USA > South Carolina > History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, Vol. II pt 2 > Part 30
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Of the ministers of the gospel who originated in the con- gregation, the seventh in the order mentioned by Mr. Harris is Rev. A. P. Silliman, a son of John Silliman, whose father was an elder in the neighboring church, Tirzah, connected with the Associate Reformed. Having removed to Georgia the father and his family connected themselves with the Presby- terian Church, of which the son is a highly useful minister, being pastor of Ebenezer Church, Clinton, Ala.
The eighth in the order of Mr. Harris's enumeration is the Rev. C. J. Silliman, who was born five miles east from Bethesda. His early life was passed under the superintend- ence of his uncle, John, his father, James, having died when C. J. S. was very young. He was graduated at Oglethorpe University, in 1852, and in the Theological Seminary at Co-
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mbia, in 1855, and went, immediately upon his licensure, as missionary to the Indians west of Arkansas. After being ere a short time, the symtoms of a fatal lung disease were veloped, and he died in the winter of 1856, among strangers Texas, while on his way to his friends in Alabama.
Mr. Harris next gives a list of the physicians who had gone rth from Bethesda, thirty in number, stating the year when ey began their practice, where they resided, and, if they id departed this life, when they died. This. was to show hat the old church had done well in the cause of Humanity," well as in advancing the interests of true doctrine, and the ul's salvation. The facts recorded could only be ascer- ined by personal correspondence. We give the whole, ough it carries us far below the present decade of 1840- 350.
The Physicians who have gone forth from Bethesda are as follows : 1. Dr. Josiah Moore. 2. Dr. Wm. Bratton. 3. Dr. Haslett Clendennin. Dr. Wm. Gibson. 5. Dr. Jas. Davidson. 6. Dr. John S. Bratton. 7. r. Chas Hanna. 8. Dr. Wm. Moore. 9. Dr. Alex Clendennin. 10. r. Nathan Marion. 11. Dr. L. Q. Williamson. 12. Dr. M. A. Moore. 13. r John Hall .. 14. Dr. Sam'l Dale. 15. Dr. Wm. McNeil. 16. Dr. ewart Starr. 17. Dr. Wm. Hemingway. 18. Dr. C. P. Sandifer.
Began to practice in 1798, in Danville, Ky. In 1803 removed to Yorkville. Began to practice at Pinckneyville, S. C., about 1880. Afterwards went to Winnsboro.
Began to practice in 1805, and subsequently went to Baltimore, Md.
Began to practice iu 1810, and soon removed to Ga.
Began to practice in 1812, and removed to Ga. Was a son of Elder Elias.
Began to practice in 1812, and lived and died in York District.
Began to practice in 1809, and removed West to Ala.
Began to practice in 1814, and located in Yorkville
Began practice in 1815, and settled in Baltimore, Md. .
Began practice in 1816, and located near Charleston. S. C.
Began practice in 1825, in Lancaster Dist., where he still lives
Began practice in 1819, in Yorkville, but afterwards moved to, and lives at Glen's Spring.
Began practice in 1820, in York Dist., where he still lives.
. Began practice in 1823, and located in Lincoln Co .. N. C.
. Began practice in 1825, and located and still lives in York Dist.
. Began practice in 1830, and located in York Dist., and died in 1842
Began practice in 1835, and removed to Yorkville.
. Began practice in 1837, in York Dist., where he still lives.
19. Dr. Thos. T. Sandifer. 20. Dr. J. Stanhope Mone. 21. Dr. R. H. Hope. 22. r. S. E Bratton, 23. Dr. Washington McNeil. 24. Dr. J. R. Bratton. 25. Dr .. F. Lindsay. 26. Dr. W. S. Moore. 27. Dr. R. L. Love. 28. Dr. Ratchford. 29 r. R. H. Hanna. 30. Dr. John McNeil.
To this enumeration of medical gentlemen we were also uthorized to report the following as having entered the le- al profession from our town :
Ex. Gov. Adair, of Kentucky, Robt. Clendennin,t Daniel McNeil, t
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Erwin Clinton," Minor Clinton," Black Davidson,t Jos. G. Martin,t ). M. Martin,t W. A. Moore," Edward Moore, ; Sam'l. Givens,t and M. A. Mooret (Junior.) Being twelve in all,
+Settled in Yorkville. * Located in Lancaster. ¿ Located in Arkansas.
