USA > South Carolina > History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, Vol. II pt 2 > Part 17
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"By his last marriage he had six children-four sons and two hughters-all of whom lived to fill respectable stations in society, and enjoy the covenanted blessings of their father's God. The eldest, J. Wadde I, a professor in Franklin College, attained in his early life a lebrity, as teacher of classics, not inferior to any. Two sons entered e sacred desk -Isaac W. Waddell, who died at Marietta, Ga. and J. Waddell of Tennessee. The second son. William, died some years nce in Tallahassee, Florida, a beloved physician, and elder of the urch at that place.
"In 1837, the friends and admirers of Dr. Waddell noticed with deep in the approach of that disease which was bringing on a premature de- ine" of his mental faculties. His physical strength was much impaired, id although very reluctant to acknowledge' it, he was, at length, con- rained to call in the assistance of his son, J. W. Waddell, then preach- gat Hopewell and Lebanon.
"On the 14th July, 1837, hearing that Dr Waddell had a second and verer attack of paralysis, we called to see him. He was lying in bed, id one arm lay heavily by his side. 'This right hand,' he said, ising it with his left, then letting it fall listlessly, 'how much it has me! but it will never do any more' The next morning, feeling mewhat better, he sent for a particular friend to read for him a new ork which one of his sons had just sent him. Whilst thus engaged, a entleman called, and brought to his bedside a young son of J. C. Cal- un. The sight of this son of his beloved pupil enlivened his brow r a moment, and he strove to recall some of the pleasant memories the past, but in vain. The gentleman, thinking to interest him, ban a criticism upon the writings of the Apostles, but the aged and ricken disciple could only raise one hand to his head, and complain at he was sadly failing there. When he had become partially re- ored, he summoned his children, to divide his estate among them hile his mind was yet sufficiently clear, and thus dissolved his con- ection with earthly things. And now the sturdy, industrious spirit of ie good old man, which had so loved its work, the iron nerve and nn- ending resolution, that no obstacle could intimidate, yielded to the irkness and dreariness of days withont toil and nights without com- rt; and like his amiable and beloved teacher, Dr. Hall, a hopeless and revocable gloom settled on his mind. He never preached again, and is prophecy concerning that hand was true-' it . could never do any ore.' He made some weary pilgrimages between this place and thens on each return here, hoping, that he had come to die, that he ight be placed beside his wife in the graveyard at Willington. This bre noble intellect was in ruins, and the only evidence he gave of the fre buoyant spirit was the rest essness with which he turned from one to seine to find some ray of comfort. What an affecting sight to hold him -- an alien, a stranger, a weary pilgrim, in this home of his art, this church of his peculiar love.
"The causes, as given by his family physician, for his sudden and emature decay are, the excessive use of tobacco and want of that ex- tement to which he was habituated.
544
LONG CANE.
[1830-1840.
"On his last visit he sat down to the table of the Lord, and with him sat, for the first time, one in whose salvation he had always shown the deepest interest, but he knew it not. That revelation was reserved for the time when that fettered soul should burst its shackles, and rejoice in the light of never-ending day
" Finally, July 26, 1840, he died at Athens, and the literati of that State designing him a monument, his remains were interred at that place, contrary to the express provisions of his will. It is scarcely necessary to add that this design has never gone into effect."
So writes his life long friend and neighbor, Mrs. M. E. Davis. Other tributes might be drawn from the eulogy of Judge Longstreet, delivered at the college, in August, 1841; from his memoir in Sprague's Annals, Vol. IV, p. 63, prepared by the same; from John C. Calhoun, LL. D., Vice-President of the U. S. (both of whom were his pupils) ; from Rev. Alonzo Church, D. D., President of Franklin College, and for ten years his associate in the Faculty-but we forbear.
LONG CANE .- The Rev. Dr. Barr continued the same be- loved and revered pastor of this congregation. Various events from time to time occurred of minor importance, yet necessary to the well-being of the church and congregation.
The first thing to which they seem to have given their at- tention was their place of burial. It was surrounded by an inadequate enclosure, the fence often thrown down and the grounds trampled by cattle. The trustees took the matter in hand, protected it by a suitable enclosure, defraying the ex- pense by the voluntary contributions of the parties interested.
