USA > South Carolina > History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, Vol. II pt 2 > Part 25
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During Mr. Palmer's ministry, the Old Bethel Church was served three Sabbaths in the month, by the assistance of an Elder, when the Pastor could not be present. In the year 1845, there was an addition of 20 or 30 colored members to the church at that point.
629
1840-1850.] BOILING SPRINGS-BARNWELL C. H.
There is a total of 60 members set down to the Walterboro' Church in 1840, in the statistical tables; in 1849, a total of 144, viz : 28 whites, 116 blacks.
BOILING SPRINGS, BARNWELL DISTRICT .- The Presbytery of Charleston, at its meeting in April, 1840, appointed the Rev. Mr. Gilchrist to visit the congregation at Boiling Springs, in Barnwell District, and there organize a church, if they should be prepared, and they should so desire. Min., p. 304. Mr. Gilchrist having failed to fulfil this appointment, Rev. Mr. Gildersleeve was appointed, at the fall meeting, to perform this duty. At the meeting of the Presbytery, in Columbia, in April, 1842, the duty not having been performed, Dr. Thornwell was added to the committee, and either of the members was authorized to perform it. This organization was effected in June, 1832, by Rev. Dr. Thornwell, and F. J. Hay and Mr. W'. A. Hay were elected Elders, and set apart to this office by ordination. A letter was received from the Elders of this church, and that at Beach Island, requesting of Presbytery hat Mr. Samuel Hay, then a licentiate, might be ordained sine titulo, for the purpose of laboring among them and ad- ministering the ordinances. They were informed that the request could not be granted in conformity to our standards.
BARNWELL COURT HOUSE .- Two or three years after the or- ganization of the church at Boiling Springs, there seemed to be an opening for Presbyterianism at Barnwell Court House. The Presbytery made regular appointments for that place, and preaching was done in the Masonic Hall. "In 1846," writes he Rev. Samuel H. Hay, to whom mainly I am indebted for the facts I now record, "I returned to Boiling Springs from Winnsboro', and preached alternate Sabbaths at Barnwell, C. H., and Boiling Springs. During the years that I preached here I ordained Dr. Hagood an Elder, and the house of worship which now stands was erected. There was no sep- hrate organization at Barnwell C. H. The organization ef- fected by Dr. Thornwell, at Boiling Springs, was the only one. Barnwell C. H. was regarded as being the most im- portant place, and therefore the meetings of session were held there and the sacraments administered. I have given you a sketch of things connected with the Presbyterian Church at Boiling Springs and Barnwell C. H., until 1851. I know not whether Presbytery after that ever gave a separate
630
BEECH ISLAND-HAMBURG.
[1840-1850.
organization to a church at Barnwell C. H." The probability is that there was but one organization. The spring meeting of Presbytery in 1847, was held at Barnwell Court House, in the Masonic Hall, yet in the statistical tables of that vear, the church that appears is that of Boiling Springs. So also in the tables of 1849 and 1850.
BRECH ISLAND .- This church was numbered among the va- cant churches in the years 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844. It was, how- ever, supplied by various ministers about half of the time. When no minister was present to serve them with the ordin- ances of the gospel, Sabbath services were kept up by the elders, and there was an encouraging attendance of the peo- ple. There was also a weekly meeting on Wednesdays in which a sermon . of some approved divine was read, and the usual acts of worship maintained. In the year 1845, the Rev. Benjamin Gildersleeve was their stated supply. In April, 1846, a call was extended to William L. Hughes, a graduate of the seminary at Columbia, and a licentiate of the Presbytery of Charleston, who was ordained and installed over this church on Sabbath, the 12th of April, 1846, Dr. Thornwell preaching the ordination sermon, Dr. Leland delivering the charge to the people; Dr. Smyth the charge to the newly or- dained pastor, and Dr. Howe making the ordaining prayer. The membership of this church numbered from 42 to 37 members, during this decade of years. They faithfully at- tended upon the ordinance of religion, maintained an interest- ing Sabbath school, and their elders were faithful to their trust. Their Elders in 1845, were Samuel Clark and David Ardis.
