BX8947=Ct4 S8
Stacy, James, 1830-1912.
History of the Presbyterian church in Geo:
REV. JAMES STACY, D. D.
Pastor Presbyterian Church, Newnan, Ga., forty-three years, Stated
Clerk of Synod of Georgia thirty-three years, and
Author of this History.
..\» «•
•^■"
MAR 10 19M
A
History
of the
Presbyterian Church
in
Georgia
REV. JAMES STACY, D, D*
A Member of the Synod and for Thirty-Three Years
its Stated Clerk
Mark XVI. \b. — Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.
To the
SYNOD OF GKOROIA.
At whOH<i inHtancc
thla work wan uudcnakan',
And aH a tok^in of ^(rai<;fijl appreciation
of tho many act.H of klndn<;KH and courtesy
Bhown the Author by the entire body,
both In hlH private and
ofnchil f;hara(;t<;r,
la thiH volume rnoKt affectionately
INSCItlliKb.
Contents
CHAPTER I.
Settlement of the Colony. Religious Condition of th€
Province. Different Denominations.
CHAPTER II.
First Presbyterians. Scottish Highlanders. Midway Church.
Independent Church, Savannah. Brier Creek. Waynes-
borough.
CHAPTER III.
Presbytery of Hopewell. Ministers. Churches. First Meet-
ing, Presbytery of Harmony; Georgia; Savannah;
Flint River; Cherokee.
CHAPTER IV.
Synod of Georgia. Athens Presbytery. Transfer of Savan-
nah Presbytery, Division of the Synod.
CHAPTER V.
Internal Development. Presbyterianism in Atlanta, Savan-
nah, Augusta, Macon. Columbus. Presbyterianism in
the Country. Camp Meetings.
CHAPTER VI.
Education. Denominational Schools,
CHAPTER VII.
Oglethorpe University.
CHAPTER VIII.
University Scheme. Recent Efforts.
CHAPTER IX.
Female Colleges. Greensboro. Griffin. Rome. Agnes Scott.
CHAPTER X.
Presbyterial High Schools.
CHAPTER XI.
Hindrances; War Period, Controversy.
CHAPTER XII.
New Schoolism. Presbytery of Etowah. Chattahoochee.
CHAPTER XIII.
Block Controversy. Fashionable Amusements. Dancing.
CHAPTER XIV.
Evolution.
CHAPTER XV.
The Great Commission. Home Missions.
CHAPTER XVI.
Foreign Missions.
CHAPTER XVII.
Work Among the Colored People.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Theological Seminary.
CHAPTER XIX.
Religious Journals.
CHAPTER XX.
Presbyterian Hospital.
CHAPTER XXI.
Retrospect.
CHAPTER XXII.
Sketches and Incidents.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Final Outlook.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Appendix. — Statistics of Presbyteries. Athens. Atlanta.
Augusta. Cherokee. Macon. Savannah.
Moderators. Clerks.
PREFACE.
At the meeting of Hopewell Presbytery, August 1827,
at Decatur, Ga., Drs. Cummins, Waddell and Brown were
appointed a committee to prepare a history of the Pres-
byterian Church in the Southern States, and especially in
this state.
At the meetings in 1829, both in April and August
they "reported progress," but we find nothing beyond this.
In 1836 the Synod of Georgia appointed Dr. John S.
Wilson, the stated clerk, "to prepare Biographical sketches
of its deceased ministers," which were prepared and pub-
lished afterwards. (See Necrology). As introductory to
this work, he also prepared a short sketch of the Presby-
terian Church in this country, and more particularly in
this state in which many facts connected with its early
history have been preserved. He also states that he had
gathered up quite a large collection of items with a view
or preparing a history of the Presbyterian Church in Geor-
gia; but that these were all destroyed with the burning of
his library by the Northern army during the late civil war.
At the Synod of Georgia, at GrifRu, November 1905,
the writer was requested to prepare a "History of the Pres-
byterian Church in Georgia," and upon which, as opportuni-
ty offered, has since been engaged. But having been called
to this work so late in life, (in his 76th year) and in view
of sickness and other interferences he feels that all that
he has been able to do has been simply to gather out some
materials for the future Historian. These are now offered,
and with the prayer that they may be of some help to him
who shall hereafter undertake this work.
Newnan, Ga.
EDITOR'S EXPLANATION.
Since the Sj^nod requested my uncle, Dr. Stacy, to un-
dertake the preparation of this History, he has frequently
consulted with me about it, and as I could find opportun-
ity, I have tried to be of some service to him in gathering
and preparing the material. Most of it has been read by
us together; discussed, and in many instances revised.
We have had many warm but friendly arguments over the
opinions expressed in the book, with some of which I
agreed, while others I contested, but all the while claim-
ing that his province as Historian was simply to state
facts, and not to express opinions. Finally he partially ac-
cepted this view, and ommitted some and modified others.
But even his great wish to complete the work was not
proof against the ravages of ageand disease, and on his
death bed, almost the last intelligible sentence he utter-
ed was his request that I complete and publish this His-
tory. This I promised to do, and I have honestly tried to
keep my promise. But my part of the work has necessar-
ily bee done in the midst of a busy round of Pastoral and
Evangelistic work, and I realize that it is far from per-
fect. Hr. Dr. Stacy been spared a year longer, the work
would have been spared my errors. As it is, it is incom-
plete, but I have done the best I could with the insufficient
data available. It has been a labor of love for the Church,
and I trust it may be received with that spirit of apprec-
iation of his work and forgiveness for mine that alone
will make it acceptable. The honor of authorship, like
the opinions, are his; the mistakes are mine.
C. I. STACY.
Elberton, Ga., June, 1912.
History of the Presbyterian Church
in Georgia*
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION
It ought to be a matter of thanksgiving to every Christ-
ian that the religious el-ement was not overlooked in the
early planting of the colony of Georgia. The Trustees,
many of whom were distinguished clergymen of the Church
of England, seemed as solicitous about the spiritual inter-
ests of the early colonists, as their temporal welfare; as
appears from the care manifested in the selection of suit-
able emigrants, (Note 1), the number of Bibles, Prayer
Books, and works of a religious nature, included in the
first cargo, as well as the number of Missionaries sent
out at different times, under their auspices, and at their
expense.
It is also worthy of note, that all the early colonies took
with them ministers, thus recognizing the great truth, that
religion constitutes an essential requisite in the success-
ful founding of a nation. With the first colony under Ogle-
thorpe in 1733, came Rev. Dr. Henry Herbert. With the
second colony of Saltzburgers, who arrived in 1734, we find
Rev. Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau. With the third colony
of Moravians, who settled above Savannah, in 1735. was
Rev. Gottleib Spangenberg. With the fourth colony, of
Scottish Highlanders, who came over in January of the
same year, and settled at Darien, came Rev. John McLeod.
Wi[h the fifth embarkation, of Saltzbergers and Moravians,
in 1736, known as the "great embarkation," with whom
Oglethorpe returned, were the Wesleys, John and Charles.
Note (1). Ga. His. Soc. Vol. II. 281. Jones' His.
2 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
In addition to these there were others who came over
at different times, and on different occasions. Among them
may be mentioned, Rev. Dr. Burton, chaplain to Ogle-
thorpe's regiment, in 1738; Rev. John Ulrich Driesler, pas-
tor of the Church of SaRzbergers organized at St. Simon's
1743; George Whitfield who came over the same year,
who preached in Savannah and other places, and estab-
lished an Orphan's Home at Bethesda; Rev. Mr. Norris,
appointed by the Trustees as Missionary to St. Simon's,
and as successor to Mr. Wesley; Rev. Christopher Orton,
as minister to Savannah in 1741, and afterwards Rev.
Thomas Bosomworth as his successor; still later Rev. Bar-
tholomew Zouber-bughler at Savannah in 1746; and Rev,
Jonathan Copp in 1751 as missionary at Augusta. All sup-
ported in whole, or in part by the Trustees.
Thus it would seem that the colony, for the first twenty
years, while under the Trustees, was outwardly at least,
supplied with ministers and the means of grace; and yet
it appears from various causes, among which may be men-
tioned the general low state of the country, as well as in
some cases the unsuitableness, if not the unfaithfuln*^ss, of
her ministers, the cause of Christianity and religion made
little or no progress. Indeed the outlook at the end of
those twenty years was anything but encouraging. The
Saltzburgers at St. Simon's Island had become extinct on
the death of their pastor. Rev. Mr. Driesler, in 1745, and the
disbanding of Oglethorpe's regiment in 1749. The Church
of the Scottish Highlanders, at Darien, had likewise become
disorganized, by reason of the decimation of its ranks, and
the removal of its pastor. Rev. John McLeod, to South Car-
olina, in 1741. The Wesleys, for lack of success, and on
account of opposition, had returned to England. Rev,
Mr. Norris had left Savannah under a cloud. The Mora-
vians, after two years had abandoned their settlement
above Savannah, and gone to Pennsylvania, because sum-
moned to bear arms against the Spaniards; as they were
opposed to war, and. as they said, they had been freed by
the Trustees, from all military duty, that being one of the
conditions of their coming over and settling in the prov-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA. 3
ince. Th« church edifice commenced in Savannah in 1741,
twelve years before, was still in an unfinished state. With
the exception of the Saltzburgers at Ebenezer, the rest of
the province seemed to be in a very impoverished condi-
tion, both temporally and spiritually. The population in-
stead of increasing had commenced growing less. The peo-
ple were becoming discouraged; mutterings of discontent
were heard on every side. Predictions of failure were
even indulged in by some. Indeed the state of the prov-
ince was so much reduced that the idea of subordination,
if not of actual merging into Carolina, became a theme
for conversation. Note (1.).
After twenty years of honest effort, worried and har-
assed beyond measure, the Trustees in 175/1 surrendered
their Charter to the Crown, and John Reynolds was ap-
pointed Royal Governor, and the province placed under the
direction of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plan-
tations. With this change in the management, also came
changes in the policy of administration. There was a
change in the form of title to land, so as to make the
ownership absolute and complete. There was also the
abrogation of the laws forbidding the introduction of slaves,
and the importation of rum. With the removal of these
features so objectionable to many, emigrants began to pour
in from Carolina and other parts of the country, and com-
menced settling in the interior parts of the State, espe-
cially in Burke, Jefferson and Wilkes counties. A colony
from South Carolina with their pastor. Rev. John Osgood,
settled in St. John's Parish, now Liberty county, in 1753.
With increased inducements offered by the State, a large
colony of Scotch-Irish settled about 1768 on the Oconee
river, in Jefferson county, about three miles south of Louis-
ville, at a place they called "Queensborough," and after-
wards known as "Irish Settlement." Note (1). Likewise
settlements were formed in Burke county, on Brier creek,
to which Presbyterian ministers had been sent from the
North. In addition to the Episcopal Church known as
Note (1). Stevens, I. 296.
4 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Christ Church, the Independent Church had been set up in
Savannah; and a Church established in Augusta, known
as St. Paul's Church. The Saltzburgers had a congrega-
tion in Savannah, supplied by Rev. Messrs. Roberhorst and
Walton. The Baptists had also commenced work in Colum-
bia county, on the Kiokee and some other places. The
population of the province, which in 1750 was little more
than 3,000 had now more than doubled itself.
But all this progress and improvement were suddenly
arrested by the breaking out of the revolution, which not
only brought every thing to a stand still, but well nigh
to destruction, especially after the fall of Savannah in 1778,
when the British overran the State. St. Paul's Church in
Augusta was demolished, the building destroyed and the
congregation dispersed. The country of the Saltzburgers
was overrun by the British soldiers, and they themselves
scattered, and their house of worship, first used as a hos-
pital, and afterwards as a stable, by the British. (Note Stro-
bel, p. 206.) The settlements in Jefferson and Burke coun-
ties were broken up. The orphanage at Bethesda was aban-
doned on account of an accidental burning, as well as the
death of Mr. Whitfield, a few years before. Christ's
Church in Savannah was without a pastor. So the Inde-
pendent Prebyterian Church through the defiection of Dr.
Zubly, its pastor, was also in a destitute condition. The
colony in Liberty county had been broken up and their
house of worship burned, and the pastor. Rev. Moses Allen,
being taken and kept as a prisoner on board of a prison
ship, lost his life in the attempt to secure his freedom by
swimming to the shore. The Baptist Churches had shared
the same fate; the one at Kiokee, on the present site of
Applington, founded by Rev. Daniel Marshall in 1772, the
first organized by that denomination in the State, and the
one at New Savannah, below Augusta, gathered by the
Rev. Mr. Bottsford about 1773, had both been abandoned,
Note (Campbell's His. p. 188-9.) Indeed there was not, at
the close of the Revolutionary war, a single settled pastor
in the whole province, as far as we know. So Rev. Archi-
bald Simpson, of South Carolina, when in Savannah on his
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 5
way to Scotland writes under date of May 3, 1784. "There
is at present no minister of any denomination in this plv^c;;
and I am told there is not an ordained ministei' in the
whole State." We find also the following record in his
journal of that date: "Visited my old friend, Mr. Zubly's
Meeting House, which is in a very ruinous condition, and
has a chimney in the middle of it, having been an hospital."
(Note 3. Howe I. 468.)
With the return of peace, however, in 1783, commenced
the work of rebuilding the material interests of the coun-
try, as well as the re-establishment of the Churches, and
renewal of Church work. The Midway people returned to
their homes in Liberty county, the Saltzburgers to Ebene-
zer and the Baptists to their former work. The Episcopal
and Independent Churches in Savannah were repaired and
opened for service, and the Church at Augusta rebuilt, and
worship renewed.
In addition to the above mentioned denominations, we
may add, as among the early co religionists of the land, a
colony of Israelites, who came to Savannah in 1733, soon
after the arrival of Oglethorpe; objections being raised
most of them removed, leaving several families, however,
behind, whose descendants are still in the state, some of
whom have occupied positions of honor and influence.
There was also a small colony of Quakers, who settled
some 'seven miles above Augusta, at a place still well
known as "Quaker City."
Here then, were the religious elements, or factors,
entering at first into the forces and destiny of the country;
viz; Episcopalians, Salzburgers (Lutherans, styled "Salz-
burgers" from Salzburg, the name of their home in Aus-
tria), Congregationalists, Baptists, a few Israelites, and
Quakers; no Methodists, at least in name, but strongly
existing in its incipient germs, till a few years later.
Whitfield died a suspended minister of the Methodist
church (suspended for not using the forms of prayer, in
the Book of prayer). (1). Neither did Wesley withdraw
from the Established Church till the separation in 1785.
According to Wesley, Methodism had for its origin three
6 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
distinct p€riods. "The first rise of Methodism," says he,
"was in 1729, when four of us met together at Oxford. The
second was at Savannah in 1736, when twenty or thirty
persons met at my house. The last was at London, on this
day. May 1st, 1738, when forty or fifty of us agreed to meet
together every Wednesday evening." Savannah, therefore,
as Stevens says, "may be regarded as the birth place oi
Methodism." He also declares it to be a little remarkable
that of the few young men, students of Oxford, who gave
rise to Methodism, "four of them, viz: Rev. John Wesley, ;i
graduate of Lincoln College, Rev. Charles Wesley, of Christ
College, Rev. Benjamin Ingraham, of Queen's College, and
George Whitfield, of Pembroke College, should visio and
settle in Georgia, and three of them have the care of
churches in the colony. (Stevens, Vol. I. 340). The true
rise of Methodism, proper, however, was not till 1785, the
year of the separation from the Church of England. The
first and only regularly appointed Methodist minister in
the State at that time, was the Rev. Beverly Allen, and
the field to which he was appointed being simplv "Georgia "
The number of converts reported to the Conference the
next year being "Seventy Eight." (Note Min. Conf, p. 23,
28). Neither were there any Roman Catholics; as they T\ere
not allowed in the province till the adoption of the new
Constitution in 1799. (Watkins Comp. 42). Their first
Church being at Locust Grove, Taliaferro county, in the
year 1800. (White's statistics p. 532.)
But the thing that chiefly concerns us is the rise, prog-
ress, and development of the Presbyterian Church in the
State, and to this we now give our attention.
CHAPTER II.
FIRST PRESBYTERIANS.
1st. The first Presbyterians we meet with, as already
stated, were the Scottish Highlanders, who settled at
Darien in 1735 with their pastor. Rev. John McLeod, the
first Presbyterian minister in the State. Oglethorpe, desir-
ous of having a sort of bulwark against the Spanish inva-
sion from the southland, al30 of obtaining a more substan-
tial class of citizens, than many who had already come sim-
ply as adventurers, secured a colony of sturdy Highlanders,
who with John Mcintosh, Mohr, as head of the Clan, set-
tled on the north bank of the Altamaha river, at a place
they called "New Inverness," after the place of their ren-
dezvous in Scotland. The District they named "Darien,"
after the Isthmus of that name, where some of their fore-
fathers so disastrously attempted the founding of a colony
in the year 1690. Their number being greatly depleted by
sickness, and also the Spanish bullets at the unfortunate
assault upon Fort Moosa in Florida, in 1740, the Rev. John
McLeod, their pastor, left them and removed to Carolina
in 1741, after which the colony became scattered. Although
disorganized as a colony, still their influence was not lost.
Among them were several prominent names, as McKay,
Dunbar, Baillie, Cuthbert and Mcintosh, who settled upon
the coast, and whose descendants figured largely in mould-
ing the after history of the State, and in giving prominence
to her chivalry, as well as furnishing material for Church
membership. Thus we find the name of Cuthbert, not only
on the Council under Reynolds, but also afterwards in the
Halls of the Nation, and likewise among the list of our
Georgia towns; Baillie, a prominent member of the Pres-
byterian Church in Savannah, in 1769. We alao note the
fact, that Gen. John Mcintosh appears in the Presbytery of
Georgia, as a Ruling Elder, representing the Church at
Darien, at the organization of said Presbytery in December
1821. It is also worthy of mention that Catherine Mcintosh,
8 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
the mother of Gov. George M. Troup, was the daughter of
Captain John Mcintosh, a relative of John Mcintosh,
Mohr. It is hardly necessary to add that the Mcintosh
family has left the impress of its name and deeds upon
one of the counties of the State, after whom it w^as named.
2. The second planting, and afterwards the nursery
and stronghold of Presbyterianism in the State was the old
MIDWAY CHURCH, Liberty county, which, though nomi-
nally Congregational, was nevertheless substantially, Pres-
byterian, so understood and so styled in common parlance.
As she has used the treasury of the Presbyterian church
for the transmission of her Missionary and Elymosenary
funds, as all of her pastors except two, have been Presby-
terian ministers, as she has given fifty of her sons and
grandsons to the Presbyterian ministry, and as in the
pangs of her dissolution she has given birth to three
white, and three colored Presbyterian churches, we do not
hesitate to place her in the list with the others. Indeed the
history of Presbyterianism in 'Georgia would simply be in-
complete without her contribution. This will appear as
we further proceed. This colony came from Dorchester,
S. C, in 1753, and '54 bringing its pastor. Rev. John Osgood
with them.
3. The third point occupied by Presbyterians, at this
early day, was the CITY OF SAVANNAH. As early as
June 5, 1755 we find that "forty-three persons. Dissenters
from the Church of England, and professors of the doc-
trines of the Church of Scotland, according to the West-
minister Confession of Faith," petitioned the Council for a
lot in the city of Savannah, upon which to erect a church
building. (Pub. Col. Rec. 183.) The petition was granted,
and the next year, 1756, a warrant was issued
and signed for the same. The building was erected
and occupied till the great fire in 1796. (Idem p. 313.) The
exact date of the organization of the church is unknown;
though it must have been at the time, or soon after the
erection of the building. It soon became one of the lead-
ing churches of the province, and still maintains its organi-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 9
zation and prestige, as a powerful factor in upholding the
cause of religion and good order.
4. The fourth point occupied by Presbyterians in the
State, was the Church or group of churches in Burke
county, on Brier and Beaver Creeks, which like the Mid-
way Church though Congregational or independent, af-
filiated with the Presbytery, and wich one or two exceptions,
were always supplied with Presbyterian ministers. When,
or by whom organized, we have no means of determining.
The first notice we find of them is in the Minutes of the
Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in 1766, in which
"an application was made for supplies from Brier CreeR
in Georgia,"; and Mr. Lewis and others appointed to "Visit
North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia."
In addition to this there was another church or Congre-
gation near by called "Walnut Creek." In 1789, a petition
for supplies was made to Hopewell Presbytery for Walnut
Church (Note) and the Old Church. (The old church no
doubt being the Brier Creek Church, and in which Bishop
Asfcury preached in cne of his missionary tours in 1790)
Vol II. P 67)
These two churches were afterwards united and re-
moved to the town of Waynesboro, in 1810; and from that
time till their withdrawal in 1840 known as the "Presby
terian Church of Burke County."
Thus the Wayjiesboro Church may be considered the
legitimate offspring, if not the actual continuation of these
(Note) "Walnut Creek Church was situated on the
creek of that name some four or five miles West from
Waynesboro. Brier Creek Church afterwards called "Old
Church," was situated on Brier Creek some six miles North
East of Waynesboro. Its site is now occupied by a negro
church; while the original "Old Church," first Episcopal,
then Presbyterian; on being abandoned by the Presbyter-
ians afterwards passed into the hands of the Methodists,
with its glebe of thirty acres of land. They now hold it;
and it is again known as the "Old Church." (MS Letter of
Rev. C. I. Stacy, Pastor Pres. Church.)
10 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
earlier organizations; and therefore one of the few ante-
revolution Churches in the State. Concerning this church,
I will have more to say hereafter.
Here then were the points where the seeds of Pres-
byterianism were first planted in Georgia: In the south-
ern portion at Darien and the Altamaha; in the eastern and
middle, at Savannah, and the Parish of St. John now Lib-
erty county; and in the northf^rn, in the counties of
Burke, and Jefferson. And although a great deal of the
seed thus sown, seemed lost, yet not lost; but like "the
ashes of Wickliffe, cast into the Swift, and borne by that
stream into the Severn, and by the Severn, carried into
the broader seas, and thence into the mighty ocean;" so
this seed was only scattered and planted in different places,
■afterwards to come up, and to yield, some thirty, some
sixty, some an hundred fold.
CHAPTER III.
PRESBYTERIES.
PRESBYTERY OF HOPEWELL.
The State of South Carolina was settled in 1670, some
sixty three years before the landing of Oglethorpe at Yam-
acraw. The Presbyterian Church therefore was established
in that state at a much earlier date than in Georgia, and
through its emigrants contributed largely to the building
of churches in the latter. The Presbytery of Orange, one
of the original sixteen which constituted the first General
Assembly, formed in 1788, included the Carolinas as well as
the State of Virginia. From this Presbytery was formed
in 1784, the Presbytery of South Carolina, which also in-
cluded Georgia in its territory. The upper portion of South
Carolina being largely settled by Scotch Irish and other
Presbyterians, these together with emigrants from Penn-
sylva nia, and Virginia began soon to cross over the Savan-
nah River into the middle and upper parts of Georgia, and
to form settlements in the counties of Columbia, Oglethorpe
and Greene. Churches were soon planted, and supplied by
ministers belonging to the Presbytery of South Carolina;
notably among them, the Rev. John Newton, and Rev.
Daniel Thrasher, (note I) the first regular missionaries and
Note. (1) Rev. Daniel Thrasher was a native of New
Jersey. Licensed and ordained by the Presbytery of
Orange, in 1781; received into the Presbytery of South
Carolina, April 11, 1793, labored in Georgia, though not
wholly and with much success in organizing several of the
earlier churches, as appears from his letter to the Presby-
tery, in which he gives an account of his labors in 1795. He
returned to New Jersey his native state, and accepted a
missionary appointment, under the General Assembly, in
the State of New York and which appointment he contin-
ued to fill until his death. He was dismissed to the Pres-
bytery of Hudson in 1796, and died Aug. 1, 1797, very much
lamented. (Min. Gen. Ass. P. 139)
12 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
pioneers into the State, and afterwards by Rev. Messrs.