All opposing claims to the territory now included in the States of Alabama and Mississippi had been adjusted, and a vast emigration was setting in that direction, as well from this congregation as elsewhere. So that it became much reduced in numbers and strength, having also lost by death several of its most useful and zealous members, it became difficult amongst the comparative few remaining to make up the salary of Dr. Barr, small and inconsiderable as it was, and the period seemed rapidly approaching-foreseen by the founders of the Upper Long Cane Society-when from some of the iden- tical causes above stated, the congregation would be unable to support a clergyman from individual contributions ; accord- ingly, at a meeting of the Society in January, 1833, although the funds of the Society had not by several hundred dollars reached the amount when in conformity with the constitution any part of the accruing interest could be appropriated for that purpose, yet, from the necessity of the case, the Society did appropriate $200.00 in aid of Dr. Barr's salary for that year and the same the next year. In 1832, all constitutional
545
UPPER LONG CANE SOCIETY.
0-1840.]
ficulties having ceased by alteration of the constitution, a e sum of $200.00 was appropriated. In January. 1835, a 'eting of the congregation was called and at the same time e of the Society, in which it was determined to reduce the sessment on the seats in the church, with the expectation it they would all be taken up, and at least as large, if not ger amount be raised from them than under the old assess- ent-the Society now agreeing to make up the balance of . Barr's salary. The appropriations by the Society were adually increased.
Since the Upper Long Cane Society made the first appro- ation those who are not members of it are more averse than merly to pay, supposing the Society should pay the whole hount of the clergyman's salary, although it and the con- egation are two entirely separate and distinct bodies.
The causes which have hitherto operated to reduce the mber of the congregation still continue, though not in so eat a degree, and the additions to the church have not been fficient to repair its loss by death and removals, and the incipal support of the clergyman has been derived from the propriations of " The Upper Long Cane Society," those propriations having amounted, down to 1852, (which is an- tipating by 12 years the appointed progress of our history) $II.392.83.
This Society was formed in 1793, incorporated in 1799. he original subscription of $65, from the payment of one dol- per annum by each member, or fifteen dollars for a life embership, and a few other small donations by accumula- on by compound interest, had amounted, on the 2d of March, 32, to $8,909 82, bearing interest from that day, over and bove $600, which aided in the support of a clergyman and her expenses. Most of the members of the congregation ve neglected to join the Society. Most of the members of e Society are also members of the congregation, although minority in it.
Each member pays one dollar per annum, or fifteen dollars r a life membership. The bounds of the Society extend for n miles from the Upper Long Cane Church. Application r admission to be made by letter at an annual meeting, and ection to the Society requires a two-third vote of the mem- ers present. The person admitted must sign the constitu- on and by-laws.
35
546
LITTLE MOUNTAIN-BRADAWAY. [1830-1840.
For grossly immoral conduct a member may be expelled by a two-third vote of the members present. All contribu- tions, monies and properties accruing to the Society, to be kept at interest until they amount to a capital of $10,000, which sum at least is always to be preserved as capital. After this amount is attained the whole or part of the interest may be applied towards the minister's salary, the education of poor children, the relief of distressed members, or the dis- tressed families of deceased members. No member may borrow from the fund, or be securities of those who do bor- row, or procure any other person to borrow for him, on the pain of forfeiting to the Society fifty per cent. on every sum so borrowed. The Society seems thus far to have been most successfully managed.
LITTLE MOUNTAIN -This church remains under the pas- toral care of its founder, the Rev. William H. Barr. D. D. The numbers 44, 47, 54, 56, 54, 50, exhibit its membership in different years.
LEBANON .- The Rev. Richard B. Cater continued to supply this church until December, 1831. The Rev. Isaac Waddell took charge as a supply in the year 1832, and continued to serve in this capacity until 1837. During Mr. Waddell's min- istry, Capt Thos. Parker and Dr. Y. S. Reid were added to the Session from the Hopewell Church, and Mr. Weir re- moved from the bounds of the congregation. During Mr. Waddell's connection with the church, the Rev. Daniel Baker was present at a protracted meeting of five or six days, dur- ing which some fifteen members were added to the church, most of them heads of families and past middle age.
The Rev. Charles Martin was in the service of this church as a supply, from the twenty-second of January, 1837, until the following September. He was succeeded by the Rev. James P. Gibert, who received a call from the church and congregation to become their pastor, who was ordained and installed at an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery on the twenty-fourth of November, 1838, the Rev. Dr. Barr, Hugh Dixon, A. W. Ross and Dr. J. H. Reid, being present and as- sisting in the service. The membership of the church has varied from sixty to one hundred down to this time.