HAMBURG .- This church, notwithstanding the previous action of Presbytery, declaring its dissolution, is retained still on the roll of churches, Rev. R. Colden Ketchum, as stated supply, in 1816, 1847, 1843; in 1849, 1850, 1851, as a vacant church.
GRANITEVILLE .- At the spring session of the Presbytery of Charleston, application was made by sundry members of the Presbyterian church residing at the manufacturing village of Graniteville, for occasional preaching. The request was com- plied with, and a church was organized there with 10 mem- bers, a ruling elder of which, Mr. Joseph Clark, sat in Presby- tery at its meeting in Columbia, October 1848. Supplies for Graniteville church, embracing the various ministers of Pres- bytery, were ordered from time to time.
631
ORANGEBURG.
0-1850.]
ORANGEBURG .- The Rev. I. S. Keith Legare continued to 've this church as its pastor in the earlier part of this de- le. The church had been assisted at first by the Assembly's ard of Domestic Missions, but ceased to apply to it for aid m June, 1837. The ladies' Society, of which Mrs. T. H. gare was president, had purchased the lot on which e church stands, and a comfortable house of worship had. en erected in part, by the aid of friends on Edisto Island, d in Charleston. The ladies had succeeded in building a inse for the pastor, for they were aware that he was depend- t, in a large degree, upon his own resources for his support. the 22d of March, 1845, on account of failing health, he dered his resignation as pastor, to the regret of his people e had served them for ten years at great personal sacrifice, d they could but express in strong terms their deep sorrow at this endearing relation minst now terminate. Mr. Legare itinued to reside in Orangeburg, and to take an interest in little church of which he was the first pastor. He built here a flourishing Female College, which was widely pat- hized, and was a great blessing to all the lower part of the tte. His brother, Thos. Hunscome Legare, became the oply of the church for the next six years, after which it was oplied by Rev. D. X. LaFar, from July, 1851, to January, 56, (41/2 years.)
During the following year the church was supplied from lumbia by Rev. Dr. Palmer, then Professor in the Theo- ical Seminary, previous to his removal to New Orleans, d from January, 1857, to Angust of the same year, by Rev. . Howe.
The original Elders of the church were Dr. Thomas A. liott and Dr. James W. Taylor. Mr. Sanders Glover was eted to this office in March, 1837, and died in April, 1853, ving served the church faithfully for 16 years. Dr. James . Taylor, one of the original Elders, withdrew from the esbyterian Church, and he became a member of the Epis- pal Church in 1853, and eventually took orders in that inrch.
Mr. V. D. V. Jamison was elected and installed in the of- e of Ruling Elder in 1853, in the place made vacant by the ath of Elder Sanders Glover.
T. A. Elliott, M. D., and V. D. V. Jamison are the only ders named in the Minutes of Synod for the year 1855.
632
WILLIAMSBURG.
1810-1850.]
V. D. V. Jamison removed from the State and died in Virgin- ia on the 29th of July, 1876. Of the interesting men whom we found in Orangeburg in 1857, was Judge Thos. Worth Glover, born Dec. 24, 1796, in St. James Goose Creek. His father was Sanders Glover, who served in the war of the Revolution, and whom we can trace back through two more generations to Charles Worth Glover, of Virginia, born April 23, 1688. Judge Glover was prepared for college at Mt. Bethel Acad- emy in Newberry County, was graduated with distinction at S. C. College, 1817; studied law with Chancellor Harper in Columbia, was admitted to practice in April, 1818 ; at the age of 26 was elected a member of the Legislature, was elected clerk of the House in 1838, and onward to 1852, when he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court. It was a source of satisfaction to his religious friends when he came forward on the 6th of November, 1869, and professed his faith in Christ.