Springer, Cunningliam, Waddel and Montgomery, who soon
gathered Congregations and became settled pastors over
them.
As the number of Churches and Ministers increased, it
soon became apparent, that on account of the distance, a
new and independent Presbytery should be formed. Accord-
ingly upon petition, the Synod of the Carolinas, at their
meeting at Morganton, N. C, Nov. 3rd., 1796 divided the
Presbytery of South Carolina, setting off the portion below
the Savannah River into a separate and independent Pres-
bytery, to be known as the Presbytery of Hopewell, and to
be composed of the following ministers, and all the church-
es and missions belonging to the old Presbytery, and within
the State.
Ministers. — John Newton, John Springer, Robt. Cun-
ningham, Moses Waddel, William Montgomery
The Cixurches, as well as we can gather them, for tlia
records are very imperfect, are as follows:
Bethsalem, Bethany, Ebenezer, Richmond, Little Brit-
ian, Siloam, Bethlehem, New Hope, Goshen, Carmel, Joppa,
Providence, Liberty, Smyrna.
In addition to these, there seemed to have been several
other places occupied by the old Presbytery, but whether
organized churches that had now become extinct or mere
preaching places, the Records do not show. Some of the
places thus indicated were Sharon, Sherril's Creek, Furgus
Creek, Goose Ponds, Great Kiokee, Kettle Creek, Falling
Creek, Bethel, and "Concord in Wilkes county," (Howe I,
659.) It is probable that some of these names were
changed, as in the case of several other instances, and of
which no mention is made.
FIRST MEETING.
In accordance with the action of the Synod of South
Carolina and Georgia, the Presbytery held its first meet-
ing at Liberty Church on Thursday March 16, 1797. Rev.
John Springer preached the opening sermon from Luke IV.,
18, and constituted the Presbytery with prayer, and was
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHTjI^pa IN GEORGIA 13
afterwards chosen Moderator, and Rev. Moses Waddel,
Clerk.
There were present. all the above mentioned ministers
viz: John Newton, John Springer, Robert Cunningham,
Moses Waddel, and William Montgomery, and the follow-
in Elders: James Darrach (Daniel) from Liberty, Ezekiel
Gilliam from Bethsalem, Loderick Tuggle, from Bethany,
and William Calahan, who came the next day, from Little
Britian. The Records do not giv« the names of any of the
churches except that of Little Britian. In other places and
from other sources, we learn what churches were repre-
sented. We feel almost certain that the name of "Daniel"
should be substituted for that of "Darrach" and for the fol-
lowing reasons: (1) There is no evidence that there ever
was an Elder in the Liberty church of the name of Darrach,
or even a family of that name in the community. (2) The
name occurs no where else. (3) The Daniel family being a
prominent and influential one in the church, James Daniel
being a well known elder and representing the church a
the next meeting of Presbytery, as the Records show. (4)
But the principal reason is that, we have only the copied
Records of the Presbytery. Dr. Waddel was Stated Clerk,
and at the request of Presbytery he had the first 30 years
copied; this copying being done by Maj. Watkins and for
which sixty-five dollars were paid; as the Records show.
This copying was done in 1827 thirty years after the re-
cord was made. And it is very easy to see how the name
of "Darrach" should be mistaken by the copyist for "Daniel."
on an old and time worn manuscript, and he a stranger to
the parties, and with nothing to guide him but the Man-
uscript of Dr. Waddel, which according to the testimony of
his own son, was at times extremely difficult to descipher-
Dr. John Waddel, in his "Academic Memorials," says of
him, (though this is not true of the specimens of his hand
writing we have seen, which are remarkably clear and
distinct.)
"He always prepared skeletons on very small sized
leaves of paper and in handwriting so diminutive, and with
certain hieroglyphics of his own adoption, so obscure as to
14 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
be almost illegible to any beside himself. There are still
m possession ot some of his living friends many of these
briefs, serving only as relics of him, but not answering any
farther purpose, by reason of their illegible chirography."
As this was the mother Presbytery, and these minis-
ters and churches, the early seed of Presbyterianism in the
state, a more minute and particular description of them
would be interesting and eminently befitting.
PLACE OF MEETING.
And first as to the place of meeting. Liberty church
where the Presbytery met was so called because allowed
to the use of other denominations, and selected on account
of its central position. It was a rough house built of logs,
and located in the South-western part of Wilkes county,
about fourteen miles from Washington, and seven from
Woodstock, and about half a mile from "War Hill" where
was fought the battle of Kettle Creek, in 1790. It was or-
ganized soon after the war of the revolution, by the Rev.
Dan Thatcher, with fifteen or twenty members, among
them, the grand father of Hon. A. H. Stephens, and father
of Dr. David Finley of Montgomery, Alabama, with Ruling
Elders James Daniel and Archibald Simpson. (Simpson's
Sketch, Pres. Com. Pub.) Rev. John Springer was the first
regular minister. After the death of Mr. Springer in 1798,
the Church was supplied for a short time by Rev. Robert
M. Cunningham, who was then also supplying Bethany.
After Mr. Cunningham, the old church was closed for a
time. The old building in the mean while becoming dilap-
idated, a new house was erected about a mile South, and
its name changed to Salem. The Rev. Francis Cummins
who came to Georgia from South Carolina about 1803, took
charge of the new building at the same time supplying
Bethany Church. After his removal to Greensboro in 1820
the church was without a minister for four years. In 1824,
Rev. Alexander H Webster, who then had charge of the
Washington Church also supplied Salem. After the death
of Mr. Webster, the church was again w^ithout a pastor,
and in 1828 several members and families withdrew and
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 15
organized themselves into a church in the neighborhood of
Raytown, being too remote to attend regularly, and named
the new church South Liberty, being south of the Mother
Church. In 1832 Rev. S. J. Cassels being called to the
Washington Church preached occasionally at Salem. In
1834 a new and better house was erected at the junction of
the Greensboro and Crawfordville roads, twelve miles from
Washington. The membership at this time was reduced to
seven. In 1837, Rev. John B. Cassels, the brother of the
Rev. S. J. Cassels, took charge of the church and also open-
ed a day school, but was soon cut down with malarial
fever. After his death Rev. F. R. Goulding supplied the
church for a while. He was followed by Rev. J. W. Reid,
who was teaching and preaching at Woodstock. In 1847
the old house was sold to the Bapcists and the remaining
membership removed to Woodstock into which the church
was merged.
Although the little church has always been weak in
numbers, yet its mission has not been a failure. The fol-
lowing ministers have gone out if not from its bosom, at
least from its training hand, viz: David Finley, B. L. Beall,
R. A. Houston, and Robert Milner, and others who have re-
ceived deep and lasting impressions from its moulding
hand.
It is also worthy of remark that the Penfleld church
may be considered an offshoot from the Woodstock Church.
Mr. Johnson Boswell from that church and living near that
place and although in the midst of a Baptist neighborhood,
was the means of establishing a Presbyterian church which
now numbers 50 members. (Simpson's Sketches).
PERSONNEL OF THE BODY.
Concerning the Elders we know little or nothing, as
Records are very silent concerning them, saying nothing
more than giving their names, and not even mentioning
the Churches they represented, except that of Little Brit-
ian. In those days the Elders seemed as quiescent factors;
or as Dr. R. J. Breckenridge once expressed it in his Speech
before the Assembly, that their office seemed to be a body
16 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
guard to the minister to accompany him and "lay down the
bars before him." We are glad to know the views of the
Church have of late materially changed on that subject,
and greatly for the better.
MINISTERS.
REV. JOHN NEWTON.
Rev. John Newton was a native of Pennsylvania, born
Feb. 20, 1759, was received by the Presbytery of South
Carolina at Jackson Creek October 1785, was ordained by
said Presbytery, Oct. 18, 1788, being a Licentiate* for ^ve
years,; having taken charge of the churches of Bethsalera
in Oglethorpe county, and New Hope in Madison county, in
the previous Spring where he labored till his death. He
was the first resident of the State ever ordained, and yef
ordained out of the State. The call to said churches was
borne by Messrs. Park and Gillam, Elders, to the Presby-
tery at Duncan's Creek where ijo was ordained, and in-
stalled pastor of the associated churches, though about a
hundred miles away! these men receiving him in the name
of the churches, a proceeding altogether right at that time
and under the circumstances, but would now be considered
quite irregular.
Mr. Newton was the missionary of South Carolina
Presbytery before the division; a man abundant in labors,
quite a number of the earlier churches being organized by
him. Indeed the evidence is he was among, if not the very
first minister that visited the state, as Rev. W. E. Dozier,
his great grandson, has a skeleton of one of his sermons
preached at Goshen, "near Greensboro," Aug. 15, 1784, and
therefore he must have visited Georgia while still a Licen-
tiate of Orange Presbytery as he was not received by South
Carolina till October of next year. According to a diary he
kept, and now in the hands of his grandson. Rev. Henry
Newton, he made a missionary tour during the summer
of 1785.
According to that Diary he crossed the Savannah
river at its junction with Broad river, then went South to
Little river, thence North West to Washington,, where he
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 17
found neither hotel nor Church. Going then North West
he came to a church (of what denomination not said),
where he spent the Sabbath and preached. From thence he
proceeded Westward till he reached Oconee river; seeing
no towns or Churches. North and West of the river were
the Cherokee Indians. He then took his journey North-
ward, through an almost unbroken forest, till he reached a
settlement in Oglethorpe county not far from Crawford,
where finding acquaintances and friends, he rested awhile,
and which place he made his after home. From there he
began his homeward journey. Though passing through
four or five counties, he speaks of only one Church, of
which mention is made above. He was six weeks away
from home. He moved to Georgia in the Fall of 1785 or
Spring of 1786. (MS. Letter. Rev. Henry Newton.)
Mr. Newton was a man of dark complexion, with dark
hair, and black eyes; strongly built, though lean and long.
He married Katherine Lowrance of North Carolina, in
1780 and had six children, three sons and three daughters,
many of whom have occupied positions of prominence in
the church. Two of his sons, Ebenezer and Elizur were
elders; the former at Long Cane, and the latter at Athens.
One of his grandsons is a minister, viz., Rev. Henry New-
ton of Athens. Five of his grandsons were elders: John T. at
Long Cane, Charles at the Central Church, Atlanta, John
A. Cooper at LaGrange, William at Long Cane and Wil-
liam Henry at Athens. Among his great grandchildren,
two are ministers, viz: Rev. W. E. Dozier, pastor at Car-
rollton, and Rev. J. W. Stokes, pastor at Americus, Ga., and
one, Henry E., an elder at Loyd Church. Annie, a great
grand daughter married Rev. Joseph H. Wilson of South
Carolina; and Lucy, another great grand daughter is de-
voting her life to Missionary work in connection with the
movement on Cumberland Mountains in Kentucky. What
a record! ! Mr. Newton died at Athens June 17, 1797, and
was buried at the site of the old Bethsalem church, but in
1900 his remains were removed to Lexington where they
LOW repose.
18 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
REV. JOHN SPRINGER.
Rev. John Springer was a native of Delaware, his fa-
ther being James Springer and his grandfather being Carl
Springer a wealthy citizen of Sweden and resident of Stock-
holm.
We give the following tradition concerning his father,
James Springer as related by Joseph Springer one of his
descendents, and taken from Benjamin Farris's History of
the original settlements on the Delaware, pages 283, 284,
and furnished by Mr. Herbert Patman, the Librarian at
Washington, D. C.
"My grandfather when a youth was sent by his parents
into England, for the purpose of finishing his education.
One evening, when in London as he was walking to his
lodgings, a party of ruffians seized and gagged him. They
then hurried him into a carriage, and driving it down to
the river, put him on board of a ship, bound to Virginia,
and confined him in the hold. When the vessel arrived at
the port of her destination. Springer was sold to a farmer
for a term of years. During the time of his bondage he
learned that in a country lying far to the Northeast, there
was a settlement of his countrymen, which he determined
immediately to visit as soon as his term of service should
expire. When that time arrived, he set out on foot to seek
them and after many difficulties in crossing a new coun-
try, much of it in its wild state, inhabited only by Indians,
he to his great joy, found them at Christiana, and settled
himself permanently among them."
This seems a marvellous story indeed! If it had been
said, that yielding to the spirit of adventure, and desirous
of seeing the "New World," he had suffered himself to be
taken and sold to defray the cost of his passage as many
others had done, of which we read in the early history of
the Province, we would think it far more probable. But we
give the story as we find it.
In process of time, after reaching Christiana, James
married, and reared a large family; many of his descend-
ants being men of prominence; among them one congress-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 19
man, and two judges. Among his numerous sons was one
named John, the subject of this notice.
John Springer was born on a farm near Wilmington,
Delaware, Sept. 20, 1744, and graduated at Princeton 1776.
After this, became one of the assistants or tutors in Hamp-
den-Sydney school. After leaving Princeton, he taught
school for a while in Virginia. Leaving Virgina on account
of the breaking out of the war of the Revolution, he re-
moved to North Carolina where he taught at White Hall
and Cambridge. After a few years in Carolina he removed
to Georgia, and opened a school near Washington, Wilkes
county. Though feeling that he was called to the ministry,
yet a feeling of unworthiness kept him out for a number
of years. While at White Hall, he studied Theology under
Dr. James Hall. After being a candidate for a number of
years, under Orange Presbytery, he was transferred to the
Presbytery of South Carolina and by that Presbytery was
licensed at Duncan's Creek, Oct. 18, 1788. He continued to
teach, at the same time supplying some of the surround-
ing churches. Receiving a call from the united churches of
Providence, Smyrna, and Washington in Wilkes county,
Georgia, he was ordained by the Presbytery of South Car-
olina, at Washington, July 21, 1790, he being the first Pres-
byterian minister ever ordained in Georgia. This was the
first meeting of any Presbytery in Georgia. Not having a
house of w'orship, the ordination took place under a large
Poplar tree in the suburbs of the town, under which the
Presbytery held its meeting. (Note I.)
Mr. Springer had a home some five miles North of
Washington, called "Walnut Hill," where he also had a
school of some celebrity, having for a wiiile as studentE,
Jesse Mercer, and Pope Hull, where he continued till
his death. He w&s called upon in the latter part of Aii-
fejst to preach the funeral of Hon. John Talbot, the father
Note. 1. As the Vol I of the records of the Presbytery
are lost, we are unable to give the names of the members
of the Presbytery. This we greatly regret, as this is the
first Presbytery held in the State.
20 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
of GoverDor Talbot, and also of Thomas Talbot, for a long
time a ruling Elder in the Washington Church. The day-
was warm, he exerted himself; being caught in a shower of
rain that came up, he was taken with a chill and fever
which terminated his life. He died Sept. 3rd., 1798, aged
54 years. At his request he was buried in the garden, by
the roadside. The next owner in straightening the road
threw the grave into the middle of the road, and there his
ashes remain in an unknown, unmarked grave, over which
vehicles are continually passing.
He was a man of large size; as was said of him "A
gian in body and mind," an easy and fluent speaker.
He married Ann Greene of North Carolina, and had three
daughters and one son. Many of his descendants are still
living in the State. The son, William Greene Springer,
married Mary Baxter of Hancock county, and removed to
Carroll county where he became a man of prominence, at
one time representing the county in the State Senate,
which place he creditably filled for the years 1838 and
1839. He was a man of huge proportions, weighing over
four hundred pounds! He and Hon. Dixon H. Lewis of
Alabama being at that time the two largest men, in the
whole country.
As the old tree under which the Presbytery held its
meeting and of which mention has been made, is a wonder
in itself, hoary with years, and upon which, like the Pyra-
mids of Egypt, "generations have wonderingly gazed;" and
as it stands the only living witness of that first meeting we
think it worthy of special mention. We herewith therefore
append a cut of its present appearance, and add the follow-
ing description given by my young friend, Mr. Robert Guin,
a native of Washington.
"The circumference of the big Poplar Tree under
which the first Presbytery was held, and under which the
first Presbyterian minister was ordained in Georgia, is
twenty six feet. This is the average figure, for the base of
the tree is bulged out on account of the large roots.
"The old tree, though it is more than a thousand years
old, and has been struck by lightning five or six times is
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA ?.l
still in a prosperous condition. Its original height is not
known, but is supposed to have been over a hundred and
fifty feet. The upper half it is plain to see, has decayed, or
in other ways succumbed to th-e attacks made upon it in
the past centuries, but the part remaining stands high
above any other tree in the woods, and these woods are
made up of oak and poplar trees; And this fact must
prove that the tree was in its prime over a hundred years
ago, when the Presbytery was held under it; and even
then must have been a gigantic tree. A swarm of bees have
a hive in the lower limb, and various air plants have be-
gun to appear on the upper branches. But notwithstanding
all these life sappers, the old tree will undoubtedly be wit-
nessed by several generations yet to come.
"The old tree is situated almost directly East of Wash-
ington, three quarters of a mile out from the city. It is
owned by the widow of Capt. C. A. Alexander, an old con-
federate veteran, and has been in possession of his fore-
fathers, dating from the Revolution. Mrs. Alexander is very
proud of it, and has several pictures of it, and has a table
made from one of the gigantic branches torn away by the
lightning."
To this description we add the hope that the words of
our young friend, may indeed be prophetic of the future
of the grand old church, which is yet to stand for ages in
the conscious majesty of its strength, harmlessly receiving,
but hurling back with fearful recoil, every blow directed
at it. And like the old tree ever carrying in its bosom a
swarm of active workers, furnishing the sweetness of
honey, and even "of fine droppings of the honey comb," to
the generations yet to come.
REV. ROBERT CUNNINGHAM, D. D.
Rev. Robert Cunningham, D. D., was born in York
county Pennsylvania, Sept. 10, 1760. Licensed by the
Presbytery of South Carolina Sept. 29, 1791. Ordained
and installed pastor of the Ebenezer and Bethany Church-
es, July 31, 1793, where he continued to labor till 1808,
when he removed to' Lexington, Kentucky. There he re-
22 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
mained fourteen years, till the Fall of 1822, when he re-
moved to Moulton, Alabama, preaching at Tuscaloosa,
which church he organized, and at other places, till his
death. He was appointed by the General Assembly to
preach the opening sermon and to preside at the organiza-
tion of the Synod of Mississippi and South Alabama, in
1829, and also to render this service at the organization of
the Synod of Alabama in 1835. (Minutes Gen. Ass. pp. 263.
489.) He died July 11, 1839, in the 80th year of his age.
REV. MOSES WADDEL.
Rev. Moses Waddel was born in Rowan, now Iredell
county, North Carolina, July 29, 1770, his father being an
emigrant from Ireland. He graduated at Hampden Sydney
in 1791; Licensed by Hanover Presbytery May 13, 1792; or-
dained June 6, 1794 by South Carolina Presbytery; Opened
a school at Carmel, Columbia County (Sherwood, p 112,;
two miles east of the village of Applington where he taught
school for a number of years. In 1804 he removed to
Vienna, Abbeville District S. C, where he continued to
teach till 1819 when elected president of the University of
Georgia holding that office for ten years, resigning in 1824,
and died at Athens July 21, 1840. Among his pupils were
men of distinction, as John C. Calhoun, Hugh I. Lagre,
Jas. S. Pettigrew, W. H. C. Crawford, and others. In addi-
tion to teaching, he supplied many feeble and destitute
churches. His name is a household word in educational
circles, having left to the state and country a rich heri-
tage in the number of educationists, and men of promi-
nence and distinction. His eldest son, James P. was pro-
fessor of Languages in Franklin College and Ruling Elder
in the church at that place till his death May 26, 1867. His
second son, Isaac Watts, was a minister and serving the
churches of Willington, South Carolina, Damopolis, Ala-
bama and Marietta, Georgia, where he died, in 1849. His
third son , William Woodson, was an Elder and Physician
at Tallahassee, Florida, where he died after a useful life
in 1843. His fourth son, John Newton, was a minister,
and teacher, in the Synodical College of Alabama; at one
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 23
time, President of the University of Mississippi; at anoth-
er. Chancellor of the South Western University at Clarks-
ville, Tennesse-e. Among his grand children, one, William
Henry, the son of James P. was first Tutor, then Adjunct
Professor of Latin, and afterwards Professor of Greek, in
the University of Georgia, and Elder in the Church till
his death, Sept. 21, 1878. Another James Daniel, son of
Isaac Watts, was editor and author of several volumes,
among them the life of Linton Stevens. Another, John
Oliver, the second son of Isaac Watts, was an Elder in the
Cedartown Church. Still another, Isaac Watts, Jr. was a
minister supplying various Churches, at one time President
of the North Georgia Agricultural College at Dahlonega,
also President of the Euharlee Institute, and now pastor
at Archer, Florida. And still another yet, George N., the
son of John Newton, became a minister in Alabama, and
died just after entering the ministry. Dr. Waddell was
married twice. His first wife being Catherine, the sister
of his pupil, John C. Calhoun, who lived but a short while.
His second was Elizabeth W. Pleasants, of Virginia. The
honorary degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by South
Carolina College in 1807. He was also elected to the chair
of Theology in Columbia Seminary, but declined, to which
Dr. Goulding was afterwards appointed.
REV. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY.
Rev. William Montgomery was educated at Mt. Zion
College, Winnsboro, S. C, licensed by the Presbytery of
South Carolina April 16, 1793; ordained by the same, and
made pastor of Little Britain and Siloam Churches May 28,
1795, and afterwards also of New Hope Church. In 1800, in
company with Drs. James Hall, of Concord Presbytery, and
J. H. Bowman, of Orange Presbytery lie was sent on a
pioneer missionary tour to the "Natchez Country," as Mis-
sissippi was then called, where they remained nine months,
the three preaching at nine different places, at six of which
Churches were afterwards established; after which they
returned to their homes.
In 1811, Mr. Montgomery went back to Mississippi, and
24 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
carried his family with him, and became the supply of the
Pine Ridge Church for six years, from Jan. 1812 till 1819;
and then also taking charge of Ebenezer and Union
Churches, all in Jefferson county, preaching alternately at
these Churches from 1820 till his death.
In 1816, in company with Rev. John Bullen, Rev. James
Smilie and som-e Elders, he went to Pine Ridge Church, and
there they constituted the Presbytery of Mississippi, the
mother Presbytery of the Southwest. His being the honor
thus of being one of the Charter members of two first Pres-
byteries in two different States, the one in Georgia, and the
other in Mississippi. He also was the first minister to
preach in Port Gibson, being called upon to conduct the
funeral of Mrs. Gibson, the wife of the hotel keeper in that
place.
In his early ministry under a charge of indiscretion, if
not of immoral conduct he was suspended, but before the
next meeting there was a general reaction in his favor, and
in accordance with a petition of the Church and congrega-
tion, he was restored, showing that in the minds of the peo-
ple, the action of the Presbytery seemed unnecessarily
severe.
Mr. Montgomery was a fine scholar, and withal a tried
and trusted counsellor. He took a very prominent part in
the organization of Oakland College, the first Presbyterian
School in the Southwest. He had a son. Rev. Sam Mont-
gomery, a most eloquent preacher, who supplied Union
Church, one of his father's, till his death in 1884.
Mr. Montgomery is described as a small man of slen-
der frame, with fair and rather florid complexion, blue eyes
and fiery red hair, an earnest and faithful minister. He
died in 1848, greatly honored and beloved, and was buried
near the old Ebenezer Church, to w^hich he so long minis-
tered. (MS. Letter Dr. C. W. Grafton. Howe 173-5.)
The first Presbytery seemed much imbued with the
spirit of its mission, and a realizing sense of its weighty
responsibilities, for after surveying the field, and voting
supplies for its vacancies, they took the following action:
"In view of the degeneracy of manners and declension in
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 25
religion, which so awfully prevail, in coincidence with sev-
eral other religious Judicatures, we recommend the
first Tuesdays in January, April, July and October as days
of humiliation, fasting and prayer." How intensely in ear-
nest! Four days in the year for humiliation, fasting and
prayer!
