenary crea- ture, unworthy the attention of gentlemen ; and truly, it has been too much the case. Nevertheless, an upright and faith- ful minister might do much for this society if they were once convinced that his life was regulated by the precepts he incul- cated. Received nothing.
"Sabbath, 12th of January, was detained by wet weather, and preached again in Orangeburgh, to a small audience. The day was cold and the notice could not be made very general. Received nothing.
"Sabbath, 19th of January, preached at Cattle's Creek, about sixteen or eighteen miles from Orangeburgh, down Edisto river, to a very large assembly of people. The Methodists, expecting one of their preachers at a church just by, and be- ing disappointed, attended. This place was originally settled by Germans of the Presbyterian persuasion, some Lutherans, and some belonging to the Church of England. They once had a minister, to whose support they all jointly contribu- ted, forming a society, in point of number and ability, pretty respectable. Of this society, about seven or eight families now belong to the Methodists ; the remainder would willingly con- tribute to the support of a regular minister, and probably would profit by his instrumentality. The attention which is generally paid, and the feelings of the heart evinced by many countenances, is indeed a circumstance scarcely to be expected, when we consider the instructions and examples which the people have formerly enjoyed. Received nothing.
" Wednesday, 22d January, preached to a small assembly at the Indian fields. The most of the people here who make any profession at all, belong to the Methodist Church. About four or five families have refused to join their society, calling themselves Presbyterians. A settled pastor is indeed the professed desire of these families; but it is to be feared more out of opposition to the prevailing opinion and present choice of the neighborhood, than from love to God and the doctrines taught in his word. Many men, it is to be feared, make a pretext of a different persuasion to excuse them from embracing the truths, and living agreeably to the doctrines, of the Scripture. But if we cannot think as our neighbors do (which in this imperfect world is not to be ex- pected), we ought, nevertheless, to live in obedience to the plain precepts of the gospel. Received nothing.
692
SYNOD OF THE CAROLINAS.
[1790-1800.
" Sabbath, 26th January, preached at the Four Holes, near the bridge, to an assembly counted large by the inhabitants. Most of the people here embraced the doctrines of the Metho- dists, but have since declined, and are now just anything you please, or nothing at all. There are a few who profess them- selves Presbyterians in this place, who would willingly be supplied, and the majority of the people would probably join to support any good man, who would faithfully labor among them. The attention paid is indeed agreeable, and the sensi- bility discovered, flattering; but from the conduct of the people, there is reason to fear that their goodness too much resembles the morning cloud and early dew which passeth away. Received 7s. 11d.
"Tuesday, 28th January, and Sabbath, 2d February, preached at Wasamsaw church, to assemblies which were but small, probably on the account of rain. In this place there are not many Presbyterians (perhaps four or five families) ; the other inhabitants are either Baptists or those who make no profes- sion. The people here declare themselves not yet able to support a minister, but hope to increase in strength by being supplied. Received 17s. 5d.
"Sabbath, 9th February, preached at Mr. Eckels, (Beach hill), to an assembly as large as can be expected in that part of the country. Once there was in this place a flourishing Inde- pendent church, but they have all either been removed by death or emigrated, so that the place is now occupied by a few Methodists, and those who make no profession at all. Received nothing.
"Sabbath, 16th February, preached at Wiltown, near Ponpon river, to a large assembly. There has been, in former times, and still is, a Presbyterian society in this place. They have not been regularly supplied since the war, and, therefore, in general, are much relaxed in, and very inattentive to, the pre- cepts of Christianity, but there are not wanting even here, some who not only encourage but really love religion. A great number of negroes attended, and gave a sober and ap- parently anxious ear to the word. Received £3 4s. 6d.
" After spending three Sabbaths in fulfilling presbyterial appointments, returned to my missionary tour, and
"Sabbath, 16th March, preached at a new meeting-house, built by several denominations of Christians for the reception of any minister, on Cow Castle, a branch of the Four Holes, about twenty miles above the bridge. In this place there are nine or ten families who profess themselves Presbyterians,
693
OTHER MISSIONS.