19. Began practice in 1833, and removed to, and still lives in Mechlenburg Co. N. C.
20. Began practice in 1839. and afterwards removed West, to Ga.
21. Began practice in 1810, and still lives in York Dist.
22. Began practice in 1842, in York Dist,, but went to Memphis, Tenn., in 1859.
23. Began practice in 1841, in Chester Dist.
21. Began practice in 1845, in Yorkville, where he still lives.
25. Began practice in 26. Began practice in in Yorkville, where he still lives. York Dist-moved to Ga., and is now in York Dist.
27. Began practice in 1846, in York Dist., where he still lives.
28. Began practice in 1842, in York Dist.
29. Began practice in 1856, in York Dist., where he died in 1862.
30. Studied medicine in 1861, but is now (in 1363) in army.
As another illustration of the influence that has emanated from Bethesda, we may allude to the tide of emigration that has almost constantly been flowing from her borders. And here we strike a sea without a shore. It is beyond possibility for this generation to compute the flowing numbers of those who, from different motives, have forsaken their homes in Bethesda, and sought fields of labor and habitation elsewhere. She has sent forth her sons and daughters to organize, re- build and sustain churches and mould society, and aid the commonwealth, into every State and into every portion of every State in the Confederacy west of So. Ca.
Could we indeed trace these offshoots of the parent stem, we would find vigorous plants, whose foliage and fruits have been long fructifying hundreds of communities.
But we close our sketch by the final remark that Bethesda has been greatly blessed of God.
Blessed in our soil, which, although so long under culture, still yields copiously to the husbandman.
Blessed in having had men of sterling worth for her orig- inal population, and the same as descendants.
Blessed in having had the means of Grace so uninterrupt- edly. During seventy years she has not been vacant for six months at any time.
Blessed in having had so few pastors, only five having been connected with her since 1794.
Blessed in the family succession in many of her officers. In one instance the office of Elder descended to the third generation. In seven others, two generations have sat on the bench. Blessed in having a people attached to the old place
·
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f worship, and disposed to maintain the old metes and bounds f the congregation. Blessed in the respectable position ever maintained among her neighboring churches. Blessed in hat she has achieved for the souls of all within her embrace, nd in having sent forth her thousand additions to other hurches, and occupants of other posts of honor and influ- nce. Blessed to-day in having so large a body of commu- icants. May she ever be blessed of God, and may He make er in the future more than ever a Bethesda-a house of hercy and kindness to her people and the world !
EBENEZER-This church was favored by enjoying still the abors of Rev. Pierpont Edwards Bishop, of whom some ccount has been given in preceding pages. He closed his abors with this church in 1846. Lupton W. Curtis was its tated supply in 1847, and Rev. J. M. Anderson in 1848. Its hembership varied during these years from 110 to 144. Vhen a distinction began to be made, in 1847, between col- red and white members in the statistical tables, the black members are reported as 29, the white as 108. The total as 37. Its Elders, in 1845, were, Joel Barnett, James Carutli- rs, Austin Choat, Joseph Douglas, James Simril, Jr., Jona- han Steele, Peter Garrison, Madison Neely.
UNITY .- This church was served by Rev. P. E. Bishop as stated supply from 1840. He was succeeded by Rev. J. 1. Anderson, as pastor, in 1849.
The church reported thirty-five members in 1840, in 1845, I members, four of whom were colored. Elders, in 1845, , viz, James McKee and William White.
SALEM .- The Salem which had heretofore existed was dis- olved in 1838, and was united to Bullock's Church, to which ongregation it probably originally belonged .* Another hurch of the same name reappeared in 1841, of which the Rev. H. A. Munroe was the supply, as he was also in 1842, ts membership being set down at forty. The church had permission to employ I. Hillhouse in 1847.
The Elders of Salem, in 1845, were, Robt. Lusk, Col. R. G. Davidson, and William Plexico.
*The writer became confused with the apparently contradictory state- hents concerning this church, and wrote to Rev. J. H. Saye, who is our racle in local church history, and received the following solution :
"I will now try to resolve your enigma in regard to Bethel Presby- erv. You know the Independents began at Bullock's Creek Church.
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YORKVILLE.
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YORKVILLE .- This village may have been a preaching sta- tion for certain of our neighboring ministers previous to this, but no regularly organized church connected with us existed until the year 1842, when the Bethel Presbytery reported to Synod the organization of a church in this place in our con- nection. (See minutes of Synod for 1842, p. 9.) Of this church the Rev. Ferdinand Jacobs, who taught a female school of some celebrity, was stated supply, its membership being forty in number. He was succeeded, in 1846, by Rev.P.E. Bishop. From 1846 to 1850. its membership increasing to forty-nine.
Rev. J. H. M. Adams was its pastor in 1853, to 1860, when its membership had risen to eighty-two. Its Elders, in 1845 were, John S. Moore, Ephraim A. Crenshaw.