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CHAPTER III.
WILLIAMSBURG CHURCH .- The Rev. Andrew G. Peden con- tinued pastor of this Church until near the close of 1847. The Rev. J. A. Wallace succeeded him, who was installed as pastor in December of that year, Rev. Joseph Brown presid- ing and preaching the sermon, Rev. G. C. Gregg delivering the charge to the pastor, and Rev. D. McQueen the charge to the people. In 1848 a work of grace commenced in the church and congregation, which continued through the fol- lowing year. This resulted in more than forty additions to the church, mostly of white persons, among whom were some of the more valuable members, four of whom became Ruling Elders, one in the Williamsburg Church, one in White Oak, and two at Indian Town. Some of the old members of the church professed to have experienced a change of heart at this time. A mother in Israel, who died in March, 1855, said she had been in the church 24 years without religion; the remaining seven she had enjoyed an unclouded hope. and died in the triumphs of faith. " Not one white person who professed religion at that time," says Rev. Mr Wallace, writ- ing under date of December 26, 1855. " has proved unworthy of his or her vocation." We received some in the years that
633
WILLIAMSBURG.
0-1850.]
lowed, who soon showed that they were not of us, as well others of undoubted piety and great worth. In the summer 1852, we experienced again the breathings of the Holy irit. "At this juncture I succeeded," says Mr. Wallace, ith much effort, in getting Dr. Baker here, whose labors re crowned with remarkable success." The meeting com- enced on the 2nd Sabbath, the 8th of August, and contin- d 9 days ; the fruits of which were 59 additions, and the nversion of some of the old members, one of whom is now Ruling Elder. A few of these persons have apostatized; but justice to the character of the work, not a greater propor- on than of those who have been received from time to time. he character of our congregation is somewhat peculiar- rtaking more than is usual of the feelings and habits of the d country. And those who have proved unworthy were ostly such as had been but little impressed, if at all, by Dr. s preaching. They came to the meeting near the close, d united, I fear, only for the purpose of obtaining baptism r their children, and other church privileges. But not the ist of the benefits arising from Dr. B's visit was the heal- g of the old schism in the Indian Town Church. Though few families left, never to return, in consequence of Mr. cPherson's departure, those who had been worshipping with ; returned, and the church is now prospering. We have ill received some valuable members from time to time." etter of Rev. James A. Wallace, of Dec. 26, 1855.]
Mr. Wallace also gives the following information as to the Idership in the churches : "The only Elders of the old urch whose names are remembered, are John McCleary, hd Thomas and James McConnell. Thomas lies buried in our urch-yard, covered by a slab, near the north wall of the old hurch. He died in 1801. Dr. Witherspoon (of Brookland, ear Greensboro, Alabama, who left behind him reminiscen- 's of these churches), though hostile to that church, speaks the highest terms of the piety of the four McConnell others, George, James, Thomas and Robert. The Elders dained after the Union were, first, Isaac Nelson, H. D. Shaw, mes E. Fulton, William Salters. At a later period these ere added to the session : John A. Gordon, Wm. Carmlin, hd Joseph Chandler." "During my ministry here," adds Ir. Wallace, "I have ordained Samuel J. Bradley, D. D. arr and John A. Salters. Our present Elders, [in Decem-
63₺
INDIAN TOWN.
[1840-1850.
ber, 1856], are J. E. Fulton, H. D. Shaw, J. A. Gordon. S. J., Bradley, J. A. Salters. D. D. Barr is now one of the Elders of Indian Town Church.
The ministers buried here are Ray, Allison (supposed), Covert, Mitchell, and Wm. J. Wilson, who was pastor of Salem Church.
The churches regarded as colonies of this one are in this State : Indian Town, Salem, and Midway ; in Tennessee, Zion Church. Four Churches in Green and Tuscaloosa coun- ties in Alabama, were largely composed of emigrants from this and Indian Town, viz : Greensboro, Mount Zion, Con- cord and Carthage, besides others in other States.
