USA > South Carolina > Oconee County > The Old Stone Church, Oconee County, South Carolina; > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
1 Coulered child Baptised ( North)
Augt. 2d. 1835 (1st. Sabath)
Augt. 9th. 1835 (2d Sabath)
Session conveaned. present Revd. Cator John Harris W. Walker C. W. Miller E. B. Benson T. S. Reese & E. Sharpe. When Mr. McGill offered himself for examination for Church priviliges-He was therefore examined & received into the Church.
Sepr. 27th. 1835 (Sabath)
Session Conveaned Present Moderator John Harris W. Walker C. W. Miller E. B. Benson T. S. Reese & Elam
73
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
Sharpe. When on motion resolved that John Harris attend Presbetry with our pastor .-
October 11th 1835 .- (Sabath 2d)
Novemr. 2d. 1835 Reported 81 white members, 60 Coul- ered, 2 whites Baptised, 4 Coulered, 2 Whites recd. Coul- ered & 3 Whites dismissed.
January 3d. 1836 Sabath 1st.
Session conveaned Present Revd. Frasure E. B. Ben- son C. W. Miller E. Sharpe. When an informal conversa- tion took place on the subject of Missions -A small col- lection taken up.
January 10th. 1836 (Sabath 2d)
Thos. Andersons Child Baptised & by consent a Certifi- cate given to Edmond & wife of course dismissed .- A Certi- cate also sent to John Dickson & Wife in Alabama .-
1836 August 3
At a meeting of the Society of Hopewell Congregation it was agreed by the Society to engage W. Ross to labour within the bounds of this Congregation for one year 3-4 of his time and upon his agreeing to labour with us a subscrip- tion was opened and $239.50 subscribed for 3-4 of his time.
August 3d. 1837-
The Revd. A. W. Ross agreed to continue his labours within the bounds of this Congregation for one year 3-4 of year 3-4 of his time, to be devoted this congregation a sub- scription was opened and $319 subscribed for his service-
Septr 5th 1838
At the Anaversary meeting of the Hopewell Congregation it was agreed to engage with Mr. Ross for another year 3-4 of his time, a subscription was opened and $308:75 sub- scribed.
Septr 4th. 1839
At the Anaversary meeting of the Hopewell Congregation it was agreed to engage With Mr. Ross for another year a subscription was opened and $329 subscribed.
74
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
The 3d Sabath in August 1839
Sam S. Cherry was installed Elder by Revd. A. W. Ross. 11th November 1839.
Ezekiel Harris and Lady Dismissed and moved to Missis- sippi.
28th. October Robert Anderson's Child Babtized.
8th. December. The day appointed by the General As- sembly for the Semi centenary celebration which was ob- served in our Church with considerable attention.
2d Apr. 1840 Thos J. Picken's three Children Babtized.
Sacrament 3 Sabbath in Apr
Mr. E. B. Bensons Child Babtized on Saturday and Abram a servant of Mr. Thos. Pickens on Sunday.
C. W. Miller Died on 29th. May 1840
Sacrament 3d Sabbath in August.
P. C. Dupre's Child Babtized also Phillis a Servant be- longing to T. J. Pickens.
Sacrament 2d Sabbath in May 1840.
Miss Francy Dickson was admitted to membership by examination.
Four Black servants namely Billy Jinny Nanny & Dianna belonging to T. J. & Mrs. E. Pickens was admitted & Bap- tised-
Septr 2d. 1840-Being the annaversary
At a meeting of the society it was agreed to engage with Mr. Ross for another year a subscription was opened and Tivo Hundred & Seventy Two Dollars subscribed.
$272 subscribed.
William Walker died 25. Jany 1841.
Septr 1st. 1841. Being the annaversary of the society a meeting was held at the Church and agreed to engage with Mr. Ross for another year a subscription was opened and the sum of
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
75
August 3d, 1840. List of White Members Belonging to the Hopewell Church, Pendleton.
A. Harris Eliza dismissed 1
Anderson Robert & Lady 2
Harris Ann
J.