A more full and satisfactory account of this church and its organization has been obtained by us since the above was written, which is as follows :
On the Ist day of April A. D., 1842, application was made to the Presbytery of Bethel, then in session at Yorkville, South Carolina, by certain citizens of Yorkville, praying Presbytery to constitute them into a church, to be under the watch and care of Bethel Presbytery.
Salem was united with it under the ministry of the Rev. W. C. Davis. When he withdrew from the Pre-bytery, a part of each congregation withdrew with him, and a part adhered to the Presbytery. Wlien the union was effected at the time mentioned, Salem, (Independent) came in with their other congregations.
Mt. T'abor was originally independent, having been organized by that body during their separate existence.
The church's called Salem were using different houses in 1840, but united subsequently in building a new and better house, which they had used in common for several years, before the union of the denon- inations, each church keeping up its separate organization till the union.
About 1835, a large number of families, which adhered to Salem Presbyterian, moved West, leaving the church with only one ruling El- der. The church elected several persons to this office, but they all de- cl ned to serve. Robert Lusk, Esq., the remaining Elder, though his sitnation anomalous and reported it to Presbytery, and asked advice. The result was the church was dissolved, and the members annexed to Bullock's Creek Church. In a short time the families realized the inconvenience of this condition, so that in April, 1840, Mr. Lusk brought up a petition to Presbytery for reorganization. The men who had previously been elected having consented to serve if again chosen to the office of Ruling Elder.
At the same time a petition came from Unionville for the organiza- tion of a church at that place. Committees were appointed for the purpose, and the organization took place, and of course reported. The first of these cases, in the first part of it, I had from information.
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This application having been duly considered, the Presby- y, in compliance with the desire of the petitioners, ap- nted Rev. Messrs Samuel L. Watson and Ferdinand Jacobs, ommittee to form them into a church.
The committee thus appointed met at Yorkville, on Thurs- , June 9th, 1844, and a congregation, according to pre- us notice, having assembled ; after a sermon by Rev. S. L. atson, those who were desirous of being formed into a urch in this place, to be under the watch and care of Bethel sbytery, were called upon to present themselves, when the owing persons appeared and handed in certificates from churches with which they were connected. viz. :
Mr. William P. McFadden . from Hopewell Church. Mrs. Aurelia H. McFadden Hopewell Church.
Mr. Francis H. Simril
Ebenezer Chureh.
Mrs. Eliza Simril . Ebenezer Church.
Mrs. Rachel Cooper . Ebenezer Church.
Mr. John L. Moore Beersheba Church.
Col. J. D. Witherspoon
Beersheba Church.
Mr. John H. Adams Bethel Church.
Mr. Rufus Moore . Beersheba Church.
Mrs. Mary E. Jacobs, Monokin Church, Princess Anne, Md. Miss Elizabeth J. Trott ‘
Mr. Ephraim A. Crenshaw . . from Beersheba Church.
Mrs. Margaret Crenshaw Bethel Church.
Mrs. Eliza Thomason . Beersheba Church.
Miss Caroline Boggs Beersheba Church.
SHILOH-Was still vacant in the years 1841-1842, and herally through this decade, its membership varying from rty to fifty-six.
Its Elders in 1845 were, Ezekiel Price, Martin Mullinax, P. rnright, J. Etters. In 1855, James Harnright, Henry Et- s. E. Price, In 1859, they were Ezekial Price, James nbright, L. A. Hili, M. D., Robert C. Caverney. In 1871, y were R. B. Price, M. D., L. A. Hill, M. D., James Hand- ght, A. M. Henry, Wm. Wisonant.
BETHEL (York) .- The Rev. James S. Adams continued the oved pastor of this church until the year 1840.
In 1811, the Rev. James S. Adams, who had been preach- in Dorchester for six years, removed to Bethel, his native ce, and was employed by the congregation as a stated sup-
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ply. He continued his labors among them for thirty years without interruption. It was a good Providence which sent him to this people, and which secured to them his services for so long a period. He was a man like David, after the Master's own heart-endeavoring to do the will of him that sent him-"a good man and full of the Holy Ghost." But why speak of him? He was known in all the churches, and his name will long be embalmed in the memory and affections of the pious. In his ministrations he was instructive, elo- quent, and most effective. In consequence of growing bod- ily infirmity he resigned the charge of Bethel in 1840. But, as opportunity offered, he continued to preach with great ac- ceptance to the last. He departed this life August 18th, 1843, in the > Ist year of his age, and the 48th of his min- istry. His death was sudden. In the midst of his house- hold, and seated in his chair, without a struggle, he ceased to breathe. The end of the righteous is peace.