Thus it would appear from the foregoing that these
pioneers of Presbyterianism were neither pygmies nor
drones in the vineyard of the Master, but were men of
character and worth, of deep piety and entire consecration
and well worthy of the honor put upon them, and the work
assigned them, and indeed the worthy representatives of
the great church, the foundation of which they were called
upon to lay in the province of Georgia.
THE FIELD.
From the laborers, we turn to the field. That field was
a very broad one, being the whole state of Georgia, at least
as far as the population extended. Over this vast area there
were some fourteen or more small and feeble churches,
with quite a number of missionary or preaching places. On
account of the imperfection of the records, and the change
and confusion of names, several being applied to the same
field, we have found it difficult, if not impossible to give •:\
correct list of all the churches, the time of their organiza-
tion, or their order. This much however we can assert
confidently that they were all formed since the Revolution-
ary war; (see letter of Rev. Dan Thatcher) and most of
them organized by Rev. Dan Thatcher and Rev. John New-
ton, the first missionairies of the Presbytery. There were
only five of the fields regularly supplied; viz: Bethany and
New Hope, by Rev. John Newton; Liberty, Smyrna and
Providence by Rev. John Springer; Bethany and Ebenezer,
by Rev. Robert Cunningham; Carmel and Joppa by Rev.
Moses Waddel; Greensboro and Little Britian by Rev. Wil-
liam Montgomery.
The following is the location of the different churches
as well as we can locate them, many of them like the
26 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
seven churches of Asia having passed away, and not leav-
ing a single trace behind.
Bethsalem in Oglethorpe county, near Lexington.
New Hope in Madison county as at present; Liberty after-
wards Salem, and now Woodstock to which it has been
removed in Wilkes county. Smyrna, four miles South of
Washington, on the Augusta Road. Providence a few miles
North of Washington in the same county. Bethany as at
present in Greene county. Ebenezer, now Mount Zion, in
Hancock county. Carmel and Joppa, near Appling, Colum-
bia county, where Dr. Waddel taught school. Siloam, now
Greensborough as at present. Little Britian, near by on
the head waters of Little river, between Greene and
Oglethorpe counties. "Goshen near Greensborough," in
Greene county. Sherril's Creek, Goose Pond, and Falling
Creek, in Oglethorpe county. "Richmond near the Kio-
kees, Columbia county," "Concord in Wilkes county," and
Sharon and Kettle Creek, in the same; Great Kiokee, in
Columbia county. Bethesda in Elbert county, Sharon and
Fergus Creek in Wilkes county.
To determine the order of the different organizations, is
just as unsatisfactory, it being difficult to assert with any
sort of certainty which is even the first organized. Bethany
is usually spoken of as the oldest, and on that account call-
ed the "mother of the churches." We regret that we are
under the necessity of expressing doubt as to this point. It
is usually claimed that this church was organized by Rev.
Dan Thatcher in 1786 and therefore the church held its
centennial celebration in 1886. But here are the facts as
we find them.
In 1791, two years after the General Assembly was
formed it was "resolved that it be enjoined upon each
Presbytery, strictly to order their members to procure all
the materials for forming a history of the Presbyterian
Church in these United States, to bring in the same to
their Presbytery, and the Presbyteries to forward the same
to the next Assembly." (Min. p 38.) This was repeated
every year till 1795, on account of the slowness of some of
the Presbyteries to act in the matter.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 27
In obedience to this command of the Assembly, how-
ever Rev. Daniel Thatcher and Rev. John Newton gave an
account of their fields. Mr. Thatcher says in his letter dat-
ed April 2, 1792, that "in accordance with the request of
the Assembly and the order of the Presbytery, he would
"undertake to give some account of the planting and ap-
parent rise of those Churches now vacant in these parts,
particularly where I am supplying at present." Then goes
on to say "Bethany Church, I believe was settled in 1788"
Ebenezer about the close of 1788," "Richmond Creek, about
the year 1788," "Bethlehem, about the year 1789," Goshen
near Greensboro, and Little Britian on the waters of Little
river about 1790."
Rev. John Newton, in his letter written the same year
says that of the churches of New Hope, Bethsalem, Little
Britian and Bethany, which were in a row North and
South, that "Bethsalem was the first organized." Then
goes on with the discription of the other churches, but
says nothing more about their organization except Beth-
salem.
In the year 1877, says he, the people of this
church, called Mr. John Newton, Probationer under the
care of the South Carolina Presbytery, to be their pastor.
The call was accepted, and he the said Mr. Newton, was
ordained in 1788, and did then become and is still pastor
of that church." (Howe, Vol. I. P. &57.) Here then we have
the direct statements of Mr. Thatcher himself, who organ-
ized the church, that Bethany was settled in 1788, and of Mr.
Newton that Bethsalem called him in 1787. And we suppose
that these men knew what they were saying, especially
as these statements were to form parts of a History in
which they had a whole year to secure accuracy.
2nd. Dr. John Waddel in his Academic Memorials,
(pg. 31) says of his father Dr. Moses Waddel, that he
taught school at Willington, S. C, in 1784. Went on a tour
of observation to Greene county, Georgia, in the Pall of
1786. Opened a school which was broken up by the invas'
ion of the Indians in 1787, who burned Greensboro and
committed other depredations; returned to Georgia in
28 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
1788 and opened another school near the same place, and
being troubled about his spiritual condition conversed with
Mr. Thatcher "who with other ministers visited the com-
munity that year," in this account nothing being said about
Mr. Thatcher before that time. (1788.)
3rd. Then again in the list of churches made out by
the Officers of the General Assembly in 1788, we see the
names of Providence, Sherill's Creek, Bethsalem, and
Richmond Creek but no Bethany. (Pub. Min. Pg, 20.)
Thus from the evidence before me I am constrained to
believe that Bethany is not the oldest Church organized in
Georgia. That the neighborhood was settled several years
before I doubt not; but that Mr. Thatcher was right in his
official statement that the church was not gathered till
1788, and after Bethsalem, Richmond, Sherril Creek, and
Smyrna. Which of these was first organized, we have no
means of determining.
On viewing the extent of the field we are at once
struck with the vastness of the work for these few labor-
ers; and the more so, when we remember that the number
01 these churches was soon increased, wliile the number
of ministers diminished. Hebron w'as added to the list of
Churches at the first meeting of the Presbytery. So supplies
were ordered to some new fields, as requested, whilst th3
ranks of the ministry was depleted by the loss of Rev.
John Newton who died June 17, of the same year, just
three months after the meeting of the Presbytery. So of
the Rev. John Springer who died September the 3rd, of the
year after; thus leaving but three laborers in that vast
field, until Rev. Thomas Newton, a brother of Rev. John
Newton was added to the list. He was a Licentiate of
Concord Presbytery, and having received a call from He-
bron church, was ordained and installed pastor of the same
March 1799. For a number of years the Presbytery con-
tinued very weak, at times not being able to meet on ac-
count of a want of a quorum, and at best only with an attend-
dance of about three or four ministers and tw or three el-
ders. Edmund Pharr was ordained Dec. 1801, and John
Hodge, a Licentiate was received from the Cumberland
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 29
Presbyterian Church, and was ordained April 6, 1805. And
Rev. Francis Cummins was received from the Preshytery of
South Carolina at the Fall meeting of the same year and
made minister at Greensboro. John R. Thompson, a teach-
er at Augusta, "and late of New York," was received un-
der their care in 1805 and licensed and ordained in 1807,
and installed pastor at Augusta. On the other hand, Rev.
Dr. Waddel had been dismissed to the Presbytery of oouth
Carolina in 1801, and Rev. Robert Cunningham io West
Lexington Presbytery in 1809. So that at the end of ten
years, there were only six ministers, there being only a
gain of one during that time. Indeed the number reported
to the Assembly in 1810, was only five, the same as at
first. We have no means of determining the number of
Communicants at the organization of the Presbytery. The
number reported in 1810. which was their first report, was
only 218. As the number of ministers remained the same,
we presume the size of the membership also remained
about the same.
To see the further weakness of the Presbytery and
the difficulty under which they labored, we have only to
consider their almost complete isolation from the rest of
the brethren, and therefore the want of sympathy and co-
operation. In 1809 the books of the Presoytery were sent
to the Synod of the Carolinas, at Poplar Tent and reviewed
for the first time! So the Presbytery, up to that time had
been represented in the General Assembly, but twice!
First by Dr. Moses Waddel, in 1798, and second by Dr.
Robert Cunningham in 1805, and in neither case by an El-
der. The next and third time the Presbytery was repre-
sented in the Assembly, was in 1821, twenty six years af-
ter by Rev. Talmage, and Elder Elizur L. Newton, who
was the first Elder Representative. Three times in thirty
four years; and by an Elder for the first time in thirty four
years of its existence.
Considering the extent of the field, the fewness of tho
laborers, the number of the appointments, the distance to
be traveled, the absence of public conveniences of travel,
the smallness of the salaries in no instances being over two
30 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
or three hundred dollars, which forced so many of them
into the school room, as well as the lack of fraternal sym-
pathy and association, we cannot but express our astonish-
ment at the work performed, and their faith and persever-
ance; nor yet ean we blame them for not attending the
sessions of the Synod and the Assembly.
HARMONY PRESBYTERY.
The Presbytery of Harmony, was the second Presby-
tery set up, and was set off from the First and Second
Presbyteries of South Carolina, and a part of Hopewell, in
Georgia, by the Synod of the Carolinas at their session at
Poplar Tent, North Carolina, October 10th, 1809; the west-
ern border being a line drawn from the mouth of Lynch's
Creek, a point about an hundred miles from the sea, on the
line between North and South Carolina, to the city of Au-
gusta in Georgia, including the cities of Camden, Colum-
bia and Augusta; with a continuation of said line to St.
Marys in Georgia, and including Waynesboro and Mt. Zion.
Thus embracing the whole of the seacoast of South Caro-
lina, with a large part of Georgia, within its territorial
area. The ministers of said Presbytery were: G. G. Mc-
Whorter, Andrew Flinn, and James Cousar, of Carolina;
and John R. Thompson, pastor of Augusta Church, and
set off from Hopewell Presbytery. Their first meeting was
held in Charleston, March 7th, 1810. Rev. James Cousar
was chosen Stated Clerk, and continued in that capacity
till his resignation October 1836; his death occurring the
Fall of the next year.
As the boundary of the Presbytery was so extensive,
covering the entire seaboard of two states, and extending
considerably into the interior of each; and as the ministers
were so few, and all but one. Rev. J. R. Thompson, living
in Carolina, and he far in the interior, the members for the
most part were required to attend on horseback, little or
nothing was done for quite a term of years towards the
planting and training of churches in the Georgia half of
the Presbytery. The same conditions obtained here as in
the early history of Hopewell; a vast field, with few lab-
THE IPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 31
orers; and nearly the whole of it, missionary ground. To
see the extent of the field, we have only to consider the
different places of the meting of the Presbytery. At one
time at Charleston, then at Augusta, then at Charleston,
then at Savannah, then at Columbia, then at Augusta, etc.
The records show that the Presbytery of Harmony met but
four times in Georgia during the eleven years of its exis-
tence, till the setting up of the Presbytery of Georgia, in
1821; viz: Three times in Augusta; Jan. 11, 1811, Nov. 12,
1812, Oct. 28, 1813; and in Savannah once, Dec. 20, 1811.
With the increase of population however, and further
development of the country, ministers began to move in
and settle at different localities. Rev. William McWhir, D.
D., a native of Ireland, and member of the Presbytery of
Killileagh, who had had charge of the • public school in
Alexandria, Virginia, of which General Washington was a
patron, removed to Georgia about 1790, had settled
at Sunbury, and opened a school for boys and girls, and
had been teaching quite successfully for a number of
years. Rev. Murdoch Murphy, a member of the Presby-
tery of Orange had gone in as the successor of Rev. Cyrus
Gildersleeve, in December 1811 and for some time had
been the pastor of the Congregational Church in Liberty
county. Dr. Henry Kollock, who had been a member of
Harmony Presbytery, but had disowned its authority, in
the year 1813, had been supplying the Independent Presby-
terian church at Savannah from the year 1806. Thomas
Goulding, a member of the Midway church, had been re-
ceived under the care of the Presbytery of Harmony 1813,
and by them licensed, ordained and installed pastor of the
White Bluff Congregational church in the year 1816. Rev.
Samuel S. Davis, a member of Albany Presbytery, who had
been acting as an agent for Princeton College, had been
received by the Presbytery of Harmony, installed pastor
of the Darien Church Nov, 1821. A congregation had been
gathered at St. Marys, and was in need of a Minister. So
the churches of Augusta, Mt. Zion and Waynesborougl?,
felt, in their separation, the need of Christian fraterniza-
tion and ecclesiastical oversight.
32 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
GEORGIA PRESBYTERY.
(The third Presbytery formed.)
Under the then existing circumstances, therefore, it
was deemed advisable that the Presbytery of Harmony
should be divided, which was accordingly done by the
Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, at their Sessions at
Washington, Wilkes county, Nov. 3rd, 1821; setting off the
lower half of the Presbytery, south of the Savannah river,
into an independent Presbytery, to be known as the Pres-
bytery of Georgia. To which also the Rev. Nathan S. S.
Beman, and Rev. Benjamin Gildersleeve, members of
Hopewell Presbytery, were set off by the Synod, and united
to the new Presbytery. The western boundry line as set by
the Synod, and separating it from the Presbytery of Hope-
well, was the lower lines of the counties of Lincoln,
Wilkes, Greene, Putnam, Jasper, Monroe, Upson, Talbot,
and Harris. Thus cutting the Sta^e into two unequal
parts, and giving the larger half to the newly formed
Presbytery; and throwing the churches of Augusta,
Waynesboro and Mount Zion into the bounds of Georgia
Presbytery and so continued till 1824, when the boundary
line between the Presbyteries of Georgia and Hopewell was
changed, and placing them back into the bounds of the
latter.
The Presbytery of Georgia, at its organization, com-
prised the following ministers:
William McWhir, who had been received into Harm-
ony Presbytery, from the Presbytery of Killileagh, Ireland,
Nov. 9, 1815, and who was then teacher at Sunbury.
Murdoch Murphy, received by Harmony Presbytery,
from Orange Presbytery, Dec. 27, 1811, then pastor of Mid-
way Congregational Church.
Thomas Gouldlng, licensed, Oct. 31, 1813, and ordained
and installed pastor White Bluff Congregational Church,
by Harmony Presbytery, Jan. 21, 1816.
William Moderwell, received by Harmony Presbytery,
April 19, 1821, from New Castle Presbytery, and then pas-
tor Augusta Church.
Samuel S. Davis, received by Presbytery of Harmony,
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 33
from Pr€sbyt€ry of Albany, Nov. 2, 1821, (only a month
before) then minister at Darien.
Remembrance Chamberlain, received by Harmony
Presbytery, (only a month before) from Addison Associa-
tion, Vermont, Nov. 2, 1821, then a missionary m Georgia.
Nathan S. S. Beman, set off by the Synod from Hope-
well Presbytery, teacher and supplying Mt. Zion Church.
Benjamin Gildersleeve, set off by the Synod from Hope-
well, assistant teacher and Editor at Mt. Zion.
LICENTIATES: James Wood, and James S. Olcott.
CANDIDATE: Carlisle P. Beman.
CHURCHES— Augusta, Mt. Zion, (formerly Ebenezer)
Darien, St. Marys. The other fields, either Congregational
or Independent.
The Presbytery held its first meeting at Washington,
during the Synod, and by its appointment, with Rev. Nath-
an S. S. Beman as Moderator, and Re^^ William Moder-
well, Clerk.
Although the Presbytery started seemingly under fav-
orable auspices with aboundant territory, and a goodly sup-
ply of faithful ministers, yet its after success was disap-
pointing, for its progress was marked, for many years, with
languishing and weakness.
The reason for this was twofold:
1st. The wide prevalence of the Congregational or
Independent element, which drew so largely upon the body
of its ministry, and at the same time interfered with any
definite purpose of church extension. The churches of
Augusta, Darien, Mt. Zion, and St. Marys, were the only
regularly constituted ones within its wide domain, and
they too remote for well directed and concerted action.
The church at Wayuesborough was Congregational and
though independent of the Presbytery, yet drawing upon
it for supplies. In like manner the Independent Church of
Savannah, at different times, employed the ministers of
the Presbytery, as pastors. So the Independent Congrega-
tional Church at White Bluff, depended upon the Presby-
tery for its supplies. So also the Midway Church, Liberty
county; after Rev. Mr. Osgood's time, with the exception
34 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
of Dr. Abiel HoIm€s was supplied entirely by ministers of
the Presbytery. During the last fifty years of its existence,
it employed as many as three of its ministers, two regular
pastors, and one as missionary to the blacks. With the ex-
ception of the four points above mentioned, viz: Augusta,
Darien, Mt. Zion, and St. Marys, the ministers were doing
little or nothing towards the building up of Presbyterian-
ism, and equally as little for the extension of Congregational-
ism, or the principles of Independency, as the after results
have abundantly demonstrated. We conceive it to be a
difficult task indeed, for a set of workmen to build a house
with different models before them.
2nd. The second reason for the poor success, was the
frequent spoliation of the Presbytery, by the repeated dis-
memberment of its territory; thus reducing it after awhile
to a mere coast wise strip.
1. The first dismemberment was in 1824, when the
Synod detached, and annexed to the Presbytery of Hope-
well, eighteen of her counties, and taking away Augusta,
Waynesborough, and Mt. Zion, three of her strongest and
best organized churches. The counties thus detached are
as follows: Columbia, Warren, Hancock, Baldwin, Jones,
Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Twiggs, Wilkinson, Washington,
Jefferson, Richmond, Burke, Emanuel, Laurens, Pulaski,
and Montgomery. Against this action of the Synod, the
Presbytery demurred, but in vain.
2. The second dismemberment was in 1835, when in
the setting up of the Presbytery of Goodhope, afterwards
Flint River, and defining the boundary line between Geor-
gia and Flint River Presbyteries, the counties of Early,
Randolph, Lee, Stewart, Sumter, Marion, Muscogee, and
parts of Dooly, Decatur, and Baker were detached, and
added to Flint River; thus cutting off seven more whole
counties, and parts of three others.
3. The third dismemberment was in 1840, when the
Presbytery of Florida was set up, and when the counties
of Baker, Decatur, Thomas, and Lowndes were set off with
a portion of Florida to form the Presbytery of Florida.
4. The fourth dismemberment was in 1878, when the
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 35
county of Mitchell was detached and added to the Presby-
tery of Macon.
Recently,' in 1908, the counties of Screven, and
Jenkins, were transferred to the Presbytery of Augusta.
As the result of all these excisions the Presbytery be-
came so weak that frequently it failed to meet for the want
of a quorum.
SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY.
In 1866, at the time of the redistribution of the Presby-
teries by the Synod, the name of this Presbytery was
changed from "GEORGIA," to that of SAVANNAH, and
the counties of Emanuel, Montgomery, and Lowndes were
restored to her. So in 1890, the county of Worth was re-
stored by the General Assembly; the Presbytery at that
time being in connection with the Synod of South Georgia
and Florida.
In answer to an overture of the Synod of Georgia for
division and formation of a new Synod, the General As-
sembly in 1881 detached the Presbytery of Savannah, and
united it to the two Presbyteries of Florida, viz: the Pres-
bytery of Florida and that of St. Johns, and thereby form-
ing the new Synod of South Georgia and Florida. The
Presbytery remained in this connection till 1891 when it
was again restored to the Synod of Georgia and the Synod
of South Georgia and Florida ceased to exist, but became
the Synod of Florida.
Since this restoration, and with the increased opening
of the interior and southern portions of the state, and th^
general improvement of the country, the Presbytery of
Savannah has become much stronger, and now bids fair to
attain to a degree of success and prosperity, the equal of
any other Presbytery in the Synod.
Though Hopewell was the older, and mother Presby-
tery, yet as we have seen, it made little or no progress
during the first ten years of its existence; the number re-
maining about the same, and that too only through the self
denying labors of the few faithful ministers who struggled
on, supplementing their small salaries, with the labors of
the school room, thus discharging the three fold duties of
36 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
pastor, teacher, and missionary; ofttimes discouraged and
some times even almost ready to give up in despair. In
their early Records we frequently find that, grieving over
the low estate of the church, they would appoint days of
fasting, humiliation and prayer. And at first as many as
four in the year; "the first Tuesday in January, April,
July, and October." And on one occasion we find that the
Presbytery, in 1813, appointed a meeting at Bethany, not
for business, but solely for conference, humiliation, and
prayer, over their low estate! But such faithful service
could not continue in vain: Such earnest prayers, not long
remain unanswered. The night must give place to day.
After a while the darkness began to disappear, and the
dawn of the morning to appear wath the breaking of the
day. With the coming of Dr. John Brown from South Caro-
lina, and his election to the presidency of the College at
Athens in the year 1811, came fresh hope and courage to
the Presbytery. (Note) Dr. Brown was a native of Antrim
county, Ireland, born June 15, 1763; joined the army under
Gen. Sumter, 1778, studied theology under Rev. M. Mc-
Corkle, near Salisbury, N. C. Licensed in 1788. In 1809
chosen Professor of Logic and Moral Philosophy, in South
Carolina College; Made President of Georgia University in
1811, Resigned in 1816. Pastor of Mt. Zion Church in Han-
cock county for twelve years, and died at Fort Gaines, Ga.,
Dec. 11, 1842.
But the change became much more apparent upon the
return of Dr. Waddel from Carolina, to which Presbytery
he had been dismissed, after nineteen years absence, and
his accession to the presidency of the State Institution, in
1819, after the death of Dr. Robert Finley, who succeeded
Dr. Brown upon his resignation in 1816 and who died
Oct 3, 1817 the same year of his inauguration. Dr. Wad-
del's influence was felt not only in the university, but
throughout the entire state. He was a natural born
teacher, and had established quite a reputation as a suc-
cessful and skilfull educator. Dr. Ramsay in his history
has quoted Dr. Smith the learned President of Nassau Hall
as saying that "No scholars from any section of the Unit-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 37
ed States, stood better examinations than those of Dr. Wad-
del," (Vol. II. 369.) Under his skilfull management the In-
stitution was soon built up, her walls hitherto almost de-
serted, now became crowded with students; the standard
of education lifted in the state, and many young men
through the force of his example, had their attention turn-
ed to the Presbyterian ministry; and thus becoming means
of imparting fresh life and vigor to the work of the Pres-
bytery.
Another thing that added strength and increased cour-
age and hope was the organization of the "Educational
Society," in 1824. Though the scheme originated with the
Presbyteries of Hopewell and Georgia, it was wholly unde-
nominational; Methodists and Baptists taking part in it,
though not to the same extent. The object of the enter-
prise was to give aid to all young men of all denominations
having the ministry in view, and who needed help in acquir-
ing an education. At that age and time, such a Society did
a great deal of good and many a young man was enabled
to obtain an education, who otherwise would have been
deprived of so great a blessing. One of the beneficaries of
the fund thus raised was the Hon. Alexander H. Stephens,
who was thus enabled to graduate at Athens College, who
at the time expected to enter the Presbyterian ministry,
but who afterwards changed his mind, but who conscien-
tiously and faithfully returned every dollar of the funds
thus advanced, and who also in his turn afterwards assisted
quite a large number of young men in their efforts to
acquire an education.
(Hopewell had in 1829 fourteen beneficiaries of this
and other funds. Min. Ass. p. 429.)
Another thing still, which contributed additional im-
pulse to this end was the action of the Trustees of the Col-
lege in offering, upon the suggestion of Dr. Waddell, free
scholarship to a number of pious young men who might
have the ministry in view. Dr. Waddell was so impressed
with the irreligion and ungodliness of the lives of students;
that he felt that something might be gained by thus having
a number of pious young men as members of the Institu-
38 THE PRESBYTERIAN €HURCH IN GEORGIA
tion, through the influences of their pious lives; and there-
fore suggested the plan to the Trustees who approved the
same. The offer was accordingly made and accepted by
quite a number, among whom was Mr. Samuel J. Cassels,
who exerted a happy influence resulting in a most gracious
revival of religion, and the general uplift of the spiritual
life and condition of the Institution.
