USA > South Carolina > History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, Vol. II pt 2 > Part 27
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The churches of Indian Town and Bethel, in Wil- isburg District, united, in 1818, in calling him as their tor ; which call was accepted, and the Presbytery of Har- ny, in May 1819, proceeded to install him over them. For e years he labored to promote the spiritual welfare of his ple, and not in vain, particularly among the colored peo- many of whom became hopeful subjects of grace. While tor of these churches he was united in marriage (on the h of January, 1820), to Miss Margaret Adaline McFadden, ughter of Col. Thos. McFadden, of Salem, Sumter District.) this new relation Mr. James was blessed, not only with a us and suitable companion, but with the ability to execute
650
REV. MR. JAMES.
[1840-1850.
liberal things for the promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom. He had been induced to believe that the destitutions of the west opened a wider field of ministerial usefulness, and that the indications of Divine Providence were in that direction. But Mr. James had here many friends, who in common with the whole church, importuned him to become their pastor. He yielded to their solicitations, and was inducted into the pastoral office, in and over Salem Church. Here he was called to bury the partner of his bosom, and an interesting and only son. Here, for over thirteen years, he entreated sinners to be reconciled to God, and urged his fellow christians to fight the good fight of faith.
In this divine employment he was arrested by the hand of disease, and caused to lie on a bed of suffering (a part of the time extreme) for several months. At length, having suffered, as well as done the will of his heavenly Father, his friends were called together, on the 13th of April, 1841, to witness his departure, which occurred about 5 o'clock, A. M. For days before his dissolution, nothing would brighten his dying eyes so much as to be told that it was nearly over. He would answer, "all is well"-or "thank God." An hour before the struggle commenced, he asked to be laid straight in his bed and to have his feet drawn down : which being done. said, "that will do." He never spake, he never moved more. While dying he closed his own eyes-drew one breath more, and (so far our correspondent) his disembodied spirit ascended, we believe, to the general assembly and church of the first born, which are written in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant." As a minister, his preaching was both doctrinal and practical. He was found 'warning every man, and teaching every man" "that he might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." This was literally true with regard to the colored portion of the flock. Not one of them was ever overlooked. They all received their portion in due season. In this department of Ministerial la- bor he had few superiors.
His manner of presenting and enforcing Divine truth was highly original. He was, in this respect, like only himself. He thought only his own thoughts, and spoke his own words. As a Theologian he was much respected by his brethren. In ecclesiastical history he was also well versed.
651
SALEM, BLACK RIVER.
10-1850.]
As a member of the judicatories of the church, his opinions ere highly valued, and often determined the most important estions.
He had much of the milk of human kindness. His de- rtment towards others was marked by gentleness and banity.
His conversational powers were considerable. He could pleasant, serious or instructive, at pleasure. He was very spitable. He enjoyed the comforts of that religion which preached to others, in his own soul .*
This church did not remain long without a pastor. On the h of Nov., 1841, the Rev. George Cooper Gregg was or- ined, and installed as pastor of Salem Church, B. R., by the esbytery of Harmony, and served this church for 19 years. e died, greatly lamented, on the 28th of May, 1861. Al- ough the longer portion of his ministerial life continued over e next decade, we find it more convenient not to separate tween the two, what we have to say concerns him, the church itself. For a long period of years the commu- y in which the church is located has had the reputation of ing one of the most intelligent, virtuous, and wealthy per- ps in the State. Family religion is prized and practiced by bst of its households, and as the fathers fall, virtuous sons ise to fill their places. The white membership of the urch has never been large, not exceeding 100 at any one
Copy of the inscription on the tomb stone of Rev. Robert W. James, the cemetery of Salem Church, Black River, S. C.
In memory of Rev. Robert Wilson James, who died April 13th, A. 1841. aged 48 years. He was born at Indian Town, Williamsburg strict, graduated at So. Ca. College, A. D., 1813, and at Princeton The- gical Seminary, A. D. 1817. Was ordained pastor of the churches Indian Town and Bethel, A. D. 1819, and of this church, A. D. 1828. During a ministry of 24 years he endeared himself, by his virtues and thful labours to the people of his charge, and by his kindness. affa- ity, benevolence. and wisdom, acquired influence wherever he was own. As a divine, he was enlightened and sound ; as a preacher, id and instructive ; as a pastor, affectionate and faithful ; as a student lent and laborious; as a counsellor. judiciousand wise ; as a master, xious for the temporal and spiritual welfare of his servants; as a her, brother and friend, kind, prudent, and true ; in benefactions to church of Christ, bountiful; in effort to promote its interest, dis- erested and prompt. In him the Synod has lost one of its most in- ential members. His co-Presbyters, a brother most beloved. The irches around, a counselor faithful and valued. His State and coun- , a patriotic son.