BRADAWAY (spelled Broadway in 1838 and Broadaway in 1839) is represented as vacant, with a membership of fifty- nine at the beginning of this decade. Rev. William Carlisle
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1
30-1840.]
MIDWAY-GOOD HOPE AND ROBERTS.
came its pastor in 1831-1838, and its membership was six- -five. William H. Harris appears to have served this urch in 1839.
MIDWAY, in Anderson District, was received under the re of the Presbytery of South Carolina on the third of Oc- ber, 1833. with twenty-one members. (MS. Minutes, vol. , p. 47.) Presbytery met at this church March 21, 1834. was part of the charge of William Carlisle, as supply, in 336, '37, '38, '39. Membership in 1838, thirty-one.
VARENNES, was vacant in 1830, sixteen, however, had been Ided, and the membership was sixty-two. William Carlisle as its pastor, with a membership of sixty-eight in 1831. He ontinued its pastor until October 3d, 1835, when the relation as dissolved by Presbytery. In 1837, it is reported as va- int with a membership of seventy-five. William Harris ap- ears from the statistical tables, to have been its minister in 339.
GOOD HOPE AND ROBERTS .- We have seen on a former page our preceding history to what extent the indebtedness of hese churches to their pastor had reached. Both congregations ecame uneasy and feared that in case their pastor should die hey would be compelled to pay what they admitted to be heir just debts. No effort was made to pay the arrears, hough it was frequently spoken of. The impression began prevail that a pastor was rather a cumbersome customer. t length the pastor concluded that while he was straitened meet his pecuniary obligations, it might be to the interests f the churches to give them a certificate relinquishing all laims to whatever sum they were in arrears, and especially s they were much weakened by emigrations and death, and ould not raise the amount promised in the call ; consequent- , in 1835, he gave to Good Hope and Roberts a clear re- eipt up to that time. They still expressed a desire for him ) remain with them, which he did, for whatever sum they hight give him. By mutual consent, after a short time, the astoral relation was dissolved; yet he still supplied his ld charge part of the time. Here we may mention that the ne-fourth of his time was not called for at first by these hurches, was usually spent on the Georgia side of the Sa- annah River ; several small churches would assemble at Jew Lebanon, where he, assisted frequently by some other hinisters, held some interesting and profitable meetings. It
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REV. DAVID HUMPHREYS, [1830-1840.
appeared that every service seemed to increase the interest, until a protracted meeting of a few days would show more signs of good fruit than an entire year in other fields. It is believed by some qualified to judge, that these meetings were instrumental in strengthening those feeble churches in the upper part of Georgia, and that they became the germ of the Cherokee Presbytery. His labors in this region were gratuitous. The churches were feeble and never seemed to think of taking up a collection to defray the expenses of go- ing to and returning from these meetings. On one occasion he spent a night in a strange family, and in the morning he offered to leave his watch (as he had no money) as a pledge that he would pay for the night's lodging on his return. The man refused to keep the watch, but said the money could be paid on the next visit, which was accordingly done. On another occasion he had an appointment in that region at a more distant point ; the services to commence at night. He rode fifty miles and the night was closing in upon him ; he despaired of finding the place and turned from the main road to hunt a shelter for the night, when he came suddenly upon a large assembly of people awaiting his arrival. Though hungry and fatigued, he preached to a very attentive audi- ence, and then rode several miles to lodge with another family. On the way he conversed with one of the members, a son, on personal piety. Many years afterwards he met with a middle-aged man who approached him with manifest plea- sure, made himself known, and said, " the sermon preached that night, and the conversation had with him on the way. were instrumental in bringing him to Christ." He labored for several years in the Providence Church, now at Lowndes- ville, but then located several miles to the northeast of that place. One hundred or more members were added to the Church there through his instrumentality. But we turn back to the churches whose history is especially called for. Camp
meetings were occasionally held at Roberts, and then at Good Hope. About the year 1835, a framed arbor was erected at the latter place. and an annual camp meeting was held there, including the second Sabbath in August. Large additions were often made to both churches on these occasions. But Good Hope was again reduced in 1837, by the dismission of sixteen members at one time, who removed to Chambers County, Ala. One of these was a prominent elder of the
£
549
ROBERTS CHURCH.