These things in connection with the general improve-
ment of the country, conspired to give new life and
increased impetus to the work of the Church. The ranks of
the Presbytery began to swell with increased numbers, and
with the addition of such names upon the roll as Alonzo
Francis Cummins, minister and teacher at Greensborough,
Alonzo Church, at first a teacher, afterwards licensed and
ordained a minister, and who afterwards became president
of the University; Rev. John S. Wilson, stated clerk of the
Synod; Nathan Hoyt, for nineteen years pastor of the Ath-
ens Church, and quasi chaplain and pastor of the students;
Samuel K. Talmage, first Rector of the Academy at Augusta,
then pastor of the Church and afterwards president of Ogle-
thorpe College; C. W. Howard, pastor of the Milledgeville
Church and afterwards one of the professors of Oglethorpe
College; Francis Bowman, for many years pastor of the
Greensborough Church; W. W. Cunningham, pastor of the
Lagrange Church and elected president of Oglethorpe at
the time of his death; and others of like character. With
this increase in the ranks of the ministry was a corres-
ponding increase in the number of the churches; and the
whole heart of the Church was made to throb with new life
and zeal.
FLINT RIVER PRESBYTERY.
(Good Hope at First.)
The Presbytery of Hopewell having now received an
Impetus continued to grow with considerable rapidity, espe-
cially in the decade between 1820 and 1830. In 1820 it
reported to the Assembly only seven ministers, and four of
those "without charge," 15 Churches and 289 members.
In 1830 they reported 22 ministers, 4 licentiates, 3 candi-
dates, 52 Churches, with a membership of 2,263. As these
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 39
Churches were scattered over a vast area, and in some
instances quite remote from each other, it became very-
inconvenient, if not impossible, for them to attend the
meetings of the Presbyteries. A petition was therefore
sent to the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia at their
sessions at Columbia Dec. 5, 1833, praying that the Presby-
tery might be divided, and a new one be set up south of the
Ocmulgee river, embracing the portion of Hopewell be-
tween t he Chattahoochee rivers, together with the
counties of Newton, Walton, Gwinnett, Campbell, Carroll
and Heard, to be known as the Presbytery of Good Hope.
The petition was granted and the new Presbytery of Good
Hope was accordingly set up.
The Presbytery held its first meeting, according to the
direction of the Synod, at McDonough, Ga., March 20, 1834,
and was opened with a sermon by Rev. John S. Wilson,
from Isaiah. 52, 1; "Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O
Zion." Rev. John S. Wilson was chosen moderator, and
Rev. James C. Patterson clerk. Present at the opening, 6
ministers, 6 elders.
PRESBYTERY OF GOOD HOPE
MINISTERS
James Gamble, S. S. J. C. Patterson, S. S.
R. iChamberlain, S. S. W. B. Richards, W. C.
Michael Dickson, S. S. Thos. F. Scott, W. C.
John S. Wilson, P. Wm. K. Patton, S. S.
J. Y. Alexander, S. S. John Baker, S. S.
Edwin Holt, P. John )B. Smith, Licentiate.
CHURCHES
McDouQUgh, S. S. Alcovia, V.
Philadelphia, S. S. LaGrange, V.
Jackson, S. S. Fayettesville, S. S.
Decatur, S. S. Zebulon, S. S.
Smyrna, S. S. Union Cnapel, S. S.
Harmony, S. S. Columbus, S. S.
Fairview, P. Greenville, V.
Newnan, S. S. Providence, S. S.
Macon, P. Thomaston, V.
Hopewell, S. S. Covington, V.
Forsyth, S. S. Hamilton, V.
Bethesda, S. S. Ephesus, V.
Carmel, V.
40 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
The Presbytery of Good Hope continued but one year,
when its name was changed to that of Flint River. It held
its first regular meeting at McDonough, its second at La-
grange and a pro re nata meeting at Macon Nov. 21, of the
same year to dissolve the pastoral relation between Rev.
Edwin Holt and that Church, and then ceased to exist, but
was afterwards known by the new name of Flint River.
The boundaries of this Presbytery extended from the
Presbytery of Hopewell on the North to the Florida line on
the South, and from the Georgia Presbytery on the East, to
the Chattahoochee river on the West. These limits contin-
ued till 1840, when the Synod of South Carolina and Geor-
gia detached the counties of Decatur, Early and Baker, and
annexed them to the newly formed Presbytery of Florida.
Another change was made in 1842, when the Synod trans-
ferred the city of Macon and county of Bibb to the Pres-
bytery of Hopewell; and by way of compensation of the
loss, detaching the counties of Paulding, Walker, Cobb,
Floyd, Cass, Cherokee, Chattooga, Murray, Gilmer and
Dade, from Cherokee Presbytery, and giving them to the
Presbytery of Flint River. This, as the author of "Necrol-
ogy," well said, "was a singular ecclesiastical freak."
And if personal feeling, as he suggests, and not the gen-
eral good, was the controlling motive then we are glad thai
the ground of the action is not stated, so that the secret
may be forever buried with the men of that generation.
PRESBYTERY OF FLORIDA.
As Presbyterianism continued to spread towards the
south, and ministers began to cross over into the state of
Florida, and to establish churches in different places, the
desire also soon began to grow, that a new Presbytery
might be formed. A petition therefore was sent from the
churches of Tallahassee, Quincy, and Mandarin, to the
Presbytery of Georgia, at its meeting at Darien April,
1840 asking for a division of said Presbytery. The Pres-
bytery agreed to the request, and the Presbytery was di-
vided by the Synod of Carolina and Georgia at its next
meeting and a new Presbytery set up known as the Pres-
bytery of Florida, by detaching from the Georgia Presby-
THE PRES'BYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 41
teri€s the whole of Florida and adding to the same three
of the counties on Flint river; as has already been stated,
viz: Decatur, Early and Baker. The Presbytery was constitu-
ted that Fall and reported to the next Assembly as con-
sisting of 7 ministers, and 5 churches, as follows:
MINISTERS.
John Brown, D. D. S. S. Joshua Phelps, S. S.
Philo F. Phelps, P, Richard M. Baker, S. S.
Benjamin Burroughs, S. S. Joel S. Graves, Ag't.
Eli Graves, S. S.— 7.
CHURCHES
Tallahassee, P. Quincy, S. S.
Monticello, S. S. Madison, S. S.— 5.
Marianna, S. S.
This Presbytery held its first meeting at Tallahassee,
April 29, 1841. Rev. Dr. John Brown was chosen Moderator,
and Rev. Joshua Phelps Stated Clerk.
The Presbytery of Florida, continued the only one in
the state for thirty seven years, at first growing very slow-
ly, but afterwards more rapidly till 1877, when it number*
ed sixteen ministers, twenty-seven churches, scattered
pretty generally over the state.
It may be here added that while Presbyterianism was
moving Southwardly, there was an extension at the same
time towards the West, into Alabama, which was legitimate-
ly considered as a part of the field of the Synod of South
Carolina and Georgia, and the Presbytery of South Carolina.
So we find that in answer to an overture. Rev, Andrew
Brown, and Rev. James Sloss, both of the Presbytery of
South Carolina, and the Rev. Thomas Newton of the Pres-
bytery of Hopewell were in 1821 set up by the Synod at
meeeing at Upper Long Cane, Nov. 9, 1820, into a Presby-
tery known as the Presbytery of Alabama, which name
was afterwards changed into South Alabama, to distin-
guish it from North Alabama. As many of the settlers "^f
that state were from Tennessee, there was a dispute ^-s
to territory, whether the new Presbytery should be under
42 THE PRESBYTEKIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
the jurisdiction of the Synod of South Carolina or that of
Tennessee, but settled in favor of the former.
This Presbytery continued for eight years in connec-
tion with the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, till the
formation of the Synod of Mississippi and South Alabama
in 1829, into which it entered as a part of that body. Dur-
ing these eight years it was represented in the Synod of
South Carolina and Georgia, but three times!
It may also be here stated that the Presbytery of North
Alabama set up in 1824, was also in connection with the
Synod of South Carolina and Georgia for two years. But
we have no evidence of its representation at any time in
the Synod.
PRESBYTERY OF CHEROKEE.
In 1838 the lands of the Cherokees were delivered to
the authorities of the state, and the Indians removed west.
Upon their removal, emigrants moved rapidly in filling up
the country with settlements on every side, towns and vil-
lages multiplied and grew; Presbyterians in common with
other denominations commenced to occupy the newly ac-
quired territory, and before many years had elapsed had
quite a number of churches planted in different places, not
only along the line of the W. & A. railroad, which was
then in process of construction, but also in the interior.
With this growth towards the North, was added a similar
extension towards the South, so that the Presbytery had
now not only covered all the territory contiguous to the
river after which it was named, and all its tributaries, but
even extending beyond; and therefore it became necessary
that it should be divided. So in answer to an overture
asking a division, the Synod of South Carolina and Geor-
gia, at its meeting at Augusta, Novembed 1843, divided th€
Presbytery setting up the Presbytery of Cherokee. The
following was its action:
"That the Synod proceed to set off and erect into a new
Presbytery, all that part of the territory now belonging to
Flint River Presbytery, known as the "CHEROKEE COUN-
TRY," and also the counties of Forsyth, Lumpkin, and Un-
ion, belonging to the Presbytery of Hopewell, to be called
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 43
by the name of the Presbytery of CheroRee, to include all
the churches within said counties, and the ministers there
located, etc."
The Presbytery of Cherokee held its first meeting ac-
cording to the direction of the Synod, at Summerville, Ga.,
April 18, 1844, and was opened with a sermon by the Rev.
James Gamble, from Acts 20, 28, who was afterwards elect-
ed Moderator, and Rev. A. B. McCorkle, Stated Clerk.
The Presbytery as thus constituted comprised the fol-
lowing Ministers, Licientiates, and churches:
MINISTERS: I. W. Waddel, James Gamble, N. A.
Pratt, D. D., A. B. McCorkle.
LICENTIATES: Thomas Jackson, J. B. Dunwoody.
CHURCHES: Lafayette, Roswell, Marietta, Pleasant
Green, Mars Hill, Hickory Flat, Walnut Grove, Sardis,
Sweet Water, Chickamauga, Dahlonega, Gumming.
CHAPTER IV.
SYNOD OF GEORGIA.
We have now reached the period for the organization
of a Synod in the State. For the same reason that the
Presbytery should be divided, onerated for the division of
the Synod, and even more so since that Synod extended
over three states, Soutli Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Ac-
cordingly the General Assembly at its sessions at Cincinnat-
ti in May 1844, upon an overture from the Synod of South
Carolina and Georgia, divided it, setting up the Synod of
Georgia, the boundary line being the Savannah river, its
territory as defined by the Assembly being "the State of
Georgia, and the territory of Florida, as far as this may
not interfere with the limits of the Synod of Alabama.''
The Synod of Georgia in accordance with the direction
of the Assembly, held its first meeting at Macon, Georgia,
Nov. 1845, and was opened with a sermon by Rev. Thos.
Goulding, D. D., from Acts XX. 28 Dr. Goulding was elect-
ed Moderator, and Rev. John S. Wilson, Stated Clerk.
At the time of the organization of the Synod in 184.5,
there were in connection with it five Presbyteriefe, with
fifty-three ministers and ninety-four churches. Of the
fifty-three ministers thirty were present, and twenty-three
absent. Of the ninety-four churches, twenty-three were
represented, and seventy-one not repreesnted; as follows:
PRESBYTERY OF HOPEWELL. MINISTERS PRES-
ENT: R. Chamberlain, N. Hoyt, D. D., S. K. Talmadge, D.
D., F. Bowman, H. C. Carter, F. R. Goulding, J. W. Baker,
C. S. Dod, H. Safford, J. C. Baldwin, J. W. Reid, R. Hooker,
G. H. W. Petrie, Homer Hendee.
MINISTERS ABSENT: A. Church D. D., John Harrison,
C. P. Beman, E. Pharr, A. N. Cunningham.
CHURCHES REPRESENTED: W. L. Mitchell, Ath-
ens; C. M. Richter, Madison; W. O. Alexander, Thyatira;
B. B. Hopkins, Augusta; W. Clark, Eatonton; E. A. Nis-
bet, Macon.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN aEORGIA 45
CHURCHES NOT REPRESENTED: Salem, Lincoln-
ton, Concord, Greensboro, Bethany, South Liberty, Mill-
edgeville, Mount Zion, Ebenezer, Hopewell, Bethel, Lexing-
ton, New Hope, Danielsville, Hebron, New Lebanon, Turk-
ey Creek, Clarksville, Sandy Creek, Gainesville.
PRESBYTERY OF GEORGIA.
MINISTERS PRESENT: W. Baird, John Winn.
MINISTERS ABSENT: Wm. McWhir, D. D., C. C.
Jones, I. S. K. Axson, John Jones, R. Quarterman, A. W.
McClure, H. Axtel, John B. Ross.
CHURCHES REPRESENTED: By Elders, none.
CHURCHES NOT REPRESENTED: First Church Sa-
vannah, Bryan Church, Darien, Harris Neck, Waynesville,
Linton Grove, St. Marys, Jacksonville, St. Augustine.
PRESBYTERY OF FLINT RIVER.
MINISTERS PRESENT: Thomas Goulding, D. D., J. S.
Wilson, J. Y. Alexander, W. M. Cunningham, D. Ingles, R.
T. Marks, T. F. Montgomery, J. U. Parsons, J. C. Patter-
son.
MINISTERS ABSENT: H. L. Deane, George Dunham.
CHURCHES REPRESENTED: G. E. Thomas, Colum-
bus; James H. Davidson, Decatur; J. J. Pinson, Newnm;
H. Smith, Carrollton; E. Newton, Long Cane; H. P. Rich-
ards, Bethany; M. Robertson, Hamilton; Seth Cason, Hope-
well, W. A. Skilley, Mount Zion; S. F. Duffey, Fellowship;
James Espey, GrifRn; G. A. Winn, Bethesda; James Mc-
Rory, Ephesus.
CHURCHES NOT REPRESENTED: Fairview, Goshen,
Covington, Circle, Smyrna, McDonough, Philadelphia, Sa-
lem, Union Chapel, White Oak, LaGrange, Ebenezer, West
Point, Brainerd, Greenville, Muscogee, Mount Tabor, Berea,
Forsyth, Jackson, Friendship, Zebulon.
PRESBYTERY OF FLORIDA.
MINISTERS PRESENT: J. Phelps, R. M. Baker.
MINISTERS ABSENT: B. Burroughs, Eli Graves, J. S.
Graves, Edmond Lee.
CHURCHES REPRESENTED: Alex. Cromartie, la-
monia.
CHURCHES NOT REPRESENTED: Quincy, Talla-
46 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
hass€e, Monticello, Madison, Marianna, 1st, Church Thom-
as county, 1st. Church Lowndes county.
PRESBYTERY OF CHEROKEE.
MINISTERS PRESENT: N. A. Pratt, W. H. Moore, R.
A, Milner.
MINISTERS ABSENT: James Gamble, I. W. Waddel,
A. B. McCorkle, Charles R. Smith.
CHURCHES REPRESENTED: John Dunwody, Ros-
well.
CHURCHES NOT REPRESENTED: Dahlonega, Gum-
ming, Hickory Flat, Marietta, Sweet Water, Mars Hill,
Rome, Sardis, Pleasant Green, Lafayette, Walnut Grove,
Pea Vine, Friendship.
Since the meeting of the Synod in 1845 there has been
a redistribution of the Presbyteries, changing some of the
names, and by division, setting up of two new Presby-
teries.
At the meeting of the Synod at Savannah, in 1866 that
body ordered the change of the name of Georgia into that
of Savannah, and that of Hopewell into that of Augusta;
and that Flint River be divided into two Presbyteries, of
Atlanta and Macon, and the transfer of the church of
Macon to the Presbytery of Macon. The following is the
action:
"That the Presbytery be divided into two, the upper
half to be known as Atlanta, and the lower portion Ma-
con, the boundary line to be a line beginning at a point on
the Chattahoochee at the corner of Troup and Harris coun-
ties, and running thence on the most direct county lines
to the Ocmulgee river, where the northern line of Bibb
touches said river.
That the Presbyterian Church in the city of Macon be
transferred from the Presbytery of Hopewell to that of
Macon.
That the following ministers shall constitute the Pres-
bytery of Atlanta, viz: J. S. Wilson, D. D., John Jones,
W. J. Keith, A. G. Peden, W. M. Cunningham, Robert Lo-
gan, James Stacy, H. C. Carter, R. T. Marks, T. F. Mont-
gomery, and J. L. Rogers.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORKIA 47
The following, the Presbytery of Macon: David Wills,
C P. B. Martin, Geo. H. Coit, Homer Hendee, Luther H.
Wilson, J. L. King, H. F. Hoyt, Theo. E. Smith, J. N. Brad-
shaw, Samuel H. Higgins, D. D. and John C. McCain.
The former to meet at Newnan on April 3d, and to be
opened with a sermon by the moderator of the late Flint
River, or the oldest minister present.
That Rev. F. R. Goulding be transferred from the Pres-
bytery of Georgia to that of Macon, and the Rev. I. S. K.
Axson, D. D., and Rev. C. B. King from the Presbytery of
Hopewell to that of Georgia."
The Presbytery of Atlanta met as directed, at the place
and time specified, April 3d, 1867, and was opened with a
sermon by Rev. W. M. Cunningham, D. D., from Gal. vi.,
6-8. Rev. H. C. Carter was chosen Moderator, and Rev.
Jas. Stacy, Stated Clerk.
So the Presbytery of Macon met at the same time at
Columbus, and was opened with a sermon by Rev. David
Wills, D. D., from 1 Tim. iv. 14. Rev. Dr. Wills was chosen
Moderator and Rev. J. L. King, Stated Clerk.
PRESBYTERY OF ATHENS.
In accordance with an overture from the Presbytery
of Augusta, the Synod at its meeting at Gainesville in Octo-
ber 1879 divided said Presbytery into two, with a line run-
ning with the Southern lines of Elbert, Oglethorpe and
Oconee counties; the upper receiving the name of Athens
and the southern retaining the name of Augusta.
It was ordered by the Synod that the Presbytery of
Augusta shall be composed of all the ministers and church-
es south of the line aforesaid, together with the Rev. James
Woodrow, D. D., and with the Licentiate Donald McQueen,
and the Candidate Charles B. Goetchius. Said Presbytery
to meet at Augusta, April 14, 1880, and to be opened with
a sermon by Rev. Henry Newton, or in case of his absence
by the oldest minister present.
The Presbytery of Athens to meet at the time appoint-
ed, and to be opened with a sermon by Re". G. H. Cart-
ledge, or by the oldest minister present in case of his
absence.
48 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
These Presbyteries met as appointed. That of Augusta
met at Augusta and was opened with a 'sermon by Rev.
Henry Newton from Acts 1-5. Rev. Mr. Newton was elected
Moderator and Rev. Geo. T. Goetchius Stated Clerk.
The Presbytery of Athens met at Athens at the same
time and was opened with a sermon by Rev. G. H. Cart-
ledge from Zach. iv. 6. Rev. T. P. Cleveland was elected
Moderator and Rev. C. W. Lane, D. D., Stated Clerk.
(F"or the names of ministers and cl'.urches composing
these Presbyteries see Appendix).
DIVISION OF THE SYNOD AND SETTING UP OF THE
PRESBYTERY OF ST. JOHNS.
To complete the view of the outward and Ecclesiasti-
cal changes of the Synod we have only to make mention of
the division of the Synod and the formation of the Synod
of South Georgia and Florida.
At the meeting of the Synod of Georgia, at Columbus
in 1878, an overture was presented from the Presbytery of
Florida asking the Synod to divide said Presbytery and
also to give its consent to the formation of a new Synod of
Florida, by setting off the Presbytery of Savannah, and
to unite the same with the two Presbyteries aforesaid.
The Synod agreed to the request, so far as the division
of the Presbytery was concerned, but deferred action loucli-
ing the transfer of the Presbytery of Savannah, till thffv
should hear from said Presbytery. The Presbytery hav-
ing expressed its strong opposition to the transfer, the
Synod declined any further action in the matter till its
next meeting.
At its next meeting in 1879 the matter came up again
in an overture from the Presbyteries of Florida and St.
Johns, and the petition for a new Synod renewed. After
much discussion and upon the recommendation of the com-
mittee on overtures, the Synod again deferred action till
the next meeting.
The Synod held its next meeting at Thomasville in
1880. The necessity for a new Synod becoming more and
more obvious, and the Presbytery of Savannah having
given its consent for the formation of the new Synod, upon
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 49
application, the General Assembly diviaed the Synod, set-
ting up the new Synod of South Georgia and Florida, con-
sisting of the three Presbyteries of Savannah, Florida and
St. Johns.
SYNOD OF SOUTH GEORGIA AND FLORIDA.
This Synod of South Georgia and Florida continued in
existence for ten years from 1881 to 1891, till the forma-
tion of Suwanee Presbytery when by request from the Pres-
bytery of Savannah, and overture from the Synod of South
Georgia and Florida, the General Assembly restored the
Presbytery of Savannah to the Synod of Georgia, and also
in accordance with the request of the former, changed its
name into that of Synod of Florida.
The Synod of Georgia as now (1912) constituted is
composed of the following six Presbyteries, viz: Athens,
Atlanta, Augusta, Cherokee, Macon and Savannah; com-
prising one hundred and twenty-seven ministers, two hun-
dred and thirty-seven Churches, and twenty thousand and
six hundred and forty-nine members.
CHAPTER V.
INTERNAL DEVELOPMENT.
Having traced the outward history of the Church,
from its incipient beginning, as the Presbytery of Hope-
well, to its present position as a Synod with its six at-
tendent Presbyteries, we now proceed to enter more par-
ticularly into its inner life, and to note some of its in-
ternal struggles and trials, its victories and defeats. And
as God's people of old were "chosen in the furnace of af-
fliction" Isaiah 48. 10, we would expect that this people
would likewise have their share of trials and drawbacks,
as was the case not only in their earlier struggles but
later on, in the devastation and interference of a destruc-
tive W'ar, which paralysed the whole country; and as well
also as in the internal strife and discussions, which for
some time disturbed her peace and impeded her onward
march. Before speaking of these things however, we will
first rehearse the story of her enlargement and growth,
especially in some of her more prominent cities.
PRESBYTERIANISM IN ATLANTA.
The story of Presbyterianism in Atlanta, especially
in its beginning, is an interesting one. God many times
uses the passions of men, as other means for the exten-
sion of his kingdom. He makes the wrath of man to
praise him; the remainder of that wrath he restrains, Ps,
76, 10. Paul and Barnabas differed as to the policy of the
early church in the use of men. The contention became
sharp; insomuch that those honored servants of the Lord
separated, Paul taking Silas, and Barnabas, John Mark,
and went on different missions. The result was the ex-
tension of the Redeemer's Kingdom. In 1784, two parties
were formed in the Synod of Philadelphia, the one with-
drawing and forming the second Synod of New York,
which, doubtless, was the means of the more rapid ex-
tension of the Presbyterian church. So with the division
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 51
in 1861, into North and South. So with the other denom-
inations. We are not advocating these divisions as right,
but simply stating the fact that they exist, and that God
will overrule them, as all other evils, for his glory and the
advancement of his cause. It may seem to us a strange
method of church extension, yet it cannot be denied that
it is one of God's methods for advancing the interest of his
kingdom. We have an illustration of this principle in the
case before us.