A call was presented to the Rev. Samuel L. Watson, of the Presbytery of Concord, North Carolina, who had been pastor of the Church of Steel Creek for thirteen years. He commenced his labors in Bethel, the place of his nativity, on the Ist Sabbath in April, 1840 ; and on the 25th of the same month was installed pastor by a Committee of the Presby- tery of Bethel.
It does not become the writer to speak of the condition and prospects of this church since 1840. Et quorum pars magna fui, though a good reason for Virgil's hero to speak, will be a good one for him to be silent. The observations which follow principally refer to Bethel as she existed ante- rior to this time.
During Mr. Adams' ministrations in Bethel, the following persons were chosen as Elders at different periods, viz : David Watson, James Moore, Joseph Adams, John Campbell, David Turner, Sam'l Gingies, Edward Moore, John Barry, J. Gabby, McCord Pursley, William Adams, Laban Suggs, Wm. Wat- son, Wmn. Latta, Robert Johnson and Adam Beamgard. Ex- cept Joseph and Wm. Adams, these have all removed from Bethe!, retired from the duties of the office, or entered upon their rest above. Since 1840, five additional Elders have been chosen, viz : Zenas Kerr and Robt. Barber, who have removed to the West, and Major A. A. Mckenzie, Capt. J. J. Wilson and Mr. J. D. P. Currence, who, with Messrs. Jos. and
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BETHEL (YORK).
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n. Adams, constitute the Session of Bethel at the present e. Mr. Joseph Adams has been an efficient Elder in this irch for forty years.
The religious instruction in Bethel has been strictly Scriptu- as set forth in our standards. While the great doctrines the Gospel have been exhibited and maintained as truths be believed, they have at the same time been presented at . ctical in their nature, and leading to good works. A minent place has ever been given to the observance of the bath, and to the religious training of children and servants. d yet the main reliance for success has been on the aid l presence of the Divine Spirit. At different times during labors of Mr. Adams, the special presence of the spirit s enjoyed, when the church was refreshed, and many were led to her members. At the close of the year 1832, after of the gracious visitations, one hundred persons were led to her communion, as we learn from her records. Some these are now her most efficient members. It may throw ne light on the state of piety in this church during the t to say, of all the Presbyterian Ministers reared up I sent from the churches in York District, as far as can v be ascertained, one half or more were the sons of thel.
The means and opportunities enjoyed were not without ct upon the people. Their reading was mostly confined the Scriptures and pious books. Of course, in a knowl- ge of fashionable literature and worldly wisdom, they were find many other places. But they were well versed in iptural knowledge, and in the elements of a wholesome rality. No doubt some, at all periods of the church's his- y, gave great sorrow to the pious, by their walk and con- sation ; yet as a community they gave creditable evidence their parentage and training. Strangers who attended at ir solemn assemblies could not but observe the good or- and solemn attention which were given during the sanct- y services.
This congregation has always been an unfruitful fjeld to Demagogue in Politics or the visionary and enthusiast in ligion. Neither noise nor novelty could be received for ise or argument by the staid and sober minded descendants the Scotch-Irish. "Given to change" has never been ap-
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plicable to Bethel. She has been satisfied with the old path, which is the good way in religious things. Her own sons, reared in her midst, have ministered at her alters, for almost fifty years. During the period of which we are writing, as little change was perceptible in domestic arrangements-in personal dress and manners-in social hospitality and such like, as could be seen in any other place. For this, in addi- tion to the disposition of the people, there were other reasons. The soil, being naturally thin, did not furnish the means for luxurious indulgence. Wealth from it, to many was out of the question, and they were content with a plentiful subsist- ence ; while a spirit of independence kept them from debt. The leading members in society, for the most part, were im- bued with a spirit of piety, and they denied themselves. Oth- 'ers followed their example.
In these days only two or three families enjoyed the luxu- ry of a carriage. They went up to the sanctuary on foot, or on beasts of burden. By this last mentioned conveyance the writer was carried in childhood the distance of seven miles, weekly, to the house of God, while others came from the "re- gions beyond." Many can remember the aged father who was brought to the Church door, from Sabbath to Sabbath, in a four-horse wagon and was carried into the aisle by his sons; and a mother in Israel who walked ten miles, when past her three score and ten years, to meet with the great congregation, on Sacramental occasions. But little com- plaint was then heard of distance and roads. Ordinances were prized ; and their conduct said, "a day in thy courts is better than a thousand." Church dinners and servants in attend- ance were unknown. A measure of fasting was thought to be favorable to piety, and to keeping the Sabbath day holy.