B.
Benson E. B. & Lady deceased
2
Lorton Mrs.
1
Bishop Nicholas & Lady
Bishop Jane
1 Lorton Amanda Mrs.
Bishop Darkey
1
M.
C.
Cherry S. S.
1
Miller Elizabeth died 1st March, 1884 1
Cherry Susan
1
Miller Jane Senr
1
Cherry Mary
1 Miller Jane Junr 1
Commonade Polly
1
Miller Sarrah Mrs.
1
Carne Mrs. Dead
1
Mr. Jno. C. Miller and Lady
2
Carne Miss Dismissed
1
P.
D.
Pickens Elizabeth
1
Dupree Susan Dismissed
1
Dukes Ann dismissed 1
Dickson Mrs. dismissed
1
Reese Anna 1
Reese Rebecah dismissed 1
F.
Ross Mrs. 1
Ferrell Mrs. deceased
1
H.
Hubbard Mrs.
1
Stark Elizabeth 1
Hunter Mary Senr
1
Hunter Mandanah
1
Hunter Ethilinda
1 Removed by death 1841
Hunter Mary Junr
1 Walker Wm. & Lady 2
Hunter Anna Junr
1 Walker Eliza 1
Harris Susan deceased
1 Walker Matilda 1
Harris John & Lady
2 53 White Members.
Sacrament 5th Sabbath Oct. 1841.
Persons admitted to membership
Miss Elizabeth Sharpe
Miss Mary Smith, Babtized
Jesse P. Lewis, Babtized died Nov. 1845
Thos H. Russell dismissed
Andrew Pickens and his wife Agnes Pickens admitted by letter from Valley Creek Church Alabama also Alfred Fuller of the Methodist Church.
6-O. S. C.
S.
Sharp Elam & Lady
2
Hunter Anna Wolf Creek
1
Symms Sarrah 1
W.
Dupree C. P. & Lady dismissed 2
Pickens Mrs. T. J.
1
R.
Anderson Mrs. G. T. 1
Jenkins W. L. dismissed 1
L.
2 Lewis Mary Mrs dismissed
1
76
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
C. P. DuPre Miss Susan DuPre and Miss Martha Carne having applied to the Session for letters of dismission to join the Methodist Church which was granted.
Sacrament 3d Sabbath Mch. 1842
Elam Sharpe and Mrs. Eliza Sloan admitted to member- ship. Mrs. Sloan Baptized.
Charlott a servant belonging to G. T. Anderson rec'd into the Church having previous been a member but sus- pended for disorderly conduct.
Sept. 1842 Mrs. Jane Bishop removed by Death
The Sacrament was administered 4th Sabbath of August 1842 Doc Leland & Rev. J Hillhouse & Rev. B. D. DuPre assisting. Oct. 16th 1842 Mr. Alarson Forbes and his sis- ter Miss Cynthia Forbes were received on dismission from Carmel Ch. S. C. Also Mrs. Keziah Forbes received on certificate from the Methodist Episcop. Ch.
Coloured Members. On a review of the coloured mem- bers of Hopewell Church ordered by the Session on the 23d October 1842. The following members were ascertained to have a regular connexion with the Church :
Hannah sert of D. Cherry Andy do dismissed Phillis-Thos Pickens Mary-Doc Symmes Cato-Mrs. Walker Jack-J. C. Griffin Diannah free W. T. Pickens
Lucy-Maj Simpson Rose deceased J. C. Calhoun Dick-Mrs Dart Billy-T. J. Pickens Stuart-J. W. Whitner Jim excluded J. L. North Free Dinah
Mary deceased Gaillard Nancy Mrs Pickens Jane Mrs Pickens
Dinah deceased Mrs Pickens nyl Moses C. C. Pinckney Maria --- Harleston
Romeo R. Anderson Agga do Hannah-Maverick
Diannah-Mrs. Pickens Billy-Bishop Nelly do
Andrew-Sloan
Jerry-R. Anderson
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
Caty-Bishop Charlotte deceased do Solomon-Watkins Mariah-do Charlotte-G. T. Anderson Soffa-Miller
Abram-T. J. Pickens
Betsey removed J. L. North Ned-C. C. Pinckney
Jenny Mrs Pickens
nyl. Hannah-C. C. Pinck- ney.