30-1840.]
lurch, who had felt much for her in the struggles through hich she had passed ; he, on seeing her again so much re- uced, pronounced her "dead beyond hope of recovery." By whom shall Jacob now arise? for Jacob's friends are w." But the Saviour speaks and says, "fear not little ock." While the annual meeting is still kept up on the cond Sabbath in August, the congregation has not tented i the ground for ten or twelve years.
The Hon. J. N. Whitner united with the Roberts Church the fourth Sabbath in April, 1832. He was soon after- ards elected. and ordained a Ruling Elder. His history is o well known to need a repetition here. Suffice it to say, hat he was a very active and influential officer, while he mained connected with the church in this place. But living he did, at Anderson C. H , with a young family, he felt it together important that a Presbyterian Church should be ganized at that place. Mainly through his efforts and lib- ality a house of worship was erected on a lot which he onated for that purpose. He, with his wife, who was also a ember here, were dismissed, while others came from adja- nt churches and organized at Anderson C. H., about the ear 1837. From that time until his death, his history be- ngs to that church, which had his prayers and benefactions hile he lived. He had five sons and three daughters, all, ith one exception, united with the church.
About the year 1837, Thomas Cunningham, James McLees id J. J. Mclees, were elected and ordained Ruling Elders. he first of these, Mr. Cunningham, was first a member of le Friendship Church, in Laurens District, and became hited with this, and labored much to advance its interests. his was evinced by his contributions and persevering efforts the erection of the new church edifice at Roberts. After ontributing as much in money and labor as any other per- on, when it was ascertained that the original subscription ould fall short of completing the building by several hun- red dollars, and the counsel of the majority was to discon- uue the work for a year or two, he and E. S. Nevins, Esq., ho is also an elder, resolved to go on and complete the work id pay for it themselves, if the congregation offered them no trther assistance. The house was completed, and the addi- onal expenses were shared by the gratified congregation. le was a candidate for the Legislature, and elected by the
550
PROVIDENCE CHURCH.
[:1830-1840
highest vote in the district. He was thrice married, first to a daughter of Dr. Robert Campbell, of Laurens District, who died in a few months ; next, to a daughter of Mr. James An- derson, of Spartanburg, who also died in a short time, leaving an only son ; then to a daughter of Dr. Gibert, of Abbeville District, who, with several children, were left to mourn their irreparable loss. He died in 1856.
During this decade, Daniel McCurly, Samuel McMahone and Andrew Reid, Esqs., were elected Ruling Elders in Roberts Church. Mr McCurly was a man of prayer and exemplary deportment. His children were brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and have all united with the church. He, with others, removed many years ago to Chambers County, Ala. Sixteen members being dismissed at that time, they formed a large part of a new church in this part of the county. He died several years since.
. Mr. McMahone came from Antrim County, Ireland, and settled in Chester District, S. C. Afterwards he removed within the bounds of this church, and after his connection with it became an elder. He was an efficient and useful man, and much concerned for the church. His two sons and two daughters united with the church. He died from a cancer, after protracted and patient suffering. His aged widow contributed still to the church, though nearly ninety years old.
Hugh Mecklin was received here by letter, March 12th, 1836. He had been elected and ordained an elder at Rocky River, before he united here. He was shortly chosen to the same office in this church. He was a brother of Rev. Robert Mecklin, who labored and died at Rocky River. He was eminently pious, and exerted a hallowed influence on all around him. He died in 1842.
On the 10th of April, 1836, Messrs. Lindsay A. Baker, Wm. B. Sadler, Pennal Price and Samuel H. Baker, were elected elders. [From the History of Roberts and Good Hope Churches, by their former pastor, Rev. David Hum- phreys, October, 1867.]
PROVIDENCE . CHURCH (Lowndesville.)-This is a branch of the Rocky River Church. The Rev. David Humphreys preached for several years in this church, which stood about two miles northeast of the village of Lowndesville. Through his labors over one hundred members were added to the
551
-1840.]