[is life was goodness, and his end was peace."
ยท
652
REV. GEO. COOPER GREGG.
[1840-1850.
time. Prior to 1827 the records show but one colored mem- ber. At the close of our late civil war the church roll exhib- ited the nanies of about 610 colored members. This was due to the pastor, Robt. Wilson James, and his successor, George Cooper Gregg. A large number of these took their dismis- sions after the war, and became connected with the Northern Presbyterian Church. Others removed to other parts of the country, until none of this class were left. The following ex- cerpts are taken from a funeral discourse on the last of these pastors, preached from the words in John, XI., 25, 26.
Jesus saith unto her, I am the Resurrection, and the Life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ; and whomsoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die .-- (John XI., 25, 26.)
After rehearsing the circumstances, and quoting the words of Mary, to which the text was a reply, the preacher added :
" We come now, to speak of another household, which, though exhibiting other relationships, was, we hope, like that of Bethany, honored with the Master's presence, and hield one, at least, whom Jesus loved.
We come to speak of him* who was a friend to you all, and to Jesus, our and his Master and Lord. He lived among you not as a private man only, nor as one who was the light and joy, and stay and defender of one family alone, but the cheer- ful and wise companion of many, and a lamp bright and shin- ing, which God had placed in the candlestick of his church to give light to all that are in His house. It was near forty- eight years ago, in Marion District, on the 19th of February, 1814, that he first saw the light of the sun. It was on the 28th of May, in 1861, that he, too, fell asleep in Jesus, having lived on the earth forty-seven years and three months, closing in the midst of an admiring people and weeping friends, an honorable and useful life. At seventeen years of age his school education, at a distance from home, appears to have commenced. The Holy Spirit pressed, meanwhile the lessons of parental instruction, and the truths of God's word, upon his heart ; and after a youth of thoughtfulness and sobriety, as he was approaching manhood, the decisive moment in his religious history came, in which he passed from death unto life. In his twentieth year he became a member by public
"Rev. George Cooper Gregg,
0-1850.]
SALEM, BLACK RIVER. 653
ofession of the Church of Hopewell, then under the care of e Rev. Thos. R. English. Soon after this, he heard the ice of the enthroned Master, who, when lie ascended, re- ived gifts for men, saying, " Whom shall I send, and who Il go for us?" His grateful and believing heart replied, Here am I, send me ;" and he began, under his pastor, those ssical studies which he subsequently pursued elsewhere, l at the age of twenty-two, when his mind was mature, he tered the College of South Carolina, where, after a course successful study, continued through a period of three years, was graduated in 1838. The next three years were spent the Theological Seminary, under the instruction of my ven- able colleague and myself, and in a class of choice young en, some of whom are gone to their reward. Amid plea- nt studies in God's holy word, in the society of congenial ends, who each contributed their part to the happiness and provement of the rest, in the contemplation and discussion Divine truth, the years glided swiftly away. The amicable nflict of mind with mind, the ennobling doctrines of revealed ligion daily meditated, the cheerful intercourse with loved sociates, left their traces on his whole after life, and estab- hed friendships still fresh and green now that he has de- rted. With the slight change of a word, he could have id with the Apostle, who, on one occasion, reverted to his wn student's life : " I profited in the Jews' religion above any my equals in mine own nation." On the 4th of July, 41, he and his classmates left the walls of that sacred re- eat, and went forth to labor in the Master's vineyard. He d been licensed in April before, with his classmate, John D. Tilson, over whose early grave we might well bestow a tear, hose ministry, so full of promise, was so soon terminated, id, after a short trial as a candidate, was ordained and in- alled your pastor on the 6th of November of the same year. is uninterrupted pastorship of more than nineteen years, in is age of ministerial change, the perfect harmony which evailed ever between him and his people, and the increas- g endearment of this relation between you and him, are evi- ences how well he filled the office, and how great was that orth which. like a magnet, drew you to him. As he stood o to address you, his manly form, his kind expression of untenance, and his warm and honest heart, contributed to hpress you with respect for him, and win your attention to
.