The three last Moses, Hannah and Maria are reported to have forsaken the ordinances of this Church. Where- upon they are cited to appear before the Session of this Church and answer to the charge. Mary a servant of Mrs Walker having formerly been in the Communion of this Church and having been under suspension for the irregu- larity of forming a connection without a formal marriage, came before the Session and acknowledged her faults and professed penitence for her former careless manner of life, whereupon she is received under the care of this Session to be restored in due time so soon as it shall be satisfactorily ascertained that she shows her reformation to be genuine and permanent.
Oct 3d 1842 Appeared before this Session June sert D. Cherry and professed penitence his past conduct. June had been in the communion of this Church and had been excluded for disorderly conduct, his case was deferred. August 3 Sabbath 1842. The Sacrament of the Lord's Sup- per was administered and a Meeting of four days continu- ance with considerable interest. (Doctor Leland assisting)
Septem. 5th. 1842 Mr. Alanson Forbes and his sister Cynthia Forbes were received by letter from Carmel Ch. and Keziah Forbes was recd by letter from the Methodist Ch.
Nov. Sacrament administered. Revd. D. Humphrey as- sisted.
1843 Jan. 3d. Sabbath. Mr. R. Anderson child baptized.
3d Sabbath March. The Sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered There being services on Saturday and
78
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
Sabbath only. The weather being cold and stormy. Revd. D. Humphrey assisting.
1843
4 Sabbath May the Sacrament was administered in Hope- well Ch. Assisted by Brethren J. L. Kennedy and B. D. Dupre-
3d Sab June. Mr. Alanson Forbes child was baptized .- 1843
1 Sab August. Mrs. Elizabeth White a member of this church but living out of the reach of Presbyterian churches, and wishing to retain her connexion with this church ob- tained Baptism for her two children.
Third Sabbath in August the Sacrament of the Supper was administered Rev. Doc Howe assisting-
Nov. 25 Mr. N. Bishop removed by death Approved in Presbytery 1844 H. Dickson, Mod.
1844 May 3d. Sabbath Sacrament administered
October 4 Sabath Sacrament administered
June Mr. D. Cherry servant was admitted on exami- nation.
Sept. Sacrament administered 20-with assistance Rev. Wm Carlisle
November 30 Mrs. Jane Gould was received by certificate from the fourth Presbyterian church in Baltimore.
1845
May 5 Mr. R. Anderson dismissed-
Feb. 10 Mrs. Agnes Pickens removed by death.
1845 February 15th. Mrs. M. DuPree dismissed to con- nect herself with the Methodist Church.
20 Mrs. Ferrell removed by death.
25 James servant of Mr. North excluded for immorality May 5 The Sacrament administered. The Rev. Br. Mc .- Bride assisting.
Septr. 14 The Sacrament administered assisted by Revd. Br. Mc. Bride. The young brethren Gebert and Hilhouse assisted in preaching. The meeting was continued on fri-
79
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
day saturday and sabbath. When four members were ad- mitted to the communion of the Ch. Washington Liddel on examination Patric Miller Certif. Jn. C. Miller restored and George a servant of Mrs. E. Pickens on examination. At which time George was baptized. Mr. Elam Sharpes child was baptized.
about this time or a little after
1845 The thursday before the first sabbath in November The Synod of South Carolina held its first session in the Presbyterian Church in Pendleton, S. C. Opened by the Rev. Edwin Palmer. Dr. Palmer died in 1882 in 94th year of age.
On Saturday Mrs. Susannah Lewis wife of Jesse P. Lewis was admitted on examination.
On 1st Sabbath .of November The Sacrament of the Lords Supper was administered*
*Doctor Lelans preaching the Sermon and the mem- bers of the Synod officiating.