As early as 1848, when Atlanta was yet but a small
town, it was reported to Synod that a Presbyterian
Church had been organized in it, due mainly to the labors
of Rev. John S. Wilson, D. D., the pastor of the Decatur
church near by, he being one of the first ministers to
preach in the place, when it was but the railroad term-
inus, and who afterwards organized the same, and doubt-
less had hoped that as the church grew with the place
he would become the settled pastor. But in this he was
mistaken, for a while at least. For the church, as is often
the case, then preferred a young man, rather than an aged
veteran of the cross who had been so abundant in labors,
and so blessed in his work. So they engaged the services
of a young man, Rev. J. L. King, as stated supply, who had
but recently been ordained, who was at that time the in-
stalled pastor of Fellowship church. He supplied them
for ten months. In the mean while some disaffection hav-
ing arisen in the church, a complaint was sent up to the
Presbytery at West Point in 1853 stating certain grievances
with reference to the election as pastor. The Presbytery
replied that the relationship of Rev. Mr. King and the
Church was unconstitutional, in view of the fact that he
was at that time the installed pastor of the Fellowship
church, and, said they, "that though we see no evidence
that Bro. King and the Elders in Atlanta intended any
violation of the requirement of the Constitution, yet it is
evident that the relation thus formed should immediately
cease; that the Church may be unembarrassed in taking
such steps as the choice of Pastor or Stated Supply; we
therefore recommend that Bro. King should immediately
52 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
resign the place he now occupies, and that the elders of that
church take such measures as are strictly in conformity
with the requirements of the Book of Government to se-
cure a supply for their pulpit." Min. P. 155.
Rev. Mr. King accordingly resigned his position as
stated supply, and the church then elected Rev. John E.
DuBose, who was regularly installed pastor and so reported
to the Synod the next year, 1854.
Unfortunately, however, things did not move on as
desired. The same year we find a petition of the church
sent up to Synod asking the "change of the Presbyterial
connection of that church from the Presbytery of Flint
River to that of Cherokee." Min. 1854, P. 8. the petitioners,
doubtless, feeling that a large portion of the Presbytery
was not in sympathy with them in their dissatisfaction.
Bu: the overture, upon the recommendation of the Commit-
tee of Bills and Overtures, was afterwards withdrawn.
The main source of the trouble was that the're were
two parties in the church, one Northern and one Southern
with their political affinities, and as the new pastor, though
otherwise an able and acceptable minister, yet himself be-
ing intensely Southern in his feeling (a native of South
Carolina), could not expect to give satisfaction to all par-
ties. To understand the situation the reader must bear in
mind that this was in the beginning of the great struggle
between the North and South.
There was also another elemenc which greatly com-
plicated matters. There were several worshippers at the
church, not members, but pew holders, and who as sup-
porters of the church, claimed the right to vote for the
pastor, hence the following query which was presented to
Presbytery.
"In churches where it has been deemed advisable to
rent the seats to non-communicants, or such persons as do
not submit to the censures of the church, does the fact of
their renting seats in the church entitle such persons, con-
stitutionally, to vote in the election of a pastor independ
ently of any rule or ordinance in such churches?" (Min. P.
156).
REV. C. I. STACY
Pastor Presbyterian Church, Elberton, Ga., Auithor of "The Oldest
Church in the Synod of Georgia" and "Seven World Movements,"
and who completed and Edited this Work, after the death of
the Author.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 53
The records of the Preahytery show that a motion was
made that it be answered in the afBrmative, for which
a substitute was offered "that it is the privilege of each
church to adopt such a rule in relation to this subject as
it may deem most prudent and proper." After which it
was decided by the Presbytery that the matter be referred
to the General Assembly in the form of an overture. The
overture was accordingly prepared and sent up to the As-
sembly, and after being placed in the hands of the Com-
mittee was, at the request of the Delegate, Rev. W. M.
Cunningham, withdrawn.
As a result of the condition of hings Mr. DuBose, at
the Presbytery April, 1857, made application for the disso-
lution of the pastoral relation, whereupon Presbytery in-
structed the church to send a delegate to an adjourned
meeting to be held at Griffin, June 25, to show reason why
the request should not be granted. At that meeting the
delegates appeared. A paper was presented containing
the action of the congregation and certifying that Dr.
Logan and Wm. Markham were appointed to state the
feelings and views of the congregation; also, a paper con-
taining the viev/s and wishes of the minority of the Ses-
sion, and a communication from sundry persons, mem-
bers of the church, and of families connected therewith,
containing reasons why the relation should not be dis-
solved.
After hearing all parties. Dr. Cunningham offered a
resolution that the decision be deferred till the fall meet-
ing. Rev. R. T. Marks offered the following as a substi-
tute, which was adopted:
"1st. That the application of Rev. Jno. E. DuBose be
not granted, but that in view of the prevailing differences
of opinion in the Atlanta church on matters not involving
any vital principles of doctrine or church polity, and yet
threatening to destroy the peace and prosperity of the
church, it is hereby directed, that the said congregation
divide and constitute two distinct congregations; the
friends and supporters of the present pastoral connection
to constitute one, and the opposing members, another of
54 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
these separate congregations, and when this division and
new organization shall be effected, the two congregations
report their action to this body at its next sessions.
(Note) Some of the older members of the Synod will
doubtless remember a series of articles, on "Modern Eras-
tianism," which appeared about that time, in the columns
of the Southern Presbyterian.
2nd. Resolved, That it be enjoined upon the whole
church at Atlanta to make a just and equitable division of
the property belonging to the church, having reference in
this division to the present value ol the property, and also
the amount originally contributed by the retiring mem-
bers. The parties retaining the present building, to pay to
the parties retiring a just and equitable proportion accord-
ing to numbers, and according to the amounts of the orig-
inal contributions paid in the erection of a new church ed-
ifice; and the parties receiving these funds to surrender
all claims, right or title to the property now held in com-
mon.
3rd. Resolved, That when the contemplated division
shall have been effected, the parties retaining the present
church building shall be known and recognized as the
First Presbyterian church and the retiring members under
the organization of the Second Presbyterian church, of the
city of Atlanta.
4th. ResoWed, That Drs. Wilson and Patterson, and
Elder Levi Willard, of Decatur, be a committee to effect
the division and superintend the organization of the new
organizations." Min. P. 294.
An appeal was taken from this action to the Synod,
on part of a portion of the church, Mr. Wm. Markham
being one of the appellants. Rev. Messrs. Rogers and
Cunningham were appointed to defend the action O'f the
Presbytery.
The action of the Synod, after hearing the case, was
both to sustain and not to sustain. It sustained the ap-
peal against the action of the Presbytery- simply upon the
ground that it used the word "Direct" instead of, "Advise, '
and thus transcending its authority in the case. But it did
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 55
not sustain the appeal against the action of the Presby-
tery in refusing to accept the resignation of the pastor be-
cause a dissolution in their judgment seemed uncalled for.
The following resolution was also adopted:
Whereas, the pastor and Elders of the church at At-
lanta, present at this session, have appeared on the floor of
Synod, and with every evidence of sincerity and solemnity
retraced every offensive imputation against each other's
characters as gentlemen, Christians, and officers of the
church; and whereas, the said parties have publicly taken
each other by the hand, declaring before God and their
brethren that they forgive each other all past offences, and
promise by the grace of God to live in love and peace, and
to seek individually to heal every wound in their church
caused by recent animosities; therefore:
"Resolved, That this Synod with humble and earnest
thanksgiving to the Great Head of the Church for his
great grace in giving so happy a termination to these un-
pleasant difficulties, commend these brethren to the con-
tinuance and increase of that same grace, and pray tha:
they may be able to prove their present sincerity by ever
after "Keeping the unity of the spirit in the bonds of
peace." Min. 1857 P. 21.
Thus the unhappy division terminated in a peaceable
separation, something wisely done, as it was obvious to
the Presbytery and Synod, and every one saw that "there
were two nations in the womb," and that the only thing
that could be* done was to divide. And, fortunately, there
were no special difficulties in the way, the two different
wings :being entirely homogeneous. So they were also
evenly divided in numbers, wealth, influence and contri-
butions. According to the direction of Presbytery, the one
party set a valuation upon the house and offered the other
to take or pay. The retiring party under the leadership of
J. L. Rogers, who had been chosen by them as -pastor, sold
their half to the remaining portion and selected the site
of their present building on Washington Street; and first
erected a suitable edifice in 1859, which was taken down
a few years since, and the present structure erected.
56 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
According to the action of the Presbytery the retir-
ing party was to be known as the "Second Church," but
being unwilling to be regarded as second, the term carry-
ing the idea of inferiority at least as to time, they re-
quested that the name might be changed to "Central"
which was readily agreed to by the Synod. Hence it is
we have no second church in the city of Atlanta, nor as
to that, in many other places or communions, the term
"Second Church," in ecclesiastical parlance, being ex-
ceedingly unsavory to the most of men.
These two churches though entering into a treaty of
peace, nevertheless for several years, as might be expect-
ed, looked upon each other with a jealous eye, until the
calling of Drs. G. B. Strickler and E. H. Barnett, the form-
er to the pastorate of the Central, and the latter to that of
the First Church. This was a most fortunate thing. These
men did a great deal for Atlanta and Presbyteriansm, as
well as religion, in entirely healing the breach. Being warm
personal friends in Virginia, they used all their influence
in reuniting the two congregations in Christian love and
sympathy, by working together and the exchanging of pul-
pits, the one taking his vacation in the summer and leav-
ing his congregation in charge of the other during his ab-
sence, the pastor remaining preaching in the morning to
his own people, and in the evening to the congregation of
his absent colleague. Pastors are ofttimes responsible for
the unchristian spirit frequently seen between rival con-
gregations.
Thus prepared by an overruling Providence, who
brings good out of evil, these two churches have ^become
centres of influence and power, and, so to speak, the pa-
rents of nearly all the other churches that have since
sprung up in the city. We here insert the different pas-
tors who have served these churches.
ATLANTA CHURCH.
Rev. John S. Wilson, 1848-1850. Rev. J. L. King, 1850.
Rev. J. E. Dubose, 1854-1858.
Atlanta Church divided in 1858, into First and Cen-
tral.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 57
PASTORS AT FIRST CHURCH.
R€V. Jno. S. Wilson, 1858—1873; Rev. J. H. Martin,
1874—1882; Rev. E. H. Barnett, 1883-1898; R€V. R. O.
Flinn, Ass't, 1898—1899; Rev. C. P. Bridewell, 1899—
1906; Rev. W. L. Lingle, 1907—1911; Rev. Hugh K. Walk-
er, 1912.
The first building was put up in 1850-2 and dedicated
July 4, 1852. During the seige of Atlanta, 1864, the wall
was perforated by a shell from the enemy's guns. The
present building was erected 1878, and at this date, 1912,
the congregation is considering selling same and securing
a new site.
PASTORS AT CENTRAL CHURCH.
Rev. J. L. Rogers, 1859—1863; Rev. R. Q. Mallard,
1863—1866; Rev. R. K. Porter, 1867—1869; Rev. J. T. Left-
wich, 1870—1879; Rev. W. E. Boggs, 1880—1882; Rev. G.
B. Strickler, D. D., 1883—1896; Rev. T. H. Rice, D. D.,
1897 — 1908. Rev. Dunbar H. Ogden, D. D., is the present
pastor.
The first building of the Central Church was erected
1859; the second in 1878; Sunday School Annex in 1906.
CHURCHES SINCE ORGANIZED.
1st. Moore Memorial. This church was originally the
Third Church, the name being afterwards changed, in
1891, in honor of Mr. W. A. Moore, the philanthropic El-
der in the First Church, who did so much for it in a finan-
cial way. It was an off-shoot of the First Church, being
first a Sabbath School and mission station (*Note) on
Haynes and Jones Streets and being organized into a
church on Jones' Avenue, the building being moved to
Baker, now Latimer Street. A new building was erected
*(Note) Mr. Virgil Norcross was Superintendent. In
1872 he placed himself under the care of Atlanta Presby-
tery as a candidate for the ministry from the First Church.
He was examined at Conyers in April 1874, with a view to
licensure, and went so far as to preach his trial sermon
from Matthew 16, 28. In the afternoon of the same day,
he withdrew his application for Licensure "for the present."
58 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
on Luckie street, its pr-esent location, and set up as a
church in 1874, for a number of years being upheld and
supported by the First Church. Its first pastor, the Rev.
R. C, Ketchum, was succeeded by Rev. T. D. Latimer,
187'6; Rev. F. Jacobs D. D., 1877; Rev. M. C. Britt, 1878;
Rev. N. K. Smith, 1879—1883; Rev. K. P. Julian, 1884;
Rev. N. K. Smith, a second time, 1886—1889; Rev. A. R.
Holderby D. D., 1890.
2nd. Hunter Street. The second organization was
this church, being a mission of the Central Church, and
organized in 1876, and, so to speak, under the care and
financial assistance of the Central, as the mother. Its first
and only pastor was the Rev. W. A. Dabney. On account of
being unfortunately located this church was dissolved in
1879.
3rd. Fourth Church. The next organization was the
Fourth Church, located on Jackson Avenue. At first it
was a station of the First church, and was assisted finan-
cially jointly by the First and Central churches. It was set
up as an independent church in the year 1883. Its first
minister was Rev. Z. B. Graves, since supplied by Rev. T.
P. Cleveland, D. D., 1885—1896; Rev. F. R. Graves, 1897—
1900; T. C. Cleveland 1900; Rev. W. W. Brimm, D. D.,
1902; Rev. T. H. Newkirk, 1906—1910. It changed its
name and location to Druid Park, 1910, and is now served
by Rev. T. E. Converse, D. D.
4th. West End. This church was organized in 1887,
and composed at first largely, if not altogether, of mem-
bers from the two older churches, who were, on account
of distance inconveniently situated to attend the services
At the fall meeting at Carrollton, Presbytery having satis-
factory evidence that he had withdrawn from the Presby-
terian Church and connected himself with the Baptist
church, revoked the license it had previously given him
as "Lay Exhorter," to hold religious services, authorized
by the Assembly at Mobile in 1869, and erased his name
from' the list of its Candidates. Dr. Norcross is now a
prominent Minister in the Baptist Church.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 59
of said churches. Its first minister was Rev. N. B. Mathes
from 1889 to 1896, who was succeeded by Rev. G. W. Bull
1896—1903, and Rev. L. R. Walker from 1904 to 1910. Rev.
W. E. Hill is the present pastor.
5th. Wallace Church. Formerly the Fifth Church, or-
ganized in 1888. This church was also the mission work
of the First Church and named after Major Campbell Wal-
lace, one of its ruling elders, who did so much for it
financially, and in every way showing his interest. The
building was first located on W. Fair Street but recently
removed to its present location on Walker 'Street, which
has given it new impetus and life. Its pastors and sup-
plies have been Rev. N. Keff Smith, 1889; Rev. Geo. L.
Cook, 1891; Rev. R. A. Bowman, 1893—1897; Rev. J. S.
Sibley, 1897—1901; Rev. T. P. Cleveland, D. D., 1901—1907;
Rev. J. D. Keith, 1908—1910; Rev. W. H. Chapman, 1910.
6th. Georgia Avenue. This church was set up in
1890, and was composed principally of members from the
Central Church, it being one of the mission schools. Its
ministers have been: Rev. J. W. Pogue, 1890; Rev. J, L.
Ro'gers, 1891; Rev. Chalmers Eraser, 1892—1900; Rev. W.
H. Frazer 1900—1902; Rev. J. W. Atwood, 1903; Rev. B.
H. Holt, 1904—1906; Rev. H. J. Williams, 1907.
7th. Barnett Church. Named after the lamented pas-
tor of the First Church; was organized 1891. Being in a
sparsely populated portion of the city, its progress has
been slow. It was first a Sabbath School and mission sta-
tion of the First Church. Its pastors have been: Rev. J.
K. Smith, 1891; Rev. L. B. Davis, 1894—1896; Rev. J. B.
Hillhouse, 1897 — 1900; now served by Rev. A. L. Johnson.
8th. Kirkwood. This church was organized in 1892.
Being situated half way between Atlanta and Decatur, its
charter members were principally drawn from the church-
es in both of these places. Its pastors have been: Rev. R.
O. Flinn, 1895—1897; Rev. T. C. Cleveland, 1898; Rev. C.
R. Nesbit, 1901; Rev. W. G. Woodbridge, 1902—1906; Rev.
John I. Armstrong, 1906.
9th. Inman Park. Was organized in 1896. Its orig-
inal membership was drawn from almost all the churches
60 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
of the city. Its pastors: Rev. D. G. Armstrong 1897—1901;
Rev. J. E. Jam€s, 1903; Rev. J. B. Ficklen, 1904. It now
occupies one of the most convenient and attractive church
buildings of its size, in our Synod.
10th. North Avenue. For a number of years Presby-
terians felt the importance of a church located upon
Peachtree Street, and in 1898 a number ot these with-
drew from First and Central Churches, and together with
others from the other churches organized themselves into
a church, and called the Rev. R. 0. Flinn (then tempora-
rily supplying the First Church), to become their pastor,
who accepted the call and was installed the next year,
1899. They soon erected an elegant stone building upon
the corner of Peachtree and North Avenue, and have
since more than doubled their membership. Mr. Flinn is
still their pastor.
lltlh. Westminster Church. On account of some dis-
agreement among the members of the Fourth Church, (an-
other illustration of the same strange principle of church
extension already commented upon) a large part of said
church withdrew, and in 1901 organized themselves into a
church, and recently erected a handsome edifice on the
Boulevard. They called the Rev. Charles R. Nisbet to be
their pastor, who accepted the call and continued to sup-
ply them till 1906, when Rev. B. F. Guille, became their
pastor. The church has greatly increased in membership
and influence and soon will be one of the strongest in the
city. Since 1908 Rev. A. A. Little, D. D., has been the
successful pastor of this congregation.
12th. Pryor Street. This is the last church organized
in the city. At first a Sabbath school and mission station
of the Central church, but organized into a church in
1902, the first pastor being Rev. H. C. Hammond, who was
succeeded in 1911 by Rev. S. R. Preston, D. D. This church
is now erecting a splendid house of worship.
While speaking of the city churches we may also
mention two others that are suburban, viz., Hapeville, or-
ganized in 1894, and College Park, organized in 1900, as
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 61
these are more or less identified with those within the city,
many of the members doing business within the city.
From the above exhibit it would appear that Presby-
terianism has been making a gratifying progress in this
growing capital of the State, and no doubt more rapidly
advanced by the unhappy division already mentioned; and
shows that God is the God of the Passions of men, as well
as the forces of nature; and can and does overrule alike
for His glory, the tumults of the people, and the raging
of the sea.
Another remark: This progress is also due in a great
measure to the spirit of colonization. Instead of centraliz-
ing and keeping every thing in one place, as in some other
communities, Atlanta has been pushing out in every direc-
tion, in church, as in temporal things, and thus increasing
and multiplying. "There is that scattereth and yet in-
creaseth, there is that withholdeth more than is meet and
it tendeth to poverty." (Prov. 11. 24.) Other communi-
ties may well profit by the example.
COLORED CHURCHES.
The history of Presbyterianism in the city would be
incomplete without a mention at least, of the colored
churches. Unlike the above mentioned these have made
little or no progress.
There was a colored church organized by the Presby-
tery of Atlanta in 1867 but after a varied experience was
stricken from the roll in 1869. In 1875 another effort was
made in behalf of the colored people, but this also was
alike unsuccessful, and in like manner was stricken from
the roll, the church having connected itself with the
Knox Presbytery, of the Northern church in about 1894.
In 1879 another church was organized, having only a gen-
eral connection with the Presbytery, said Presbytery being,
so to speak, only a sort of guardian, upon the idea then
obtaining, looking to the organization of a colored Pres-
byterian Church, South. But tihe connection with the
Presbytery being too loose, the guardianship being only
in name, the scheme fell through and the name dropped
from the roll, and the church received into the Northern
62 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
church and is still under the care of the Knox Pres-bytery
and after a terrible struggle, seems now to be able to hold
its own.
PRESBYTERIANISM IN SAVANNAH.
The oldest regularly organized Presbyterian Church
in the state that has come down to us is the Independent
Church at Savannah. The supposition is that the congre-
gation to which Mr. McLeod ministered at Darien was
also regularly organized, but of this we have no positive
proof. But whether regularly organized or not, it was
broken up on account of the removal of Mr. McLeod in
1741, the present Darien Church being no more than its
nominal successor.
The first notice we have of the Independent Church
was the application, made June 3rd, 1755, to the Council
at Savannah for a lot upon which to erect a house of wor
ship. This was a petition signed by forty three persons,
freeholders and inhabitants of the province, setting forth
that they were "Dissenters from the Church of England,
and professors of the doctrines of the Church of Scotland,
agreeable to the Westminster Confession of Faith, and
being destitute of a house to meet in to worship God ac-
cording to the form of their profession, they were willing,
could they obtain a vacant lot in Savannah, to build a
house thereon at their own expense," (Col. Rec. Vol. VII
P. 183). This petition was granted, and a warrant issued
Jan. 16, 1756, "to Jonathan Bryan, James Edward Powell,
Esq., Robert Bolton, James Miller, Joseph Gibbons, Wm.
Gibbons, Benj. Farley, Wm. Wright, David Fox, Younger,
and John Fox, in trust, a lot in Savannah, for a Presby-
terian Meeting House, known by letter K, in Deckers
Ward." P. 313.
This house was built on said lot, on the west side of
Market Square, between Julian and Bryan Streets, facing
West, and was used until destroyed by the great fire in
1796. After the destruction of this house the Presbyter-
ians rented the unused house of the Baptists, until the
erection of their second building.
Dec. 3rd, 1800, a bill was introduced into the Legisla-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 63
ture and passed, the title of which was "to increase the
funds, and add to the Trustees of the Independent Pres-
byterian Church in the city of Savannah," and proceeds to
set forth the fact that "whereas, the Independent Congre-
gation of the city of Savannah did, under the provincial
government, obtain in said city, a lot known in the plan of
said city, by letter "K," to build thereon a church to be
denominated, "The Independent Presbyterian Church;"
which was accordingly built and remained dedicated to
the service of the Almighty God, until the same was de-
stroyed by fire; and whereas, there are no successors to
the original Trustees, except Barach Gibbons.
"Be it therefore enacted, that Joseph Bryan and
Joseph Gibbon Telfair, be appointed Trustees to act in
concert with the said Barach Gibbons in aid and in addi-
tion to the said Barach Gibbons, to continue in office, to in-
crease the funds, and to rebuild the church on lot K., to be
denominated and known by the Independent Church in the
city of Savannah," (Claytons Comp. P. 248.)
This church was never built, but another was erected
on lot "Q," in the year 1800, to which the congregation
removed. Hence we find that an act was passed -by the
legislature Dec. 8, 1806, entitled "an act to incorporate the
Presbyterian Church of the city of Savannah," in which
is set forth the fact:
"Whereas, a number of the inhabitants of the city of
Savannah, had a lot granted unto them, Jan. 16, 1756, and
known by the letter "K," on which a house had been
erected and in use by those who w^ere professors of the
doctrines of the Church of Scotland, agreeable to the
Westminster Confession of Faith, and that said house
was destroyed with fire 1796, and that in the year 1800, the
professors of the said Presbyterian religion, were enabled
by subscription to build a church on their other lot known
by the letter "Q," etc., prayed that said act be repealed,
and that the memorialists be made a body corporate;
which was accordingly done, and the following made Trus-
tees, viz: Thomas Newell, Charles Harris, Francis Cour-
voisie, John G. Williamson, John Scriven, Barach Gibbons,
€4 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Thos. F. Williams, Fingal T. Flyming, and Benjamin
Maurice, under the name and style of "The Trustees of
the Presbyterian Church of the city of Savannah." (Idem
P. 325. Condensed.)
This building was located on St. James Square, be-
tween York and President Streets, and had its steeple,
blown down by the storm of 1804.
The next building on Bull Street was commenced
in 1817, and completed in 1819, at & cost of over $96,000,
when it was dedicated by Dr. Kollock, who was then pas-
tor. This house was completely destroyed by fire April 6,
1889, and rebuilt in precisely the same style as before.
In addition to these, there seems to have been made
another effort to erect another and independnt building in
1769. In -the Georgia Gazette of March 3rd, 1769, we find
a call to "the subscribers of the Presbyterian Meeting
House to be built in Savannah, to meet on Friday, May
5th, at the house of Jonathan Peat, to choose Trustees, and
to take under consideration other matters relative to said
building." Signed Lachlan McGilvery, James Cuthbert,
Josepih Cuthbert, and Wm. Green.