654
REV. G. C. GREGG. [1840-1850.
the truths he uttered. His preaching was solid and instruc- tive, sound in doctrine, clear in statement, strong in argu- ment, and close and unambiguous in application. At such times he enchained the attention of his hearers by his instruct- ive discourses, unwritten, as we are told, towards the close of his ministry, yet faithfully prepared, and delivered with in- creasing tenderness and force.
A friend and classmate,* who knew him well, testifies that he was the most deservedly popular man among his fellow students, which was due to the confidence reposed in his judgment, making his opinions valuable to all who stood in need of counsel ; due also to the equanimity of his disposi- tion, for he was singularly free from those varying moods which disturb the equanimity of other men, and to the fact that though not seeking others, he was accessible to all, and never disappointed any ; due, still further, to that kind and gentle humor which was always bubbling up and pervaded his conversation, lending it a charm which made him an agreeable companion-a humor controlled by a rare prudence, never taking an edge that would irritate and pain, but always kind and genial. The loss of such a man must be deeply felt in the community in which he moved.
By none, we are told, were his labors more appreciated than by the colored members of his flock. Though he was fond of philosophic studies, and kept well abreast of the current literature in Philosophy and Theology while he lived, he adapted himself with wonderful ease to their modes of thought, conveyed the rich treasures of truth, of which he had so great a wealth, into their untutored minds, and, know- ing their temptations and frailties, and yet having confidence in them and respect for their character, he had the firmness to deal faithfully with them, and the wisdom with all this faithfulness to win and not discourage those who were prone to wander. His intercourse with his brethren in the ministry was to them peculiarly valuable and grateful.
We remember well the dignity with which he presided over Synod, on one occasion, as its Moderator ; the quickness with which he solved each intricate question of order as it arose; his dispatch of business, and his quick rejection of everything, however plausibly presented, which would end in
*Rev. Dr. Palmer, of New Orleans.
655
REV. G. C. GREGG.
0-1850.]
fusion and evil at last. His services were invaluable as Stated Clerk of Presbytery, and long and gratefully will be remembered for the important services he rendered as gent, Director, and Clerk of the Board of the Theological minary, the laborious and responsible duties of which last ice he performed to the satisfaction of all. He was ready every good work, and resorted to for counsel in all our. hemes of public benevolence. In the Domestic Missionary terprise of his own Presbytery, his wisdom, energy and nness were of great price.
Of his domestic relations who shall speak ? Who shall tell at he was as a husband and a father ?"*
In 1845, this church numbered 41 whites and 160 colored. e Elders were Wm. H. Bradley, Samuel McBride, and atthew E. Muldrow. In 1855, the Elders were M. E. Mul- bw, W. Harris, S. Cooper, M. P. Mayes, and R. B. Mul-
bw. The communicants, 60 Whites, 198 colored
MT. ZION CHURCH .- The Rev. William M. Reid continued this pastoral charge, a successful pastor, and greatly loved.
From 1841 to 1849, the average membership of this church s 160. It was highest in the year 1847, of this decade. 1849, when the distinction of race was first noted in the
The following is on the tombstone of George Cooper Gregg, a pastor of em Church, B. R. :
In memory of Rev. George Cooper Gregg, who died on the 2Sth of v, 1861 in the 48th year of his age.
He was born in Marion District, S. C., Feb 19, 1814. Graduated in ith Carolina College in 1838, and in the Theological Seminary at.Co- nbia, S. C., 1841. He was ordained and installed Pastor of Salem urch in November, 1841. Here he continued to discharge the duties the ministry until a fatal malady terminated his useful labors. He
s a man of great completeness of character An unusually vigorous elleet, enriched by high literary culture, made him a most efficient n in all the relations of life. Soundness of judgment and devotion Christian principle marked his whole career. Asa preacher he stood the highest rank of the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. As a stor his urbanity and kindness secured him the warmest affections of people. As a Presbyter he held a place among the first in the coun- of his own Church. As a companion his social qualities were rked. With him to be known was to be loved. In the tender rela- us of domestic life the undying affection with which his memory is erished in the bosom of his sorrowing family, is the noblest testimo- as to the place he filled there. In his death the Church has lost one its most able, faithful and successful ministers, and society has been bed of one of its brightest ornaments. Of him it may truly be said t " A grreat man in Israel has fallen."