There are two churches formed out of this church. Union Church, built on the south side of Black River, in 1857, and Elon Church, organized in 1856.
The membership in the Williamsburg Church, known also in the statistical tables as Kingstree, ranged for these ten years from 270 to 348, i. e., from 1840 to 1849 inclusive. The membership in 1840 was 270, in 1849 it was 348. This last number consisted of 133 white, and 215 colored members. It was only in 1849 that the number of the colored members was specially mentioned.
INDIAN TOWN Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg Coun- ty .- The Rev. H. B. Cunningham continued the pastor of this church for some time after the commencement of this period. At the session of the Presbytery of Harmony at Kingstree, or Williamsburg Church, in April, 1843, he sought by letter, a dissolution of the pastoral relation. The con- gregation of Indian Town was cited to appear at the next meeting of Presbytery, by their commissioners, agreeable to the Form of Government, chap. XVII, to show cause, if any they have, why this request should not be granted. The dis- solution of the pastoral relation was agreed to by Presbytery, June 21, 1843, and he was dismissed at his own request to the Presbytery of Concord, N. Carolina. Supplies were ap- pointed for Indian Town at the request of that Church. In October, 1845 a call was presented from the church and con- gregation for the pastoral labors of Rev. J. P. McPherson, but the call being irregular, was returned, and there being an apparent want of harmony in the congregation, a committee was appointed to address a letter to them, exhorting them to greater unanimity. This call was renewed in April, 1845. and
635
HOPEWELL, PEE DEE.
0-1850.]
installation took place on the first Sabbath of May fol- ving. He continued in charge of this church till 1852, en the pastoral relation was dissolved by the Presbytery of rmony, and he was dismissed to join the Presbytery of yetteville in North Carolina. The church was vacant for ew months, when it obtained the services of Rev. A. L. wford, a graduate of Davidson College of N. C., as their tor. The Indian Town Church consisted of 270 com- ning members in 1841; in 1849 of 348 communicants, 215 whom were colored.
HOPEWELL, PEE DEE .- We have seen that Rev. Joseph wn, from Robeson Co., N. C. was called to this church January, 1838. He continued its revered pastor through ; decade, and beyond. "The long pastorate of this esti- ble man was characterized by years of peace and prosper- On his accession to the pastorate, the church was com- ed of 200 members. There were two revivals during this iod. One in 1850, number added, 44; another in 1852, nber added, 27. At his death there were on the roll of hes, 120 white, and 100 colored members. Through a pe- of 20 years many are the changes which must occur in ry community, and many must be the changes in the roll the Church, induced by deaths, dismissions, removals and er causes. Yet Hopewell Church continued to enlarge boundaries and its numbers. Their pastor went in and before his people with a softencd gravity and amenity ch became the man of God. Like a tender shepherd he his flock to green pastures. His preaching was affection- mellow, ripe, often enforced with tears, as he entreated children to come to God. He always presented the man- ript discourse like beaten oil, the fruits of study, full. chaste, monious, sustained, and often eloquent, yet always redo- of scripture and mellowed with the kindness and love of Il heart. Becoming more and more enfeebled by a ma- ant tumor (cancer) on his left eve, towards the close of career, he resigned his pastoral charge, and in a few iths passed away to his rest, in the 62nd year of his age. estimony of their affectionate regard for his memory, the ple of his charge erected a neat obelisk upon his grave in Hopewell grave yard."
In January, 1859, an invitation was given to Rev. D. E. erson, of Marion Church, to supply the church of Hope
636
HOPEWELL, PEE DEE.
[1840-1850.
well. The invitation was accepted, and on the first Sabbath, the 4th of October of the same year, a call in due form was given to him to become the pastor of the church. The call was accepted."