In the same Paper of July 16th, we find a notice to the
subscribers, that "one fifth of the subscriptions, were im-
mediately wanted, and to be paid Into the hands of Thomas
and John Roe, Vendue Masters. Signed by John Graham,
Lachlan McGilvery, Geo. Baillie, Lewis Johnson, John Roe,
Joseph Cuthbert, and Wm. Greene.
So in a manuscript letter of Dr. Zubly to Dr. Ezra
Stiles, dated April 19, 1769, we find him saying: "Since
my last, a Presbyterian meeting is set on foot in this place,
as the house I preach in is upon so general a plan as to
receive the Westminster Confession of Faith. Some think
it done out of opposition to me; however, Phil., 1, 18.
(Howe. Vol. II. P. 361.)
Thus it appears there was some dissatisfaction among
some of the Presbyterians, at least in 1769, either with
Dr. Zubly, or the management of the Church, which pro-
moted this outside effort. Whether the church was com-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 65
pleted, where located, by whom supplied, we have no
means of knowing.
The first pastor of the Independent Church was the
Rev. Zoachim Zubly, "the son of David Zubly, of Puris-
burg" (Col. Rec. Vol. 1. P. 440.), who came over at the re-
quest of some German and Swiss settlers at Varnonberg
and Acton, and as assistant to Mr. Zouberbuhler, then
minister at Savannah, in 1745, because he could preach
to them in French and German. But not being able to
agree with the Trustees on terms, (only 10 pounds being
offered him), he went to Frederica, where he preached a
few years after the death of Rev. Driesler, in 1745, and
where he continued a few years, and then went to Orange-
burg, S. C, (Strobel P. 118), after which he removed to
Wappetaw, S. C, near Charleston, where he remained till
1759, when he removed to Savannah, at the earnest solici-
tations of the English and German congregations in that
place. He preached his farewell sermon in Charleston,
Jan. 28, 1759. (Howe. 1, 266) and removed to Savannah,
and took charge of the church there, and continued pastor
till 1777.
He was a man of fine parts and prominence, and was
very zealous in the cause of the Province, and on account
of which he was honored by the people in making him a
member of the State Provincial Congress, (He preaching
to them a sermon by special request) and afterwards send-
ing him as one of the representatives to the Provincial
Congress at Philadelphia, 1775-6, but on the Declaration of
Independence, however, he sided with the Royalists, not
being in favor of a separation 'from the mother country,
and, therefore, left Philadelphia and returned to Savan-
nah. This deflection rendered him so unpopular that it
was necessary for him to leave the city, being banished
with the loss of half of his estate. Thus, as Stevens says
of him, "while doing no harm to Georgia, he brought mis-
ery upon himself." Vol.11, 121. Rev. Archibald Simpson
says of him in his Journal: "Mr. Zubly died some years
ago, having, in his last days, acted a very inconsistent
part, changing sides from Congress to the British, and
66 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
died despised by both. Yet I am persuaded he was a good
man, and that he is now in the kingdom of heaven."
Howe. I. 468.
Dr. Zubly went to Carolina after leaving Savannah,
where he remained till the Royalist government was again
established in 1779, when he returned, having resumed
his charge, which he served till his death. There seems to
be some doubt as to where he died. Stevens and Jones
say in Savannah, Judge E. J. Harden says some where in
South Carolina on the 23rd of July, 1781, and his remains
afterwards brought to Savannah. Sprague. II. 221.
Two of the streets of Savannah were named after
him, and still retain their names.
Although this Church has always been Independent,
yet it has been the warm supporter of the Presbyterian
church in its contributions, which have been conducted
through the channels of the Presbyterian Church, their
Missionary operations being conducted through that
channel, they supporting a missionary in a foreign field,
in that way.
The following have been its ministers:
Dr. Zubly, 1760—1781; Mr. Phillips, 1793; Rev. Mr.
McCall, 1794, Rev. Robert Smith, 1800; Rev. Robert Kerr,
18—; Rev. Samuel Clarkson, till 1806; Dr. Henry Kollock,
1806 — 19; Messers. Wallace and Capers, missionaries for
one year: Rev. Mr. Frazer; Rev. John White; Dr.
Daniel Baker, Dr. Snodgrass, 1822 — 3; Rev. S. B. Howe,
1823—7; Rev. Samuel Brown, 1827; Dr. J. C. Stiles, 1829;
Dr. Willard Preston till 1831; Dr. I. S. K. Axson, 1857—
1886; Dr. Leonard Bacon, 1886—7, Dr. J. F. Drips, 1889—
95; Dr. J. Y. Fair, 1895 — 1909; Rev. Rockwell S. Brank
1910.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Independent Church was the only Presbyterian
Church in the city of Savannah till 1827. About that time
several of the members 'of that church becoming dissatis-
fied with the style and title of said church, with the seem-
ing anomaly of being Presbyterian and independent at
the same time, petitioned the Presbytery of Georgia, to
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 67
organize them into a church more in accordance with the
Scripture model as it seemed to them. Accordingly at a
called meeting of the Presbytery held in Savannah June
6, 1827, the petition was acted on, and a church organized,
consisting of 14 members, with three Ruling Elders; under
the name of "The First Presbyterian Church of Savannah."
The following are their names: Joseph Gumming, Mrs.
Joseph Gumming, Edward Coppee, Lowell Mason, * G. G.
Faries, William King, Jas. C. A. Johnson, Capt. Crabtree,
Mrs. Crabtree, Mrs. L. Gardiner, Mrs. Clifton, Mrs. Har-
buck, Miss Spalding, Miss Lavender Messrs. L. Mason, J.
Gumming, and G. G. Faries, Ruling Elders.
The little flock worshipped in a frame building, known
as "Lyceum Hall" on the Southwest corner of Bull and
Broughton Streets.
1. Their first pastor was Rev. John Boggs, a native of
Savannah, but educated at the North, received from the
Presbytery of New Brunswick, and installed Nov. 30th,
1828; the relation continuing but a year, being dissolved
Dec. 1st, 1829, and he dismissed to the Presbytery of
Hopewell.
2. Their second pastor was Rev. C. C. Jones, a native
of Liberty County, who, after a vacancy of two years w^as
installed pastor Nov 27, 1831. Mr Jones' ministry con-
tinued but one year and a half, when he resigned to be-
come evangelist to the colored people.
It was about this time that steps were taken to erect
a house of worship, which was put up on the south side of
*The well known musician and composer. It was when
in Savannah, and upon the request of Miss Mary Wallace
Howard, a sister of Rev. C. W. Howard, and afterwards
the wife of Rev. F. R. Goulding, a young lady deeply in-
terested in the w^ork of Foreign Missions, that he com-
posed that grand old Missionary Hymn, set to the words
of Bishop Heber, "From Greenland's Icy Mountains." This
statement was made to the writer in 1848, by Mrs. Goulding
herself.
68 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Broughton Street between Barnard and Jefferson, and
dedicated May 31st, 1834.
3. The third pastor, after another season of supplies,
was Rev. Joseph L. Jones, received from Flint River Pres-
bytery, and who was installed May 21st, 1837, and con-
tinued pastor till his death in 1841.
4. The fourth pastor was the Rev. Benjamin M. Palm-
er, a Licentiate of Charleston Presbytery, who was or-
dained and installed March 6, 1842. Dr. Palmer continued
but one year, for, having received a call from the Church
in Columbia, the relation was dissolved by the Presbytery
at their meeting at Midway, Jan. 17, 1843.
5. The next pastor was Rev. John B. Ross, a member
of West Hanover Presbytery, who was received and in-
stalled the first Sabbath in May 1845, by a committee of
the Presbytery. Dr. Ross served the church for eight and
a half years. At -the meeting of the Presbytery at Savan-
nah October 27, 1853, the relation was dissolved, and at the
next meeting, at Riceboro, he was dismissed back to West
Hanover Presbytery.
6. The sixth pastor was the Rev. D. H. Porter, a
licentiate of Charleston Presbytery, who was received
Nov. 8, 1855, and at a special meeting of the Presbytery,
was ordained and installed pastor on Sabbath Nov. 25, 1855.
Dr. Porter served the church faithfully for eighteen years.
For two years 1863 — 5, he was Confederate Chaplain of
tl^e 5th Regfiment of Georgia Cavalry. He died Dec. 21,
1873, greatly regretted by his entire congregation.
In 1854 the lot on Monterey Square where the build-
ing now stands was purchased and a lecture room placed
upon it, where the services were held till 1872, when the
present building was completed and dedicated by Dr. B.
M. Palmer June 9th of that year.
7. The seventh pastor was the Rev. Daniel K. McFar-
land, receiived from Chickasaw Presbytery, and installed
Nov. 14, 1874, and who continued for seven years, until the
middle of 1881. During the year 1876 the city of Savan-
nah was visited by the terrible scourge of yellow fever,
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 69
Mr. McFarland stood at his poit until stricken with the
disease, and narrowly escaped with his life.
8. Rev. T. M. Boyd, the eighth pastor, was received
from th€ Presbytery of Lexington and installed in March,
1881, and continued till August, 1883, when he resigned his
charge, went to Arkansas, joined the Northern Church,
and died in San Francisco, January 27, 1906, while ser\'ng
as Evangelist of San Francisco Presbytery.
9. After a short supply of eight months by Rev. J. P.
Strider, of Virginia, Rev. J. W. Rogan, then pastor of the
church at Thomasville, .Ga., was chosen pastor, and con-
tinued from January 4, 1885, till June 15, 1890. Dr. Rogan,
after leaving Savannah, joined the Northern Church and
is now pastor of the Flemington Church, New Jersey.
10. He was succeeded by Rev. Lachlan Vass, the
father of Rev. L. C. Vass, Missionary to Africa, who had
been pastor of the Newbern Church, N. C, and who min-
istered to th-em from the Fall of 1890 to the Spring of
1896; and who d'ied the Fall of the year of his removal.
11. The eleventh pastor was the Rev. Arthur J.
Smith, received from the Classis of Greene, who was in-
stalled Dec. 1896, and resigned his positioii in the Fall of
1900, that he might enter the field as an evangelist.
12. The twelfth pastor was the Rev. W. P. McCorkle,
who was at the time supplying the 'Graham Church, N. C,
and was called to the pastorate and regularly installed
February 1901, and continued pastor till 1907, when he was
dismissed to the Presbytery of Roanoke.
13. The present pastor, Rev. W. Moore Scott, was re-
ceived from the Presbytery of Memphis, April 15, 1908,
and installed the same year.
For a long time the church being under the shadow
of the mother church,had quite a hard struggle for exis-
tence, but now seems to be in a flourishing condition,
having acquired a sufficient momentum to enable it to
move more easily and successfully in the future than in
the past.
WESTMINSTER CHURCH.
As early as 1868, a Sabbath School Mission was estab-
70 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
lished in Anderson Street, by the Independent Church.
This enterprise continued for a number of years under
the fostering care of said Church, being supplied success-
ively by different assistant ministers of th^e parent church
viz: by Rev. N. P. Quarterman for two years 1872-3, Rev.
E. C. Gordon 1874—1880, Rev. R. P. Kerr 1881—1882 and
by Rev. R. Henderson, 1885.
This system of supplies continued till 1886, when the
Mission became an independent church, received under the
care of the Presbytery of Savannah, and employed Rev. R.
Q. Way as pastor, who served them for seven years, 1886 —
1893.
In 1894 Rev. W. A. Nisbet was elected and installed
pastor, and still continues as such.
The church edifice erected in 1869, is now used for
Sabbath School and prayer meetings but the congregation
is worshipping in the Memorial Hall erected by Mrs. Ella
S. 'Lawton, to the memory of her husband, G^n. A. R.
Lawton, which she has generously offered to be used by all
denominations. The congregation however, have pur-
chased a lot and expect soon to commence to build.
The name of the church has been twice changed:
first in 1880 from Anderson Street, to Second Church;
then again in 1901 to Westminster.
PRESBYTERIANISM IN AUGUSTA.
The town of Augusta was laid off in 1735. At an early
date a church edifice was erected under Episcopal juris-
diction, as all were at that early date, it being the estab-
lished religion. In the setting up of the parishes in 1858,
the town of Augusta and surrounding country was de-
clared to be known by the title of "The parish of St.
Paul's." This first building was burned during the war,
and the ground turned over to the Trustees of the Acad-
emy. A second building was erected by them and for
common use, on the ground of the old Cornwallis Fort, and
the present site of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church. This
building was leased to a little band of Presbyterians, in
1804, who had been gathered together by Rev. Washington
McNight, who had been licensed and ordained a short time
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 71
before by tli€ Presbytery of New York. The ministry of
Mr. McNight was a short one, as he died September 5, of
the same year, leaving a membership of thirteen.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
At the meeting of the Presbytery of Hopewell Septem-
ber, 1805, at Liberty, Mr. John R. Thompson, of New York,
and at that time the Rector of the Academy, was received
under its care as a candidate for the ministry. At the next
regular meeting of the Presbytery, at Shiloh, April 10,
1806, the church, upon a petition presented by Mr| Wil-
liam Fee, was received under the care of Presbytery, as
St. Paul's Church. Mr. Thompson was licensed at the
same meeting. At an intermediate meeting of the Pres-
bytery Mr. Thompson was ordained and installed pastor;
Rev. A. N. Cunningham preaching the sermon, and Rev.
Francis Cummins delivering the charges to the pastor and
people. (See Min. Pres.)
Mr. Thompson continued for ten years, during which
time there was an increase of 74 in the membership. His
health failing, the church gave him a vacation, and at
their instance he took a trip North but never returned,
having died at Nassau, New Providence, December 18,
1816.
It was during the ministry of Dr. Thompson that the
present building was erected. In the beginning of 1809
the Trustees of St. Paul's church refused to continue the
lease upon the ground of impartiality, as the building was
used by all denominations. This placed upon the Presby-
terians the necessity of having a building of their own.
Wherefore they secured the present lot on Telfair
Street, had the Church incorporated under the title of
Christ's Church, and at once proceeded to erect the pres-
ent building, to which the steeple was afterwards added,
and had the same dedicated May 17, 1812, Dr. Thompson
preaching the sermon from Psalms 84:1. (1) Note. The
name was changed to First Church, Augusta, by the Legis-
lature in 1836.
(2) Note. In 1796, by an act of Legislature a lot one
acre in size, was conveyed to a Board of Trustees, among
72 THE PRESBYTERIAN .CHURCH IN GEORGIA
the number b«ing John Springer and Moses Waddell, for
the church.
Upon the death of Dr. Thompson, the Presbytery of
Harmony, under whose care the church was at that time,
appointed Rev. John Joyce to supply the pulpit four times
at Augusta and once at Waynesborough.
The next regular pastor was the Rev, Wm. Moderwell,
formerly of New Castle Presbytery, who had been re-
ceived into Harmony Presbytery April 4, 1821, and was in-
stalled pastor by that Presbytery November 1, 1821. Dr.
Howe, in his history, Vol. II. 339, says that he was install-
ed by the Presbytery of Hopewell at their regular sessions
November, 1821. This is a mistake. The Presbytery of
Hopewell did not meet in November or at Augusta in 1821,
but at Athens, Sepetember 7, 1821. The church of Augusta
belonged to Hopewell till the setting up of Harmony Pres-
bytery in 1809, when it was placed in that Presbytery;
and therefore fell into Georgia Presbytery when set up in
1821, and continued until 1824, when it was again cut off
and placed back in the Presbytery of Hopewell. Mr. Mod-
erwell never was a member of Hopewell till that time. He
was installed by Harmony Presbytery just before his
transfer to Georgia Presbytery, in 1821, and continued a
member of Georgia Presbytery till its dismemberment in
1824.
During the year 1827 the church enjoyed the services
of two supplies, Rev. S. K. Talmage, and Rev. S. S. Davis.
The reason for two: Dr. Talmage was Rector of the Acad-
emy at the time, and Dr. Davis acting as agent for Prince-
ton Seminary, (See Min. Ass. p. 126.) At the end of the
year Mr. Davis retired and Dr. Talmage was made regular
pastor and so continued till he resigned the pastorate to
accept the presidency of Oglethorpe, to which he had been
elected in 1835.
He was followed by Rev. A. N. Cunningham, D. D.,
who after supplying the church during the year 1837, re-
ceived a call as pastor and was installed in 1838. Being
accused of plagiarism. Dr. Cunningham tendered his res-
ignation, which was accepte<l in April 1842.
THE PRESBYTETIIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 73
He was succeeded by Rev. Chas. S. Dod who was pas-
tor from 1842—1845..
The next pastor was Rev. Ebenezer Rogers, received
from New Hampshire Association, and installed pastor
December, 1847, and after six years of service resigned
December, 1853.
From 1853 — 1857 the church was without a regular pas-
tor but was supplied by several different ministers. The
pulpit was temporarily filled by Rev. Messrs. D. H. Porter,
H. Bingham, Rev. Jno. F. Baker and Rev. John A. Mc-
Lung, all of whom were called but declined.
After these Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, of Ohio, but then
pastor at Staunton, Va., was called -and accepted the po-
sition and was installed the second Sabbath in January
1858.
After the battle of Chickamaugua, the Church, like
many others, was used as a hospital, for the wounded.
In the summer of 1870, after a successful ministry of
twelve years. Dr. Wilson resigned his position to accept
a Professorship in the Theological Seminary at Colum-
bia.
Dr. Wilson was succeeded by Rev. Robert Irvine, D.
D., of Montreal, Canada, who was called to the church
October 1870, and regularly installed April 14, 1872. It
was during his pastorate that the office of Deacon was es-
tablished. Dr. Irvine continued pastor till his death, April
8, 1881. Dr. Irvine was a most eloquent and successful
minister, and withal very instructive, having unusually
clear views of the typical teachings of the Old Scriptures.
He died greatly lamented, and honored above all his pre-
decessors, in having his remains deposited in the church
yard with a life size figure of him over his tomb. But like
many other great and good men, he was not entirely free
from foibles, as well as enemies; that entirely relieved
him of the remarkable denunciation of the Master, "Woe
be unto you when all men speak well of you."
He was followed by Rev. Wm. Adams, D. D., of Louis-
ville Presbytery, U. S. A., who was installed May, 28, 1882,
and continued pastor till Devember 9, 1888.
74 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
He was succeeded by R^v. J. T. Plunket, D. D., a na-
tive of Franklin, Tennessee, a graduate of Clarksville
University and Columbia Seminary, and who, at that time,
was supplying the Jefferson Aveuue church of Detroit, who
was elected January 19, 1890. Under the ministry of Dr.
Plunket the church greatly prospered, not only in
large additions to its membership, but in general develop-
ment in all lines of Christian activity. Dr. Plunket re-
moved to Alabama in 1909, and was succeeded by Rev.
Joseph R. Sevier.
The church has been greatly honored in being the
birthplace, so to speak, of the Southern Presbyterian
Church. The first General Assembly met in this church
December 4, 1861, composed of commissioners previously
appointed by the Presbyteries, and organized the South-
ern Presbyterian Church. There were present 55 minis-
ters and 38 Ruling Elders, 93 in all, and among them many
men of marked ability. The body continued in session for
fourteen days. The writer, though not a member, enjoyed
the rare privilege of being present and hearing all the
deliberations and discussions.
The Assembly met in this church a second time in
1886, at which time the subject of evolution was considered
and condemned.
The church was also honored by having its pastor
made the moderator of the Assembly which met at Fort
Worth in 1905.
The church held its centennial in May 15-18, 1904,
being organized by Rev. Washington McKnight in 1804.
The centennial exercises may be found in a published vol-
ume.
EFFORTS AT CHURCH EXTENSION.
For a long time the church remained in its isolation,
like the church in Savannah and many others of the early
churches.
The first effort was made in Dr. Rogers' day. Being
a man of missionary spirit, instead of insisting upon the
idea of centralization, he advocated the plan of coloniza-
tion. Under his influence a parochial school was estab-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 75
lish-ed on upper Greene Street, where a lot was purchased
and a church building erected, and a pastor. Rev. W. H.
Thompson, chosen. But after Mr. Rogers left, the enter-
prise, through lack of interest and proper support, de-
clined, and in 1856 the church was disbanded by order of
the Presbytery, and the building turned over to the colored
people, and was afterwards sold to the Methodists, who
now have a flourishing church which the Presbyterians
might have retained and, with proper management, made
one of their strong holds.
GREEN STREET CHURCH. (NO 2.)
Having seen the error in letting the opportunity slip,
another effort was made, another lot was bought and a
church building erected thereon and dedicated March 1,
1879, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Dr. W. S.
Plumer. The church was organized 1879. The church was
first termed Second Church, but the name changed to
Green Street in 1905.
The following are the ministers who have served the
church:
Rev. Geo. T. Goetchius, from 1880 to 1885; Rev. T. M.
Lowry, from 1887 to 1891; Rev. J. K. Smith, from 1893 to
1895; Rev. B. M. Shive, from 1896 to 1897; Rev. G. G.
Sydnor, from 1898 to 1901; Rev. H. W. Burwell, from
1902 to 1904; Rev. Geo. E. Guille, from 1905 to 1912.
The church is now on an independent basis; and has
started on a career of usefulness, and bids fair soon to
become one of the leading churches of the Synod.
REID MEMORIAL.
In 1876, by the will of Mr. Robt. Reid, a member of the
First Church, the church came in possession of a legacy of
$17,500, upon condition that a church edifice be erected on
the corner of his lot in Summerville, otherwise known as
the "Sand Hills." This fund was left in the hands of
three members of the First Church. According to the
terms of the will the House has been erected. And when
completed $7,000 remained in the hands of the Trustees,
"Which, by good management and careful investment, has
increased and today amounts to $20,000, and, yet no organ-
7e THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
ization has yet been effected." (Centennial Memorial, 51)
During the pastorate of Dr. Irvine, Rev. W. S. Bean was
employed to supply the Reid Memorial pulpit, to which the
Riverside Chapel was added the next year. After the re-
moval of Rev. Mr. Bean, the Rev, W. E. Boggs, D, D., un-
dertook the Missionary work of the church, which then
consisted of weekly services at the Reid Memorial and
the Sahbath School work in the Factory District. Since
then no regular services have been kept up, and
only such as the pastor of the First Church has been able
occasionally to render. As a result, the Reid Memorial
though with an endowment of $20,000, still stands as a
silent memorial of the great liberality of the donor, but
with no story of its own achievement to tell. Whether this
be in accordance with 'the wish of the testator, may
seriously be questioned by the disinterested observer.
SIBLEY CHURCH.
This church is located in the Factory district, and is
largely due to the liberality, interest and support of Mr.
W. C. Sibley, who was an Elder in the First church, and
who was president, and large owner of the stock of the
mills, who not only gave the ground but also erected the
building. The organization of the church was reported to
the 'Synod of Georgia, November 1891. The first minister
who supplied it was the Rev. W. K. Boggs in 1892. The
Rev. J. M. Plowden supplied them in 1893; Rev. Paul S.
Rhodes, 1903; Licentiate G. O. Griffin, 1904; Rev. J. A.
Thompson in 1906; Rev. A. M. Lewis, 1910. The church is
gradually gaining strength, and bids fair, under the regu-
lar ministration of the word, to become a centre of consid-
erable influence and power in the community in which it
is located.
RIVERSIDE CHAPEL.
For several years efforts were made to establish a
mission church at Riverside, but from some cause or
other such efforts have been unavailing and the field
abandoned.
PRESBYTERIANISM IN MACON.
In 1806, Fort Hawkins was built upon the eastern bank
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 77
of the Ocmulgee ais a trading post. The County of Bibb
was created in 1822, and the following year the town was
laid off on the western bank opposite the fort and named
Macon in honor of Gen. Nathaniel Macon, of North Caro-
lina, and commenced t€ grow with the increase of the
population of the surrouning country. The place was fre-
quently visited by Mr. Joseph C. Stiles, a licentiate and
Evangelist of Hopewell Presbytery, who took it in as
a part of his field. As the fruit of his ministry a church
was organized June 18, 1826, of twenty five members, by
Rev. Benjamin Gildersleeve, Mr. Stiles at that time being
only a Licentiate. The church continued to be a part of
the Evangelistic field of Mr. Stiles, till 1828, when Rev.