1700-1800.]
and express a desire of being supplied. The sober attention of this people, and their engagedness in time of divine service, is pleasing, though their prospects must be melancholy. No doubt they would profit by the public means of grace, could they enjoy them. Received 9s.
"Sabbath, 23d March, preached at Orangeburgh, to a very numerous assembly, who send a petition, requesting supplies of the presbytery of South Carolina, signed by a respectable number of gentlemen.
" Tuesday, 25th March, preached at the Indian Head to a small assembly ; the morning was very wet. Received nothing. " The people among whom I have spent three months as a missionary, have indeed been needy, and their situation must be acknowledged one of the most solemn lessons to ministers that can possibly be given. Thousands of poor ignorant creatures, have ;(by the unholy lives of ministers), been made to believe there is no reality in religion, and there- fore the most affectionate and earnest efforts appear to be in a great measure lost. They are like the deaf adder, who stoppeth her ear and will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely. The lower parts of South Caro- lina, in general, appear to be in some measure sensible of the necessity of religion, even for the good of civil society. But in order to general usefulness, a minister would be under the necessity of tarrying so long in one place that the people would be convinced of his sincerity by his Christian walk and conversation.
"The practice of travelling from place to place in quick suc- cession, is in many places unpopular, and, as has been hinted, probably not the most profitable.
" ROBERT WILSON."
The next missionary appointed was Mr. William McGee. The General Assembly, in May, 1795, had given the synods of Virginia and the Carolinas " liberty to direct the presbyteries to ordain such candidates as they may judge necessary to ap- point on missions to preach the gospel;" restricting the ordination "to such only as are engaged to be sent on missions." The synod, therefore, passed this order : " Whereas, it appears necessary to this synod, that an ordained missionary should travel in our vacant churches in our Western territory, and as Mr. William McGee, a licentiate of the presbytery of Orange, proposes to take an appointment for this purpose-ordered, that the above presbytery be directed, and they are hereby directed, to ordain Mr. McGee, as soon
694
SYNOD OF THE CAROLINAS.
[1790-1800.
as may be convenient, agreeably to the permission granted to this synod in such cases, by the Assembly, in May last."
From this time to the close of the century, the subject of missions is not alluded to with any particularity in the records of the synod. The troubles in the Abingdon presbytery, arising from the disturbing influence of the Hopkinsian theology, in East Tennessee, seem to have engrossed its chief attention, and evangelistic labors were remitted to the pres- byteries, or were carried on by individual ministers.
One other item occupied at different times the attention of the synod. In 1791, the Assembly enjoined upon the several presbyteries to procure materials for the history of the Presbyterian church in America, and repeated this injunction from time to time. The presbytery of South Carolina obeyed this injunction. The synod, in October, 1791, in Septem- ber, 1792, October, 1794, October, 1796, urged this matter upon the attention of these presbyteries. Something valuable was thus secured, which has been of assistance to us, as to the older churches in the upper portion of South Carolina, in com- posing this history. The entire materials which had been sent up to the Assembly, were, in 1804, placed in the hands of Dr. Ashbel Green and Ebenezer Hazard, who were appointed to write the history. In 1805 they reported progress. In 1813 they requested to be discharged, and that Dr. Samuel Mil- ler should be appointed to complete what they had begun. In 1819 Dr. Green was associated with Dr. Miller. In 1825 this committee requested to be discharged. A new com- mittee was appointed, consisting of Drs. Green, Janeway, and Ely. In 1836, Rev. Luther Halsey was appointed in place of Dr. Ely, resigned. But the thankless and laborious task im- posed upon these brethren by the Assembly, has never yet been performed.
The following is an exhibit of the synod of the Carolinas at the close of this century :-
I. THE PRESBYTERY OF ORANGE (set off from Hanover in 1770), had 14 ministers, 4 licentiates, 8 candidates, and 30 con- gregations.
Ministers.
Rev. Henry Patillo,
David Caldwell,
Colin Lindsay,
William Moore,
66 William Hodge,
Charges. Grassy Creek and Nutbush. Buffaloe and Alamance.
Upper and Lower Hico. Without charge.
695
STATISTICS.
1790-1800.]
Ministers.