When there was witnessed a season of great solemnity and the manifestation of the power and presence of Christ.
1846 Third Sabath in May the Sacrament of the Lords supper was administered. Rev. Br. Davis of Willington assisting.
1846 Fifth Sabath in August the Sacrament was adminis- tered. Rev. Doc Leland assisting.
August 1846-Hopewell Pendleton-List of White Mem- bers Belonging to this Church.
0 Anderson Susan
x Caminade Polly 9
0 Anderson Mary B.
1 x Fuller Alfred 10
0 Benson E. B. 2 x Fuller Eliza 11
0 Benson Esther 3
x Gould Jane 12
0 Bishop Jane 4
0 Hubbard Mrs. 13
x Bishop Darkey 5
0 Hunter Mary 14
0 Cherry S. S.
6
0 Hunter Mandanah 15
x Cherry Suson 7 0 Hunter Etherlinda 16
0 Cherry Mary
8 0 Lorton Mrs. 17
80
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
0 Lorton Amanda
18
Wolf Creek
41
0 Lewis Susan
19
0 Harris Susan 42
0 Leddele Geo. W.
20
0 Harris Ana Josephs wife 43 .
0 Miller Elizabeth
21
0 Miller Jane Senr.
22
0 Miller Jane Junr.
23
0 Miller Jno. C.
0 Miller Mrs.
25
x Mrs. Sarah Miller
0 Pickens Elizabeth
26
0 Mrs. Anna Reese
0 Pickens Mrs. T. J,
27
0 Mrs. W. Liddel
0 Pickens A. C.
28
0 Mrs. J. Walker, whites
x Ross Mrs.
29
0 Louisa Caruth
50
x Sharp Elam Snr.
30
-Mrs. Catharine Gould
51
0 Sharp Elizabeth Mrs.
31
x Anna E. Ross
52
x Sharp Elizabeth Miss
32
Sarah Leadbetter Elizabeth Maxwell
0 Sharp Mrs. not recd
34
Harriet Maxwell
0 Stark Mrs.
35
Mrs. Duke
x Symms Sarah
36
J. C. Smith
0 Sloan Eliza
37
dismissed Mrs. T. E. Smith
0 Smith Mary Miss
38 Mrs. S. E. Smith
0 Walker Mrs.
39 Miss Sarah Smith
0 Walker Matilda
40
Died Jan. 15th. 1847
HOPEWELL PENDLETON
August, 1846-Colored members in the church.
Phillis T. J. Pickens
1
Abram T. J. Pickens 17
Cato Mrs. Walker
2 Jenny Mrs. Pickens 18
Jack Elam Sharp
3 June D. Cherry 19
Lucy Major Simpson
4 Mary Mrs. Walker
20
Richard Doc. Gaillard
5 Geo. Mrs. Pickens
21
Billey T. J. Pickens
6 Hannah Mr. Mavarick
22
Stewart J. N. Whitner
7
Rhoda Mrs. Lorton deceased Ap. 10th. 1849
23
Nancy Mrs. Pickens
8
Dianah Mrs. Pickens
9
Priscilla Rev. A. W. Ross
24
Billey Miss Bishop
10
Phillis Junr T. J. Pickens
25
Nelly 66
11
Mary do 26
27
Free Dinah
13
Olivia Mr. Josh Smith
28
Caty Miss Bishop
14 Mary Symmes
29
Died 6th. Oct. 1872
Charlotte Pike
30
Solomon Watkins
15 Peter Pickens by letter
31
Mariah
Malessa Pickens do
32
1847 Apl. 18th. Infant daughter of Mr. E. Sharpe Jun Martha Ramsay was baptized.
1847 May 2. Sacrament of the Lords supper administered. Mr. Turner assisting.
do. Mrs. Catharine Gould was admitted to the communion of this Church.