For the preceding history of Hopewell Church the writer is indebted to the Rev. D. E. Frierson, as he is also for that which belongs to an earlier date. He gave also some bio- graphical account of the Elders of the church, so far as he was able. Of those he had mentioned, he says, "of Capt. John Gregg the writer had no personal knowledge. Of J. Levi Gregg, who died on the 3d of April, 1859, he had. His gentleness was wonderful, his deep toned piety no less so. Sickness bruised a tender nature, only to bring forth the rich fragrance of Christian meekness. Placid and peaceful in the storm. Sadness hid from his smile, and hope, on soft pinions, mounted above sorrow. Before such a character calumny was dumb, and in him fierce eved heroism did obeisance to goodness. His coadjutor, Hector Cameron, was his strong counterpart. Brisk promptitude, impassioned energy, forceful determination moved him. His blood rushed in him, he seized your hand with a strong Scotch grasp. He loved ar- dently : he resented quickly ; he spoke boldly; yet he had no vindictiveness. Short, brawny, manly, with gray hairs, but green energies, he died in 1860. The surviving coadjutor of the three, Elijah Gregg, is with us, setting before his gen- eration the example of a pure, unwavering and honorable integrity."
The Rev. D. E. Frierson, to whom we are indebted for this his- tory of the church of Hopewell [Pee Dee], and this eulogiuni upon its Eldership, continued its pastor until 1871, when he was dismissed from the Presbytery of Harmony to that of South Carolina, and was installed pastor of Anderson C. H., and Midway Churches.
From another source we learn that there was a revival in 1866 in Hopewell Church, during the ministry of Mr. Frier- son, in which 27 were added to the membership. In 1855, according to the minutes of Synod for that year, the Elders of Hopewell were J. McPherson, J. MeCown, H. Cameron, J. L. Gregg, S. F. Gregg. W. T. Wilson.
In 1844. John McClanahan died, having served Syears. In 1859, J. Levi Gregg died after a service of 20 years. In 1856, Evander A. Gregg and Dr. D. Reese Gregg were made
637
DARLINGTON.
-1850.]
rs. In 1859, James McPherson died, having served 23 S. In 1860, Hector Cameron died, after a service of 21 s. In 1856, W. T. Wilson died, after serving 33 years. nder A. Gregg removed to Sumter ; James McCown, after ing 28 years, removed to Florence Church with sixteen r members, and constituted the nucleus of Florence rch. In 1867, Ezra M. Davis, Jas. McKnight, and A. W. . s were elected Elders. In 1878, the Elders were Samuel th Gregg, Wm. T. Gregg, and Dr. Daniel Reese Gregg. he membership of Hopewell Church in 1841 was, white colored 139; in 1849 it was 126 white, and 46 colored ; 859 it was 96 whites.
lopewell Church has given four ministers to the church : . Gco. Cooper Gregg, pastor of Salem B. R. Church, until leath, Rev. Charlton H. Wilson, (son of Elder Win. T. son), once missionary to the Indians, and pastor of Ben- sville Church at the time of his death, Rev. W. A. Gregg of Elder Saml. Elijah Gregg), licensed in 1860, now Lin ] pastor of Bishopville and Hephzibah Churches, and . J. Douglass Brown (son of Rev. Joseph Brown), now or of Orangeburg Church.
n the 19th of May, 1872, the Rev. William T. Thompson ordained and installed pastor of this church. The Rev. R. Dow presiding, preached the sermon, and proposed constitutional questions. Rev. William Alexander Gregg Vered the charge to the pastor, and Rev. William Brear- elivered the charge to the people.
ARLINGTON CHURCH .- In January, 1840, an invitation was n to Rev. J. P. McPherson, of Fayetteville Presbytery, to e the church as stated supply. He preached and admin- ed the ordinances for one year. Dr. Ezra Green, who removed from Williamsburg Church, where he acted as er, was chosen by the church to this office, and entered o his duties in September, 1840.
he church had now, in consequence of the frequent iges of their ministerial relations, become very anxious to e a pastor settled among them. In November, 1841, a bimous call was given to the Rev. William Brearley as r pastor, which by him, after a visit in January, was ac- ed. He entered upon his duties in February, 1842, and regularly installed pastor over the church the following , by a committee of Presbytery, consisting of Messrs.