656
BISHOPVILLE -- HARMONY.
[1840-1850.
statistical table, there were 150 members, 100 of whom were colored. [In 1860, the members were 197, of whom 120 were colored. ] The Elders, in 1845, were William Wilson, Samuel E. Wilson, and Hugh Wilson.
The Rev. I. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Missionary to Africa, was ordained at this church, Sabbath, Sept. 7, 1833.
BISHOPVILLE .- Our knowledge of this church is derived chiefly from a letter of its former pastor, W. W. Wilson, dat- ed March 2, 1853. "About the close of the year 1841," says Mr. Wilson, "Mr. James W. English, the oldest elder of the church, departed this life in the triumphs of faith. This was a very sore bereavement to the church. He was a very zealous and efficient officer, and it was mainly through his exertions that the church in this place was established. Not long afterwards, his coadjutor, Robt. L. Commander, another elder, and a most excellent and efficient office bear- er, succeeded him to the grave, and as we believe, to the Church above. Soon after this Mr. John S. Bradley and Mr. James A. Carnes were ordained as members of the Session. Rev. Mr. English continued to preach to this church till the year 1866.
HARMONY .- We have mentioned the beginning of this church on a preceding page, and have mentioned the fact that the Rev. Julius L. Bartlett left them in the fall of 1839. Soon after Mr. Bartlett left. a call was extended to the Rev. Donald J. Auld, a member of the Presbytery of Charleston. Mr. Auld accepted the call, and was installed their pastor in May, 1840. This church was quite blessed under the ministry of Mr.' Auld, and a number of white and colored members were added to it. He continued its pastor until 1848, when he re- signed.
The church remained vacant for a time, and then called Rev. A. E .. Chandler, who accepted the call, and was or- dained and installed pastor, June, 1850. He remained pastor for a number of years, and then removed to another field of labor. This church remained without a pastor until the year 1857. When, at its own request, it was, by the action of Presbytery, united with the Clarendon Church, which had been organized a few years before this time, and then. had as its pastor Rev. James McDowell. The united church took the name of "Manning Presbyterian Church."
The elders of Harmony were, in 1845, M. H. Plowden,
657
0-1850.] MANNING-PINE TREE-BETHESDA.
omas E. Dickey, Gabriel Plowden. Its membership varied m 67 to 40 persons
MANNING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .- In the year 1847, the v. Donald J. Auld, then pastor of Bruington Church, was ited by Messrs. J. McFaddin, and J. C. Burgess, who were sbyterians, but living out of the bounds of their churches, breach for them in Fellowship Baptist Church, at that time ant, and which also desired this arrangement. Dr. Auld nplied with this request, and preached there very accept- y for several months, until he left this Presbytery. In 1854 ouse of worship was erected, and on the 19th of May, 1855, Rev. Donald McQueen preached in it from I Kings, viii, together with John iv, 24, and solemnly dedicated it to the rship of Almighty God. The May following the Rev lliam M. Reed came, by appointment of Presbytery, and ached and organized a church here, which was called rendon Presbyterian Church, with J. Sidney McFaddin and eph C. Burgess as ruling elders, and four private members. e church building was three and a half miles from the spot ere the village of Manning was soon after located and com- nced.
PINE TREE .- The Rev. John B. McFarland continued to oply the church until he was, on account of the infirmities old age, compelled to stop, which was about the year 1844. in L. McIver, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Harmony, n preached for this church, until his license was revoked 1844 .* In January, 1845, Rev. T. R. English took charge l continued stated supply until 1848, when, unasked by either tor or people, but in which both acquiesced, it was dis- ved by Presbytery, in order to put Mr. English in the field its evangelist. Pine Tree Church had 51 members in 19, 48 in 1860. Its Elders in 1859 were D. Bethune, B. Coy, K. McKaskill, C. Perkins. In 1871 the same, ex- t we find Allen McCaskill in place of B. McCoy
BETHESDA CHURCH, CAMDEN .- The Rev. R. B Campbell itinued in the pastorship of this church until 1845, a pe- d of 7 years. Ata meeting of the congregation, on the h of January, 1845, a letter was received from him tender- his resignation, which was accepted. On the 4th of May,
Mr. MeFarland preached both in Gaelic and English on every occa- when he preached at Pine Tree. Many of his hearers could only erstand the Gaelic, which was spoken in their families.