Mrs. Mary Humphrey ( formerly Hunter) was dismissed at her own request.
x Miss Mary Hunter Junr
(now Humphrey)
24
x Mr. Patrick Miller
0 Sharp Elam Jnr.
33
0 Hunter Anna
Andrew T. M. Sloan
12
(Mrs. Pickens Jane)
-
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
81
June 6 1847 Peter servant of T. Pickens was received by letter recommending him from Valley Creek Ch. Alabama.
Melissa Sert. of Do by do from do-
1 Sab. October Sacrament administered Rev. D. Humph- reys assisting
December 10th. 1847
Mrs. J. Gould and Miss K. Gould were dismissed in good standing.
1848 1st. Sabbath June the Sacrament of the supper was administered Mr. L. L. Holmes assisting.
Two members were admitted to the Church. Anna E. Ross and Priscilla sert of A. W. Ross.
1848
Nov. 25 Mr. Robert Patterson received by the Session on his dismission from the Pres. Church of Snow Hill Mary- land.
4 Sabbath in November 1848. The Sacrament was admin- istered Brethren J. Hillhouse & J. L. Kennedy assisting. 1849 5th. Sab. in Apr. The Sacrament of the Supper ad- ministered Brethren J. Hillhouse Sen & E. T. Buist assist- ing.
Two members were admitted on examination and baptized Viz. Phillis and Mary servants of T. J. Pickens.
Nov. 4th. Sabbath Sacrament administered Services commenced Friday evening & on Saturday and Saturday night. Bro. Jno. McLees assisting.
Feby. 4th. Sabbath. Miss Harriet Maxwell rec'd and bap- tized.
Fourth Sabbath in May the Sacrament of the Lords Sup- per was administered, assisted on Saturday by the Licentiate Br. R. Reid and on Sabbath by our Methodist Br. W. Mul- inix. At the meeting the following members were received Mr. Josiah E Smith Mrs. Sarah T. Smith and Miss Sarah L. Smith dismissed regularly and in good standing from the first Presbyterian Church in Columbia S. C. And Mrs.
82
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
Smith wife of sd J. E. Smith on examination was admitted to the communion of this church.
The Hopewell church held a congregational meeting on wednesday before the above related Sacramental meeting when three Members Elam Sharp, Washington Liddle and Josias E. Smith (in expectation of uniting himself with this Church) were nominated to the office of Ruling Elders.
Then an adjourned meeting was appointed on June 2 185-
1850
June 9 the Second Sabbath- Gilbert Snowdon Smith in- fant son of Josias E. Smith was baptized by Rev. A. W. Ross in the Hopewell Church in Pendleton.
A Sacramental meeting was holden in hopewell Church (pendleton) on Sabbath 25th. of August assisted by Br. Ed- mund Anderson.
The appointment for the ordination of the three Elders elect on Saturday previous was disappointed, the day being an unusual storm of rain and wind.
But on Sabbath morning before the action sermon two of said Elders elect Josiah E. Smith and Elam Sharp Jun were solemnly and due form ordained to the office of ruling Elders of the Hopewell Church (P). 1850 Aug. 25.
Received by dismission from the 1st. Presbyterian Ch. of Columbia a coloured woman Olivia servant of Josiah E. Smith.
Revd. A. W. Ross closed his labours in the Pendleton Church in 1851.
Revd. T. L. McBryde D. D. Commenced his Labours Nov. 1851 and closed at death which took place 15th. Apl. 1863.
Sunday Morning October 27th. 1850
The Session of Hopewell Presbyterian Church met this day. Present Revd. A. W. Ross, Mr. Benson, Mr. Cherry, Mr. Smith, Mr. Sharpe Jr.
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
83
Mr. Ross was requested to act as Moderator and E. Sharpe Jr. as clerk. Opened by prayer.
On motion of Mr. Benson the Moderator appointed a com- mittee of three to examine into the number of members be- longing to this Church.
Committee-Mr. Benson Mr. Smith Mr. Sharpe.
Mr. Smith was appointed a delegate to represent this church in the Synod of So. Carolina on the thursday before the 3d. Sabbath in November next at Long Cane Church Ab- beville Dist.