Bethel. though now abridged on every side by the erection of new churches, still covers an extensive territory. Though she has sent to the far West hundreds of members, to plant and strengthen new churches, yet her numbers are little di- minished. " Giving does not impoverish her." She has been often 'assailed by professed friends and by open enemies. Her ruin has been repeatedly predicted. Thus far they have prophesied falsely. She yet stands. Her noon is yet to come. Bethel is strong-not in the wealth or number of her
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BETHEL (YORK). 689
is and daughters -- but in the purity of their lives-in their E-consecration-in the ardor of their love-fervency of ir zeal, and strength of their faith. Her "servants take asure in her stones, and favor the dust thereof."
"My tongue repeats her vows, Peace to this sacred house ! For here my friends and kindred dwell ; And since my glorious God Makes thee his blest abode, My soul shall ever love thee well."
She is strong in the possession of the truth, in the love l favor of her God, her covenant keeping God, who has d, "I have graven thee on the palms of my hands, thy walls continually before me ;" and in her union with her exalt- and glorified Head, Zion's King, by whose blood she was somed, and who had declared that " the gates of Hell shall prevail against her."
This church," says the Rev. S. L. Watson, "has sent out re Presbyterian ministers than any in the District, and il lately, as many as all the others together. Since 1811, own sons have ministered at her altar. Many of her mbers, tho' poor in the honor, wisdom and riches of this rld, have been rich in faith. If she has differed from oth- the praise is all due to the grace of God. And to him all the glory." Rev. S. L. Watson. May, 1851.
The Elders of this church in 1845, were, William Watson, eph Adams,* William Adams, Robert Barber, Zenas Kerr, am Beamguard, Josiah S. Wilson, Arthur A. Mckenzie, . D. P. Currence.
The membership of the church is set down, in 1840, at , 24 having been received in that year, on examination, I five on certificate.
From a more recent history, prepared by Rev. Mr. Watson, order of Bethel Presbytery, and dated January, 1879, we ote the following :
In the beginning of 1840, a call was made to. Rev. S. L. itson, of Concord Presbytery, N. C., and accepted. On Ist Sabbath of April, he commenced services in Bethel, on the 25th of the same month was installed by a com-
NOTE .- Joseph Adams died April, 1860, He had been an efficient er for 48 or 40 years.
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BETHEL-REV. S. L. WATSON.
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mittee of Bethel Presbytery, consisting of Rev. J. S. Adams, Rev. P. E. Bishop, who preached the sermon. Rev. J. S. Adams gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Wm. Davis gave the charge to the congregation. Rev. S. L. Watson was a native of Bethel, and a nephew of his predecessor. He was a son of David and Margaret Adams Watson, who re- sided in the southern part of the congregation. He was born Feb. 5th, 1798. His academic education was principally under Rev. John McKemie Wilson, of Rocky River congre- gation, Cabarras Co., N. C. He was graduated at the S. C. College, December, 1820. Was taken under the care of S. C. Presbytery, April, 1822. Entered the Seminary at Princeton, N. J., October, 1823. Completed the course there, Septem- ber, 1826. Was licensed as a Probationer by South Carolina Presbytery, November 17, 1826, at an adjourned meeting at Long Cane Church, Abbeville County, and by the casting vote of the Moderator, was allowed to labor outside of their bounds for a year. Received a commission to labor in Al- abama, from a Society composed of the Synod of S. C. and Ga., with the understanding that they were not responsible for the expense. After visiting many destitute places in Al- abama, he began to preach in the city of Montgomery (the first regular service they had ever enjoyed). He preached there, and in a country church for six months. The services terminated with the arrival of the sickly season, with the hope that they would be resumed in the Fall. But in view of the destitution in S. C., the Fathers in Presbytery were opposed to his return. After visiting vacant churches, he 'was employed by Steel Creek Church, of Concord Presby- tery (now Mecklenberg), N. C., and on November Ist, 1827, began to labor among them. Returning to the Presbytery of S. C., he was ordained as an Evangelist in 1828, and was dismissed to the Presbytery of Bethel, continuing his labors in Steel Creek. He was dismissed from Bethel to Concord, called and was installed pastor at Steel Creek Church, May, 22d, 1829, and labored there until called to Bethel, March, 13th, 1840.
At the commencement of his labors in Bethel, as far as could be known, the number of communicants was between four and five hundred, of this number a fourth or fifth were persons of color.
The church had been without Deacons, and in 1845, the
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BETHEL (YORK).
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