James C. Patterson became the regular supply for two
years till the Fall of 1830. During Mr. Patterson's minis-
try the first building, a wooden structure, was erected on
Fourth street. This building was turned over to the Bap-
tists, who removed and enlarged it; and is now the Second
Baptist church.
The Rev. Edwin Holt was the first regular pastor. He
was received from the Presbytery of Elizabethtown, 1831,
installed November 20, 1831, and served the church fro7
1831 to 1834, when the relation was dissolved by the Pres-
bytery of Good Hope and he dismissed to the Presbytery of
Newburyport July 27, 1836.
He was followed by Rev. James Stratton, as supply,
for two years. He was received as a Licentiate from
the Presbytery of Philadelphia, May 13, 1835, and was
ordained Sine Titulo, June of the same year. He was
never settled. His name was stricken from the roll March
29, 1843, he "having joined another church."
He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel J. Cassels, who was
installed November 5, 1836 and continued till April 13,
1342. It was during the m.inistry of Rev. Mr. Cassels, that
the second house, a brick building commenced during the
ministry of Mr. Stratton, was completed. This house was
a brick "building on Fourth Street.
November 22, 1842, the Macon Church was detached
from the Presbytery of Flint River and added to that of
78 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Hopewell, by the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia at
Athens, but returned to Macon President in 1866 at the
redistribution of tihe Presbyteries.
Mr. Cassels was succeeded by Rev. Richard Hooker,
who had been preaching at Mt. Zion for three years, and
afterwards at Monticello for two years. He was regularly
installed November 17, 1843 and continued pastor till 1852,
when he resigned his charge on account of failing health.
The membership at that time was 229.
After Mr. Hooker, Rev. R. L. Breck was pastor. He
was received from West Lexington Presbytery, and was
installed in 1854. His pastorate extended four years from
1854 when the relation was dissolved, and he dismissed
to the Presbytery of New Albany.
He was succeeded by Rev. David Wills, who was re-
ceived from South Carolina Presbytery and installed in
1860, and continued till the relation was dissolved in 1870,
that he might accept the Presidency of Oglethorpe Col-
lege.
In 1873, Rev. A. W. Clisby, a member of Macon Pres-
bytery, was received and installed pastor. His pastorate
extended through fourteen years, till 1887. The church
under Dr. Clisby's ministry was very much strengthened,
not so much in members as in being thoroughly indoctrin-
ated in the principles of our church polity and Calvinistic
theology.
Dr. Clisby was succeeded by Rev. W. B. Jennings, who
was received from the Presbytery of Bethel in 1888, and
installed pastor and continued till 1895, when he resigned
and removed to Louisville, Ky., to become pastor of a
church in connection with the Northern church.
He was followed by Rev. R. R. White, received from
the Presbytery of Winchester and installed in 1895, and
continued pastor till 1898, when the relation was dissolved
and he dismissed to the Presbytery of New York.
The present pastor, Rev. R. E. Douglass, was re-
ceived from West Lexington Presbytery and installed in
1902.
This church has been honored by being the birthplace
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 79
of tJhe Synod of Georgia and in being selected as the place
where the semi-centennial exercises of the Synod were
held in 1895.
EFFORTS AT CHURCH EXTENSION— TATTNALL
SQUARE CHURCH.
A second church was organized in the city, in 1871, ac
first called "Second Church," but in 1892 the name was
changed to Tattnall Square. Its first pastor was Rev.
Robert Adams, who had been supplying the Eatonton
Church.
He continued pastor till 1887, when he removed to
Americus.
He was succeeded by Rev. S. L. Morris, D. D., of
South Carolina, who was installed in 1890, and remained
pastor till 1901, when Dr. Morris resigned to accept the
Secretaryship of the Assembly's Home Missions.
The third pastor was the Rev. W. H. Frazer, who had
been pastor of the Wallace Street Church, in Atlanta. Mr.
Frazer continued pastor till 1906, when he resigned to
accept the pastorate of the Church at Anderson, South
Carolina. The present pastor is Rev. R. G. Newsome.
VINEVILLE CHURCH.
The Vineville church was organized in 1904. The first
pastor was the Rev. James H. Taylor, who was received
from the Presbytery of Louisville and installed in 1905,
succeeded by Rev. T. R. Best, and later by the present
pastor. Rev. C. P. Coble.
EAST MACON CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1906, with forty-eight
members, with three Elders and two Deacons. Rev. G. T.
Bourne, who was received from Cherokee Presbytery, was
installed its pastor in 1906. The present pastor is Rev. C.
B. Currie.
A fifth church has recently been organized in South
Macon, called tihe "Jeff Davis Street Church."
PRESBYTERIANISM IN COLUMBUS.
The city of Columbus was laid off in 1827, and incor-
porated by the Legislature in 1828. It was located just be-
80 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORaiA
low th€ Coweta Falls on Chattahoochee river, at head of
steamboat navigation, and two miles above the Coweta
Town, where Oglethorpe held his council with the Indian
tribes in 1739. In 1829, the year after the incorporation of
the town, a Presbyterian church was organized, with only
five members. The next year (1830) it was reported va-
cant with ten members. The next year (1831) it was sup-
plied by Rev. Thos. F. Scott, with a membership of twenty-
two. The next year, 1832, the membership had increased
to 34, and the church was reported as "Supplied," but the
name of the minister not given. The church was next sup-
plied for eighteen months by Rev. John Baker, a native of
Liberty County, who died during the summer of 1834,
whilst ministering to them.
The first regular pastor was the Rev. Dr. Thomas
Goulding, who commenced his ministry January, 1835. Dr.
Goulding was also a native of Liberty County, and the first
native born Presbyterian minister licensed in the state,
and was at the time Professor in the Seminary at Colum-
bia. The church grew very much under his ministry, at
the time of his death numbering 189.
He was a man of fine intellect and cultivated taste,
as well as deep piety, and particularly excelled in con-
ducting funeral services. According to the appointment
of Synod, he preached the opening sermon at the organ-
ization of the Synod of Georgia at Macon in 1845 and was
elected its first Moderator. He continued pastor thirteen
and a half years, and died suddenly of heart disease on
the evening of June 26, 1848, on his return home after his
weekly lecture, aged 62 years.
The church, after a vacancy of about one year, was
supplied by Rev. C. B. King, of Hopewell Presbytery, who
supplied them about three years, till 1853.
In 1854, Rev. S. H. Higgins, D. D., a member of the
Suffolk Association, Mass, was call.ed and was installed in
1855. He continued pastor for eleven years, till 1866,
when the relation was dissolved.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHUROH IN GEORGIA 81
He was succeeded by Rev. James H. Nail, D. D., who
had been supplying the church at Americus. He was in«
stalled in 1870 and continued till 1879, when the relation
was dissolved, and he dismissed to the Presbytery of
New Orleans, to accept a call from the Prytania Street
Church.
The next pastor was Rev. W. A. Carter, D. D., Mr.
Carter was received from East Alabama Presbytery and
installed in 1881, and continued pastor for twenty-four
years, till 1905, when the relation was dissolved, on ac-
count of ill health.
The present pastor, Rev. I. S. McElroy, D. D., was re-
received from West Lexington Presbytery, and had been
the Assembly's Secretary of Ministerial Relief, and was
received and installed in 1905.
EFFORTS AT CHURCH EXTENSION— ROSE HILL
CHURCH.
The only successful effort at church extension w^as
the organization of the Rose Hill Church, which was or-
ganized in 1897, with 22 members, one Elder and two
Deacons. The next year Rev. H. G. Griswold was ordained
and installed pastor. He continued but one year, when the
relation was dissolved.
He was followed by Rev. J. D. Jones, a licentiate of
Bethel Presbytery, who was ordained and installed" in
1900. He also continued but one year, and in 1901 the
relation was dissolved.
The third pastor was the Rev. W. E. Phifer, a licen-
tiate of Concord Presbytery, who was ordained and in-
stalled in 1903. He continued two years, and in 1905 the
relation was dissolved and he dismissed to the Presbytery
of Mississippi. The membership at hat time was 42. The
present Pastor is Rev. G. W. Tollett.
WAYNESBOROUGH CHURCH.
A great deal of interest clusters around this church
not only on account of its antiquity, being one of the old-
est in the State, but also its varied experience.
As we have already seen, as early as 1766, there was
a settlement of Presbyterians gathered about Brier Creek
82 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
in Burke County, Ga., which in the course of time became
two distinct congregations, one on Walnut Creek, and an-
other on Brier Creek, and known as the "Old Church."
The two were afterwards united and removed to the town
in 1810, and known as the 'Waynesborough Congregational
Church."
The church at first was Independent or Congrega-
tional, and so continued until 1831, when received under
the care of Hopewell Presbytery, its name changed and
afterwards known as "The Presbyterian Church of Burke
County." It does not appear before this time upon the
roll of the Assembly, as one of its regular churches. In
its application in 1790 for its charter, as well as in its
call to the Rev. E. B. Caldwell in 1818, it gives its name
as "The Congregational Society in the vicinity of Waynes-
borough." So in 1828, the Rev. Lawson Clinton is report-
ed as supplying, "The Congregational Church at Waynes-
borough." It is true that in 1814 it is reported on the
list of the Assembly, as "vacant and able to support a pas-
tor;" and then again, in 1819, as "supplied by Rev. E. B.
Caldwell." But that does not mean that it was a Presby-
terian Church. The Midway and White Bluff churches
were also thus reported though Congregational and Inde-
pendent in their form. That was an incipient and forma-
tive age of the church, which accounted for the seemingly
loose and imperfect manner in which its affairs were ad-
ministered. Nor yet are we ever to lose sight of the fact
that a union had been entered into in 1800, between the
Congreg'ational and Presbyterian churches, whereby fra-
ternal delegates were exchanged and in which their min-
isters could be interchangeably installed — a Presbyterian
minister over a Congregational church, and vice versa —
and so that the churches entering into such an arrange-
ment would in a certain sense be considered as belonging
to both denominations. This explains why the Rev.
Thomas Goulding was installed pastor of the White Buff
Congregational church in 1816 by Harmony Presbytery.
And why, at the meeting of Georgia Presbytery, at Waynes-
borough, November, 1, 1824, the church at that place was
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 83
not represented by either of its elders, but we meet with
what seems to us a very singular statement, that "Samuel
Dowse, Elder of Waynesborough church, being present was
invited to sit as a corresponding member," and why Mr.
Josiah Law, a Deacon of the Midway Congregational
Church, was not only invited to sit in that Presbytery at
its meeting in that church in 1821, but also afterwards
sent as a delegate from said church, to the Presbytery at
its meeting. May 30th, of next year, at St. Marys; and also
why on November 11th, 1826, when the Presbytery again
met at Midway, he was received as a delegate from said
church, and even acted as their Temporary Clerk! Accord-
ing to the terms of the union the Waynesborough Church
was a quasi member of the Presbytery; hence its enroll-
ment as above stated.
Another thing that makes the history of this church
interesting and worthy of emphasis, was the ordination
of one of its pastors, Mr. Floyd, as it not only presents its
independency in a clear light, but also because it fur-
nished the occasion for the organization of "The Congre-
gational Association of South Carolina."
In 1800 Mr. Loammi Floyd, Licentiate of the Metho-
dist Church, was stationed in Burke Conuty, (Min. Conf.
P, 90.) The Waynesborough Church being pleased with
his ministrations, and he with them, made him a call
which was accepted. But not being yet ordained, the
church, instead of applying to the Presbytery of Hope-
well, in the bounds of which it was located, made appli-
cation for his ordination to certain Congregational minis-
ters in and around the city of Charleston, S. C, viz., Rev.
William Hollingshead, D. D., Rev. Isaac S. Keith, D. D.,
Rev. Daniel McCalla, of Charleston, Rev. James Adams, of
Dorchesrer, and Rev. Thomas Price, of James Island. In
their application they style themselves, "A Committee of
the Independent Congregation'al Society in the vicinity of
Waynesborough." And by way of further explanation
stated that, "On the eleventh day of August 1790, a
Charter of incorporation was obtained for their churcn
from His Excellency, Edward Telfair, Governor of the
84 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
State, who had been authorized by an act of the General
Assembly passed the 23rd day of December, 1789 (Wat-
kins, Dig, P. 412.) that on the 20th day of September 1790,
Mr. Henry G. Caldwell was received as a minister, and on
the third day of March, 1794, he resigned his appointment
Since that time we have had no established minister, or
regular performance of divine worship."
The petition was signed by David Robinson, Joshua E
White, William Douglass, J. Whitehead, Alex Carter, and
Geo. Poytress.
In accordance with these proceedings, the above men-
tioned ministers met and organized themselves into a
body known as "The Congregational Association of South
Carolina," and ordained Mr. Floyd, March 26, 1801, in the
Independent or Congregational Church, in Archdale
Street, Charleston, 'S. C. Dr. Hollingshead preaching the
sermon, Mr. Adams offering the ordaining prayer, and Dr.
Keith delivering the charge to the pastor. (Howe, Vol, II.
47;.
This was the origin of the "Congregational Associa-
tion of South Carolina," and the Waynesborough Church
has the honor, at least of being the occasion, of its forma-
tion. The Association thus formed continued twenty one
years. By virtue of his ordination, Mr. Floyd became a
member of said Association, and a Congregational min-
ister, and so continued the remainder of his life. After a
service of two years at Waynesborough, he removed to
South Carolina, where he supplied the Presbyterian
church at Bethel of Pon Pon till his death, which occurred
April 1822. At that time he was Moderator, and the oldest
minister of the Association, "And as an affectionate trib-
ute to his memory, Dr. Palmer was requested by that body
to preach a suitable discourse in the church their de-
ceased brother had occupied." (Howe. II. 337.)
It is worthy of further remark, that he was the only
Congregational minister the church has ever had, unless
it be the Rev. Henry G. Caldwell, mentioned above, of
whose ecclesiastical relations we know nothing, but who
we suppose was Independent, as we have been able no
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 85
where to find his name on the Rolls of the General As-
sembly.
Being on the borders of two Presbyteries, the eclesias-
tical affiliations of the church became varied. First in the
bounds of South Carolina Presbytery till 1796; then in the
territory of Hopewell till 1809; then in that of Georgia
till 1831; then again in the bounds of Hopewell till 1840;
First Independent till 1831, when received under the care
of Hopewell Presbytery; then independent again, when it
withdrew with its pastor. Rev. T. M. Dwight, in 1840;
then again Presbyterian in 1853, when received back under
the care of Hopewell (now Augitsta) Presbytery, upon
whose roll it still stands.
Below we give, as far as we have been able to gather
them, the names of those who have served the church:
The first supply was the Rev. Josiah Lewis, a Licen-
tiate of New Castle Presbtyery, who visited the church at
different times from 1766-1770, on Missionary tours to
the South. So Rev. Messrs. C. T. Smith, David Caldwell,
and others were also sent out on missionary tours, Geor-
gia being specified as part of the field. (Min. Gen. Ass.
360-1, 367, 375.) How much time was thus given to the
Brier Creek community we are unable to say. Nor have
we any means of finding out, if it was supplied, and
by whom, through the years preceding and during the
Revolution. The church, no doubt, through that period, like
others was scattered, if not entirely broken up by the
casualties of war. The first regular supply after the war
of which we know anything was that of Rev. Henry G.
Caldwell, who ministered to them from 1790 to 1794, as
appears from their petition above cited.
After Mr. Caldwell there was a period of four years
destitution. Hence their declaration, that "Since Mr. Cald-
well's time, we have had no established minister or reg-
ular performance of divine worship." This vacancy con-
tinued till 1800, when Floyd took charge and continued pas-
tor for two years till 1802. Rev. John Boggs supplied them
in 1810 and perhaps a few years before.
In 1818, Rev. E. B. Caldwell, a licentiate of Salem As-
86 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
sociation, was ordained by Harmony Presbytery at
Waynesborough, July 3rd of that year, and settled as pas-
tor, but whose ministery was very brief, as he died the
Fall of the next year. Min. Har. Pres. I. 323.)
Who then supplied the church for the next six years,
we cannot say.
In 1827 Rev. S. K. Talmage, Rector of the Academy
at Augusta, and who conjointly with Rev. S. S. Davis,
Agent for Princeton Theological Seminary, was supplying
the church at Augusta, also supplied them.
He was followed by Rev. Lawton Clinton, who had
been licensed by Georgia Presbytery at its meeting at that
place, Nov. 13. 1824, and ordained the next year. Mr.
Clinton supplied them from 1828 till 1832. Rev. Henry
Reid then supplied them for one year (1833), after whicli
Rev. Theodore M. Dwight took charge in 1835, and contin-
ued pastor for five years till 1840, when he withdrew with
the church from the Presbytery, but continued pastor for
five years more till 1845, when he removed to Tennessee,
joined the New School Presl^ytery of 'Shiloh, and became
pastor of the church at Gallatin for four years till 1849 and
where he died.
Rev. T. M. Dwight was succeeded by Rev. F. R. Mould-
ing for nine years 1843-1852; then Rev. R. K. Porter for
fourteen years, 1853 — 1867; Rev. Ferdinand Jacobs, 1867 —
1868; then a vacancy, (1869); Rev. J. B. Dunwody, teach-
er at Berzelia, and stated supply, 1870—1872; Rev. Paul C.
Morton, pastor and teacher 1873 — 1877; Rev. Donald Mc-
Queen for a short while; vacant, 1879; Rev. Paul C. Mor-
ton again, 1880—1881; Rev. N. Keff Smith, Domestic Mis-
sionary, a part of 1885; Rev. Robert Adams, 1886—1888;
Rev. J. D. A. Brown, 1889—1890; Messrs. Boggs and
Doggett, Evangelists, part of 1892; Rev. J. W. Quarter-
m'an, 1893; Rev. Thos. D. Cartledge, eight years, 1894 —
1902; Rev. C. I. Stacy, 1902-1905; Rev. J. L. Martin, D.
D., 1907.
What a number and variety of laborers! How many
witnesses for or against that people at the last day of
accounts!
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 87
MIDWAY CHURCH.
No history of the Presbyterian Church in Georgia,
would be complete without a distinct mention of the old
Midway church, Liberty County. Though Congregational
In form, it was as truly and substantially Presbyterian, as
she was a regular supporter of that church, her ministers
all being Presbyterian, with the exception of the first. Rev.
Mr. Osgood, who came from South Carolina, and Mr.
Abiel Holmes, giving also so many of her sons and also
daughters, to that church, and in her very throes of disso-
lution giving birth to three white and three colored
churches of that faith and order.
In the early part of 1630, a company of Puritans, gath-
ered principally from Devon, Dorset' and 'Sommersetshire
counties, England, embarked for the new world, and
bringing with them as their ministers, Rev. John Warham,
of Exeter, and Rev. John Maverick. They landed at Nan-
tucket, and after a few days reconnoisance, they settled
at Mattapan, and laid the foundation of the town they
named Dorchester, in honor of the old town from whence
so many of them had come.
After a residence of five years, the colony became dis-
satisfied, when the greater portion of them removed in
1635, to Connecticut, to Mattaneang, near Windsor, their
places at Dorchester, however, soon being filled with other
emigrants.
In 1695, sixty years afterwards, the Puritan element
having reached the shores of Carolina and being destitute
of the Word, they sent an invitation to Dorchester, to
send up to them one who would go and minister to them in
holy things. In response to the call they laid hands on Mr.
Joseph Lord, of Charleston, Mass., a graduate of Harvard,
and then teaching school at Dorchester, and studying the-
ology, and ordained him to the work.
In December, 1895, Mr. Lord and nine members all
males, sailed for Charleston, which place they reached in
about fourteen days, after experiencing stormy weather.
After examining different locations, they settled upon the
northern banks of the Ashley river, some eighteen miles
88 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
above Charl-eston, and at a place they likewise named
Dorchester.
After a residence of fifty-six years the colony deter-
mined to remove on account of the want of room, as they
were mostly farmers, and as Georgia offered every facility
and inducement, they commenced moving in December
1752, to St. John's Parish, now Liberty County, and in a
few years were established in their new home^ bringing
their Pastor, Rev. John Osgood, with them. It was simply
the removal of the church, for we have no account of a
new organization.
REV. JOHN OSGOOD.
Rev. John Osgood, the first pastor, was a native of
South Carolina, a graduate of Cambridge, and, as Dr.
Ramsay asserts, "one of the four natives, who obtained a
degree from a College for the first ninety years which fol-
lowed the settlement of South Carolina," and who together
with Rev. Josiah Smith, the "only native of the Province,
as recollected, who were ordained ministers prior to the
Revolution" (History Sou. Car. II. '524.) He was pastor
nineteen years in Carolina, and nineteen in Georgia. He
died August 2, 1773.
He was assisted for two years, 1767 — 1769, 'by Rev.
James Edmonds, of South Carolina, who preached at Sun-
bury and the Altamaha, about Darien, we presume, where
some of the Scottish Highlanders still remained.
REV. MOSES ALLEN.
After the death of Mr. Osgood, the church was with-
out a regular pastor. They, however, kept up services
every Sabbath, either by sermons read, or conducted by
visiting ministers. Among these we find the names of 'Dr.
Zubly, from Savannah, Messrs. Gillis, Wm. Tennent,
Piercy, Eccles, Joseph Cook, Daniel Roberts, and Thos.
Hill. After repeated but unsuccessful efforts to obtain a
minister, a call was presented to 'Rev. Moses Allen, a na-
tive of Northampton, Mass., and graduate of the College
of New Jersey, a Presbyterian minister, who was then sup-
plying the Church at Wappetaw% near Charleston, S. C, and
who accepted the call and removed to Midway, and preach-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 89
ed his first sermon June 22, 1777. Mr. Allen's pastorate
was very short. Being a zealous advocate of independ-
ence, when the county was overrun by the British, Jan-
uary, 1779, he was taken a prisoner and put on board of a
prison ship. Tired of confinement in such loathesome
quarters, on the evening of February 8, 1779, he sought
to escape by throwing himself into the river, and swim-
ming to the shore; but was drowned in the attempt.
It was during his pastorate, and a little while before,
during the raid of Col. Provost, the Meeting House, as well
as many of the residences, were burned and the commun-
ity entirely broken up. The Dorchester House, S. C, was
also afterwards burned, both being used by the Americans
ior military purposes, and doubtless the reason for the
burning.
REV. ABIEL HOLMES, D. D.
For five years after this and until the close of the rev-
olution, supreme desolation reigned. At the end of this
period, and during the year, a number of the citizens re-
turned to their old homes and began to rebuild their deso-
lated houses. The next year they erected a coarse house
of worship, near the spot where the old one stood that was
burned. The next year, a call was extended to Mr. Abiel
Holmes, a native of Woodstock, Conn., and graduate of
Yale College, and at that time teaching school in South
Carolina, who accepted the call and was ordained at Yale
College September 5, 1785 and became pastor and con-
tinued pastor for six years, at the end of which time he
resigned and accepted a call to the church at Cambridge,
Mass., where he labored till his death June 4, 1837.
REV. CYRUS GILDERSLEEVE.
He was succeeded by Rev. Cyrus Gildersleeve, a na
five of New Brunswick, and member of the Presbytery
New Brunswick, and who continued pastor for twe
years, till Feburary 27, 1811, when he relinquishec'
charge and removed to New Jersey, where he becan^
tor of the church at Bloomfield, and died at Elzab
in 1838.
90 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
REV. MURDOCH MURPHY.
The next pastor was the Rev. Murdoch Murphy, who
was a native of Scotland, who could speak the Gaelic
language, and member of the Presbytery of South Caro-
lina, and who remained with them for twelve years, after
which he resigned his pastorate and removed to Spring
Hill, near Mobile, Ala., where he died February 8, 1833.