Mr. Benson was appointed to attend the adjourned meet- ing of Presbytery which meet on friday before the 2d Sab- bath in November at Anderson Co. House.
On Motion it was resolved that this session meet on the 2d. Sabbath in every month one hour before preaching.
On Motion it was Resolved that notice be given for a spe- cial meeting of the Corporation and Congregation of this Church to take place on next Saturday the 2d. of November.
Session adjourned by prayer.
Elam Sharpe Jr. Clerk.
Note
Sermon preached this day by Mr. Ross-Congregation small collection taken up for Presbyterial fund amounting to $11.25 ct.
Saturday Novr. 2d. 1850
The Session met this day after the meeting of the Congre- gation.
E. B. Benson Chairman of committee appointed to report the number of members belonging to this church at this time reported.
Whites 42
Blacks 28 770
On motion of Mr. Smith the session requested Mr. Ross to supply our pulpit on next Sabbath to which request he ac- ceeded .*
-
84
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
Adjourned. (declined afterwards without giving his reasons for so doing) Elam Sharpe Jr. Secty.
On the last Sabbath in December the Sacrament was ad- ministered Mr. McBride & Mr. McLees ministers present meeting was to have commenced the friday before but the weather prevented.
By direction of the Session the Secty was directed to invite Mr. Ross to preach for us on in to this invitation addressed to him by note he replied verbally declining to do SO.
On the 1st. Sabbath in March Mr. Humphreys preached for us a good congregation present. On the 2d. Sabbath in March Mr. Reed preached to us-the services commenced the friday night before ; attendance on sabbath was good-
By direction of the Session the Sectry was directed to ad- dress a letter to the Chairman of the Committee appointed by the last presbytery to visit the congregations in their bounds and to invite them to visit our church as soon as pos- ible, to this invitation Judge Whitner the Chairman replyed stating that it would be out of his power to do so.
A letter was then addressed to Mr. Gaillard another one of the Committee requesting their attendance.
By direction of the session letters of dismission were given to Mr. P. J. Miller & Mrs. Sarah Miller also to Mrs. Carlisle ( formally Miss E. C. Sharpe)
ELAM SHARPE Jr. clerk of session.
Approved in Pres'y April 26th. 1851
J. C. WILLIAMS Mod.
At a meeting of the session held this day July 19 1851 It appearing to the Elders that the Rev'd M. McBryde who was spending a short time in this congregation would make a very acceptable pastor for this church, notice was given for a meeting of the congregation on the 21st. Instant.
85
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
July 20th. Sabbath. Mr. Hillhouse assisted by Mr. Mc- Bride administered the Sacrament on to-day. Miss Sarah Ann Leadbetter presented herself before the Church this day . for examination the session being satisfied with her examina- tion she was baptized and received into the Church.
ELAM SHARPE Jr. Clerk of
July 20th, 1851 Session
August 3d. 1851 Sabbath. Rev'd. McBryde preached this day congregation good. preached to the coloured peo- ple in the afternoon.
Applycation being made for letters of dismission for Mrs
Ross & Mrs. A. E. Harrison (was Miss Ross) it was ordered that letters be given them.
Sunday February 8th. The Lords Supper was adminis- tered this day Rev'd J. L. Kennedy assisting Rev'd Thos. McBryde
Rev'd Servant of Mrs. Pickens after examination was pabtised and received into the Church.
Approved in Presbytery April 24th. 1852 R. H. REID Mod.
Directors T. Society for 1835
C. C. Pinckney
Doc. Stuart
Doc. Cherry Doc. Reese
John Harris Elam Sharpe
1
C. W. Miller.
INDEX.
Subscription of Missions & Education page 31
Letter from the Church in Greenville 31
Rev'd Caters Reasons for not acting as Moderator 32 Elements by whom furnished 40
2 White members admitted
86
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
Couloured members Rec'd
22
Sale of Minutes 30
Sale of Minutes 42
Motion for reform in Church 32
Rev'd A. Foster claiming a ballance due him 29
List of Couloured members 53
List of White members for March 1835
54
Report for March 1835
56
Do for March 1834
25
Sale of Minutes 1835
57
List of White members for 1853
15
Application for dismission
59
Report for Nov'r 2d 1835
60
Directors T. Society for 1833.