Rev. Samuel Stanford,
Angus McDiarmid,
James H. Bowman,
William F. Thompson,
John Gillespie,
William D. Paisley,
Samuel McAdo,
John Anderson,
Robert Tate,
Charges.
Black River and Brown Marsh. Barbacue Bluff, Mckay's. Eno and Little River.
New Hope.
Centre, Laurel Hill, and Raft Swamp. Union and Lower Buffaloe. Speedwell and Haw River. Without charge.
South Washington and Rock- fish.
Licentiates .- Messrs. John Rankin, Robert Foster, Andrew Caldwell, and Edward Pharr.
Candidates .- Messrs. Daniel Brown, Ezekiel B. Currie, John Matthews, Duncan Brown, Murdock McMillan, Malcolm McNair, Hugh Shaw, and Murdock Murphy.
Vacancies .- Hawfields and Cross-Roads, Goshen and the Grove, Hart's, Upper Cross-Roads, Stoney Creek.
II. THE PRESBYTERY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (set off from Orange in 1784), had Ministers, 18; Licentiates, 3 ; Candidates, 2; Congregations, 57 .- (For particulars, see p. 660.)
III. THE PRESBYTERY OF ABINGDON (set off from Hanover in 1785), had Ministers, 4. Licentiates, Candidates, Congre- gations, not mentioned.
Rev. Charles Cummins, Samuel Doake, Jacob Lake, James Balch.
Vacancies (in 1802), Salem, Providence, Concord, Green Spring, Sinking Spring, Rocky Spring, Glade Spring, Upper Holstein, Boiling Springs, Eversham, Hopewell, Blue Stone, Gilmore Settlement.
IV. THE PRESBYTERY OF CONCORD (set off from Orange in 1795): Ministers, 15; Licentiates, 0; Candidate, 1; Congrega- tions, 33.
Ministers. Charges.
Rev. Samuel E. McCorkle, D.D., Thyatira.
" James Hall, Bethany.
" James McRee, Centre.
" David Barr, Philadelphia.
" William C. Davis, Olney.
" Samuel C. Caldwell, Sugar Creek and Hopewell.
696
REFORMED PRESBYTERIANS, (COVENANTERS). [1790-1800.
Ministers.
Charges.
Rev. James Wallis,
" Joseph Kirkpatrick,
Third Creek and Unity.
Concord and Fourth Creek.
Goshen and Unity.
Quaker Meadows and Mor- ganton. Ramah and Bethphage.
-
" John Carrigan,
" John Andrews,
Little Britain.
" Samuel Davis, Mamre.
" George Newton, Swananoa and Rim's Creek.
Candidate .- Mr. Thomas Hall.
Vacancies .- Steele Creek, Poplar Tent, Rocky River, Smyrna, Knob Creek, Mineral Springs, Chestnut Springs, Mount Pleasant, Mountain Creek, Jersey, and Joppa.
V. PRESBYTERY OF HOPEWELL (set off from South Carolina in 1796), had Ministers, 4; Congregations, 26.
Ministers.
Charges.
Rev. Robert M. Cunningham, Ebenezer and Bethany.
Moses Waddel, Carmel.
William Montgomery, New Hope.
" Thomas Newton, Hebron.
(For vacancies, see p. 657.)
VI. PRESBYTERY OF UNION (set off from Abingdon in 1797), had Ministers, 4; Licentiates, 0; Candidates, 0; Congre- gations, 13.
Ministers. Charges.
Rev. Samuel Carrick,
The Fork and Knoxville.
Robert Henderson, Westminster and Hopewell.
Gideon Blackburn, Eusebia and New Providence.
Samuel G. Ramsey,
Hezekiah Balch,
Ebenezer and Pleasant Forest.
John Cossan.
Besides the body of Presbyterians whose history has been given in these pages, there was a small representation of the Reformed Presbyterians known as Covenanters. There were some four congregations of this division of the church in the vicinity of Catholic church, in the first quarter of the nine- teenth century. There was the church on Rocky creek, where Rev. William Martin first preached. There was Big Rocky Creek, Little Rocky Creek, and Beaver Dam. There were other societies, one in Newberry and one in Fairfield, for where-
" Lewis F. Wilson,
"-Humphrey Hunter,
" John M. Wilson,
Providence.