ANDERSON-MIDWAY-RICHLAND.
irch. A camp-meeting was held at the place for several cessive years. On one of these occasions, in 1832, the v. Daniel Baker, so famed as a revivalist, preached for geral days together, with great success. [Memorial by v. David Humphreys, p. 7.] It had one hundred and thir- n members in 1834. During the years 1835 and 1836 the Lirch was vacant, except as it received occasional supplies. - jor John G. Caldwell was elected an elder in the last of se years. In 1837 and 1838 the churches of Rocky River d Providence united in obtaining the ministerial services of n. H. Davis, then a licentiate. At the commencement of 39, the same churches procured the services of the Rev. nes Lewers, from Charleston Union Presbytery, who re- ined with them about two years, and went to the North. 1839 this church numbered, whites, 119; blacks, 29; al, 148.
ANDERSON CHURCH was organized on the 23d of September, 37, by Rev. D. Humphreys, William Carlisle, James Lew- 6, W. H. Harris and Edwin Cater, with a membership of irteen communicants. J. N. Whitner and J. P. Holt, cer- ed elders, the one of Roberts Church, the other of Varennes, ere elected as elders of this new organization. They were pplied with the ordinances of the gospel by the Rev. Edwin ter until March 5th, 1839, when Mr. Cater retired, and the urch was vacant. A new church edifice meanwhile was ected on the spot on which it now stands, and dedicated by W. Ross, assisted by Rev. E. T. Buist, D. Humphreys d C. Martin.
MIDWAY (in Anderson), constituted with twenty-one mem- ers, was received by the Presbytery of South Carolina on the 1 of October, 1833. The Presbytery held its LXXII. Ses- on at this church, March 20th, 1834. In that year it was cant, with twenty-three members. In 1836, 1837, it was a urt of the charge of Wm. Carlisle, with thirty-four members, id so continued through this decade.
RICHLAND CHURCH, in Pickens District, was received by le Presbytery of South Carolina, at its session at Midway hurch, on the 20th March in 1834. It is reported as vacant the minutes of the Assembly of that year, with forty mem- ers, twenty-eight of whom had been received on examina- on and twelve on certificate. It was served as a supply by enjamin DuPree, in 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839.
552
LAURENSVILLE-HOPEWELL (K.). [1830-1840.
LAURENSVILLE CHURCH was organized through the labors of Rev. S. B. Lewers, who had been licensed by the Presbytery of South Carolina, on the 18th of October, 1831. The Rev. Messrs. Waddell, D. D, J. B. Kennedy, David Humphreys, with Mr. Lewers, with two members of the Presbyterian Church, met at the Associate Reformed Church, at Laurens C. H., and organized the Laurensville Church, where-seven persons were admitted to full membership on the profession of their faith in Christ. This vine thus planted was watered by the dew and rain from heaven under his acceptable min- istry until its termination. It had fourteen members, when. on the 12th of July, 1832, it was taken under the care of Presbytery. On the 14th of July, the same year, the Rev. S. B. Lewers was ordained to the gospel ministry by prayer and the imposition of hands. Dr. Robert Campbell, John Cunningham and John McClintock, were the elders officia- ting at the organization in 1832. In 1834, Dr. J. W. Simpson, who was an elder in Little River Church, removed his mem- bership to the church at Laurens C. H., and was called to serve as an elder in this. In 1836, Dr. Samuel Farrow and S. N. Todd, Sr., were elected and ordained Ruling Elders. [Dr. J. W. Simpson, in " Our Monthly," edited by Rev. W. P. Jacobs, August, 1872 ; also, Minutes of Presbytery, July 12, 1832, Vol. II., p. 29.]
HOPEWELL (KEOWER) AND PENDLETON .- The Rev. Aaron Foster is believed to have served this church a portion of his time, till 1832, when he returned to the North. He is set down in the statistical tables as its pastor from 1829to 1831, during which time the membership rose from fifty-nine to sixty-eight. In 1832 the church is reported as vacant, but as having received fifty on examination, and three by certificate, and as having a membership of one hundred and nineteen. It had shared, doubtless, in the revivals of that period. The next year Rev. Richard B. Cater was stated supply ; the addi- tions, on examination, were ninety, and the whole number of communicants two hundred and nine. In 1834, twenty-seven were added on examination, and the whole number was one hundred and ninety-one. The next year the whole number of communicants was two hundred and nine, which was retained in 1836. Mr. Cater was succeeded, in 1837, by Rev. An- thony Ross. The communicants continned the same till 1840, when they were one hundred and eighty-two in number.
553
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