C. C. Pinckney
Doc Stuart
Doc. Cherry
Doc Reese
John Harris Elam Sharpe
C. W. Miller
87
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
HOPEWELL CONGREGATION AND OLD STONE CHURCH .*
Vol I. Period 1780-1790. Pages 559-560.
Hopewell Church, sometimes called Hopewell (Keowee), or Hopewell (on Seneca). The first notice of this con- gregation occurs in the minutes of the Presbytery of South Carolina, October 13th, 1789. "A people on Seneca apply to be taken under our care and receive supplies." At the same meeting John Simpson is appointed to supply them one Sabbath. "It was organized," says one account, "in 1788 or 1789, by the spirited exertions of a few men who removed from Abbeville. They were not so numerous as the people of Carmel, but better united, more catholic in their principles, and dispositions, and liberal in their sentiments. A few of their number are wealthy and very forward to sup- port the Gospel; among whom are General Pickens and Colo- nel Robert Anderson, both men of great influence in the State of South Carolina. Messrs. Calhoun and DeSaussure, two eminent lawyers in Charleston, have done themselves much honor by liberally subscribing for the assistance of this church. Owing to these circumstances, their ability to sup- port religion in proportion to their numbers is greater than that of any other congregation in the upper part of the State." (Brief MS. account of the congregations at Hope- well and Carmel, by Thomas Reese, September 15th, 1793.) "It was formed," says another account, "in union with Car- mel Church, which stands a few miles to the eastward of it, entirely since the Revolution, by the gradual immigration of different families of Presbyterians who removed thither from different quarters. General Andrew: Pickens and Gen- eral Robert Anderson, both from Abbeville, contributed in no small degree, by their example in removing hither with their families, to encourage settlers of their own denomina- tion here." (MS. History of the Churches in the second
*Howe's History of the Presbyterian Church in S. C.
88
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
Presbytery of South Carolina.) This church is near the village of Pendleton, a few miles north of it. Its first house of worship was of logs, not built, according to Mr. Dickson, till 1791, but it gave place, in 1802, to one of stone, and "the Stone Meeting House" has been the well known designation of both the edifice and the church .*
Vol. I. Period 1790-1800. Pages 636-37-38-39-40.
Hopewell (Keowee) remained still associated with Car- mel. The two congregations are in what was Pendleton County, a tract of land about forty miles square, ceded by the Cherokees at the treaty, in May, 1777. It was so rapidly settled, that when the census was taken by Congress, about five years after the chief settlements commenced, it contained about nine thousand five hundred souls, and was estimated to have reached ten thousand in 1793. Hopewell was first organized in 1788 or 1789. In December, 1792, in conse- quence of an invitation from these two churches, the Rev. Thomas Reese, having been dismissed from his former charge at Salem, on Black River, and having considerably lost his health by a long and laborious application to the duties of the Gospel ministry, in the low country, removed his family into the bounds of Carmel congregation, and be- came the pastor of the two churches, preaching to them alternately. Carmel consisted at that time of about sixty families and Hopewell of about forty.
"Those who make a profession of religion," says Dr. Reese, "are well informed, considering the opportunities they have had. They are attentive to the instruction of their children in the principles of religion and many of them
* The treaty of Hopewell was concluded by General Pickens, on his place called Hopewell, in 1785, with the Cherokees, Choctaws, Chicka- saws, and Creeks, who were assembled for that purpose, and formed four different encampments. General Pickens fought a battle with the Cherokees at Mount Tomassa, where he also settled a place. He had a fondness for being near the Indians. He was a man of few words, rather stern in his manner, but of great integrity, wisdom and courage, and was greatly respected by his Indian neighbors as by all others.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.