697
THEIR MINISTERS.
-1800.]
r they settled in the neighborhood of each other, they as- iated together for religious worship. The earliest minister bestowed his labors upon them this side the Atlantic, was Cuthbertson, who came from the Reformed Presbytery in tland, in 1752. Mr. Martin and a number of his people he into South Carolina from Ireland, probably in 1772. ween the years 1773 and 1775, his adherents built a log ting-house about two miles east from Catholic. This Mr. rtin tradition represents to have been a man of fine ap- rance, of no inconsiderable eloquence, a Whig in politics ing the time of the Revolution, concerning whom many ising anecdotes linger in the memories of men, and who sometimes less temperate than became him in the use of ng drink. His war sermon after Buford's defeat, and its cts, are graphically described in "The Women of the Rev- ion," iii., 124. His church on Rocky river was burnt by British and Tories in 1780. Mr. Cuthbertson was re-en- ed in 1774 by Messrs. Linn and Dobbin, sent by the Re- hed Presbytery of Ireland, and these three ministers, with ng elders, united in forming the Reformed Presbytery-in erica. This union was dissolved, when in 1782 a union effected between this body and the Associate presbytery, ally known as the Seceders, whence arose the United rch known as the Associate Reformed. To this, one ister of the Reformed, Rev. Mr. Martin, and several con- ted with the Associate presbyteries, did not accede, so ; the distinction between the two was perpetuated. The r'ches of the Reformed, opposed to the union, now reverted tly to the private fellowship meetings to which they were istomed. Rev. James Reid was then sent as a missionary Scotland, and having travelled in this capacity from olina to New York, returned in 1790. Rev. Mr. McGarragh, ained in Ireland for America, arrived in South Carolina
ut 1791. Rev. William King came in 1792, and after nding some time in Pennsylvania and New York, became tor of a church in Chester district, and died August 24th, 3, at the age of about fifty.
he Rev. Messrs. Martin, King, and McGarragh regulated affairs of the church, as a committee of the Reformed Pres- ry in Scotland. This was a temporary expedient.
he Rev. James McKinney, a man of education and com- iding talents, a native of Ireland, after spending four years missionary labors, from 1793 to 1797, eventually settled in ster county, but it was not till 1804.
698
COVENANTERS.
[1790-1800.
Rev. William Gibson arrived in America, accompanied by Messrs. Black and Wiley, candidates for the ministry. The committee was now providentially dissolved, partly by the misconduct of two of its members; and the reorganization of this branch of the church was accomplished by Messrs. Mc- Kinney and Gibson, with ruling elders, who constituted the " Reformed Presbytery of the United States of America," in 1798. Mr. King had departed this life before the day appointed for this transaction arrived.
Thomas Donnelly was born in the county of Donegal, Ire- land, May, 1772, and entered the University of Glasgow. In 1791, he migrated to South Carolina, and going North, he became a student at Dickinson college, Pennsylvania. Re- turning South, he studied theology with Rev. William King, and was licensed at Coldenham, New York, in 1799. The ministerial life of this worthy minister belongs to the history of the next century. He was the last minister of this denomina- tion in South Carolina. He died December 27, 1847.
The old Covenanters, while approving the government of the United States in its protection of persons and property, ob- jected to it, that there is no acknowledgment of God or tlie Christian religion in its Constitution, but that Jews, Moliam- medans, and Deists are alike admitted to its honors and emolu- ments ; that it upheld slavery ; that it admits men to office by swearing or affirming, without the name of God. They were strenuous advocates of an inspired psalmody, and would allow of no other. While admitting the validity of ordinances administered by other denominations, they refused to com- mune with them, either in word or sacraments. These views were modified to a very considerable extent, as to our govern- ment, in one branch of this church. The strict Covenanter refused to serve on juries, or to hold any civil office which re- quired an oath to support the Constitution of the State or the United States. In the destitute settlements especially, they spent the greater part of the Sabbath in their society meet- ings, in prayer, praise, reading standard religious books, and in catechising the young. They were well indoctrinated, as the result of this, in the Calvinistic faith and Presbyterian disci- pline, while they held aloof from other communions.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.