638
DARLINGTON.
[1840-1850.
Coit, English and Brown. In consequence of supplies which were only temporary, the regular discipline of the church had Been neglected. Several cases of discipline and litiga- tion had been deferred for adjudication and settlement. After these cases were finally disposed of, peace and harmony were restored to the members of the church which has continued unbroken.
The session was enlarged by the addition of two members. Messrs. William Law and Absalom Wilson, who were or- dained to the office of Ruling Elders in October, 1844. Sub- sequently, in 1853, Mr. John James was added to the session.
In 1848, the church enjoyed a season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The religious interest was mani- fested at the fall communion. Religious meetings were pro- tracted for several days, and marked by great solemnity and interest. Brethren English and Reid aided the pastor. In 1850, the church was again blessed in the gracious presence of its great Head, in the conversion of sinners.
A special interest was awakened in the Baptist Church when the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches united in the public service. Pastors preaching alternately. At the fall communion, some weeks after. a series of religious services were had in the Presbyterian Church. Brethren Wallace and Brown aided the pastor. These exercises were continued for ten days with unabated interest. Twelve persons were added to the church on that occasion.
In the autumn of 1852, there was an outpouring of the Spirit under the ministry of Rev. Dr. Baker, of Texas, who under God, was blessed in bringing to light, the seed that had been sown in sinners' hearts. All denominations, in a greater or less degree, shared in the gracious influences which were en- joyed. On the following communion seventeen persons were added to the church.
The church has had severe trials and afflictions in the re- moval and death of many of its members. In the course of a few years past, three families, including twelve members, and one Elder, removed to the upper part of Geor- gia, where they have formed a flourishing church.
In the early part of the ministry of the present pastor, sev- eral amiable, pious females were called to exchange the church militant for the church triumphant. Our loss is
639
GREAT PEE DEE.
0-1850.]
ubtless their gain. They all gave pleasing, satisfactory dence that they were prepared for the issue, and were hap- in the expectation of meeting and enjoying the presence their glorified Lord and Saviour.
The following endeared names may be mentioned: Miss vinia Ervin, Mrs J, B. E. Brearley, Mrs. Mary DuBose, s. Mary Wilds, Mrs. Mary James, and some others. These died in the faith, looking for the fulfillment of the promises. The Lord has been gracious to his heritage, and raised up her witnesses, fulfilling his promise, that the gates of hell ill not prevail against the church.
The present session consists of the following members : William Brearley, pastor ; John DuBose, W. H. James, Wil- m Law, Absalom Wilson, John James, Elders.
The church now numbers ninety-four members. Sixty- ce whites, and thirty.one colored members.
History of the Darlington Church communicated, by Rev. illiam Brearley, October IS, 1853.
GREAT PEE DEE .- D. Matheson, Elder of this Church, htinuing its history, says that in April 11, 1841, John C. ward was ordained as deacon. Rev. james P. McPherson s now the stated supply, and continued so until the fall of 43, when he removed to Indian Town.
In 1844, Rev. David E. Frierson, by invitation of the three urches, preached for this church, Reedy Creek and Little e Dee, and was installed pastor the following year. It is ieved by the writer that he was the first settled pastor this urch has had. In 1848, Rev. Mr. Frierson closed his min- ry among us. After this time, Rev. A. D. Campbell was ited to to supply our pulpit, which he did for one year. bout this time L. Benton Prince was ordained Elder. In 50, Rev. Archd. McQueen was the supply for one year. he 16th of this year, John C. Stewart and Wm. D. Johnson, ving been previously chosen, were ordained Elders.
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