42
.
658
COLUMBIA.
[1840-1850.
a meeting of the congregation was called to elect a successor, when the Rev. S. S. Davis was cordially invited to assume the pastorate. Two other candidates were before the congre- gation, but Mr. Davis received a large majority of the votes, and was declared duly elected, and he immediately entered upon the duties of his office, which he discharged with great fidelity until the month of May, 1851, when he was compelled to resign his pastoral charge, on the ground of failing health, and a painful separation took place between a pastor and peo- ple mutually attached to each other. A copy of his letter of resignation, couched in tender and touching language, was sent us for publication, a request we would gladly . comply with did our limits allow.
The total number of communicants in this church in 1849, was 79. The elders from 1845 to 1855 were, James K. Douglas, C. J. Shannon, John Workman, John Rosser, and D. L. DeSaussure.
CHAPTER IV.
COLUMBIA .- The District of Richland had been separated from the territory of the Presbytery of Harmony, and added to the Presbytery of Charleston, as we have before related. At a meeting of the church and congregation the Rev. James H. Thornwell had been elected pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Columbia, had accepted the call and been installed. " He remained, however, but a short time in this relation. Having been again elected Chaplain and Professor in the South Caro- lina College, he resigned his charge January 4, 1841. At a special meeting of the Presbytery of Charleston, the pastoral relation was dissolved, and the pulpit declared vacant. The removal of Dr. Thornwell subjected the church once more to all the evils of a shifting Bishopric. Application was made to Mr. John D. Wilson, licentiate of Harmony Presbytery, to preach for the summer, which he declined, on account of his feeble health. A similar application made .to B. M. Palmer, Jr., licentiate of Charleston Presbytery, was declined on the ground of a previous engagement. A correspondence also entered into with the Rev. John Breckenridge, D. D., Rev. Mr. Auld. and Rev. Mr. McQueen, of Laurel Hill, N. C., but without effect.
659
COLUMBIA.
840-1850.]
At a meeting held November 1, 1841, under nomination of he Session, Mr. John D. Wilson was elected pastor, by a vote f 9 to 5. The minority yielding, the call was prosecuted, but finally declined.
The church being thus dependent upon the most occasional upplies, the session, on the 6th of July, 1842, invited the Rev. Mr. Gildersleeve to supply them permanently, till such ime as they could nominate a pastor. Their attention was how directed to the Rev. C. C. Jones, who was addressed on he subject. But he declining, the Session resolved, Oct. 26, o nominate Rev. B. M. Palmer, Jr., of Savannah, Ga .; accord- ngly, at a meeting of the members and pewholders, held November 7, 1842, Mr. Palmer was chosen without opposi- ion, at a salary of $1.500 per annum, and the Session was directed to make out the call and present it before the Pres- bytery of Georgia.
Mr. Palmer, having accepted the call, took charge of the church on the last Sabbath in January, 1843, and was in- stalled pastor by the Presbytery of Charleston, May 7th of he same year.
The lecture room being found too small and inconvenient, t was resolved at the annual meeting, in May, 1845, to en- arge it, and subscriptions were immediately taken for this purpose. A contract was made by the temporal committee vith Mr. Killian, builder, to erect a building with a basement und upper room, upon the old site given by Col. Blanding. Its dimensions were to be 55 feet in length, (with a portico of 3 feet), 30 feet in width, 18 feet in height, in the upper story, feet in the lower. The building was finished in the early part of the year 1846, and opened for public worship. . Its cost to the church was $2,200, exclusive of the old building, the materials of which were used in the new.
On Sabbath, the 15th of June, 1845, Mr. Andrew Crawford and Mr. Josiah Smith were unanimously elected Ruling El- ders, but they both declined. At the same time, and by a like vote, Mr. Martin was requested to resume the duties of an elder, to which request he acceded.
We have been assisted thus far by a MSS. History, of the Columbia Church, from the pen of Rev. D.r. Palmer, now of New Orleans, down to the year 1845, the last date mentioned.
We add the tables of the officers of the Church and con- gregation as he has given them from the date of the organi-
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