REV. ROBERT QUARTERMAN.
He was followed by Rev. Robert Quarterman, a native
of Liberty county, who was installed pastor by the Presby-
tery of Georgia May 27, 1823, and continued regular pas-
tor for twenty-six years, and pastor Emeritus for two
years, and died April 19, 1849.
REV. I. S. K. AXSON, D. D.
The church increasing in numbers, and on account of
the establishment of the summer retreats, it became neces-
sary that there should be an assistant or co-pastor. Accord-
ingly, in March, 1836, the Rev. I. S. K. Axson of the Pres<
bytery of Charleston, was elected colleague and so con-
tinued for seventeen years, till 1853, when, on account of
declining health, he tendered his resignation and after
wards became president of Greensboro Female College,
and later pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church,
Savannah, where he remained pastor for 34 years, till his
death March 31, 1891.
REV. THOS. S. WINN.
After the failure of Mr. Axson's health in 1847, Rev,
Thomas S. Winn, regular descendent of Rev. Mr, Osgood
was Elected co-pastor with Mr. Axson and entered upon his
duties in February, 1848, and continued co-pastor till Feb-
ruary, 18'55, when he resigned and removed to Hale Coun-
ty, Ala., where he became pastor of a group of churches
which he continued to serve for forty years, till he re*
tired from services on account of his advanced age.
REV, D. L. BUTTOLPH, D. D.
In 1859 the church elected, as colleague to Mr. Winn,
Rev. D. L. Buttolph, a native of Norwich, New York, and
graduate of Columbia Seminary, and at the time assisting
Dr. Thos. &myth, pastor of the Second Church, Charleston,
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 91
S. C, Dr. Buttolph continued pastor till 1867, when he ac-
cepted a call to the Marietta church, which he served for
nineteen years, when his health 'became impaired and he
resigned charge of the church.
REV. JOHN F. BAKER.
After the resignation of Mr. Winn, Rev. John F, Bak-
er, a native of Liberty County and son of Mr, John O. Bak«
er, a former deacon in Midway Church, was elected pas-
tor with Mr. Buttolph. He remained but six months, and
removed to Virginia.
REV. F. H. BOWMAN.
After Mr. Baker's resignation. Rev. Francis H. Bow
man, D. D., a native of Charlottesville, and son of Rev
Francis Bowman, D. D., was chosen co-pastor with Dr.
Buttolph and continued for three years 1856 — 1859, when
he tendered his resignation and removed jto Alabama.
After the departure of Dr. Buttolph and on account of
the establishment of separate churches at the retreats,
and the general desolation and ruin resulting from the
war, services ceased to be held in the old building, which
was turned over to the colored people, who used it for
twenty years. Thus after 113 years of active life, the old
church ceased to exist.
Although the old church ceased to exist after the war,
yet her life is still perpetuated in the three Presbyterian
churches, Walthourville, Flemington, and Dorchester, and
also several colored churches.
The Walthourville Church was organized by the Pres-
bytery of Georgia July 27, 1855 with thirty-three members,
and two Ruling Elders and two deacons.
The Flemington Church was organized by the same
body April 6, 1866, with seventy members, three Ruling
Elders and two Deacons.
The Dorchester Church was organized by the
Presbytery of Savannah, formerly Georgia, January 6,
'1871, with fourteen members with one Ruling Elder.
The pastors of the Walthourville Church were, first,
Rev. John Jones who served it for the balance of the year
after its organization. After him was Dr. R. Q. Mallard,
92 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
who was pastor for s-even years, 1856 — 1863, until he was
called to the pastorate of the Central church, Atlanta. Af-
ter a short supply by Rev. R. Q. Way, Rev. N. P. Quarter-
man became pastor and continued supplying them in connec-
tion with Flemington and Dorchester churches for four
years 1866 — 1870, when he was called to the Anderson
Street Church, Savannah. He was succeeded by Rev. J.
"W. Montgomery, who at the same time supplied Fleming-
ton and Dorchester from 1871 — 1890.
Mr. Montgomery was succeeded by Rev. E. W. Way,
from 1891 to 1895, when he resigned and removed to
Gainesville, Florida.
After Mr. Way, the church was supplied by several
ministers for short periods of time, and is now served by
Rev. Henry Rankin.
After the removal of Mr. Montgomery, the Flemington
church was supplied by Rev. C. C. Carson, a licentiate of
the Presbytery of Holston, and native of Tennessee, who,
in 1893, was ordained and installed pastor of the two as-
sociated churches of Flemington and Blackshear, which
field he continued to occupy till his removal to Valdosta
in 1899.
He was succeeded by Rev. A. S. Allen, of Tennessee,
who supplied Flemington, Dorchester and Walthourville
churches from 1900—1904.
He was followed by Rev. W. W. Edge, of Morganton,
N. C, who was pastor of these churches from 1904 to
1906, and then by Rev. Henry Rankin.
COLORED CHURCHES.
In addition to these churches, there were also four
colored churches growing out of the colored membership,
which at the time of the dissolution amounted to about
700, viz., Midway, Riceboro, Ebenezer, and St. Stephen's
church, and the Grove Congregational church, which are
still in existence. The Midway church, after occupying
the building for 20 years, erected one of their own, near
by, the old building being returned to the whites, which
has been repaired and used for their annual reunions.
The Midway church, in many respects, is one of the
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 93
most remarkable we know anything of, not only of the
State and of the southern country, but of the whole
world, with a membership, including Walthourville, Flem-
ington, Jonesville and Dorchester the four retreats, of
more than 300 whites, and 700 blacks, and yet with a
record, and achievements wholly unparallelled in the his-
tory of any religious community. The number of Gover-
nors, signers of the Delclaration of Independence, and
counties named after her great men, the number of minis-
ters, and ministers wives, missionaries, presidents and pro-
fessors in institutions of learning — men and women of in-
fluence furnished by this little colony, is truly marvellous.
Among the Governors we mention Button Gwinnett, a
signer of the Declaration of Independence, who though re-
siding upon St. Catherine Island had all his associations at
Sunbury; Richard Howley, born near Savannah but after-
wards a citizen of Liberty county; Nathan Brownson, a
member of the Provincial Congress of 1775, and Continen-
tal Congress of 1776; Dr. Lyman Hall, member of the Con-
tinental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence.
Among the Counties named: Liberty after her own
prowess and zeal in the cause of independence; Screven,
after General James Screven, who fell in her defence;
Hall after Dr. Lyman Hall, one of the singers of the
Declaration of Independence; Gwinnett, named after Gov-
ernor Gwinnett; Baker, named after Col. John Baker, one
of her sons of Revolutionary fame; Stewart, named after
General Daniel Stewart, one of her members.
Among her public men, we mention: Hon, Benjamin
Andrew, Senators, Hon, John Elliott, Alfred Iverson, A, O.
Bacon, whose father and mother lie sleeping side by side
in the cemetery, J, A. Cuthbert member of Congress, Hons.
W. E. Law, W. B. Fleming, John E. Ward, minister plen-
ipotentiary to China; among her scientific men: Profs.
John and Joseph LeConte, world renowned historians and
writers, C. C. Jones, Jr., author of the history of Georgia,
and Rev. F. R. Goulding, the author of "Young Maroon-
ers;" among her Theological Profeeeors: Drs, Thos, Gould*
94 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
ing, and C. C. Jones, Professors at Columbia Seminary;
among her Chancellors, Rev. P. H. Mell, D. D., Chancellor
of State University, and baptized in infancy at her altars,
and R. B. Fulton, Chancellor of University of Mississippi,
and grandson of Paul Fulton one of her members.
In this connection it is especially worthy of mention
that the high honor has been put upon her to furnish in
the person of one of her regular descendents, the Presi-
dent of the United States, Hon. Theodore Roosevelt being
the great grandson of General Daniel and Mrs. Susannah
Stewart, who were both members on her roll, and whose
sleeping dust lie side by side in her cemetery.
MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES.
But her chief glory consists in the number and charac-
ter of the ministers of the Gospel that have gone out from
her bosom; either directly, or the regular descendents of
her children. These are eighty-six in all; fifty-one Pres-
byterians; nineteen Baptists; thirteen Methodists, and
three Episcopalians. She has also sent out nine Mission-
aires to foreign fields.
Presbyterian Ministers: Thomas Goulding, Robert
Quarterman, Daniel Baker, Chas. C. Jones, Samuel
J. Cassels, F. R. Goulding, John W. Baker, John Winn,
John Jones, J. B. Dunwody, R. Q. Way, T. S. Winn, Jno.
Winn Quarterman, Daniel Sumner Baker, W. M. Baker,
Donald Eraser, Joseph M. Quarterman, John F. Baker, W.
E. Baker, John Baker, James Stacy, G. W. Ladson, R. Q.
Mallard, S. E. Axson, J. S. Cosby, R. Q. Baker, J. G. Law,
N. P. Quarterman, C. A. Baker, Jno. Way Quarterman, B.
L Baker, William LeConte, Thos. Clay Winn, Chalmers
Eraser, D. F. Sheppard, A. L. R. Waite, L. T. Way, E. W.
Way, T. D. Witherspoon, W. D. Hedleston, W. M. Frierson,
M. V. Frierson, Jno. C. McMuHen, Robert Iverson, W. S.
Baker, W. E. Screven, L. Walthour Curtis, A. E. Spencer.
Baptist Ministers: Samuel Spry Law, Thos. S. Winn,
Joseph S. Baker, P. H. Mell, Edward A. Stevens, A. O.
Bacon, A. T. Holmes, Jacob H. Dunham, C. O. Screven,
Jesse H. Campbell, Carlos Stevens, H. J. Stevens, W. B
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 95
Bennett, John Lake, Chas. A. Gaulden, William Butler,
Jere Baker.
Methodist Ministers: John Andrew, Bishop J. O. An-
drew, W. H. Cassels, Dan M. Stewart, Joseph Andrews, E.
G. Andrews, R. Q. Andrews, Hansford Andrews, W. M.
Quarterman, Moses W. Way, Joseph Law, J. L. Hendry,
John Shepard.
Episcopal Ministers: Thos. Goulding Pond, Henry K.
Rees, W. R. McConnell.
That so many ministers should go out from one
church and community, is simply unprecedented. And
what is still more remarkable, is the fact that twenty-
three of the above ministers are the regular descendants
of one man, John Quarterman, Sr. Their names are as fol-
lows: John Winn, Peter Winn, Thos. Sumner Winn, Thos.
Clay Winn, Robert Quarterman, Wm. Quarterman, John
Winn Quarterman, Joseph M. Quarterman, N. P. Quarter-
man, John Way Quarterman, C. A. Baker, B. L. Baker, R.
Q. Baker, R. Q. Way, L. T. Way, James Stacy, Louis Le-
Conte, Joseph Andrews, E. Q. Andrews, R. Q. Andrews,
Hansford Andrews, Chalmers Eraser, Thomas Goulding
Pond.
It is also worthy of note that seven foreign mission-
airies, the descendents of this man, have gone out from
this Church, viz., J. W. Quarterman, R. Q. Way, Louis Le-
Conte, T. Clay Winn, Miss Susan Way, Miss Harriet Louisa
Winn and Miss Leila Way. What a wonderful man! And
how wonderfully blessed.
Among other things for which the church was remark-
able was the deep and abiding interest taken in the relig-
ious instruction of the colored people. Dr. C. C. Jones de-
voted his entire life to this work, with the exception of
the few years spent as Professor in the Columbia semi-
nary, and as the Assembly's Secretary of Home Missions
at Philadelphia. A great and good wo^rk was done among
them, which eternity alone will reveal. The large member-
ship, among this class, as well as the succeeding churches,
are the fruits of this zeal and labor.
We conclude this sketch of this wonderful people with
96 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
the bare additional remark that they were a patriotic peo-
ple also, as appears from the name of the county, Liberty,
secured to themselves by their devotion to the cause of
independence, and the additional fact that they were the
only people who wrote a letter of congratulation to Pres-
ident Washington, when on his visit to Georgia in 1789.
Now should the question be raised, what is the secret
of all this, and wherein consists the sources of this
church's power? Apart from the sovereign prerogative of
the Head of the Church, who sets one up and puts another
down without giving a reason to any one for the same, we
point to certain facts as secondary agencies, which the
reader may judge whether of sufficient weight or not.
There are certain things this people greatly emphasized.
1. They had great respect for the services of the
Sanctuary, going from one to fourteen miles to be present
at every service. No lounging at home on the Lord's Day;
no children left at home to roam the fields or to engage in
sport; neither at Church were they allowed to sit any
where else than in the pew with their parents.
And in this connection it should be stated that there
were always two services, before the adjournment of the
congregation. And furthermore the fact must be em-
phasized, that it mattered little whether there was a min-
ister present or not; for in his absence it was understood
that one of the Deacons would fill his place. This custom
is still kept up to this day, by the Churches that have come
jout of her; nor does there seem to be any diminution in
interest or size of congregation.
2. Family Worship. It was almost the universal cus-
tom of all the leading families to hold family worship.
And in many instances, in the absence of the father, or in
case of widowhood, the mother would gather the children
around the family altar and conduct the services.
3. Another thing greatly emphasized, was the com-
mon and almost universal practice of Infant Baptism. The
records will show that the list of births and of baptisms,
making due allowance for the omissions of baptisms,
through deaths, is about the same.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 97
4. We mention one other thing and that was this, that
the church looked with extreme suspicion upon what are
known as "protracted, or revival meetings," the few of
these protracting themselves, and the result of intense
feeling in the congregation. They depended mainly upon
the regular weekly service and every day means of grace.
5. Nor should it be omitted that they paid liberally
to the support of the Gospel. Though not a people of any
great wealth, they employed two ministers to whom they
paid what at that time were considered large salaries and
to whom in their early history, they gave a Legal Bond in
which they "bound their heirs and attorneys and assigns,
etc."
For a more extensive account of this wonderful church
see the History of the same written by the Author.
SMYRNA AND BETHANY.
I know of no two churches, in any of the rural dis-
tricts of the State more worthy of special mention than
those of Smyrna and Bethany, which, for a number of
years, were united under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Quigg,
until the withdrawal of Bethany in 1874.
Of the two, the older is Smyrna, being organized with
fifteen members, December 1827, by Dr. John S. Wilson,
then under care of the old Hopewell Presbytery. It is re-
markable for several things:
1st. For its long pastorate being the third in the
Synod; that of Rev. G. H. Cartledge at Hebron and Homer,
continuing for forty-seven years; being the first;
Rev. James Stacy, the second, being forty-three years at
Newnan; and Dr. H. Quigg the third, being pastor at
Smyrna for forty-one years, beginning soon after his recep-
tion from the Associate Presbyterian Church in 1867, and
continuing till his death in 1907; the last three years, pas-
tor Emeritus.
2nd. For the fact already stated, that it is the only
Presbyterian church in the state keeping up its annual
campmeetings. They commenced these meetings early in
their history, and have kept them up till the present; and
not simply as seasons of recreation and social enjoyment,
98 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
but as a "solemn convocation unto the Lord," set up for
worship and spiritual improvement. The writer well re-
members the delightful services, pleasant scenes, and
Christian fellowship, enjoyed by him at those meetings it
was his privilege to attend. Never has he seen better
order at such gatherings, there being no necessity for any
police arrangements. The high tone of public sentiment
pervading the community was always a guarantee for good
order and behavior. .
3rd. But the thing for which the church is chiefly
noted is the fact that it embraces in its membership and
congregation the Hollingsworth family, a family alike re-
markable for their number, piety and devotion to their
Presbyterian principles, no name occurring more frequent-
ly on the minutes of Presbytery and Synod, the church
being represented in the church courts with wonderful reg-
ularity, and usually by one of that name.
About 1830 there were six brothers of th-em, who came
from Laurens county, S. C, and settled in Newton, now
Rockdale County, their names being: William, Moses,
Aaron, John, Joseph and George. Four of these were, or
became. Ruling Elders, viz., William, Moses, Aaron and
Joseph. Of their sons the following numbers were elders:
Three out of the four sons of William; two out of the four
sons of Moses; three out of the four of Aaron; and two out
of the four sons of Joseph. Thus each of the four elders
had four sons, and of the sixteen sons, ten became elders.
They have likewise furnished the church with the fol-
lowing ministers: (1) Rev. W. T., son of George and
grandson of Aaron, pastor at Lafayette, Ala; (2) Rev. W.
F., son of Jas. F. and grandson of William, formerly pas-
tor at Brunswick, now at Morganton, N. C; (3) Rev. D.
W., son of Rev. W. T., and grandson of Aaron, and pastor
at Hinton, W. Va.; (4) Rev. Geo. M., son of Jas. H. and
great grandson of George, and pastor at 'Cross Hill, S. C.
And besides these, among the descendants, now num-
bering over five hundred, and being scattered every where
as precious seed, are numbers of active Christian workers,
and entering into the membership of different churches,
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 99
and contributing to their strength and influence. Eternity
alone will reveal the result of such a planting.
While thus speaking of the Smyrna congregation, it
likewise affords us pleasure to make honorable mention
of the Bethany people, their neighbors, and possessing
very much the same spirit, and who have always united
with them in their campmeetings, being only about
twelve miles distant.
The Bethany church was organized in 1843 by Messrs.
Dickson and Patterson, and made up of members chiefly
from Covington and McDonough churches, and is one of
the best country churches in the Synod, alike remarkable
for their intelligent Presbyterianism and fidelity to duty
and obligation. As far as the writer knows to them be-
longs the honor of giving the best and true definition of
the Sabbath School as illustrated in their own history,
viz., that it was not a society outside the church, but the
church itself gathered together for the study of God's
word. Quite a number of years ago one of the elders made
the remark in my hearing that "In the Bethany church all
the members were also members of the Sabbath School."
If a tree is to be judged by its fruits, the character of the
Bethany people shows the correctness of the definition.
I would add, that the church has always been re-
markable for the intelligent character of its eldership.
Seldom have we ever found two such men associated in
the eldership of any one church as Henry P. Richards and
Alfred Livingston, the latter the father of the Congress-
man from that District. Honorable, faithful, liberal and
watchful, the influence of their lives will be felt for many
years to come. Mr. Livingston, though ninety years of
age, was the constant attendant upon the services of the
sanctuary, and also of the Sabbath School of which he was
the superintendent till his death. No one can tell the in-
fluence of such lives in a community. Would that the
land was full of such men and such churches.
CHURCHES IN THE COUNTRY.
Did time and space and the general scope of this work
not forbid, we would take pleasure in giving sketches of
100 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
other country churches, the history of which would be
intensely interesting. But we must leave this for other
hands to do. Lest our silence, however, should be con-
strued into a want of interest, or our depreciation of this
part of Christian work, we would offer words of special
commendation in their behalf. Instead of belittling, we
would magnify their importance; and for the reason, the
country is the supporter of the town. That church that
has no country to draw from must ever labor under a great
disadvantage. The country is the home of virtue and re-
ligion, and as a general rule, the best city members are
those imported therefrom. So, statistics carefully pre-
pared by our Executive Committee of Education show that
fully one half of our ministers are from the country and
are farmers' sons. (Leaflet No. 4.) This is one thing that
has added greatly to the success of our Methodist and
Baptist brethren. We have no hesitation in saying that
the Presbyterian church will never attain to the full meas-
ure of her strength or fully accomplish the purpose of her
mission until she attaches more importance and opens up
wider fields in her work in the country.
CAMPMEETINGS.
As early as 1825 the Presytery of Hopewell establish-
ed a system of meetings known as campmeetings, where
the people would meet at some church or central place for
religious services, and where they would, for convenience,
camp for several days. At first cloth tents were used but
later on rough houses covered with boards. These meet-
ings were first started in Tennessee, during the great re-
vival of 1800, but soon spread into 'Georgia, As the minis-
ters were few, and the churches were scattered, two or
three congregations w^ould unite together, to which sev-
eral ministers would be invited. There were several of
these camps in different parts of the country, as at Beth-
any, New Hope, Concord, Thyatira, and White Oak, near
Newnan, Philadelphia and Smyrna. Great good was done
by them, the hundreds of newly made converts, together
with the hundreds of professing Christians, coming from
far and near, and obtaining a fresh baptism of the Spirit
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 101
and returning and spreading the influence and power of
the truth. Dr. Wilson, who frequently attended them,
thus writes in his Necrology concerning them (P. 40) :
"Thousands ofttimes assembled at these meetings and
spent usually four or five days in prayer and praise, and
preaching and hearing. The occasions furnished thous-
ands an opportunity of learning what Presbyterianism
was, who otherwise would never have possessed any in-
telligent idea of its doctrines or polity. Presbyterians,
from a long distance in the surrounding country, came to-
gether and formed a personal acquaintance, which other-
wise had never existed. They learned to love each other.
They entertained for each other afterwards an undying
affection. It rendered the churches more homogeneous,
and cemented them in bonds of Christian friendship.
Christians were not in that day as in ours, cold and formal,
neither knowing nor caring for each other's welfare. In
the spirit of the Apostle's injunction, they "looked not
every man on his own things, but every man also on the
things of others." They sympathized with and prayed for
each other. That selfish iceberg, coldness, which per-
vades Christian society in this day, was then unknown.
Soul mingled with soul like kindred drops of water. Well
do we remember the closing scenes of many of these holy
convocations. When the parting hour came what tender
farewells were uttered. What warm expressions of
Christian love and esteem were exchanged between those
who had come together as utter strangers. With what
spirit and deep emotion have we heard the great congre-
gation unite with one heart and one voice in singing the
parting song:
"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above."
Campmee'tings were well adapted to the early condi-
tion of the country, but their necessity has now past.
Though still kept up in several places by the Methodists,
they have been discontinued by Presbyterians. The only
102 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
one at present in the State, is the one at Smyrna near
Conyers, which has been in successful operation for the
past seventy-five years, with the exception of five years in-
terruption during the war.
CHAPTER VI.
EDUCATION.
To say that Presbyterians have always believed in an
educated ministry is but to utter the merest truism. Not
th'at they regarded this as the best means of securing the
greatest number, but the only way of doing the most thor-
ough and efficient work. Her first five ministers in the
State were all classical scholars, and several of them teach-
ers of high rank, and had their school room in connection
with the Church and rendered very efficient service in that
way. Newton had been an usher or assistant teacher at
Mt. Clio, N. C. Springer had a school near Washington.
and Waddel at Carmel. So also afterwards Dr. Cummins
had a school at Bethany, near Greensboro. This they did
for two reasons: first, like Paul, in his tent mak*
ing, that they might not be burdensome to the Churches in
their poverty and weakness; but second, that it might
assist them in their work; for at that time there were few
men in the country capable of filling a position of that
kind. Whether from necessity or choice, it is a fact that
a large proportion of the Presbyterian ministers in this
State have been school teachers. The number was much
greater formerly than now; since the Churches are taking
better care of their pastors and doubtless when she comes
fully to apprehend the full meaning of the apostle when
he says, "that they who preach the gospel should live by
the gospel," the ministers will more generally give them-
selves wholly to the ministry.
That it is the duty of the Church to provide for the
education of her indigent candidates for the ministry is
generally admitted. But it has always been a question how
far that help should extend? Whether It should be con-
fined to the Theological training only, or likewise extended
to the literary course? And not only for the training of her
candidates, but still further, whether it be right for her to
establish schools and colleges for the promiscuous training
104 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
oi the youth of the country generally. The Synod spoke with
no uncertain sound on this subject at its meeting at Colum-
bus in 1848, when it said, "we believe that it is the imper-
ative duty of the Church of Christ to provide the means
of religious education for the youth of the land." And
again, "let Parochial Schools and Religious Colleges then
be sustained by our Churches." Minutes page 29.
On the other hand there have always been in the
Presbyterian Church, more formerly than now, some who
have doubted this right of ecclesiastical control. This was
clearly the views of Dr. Thornwell, who held that secular
education was the work of the State and not the province
of the Church. (See his letter to Gov. Manning 1853). Dr.
R. J. Breckinridge held to the same views. (South Pres.
Rev. Vol. II, July No). So Drs. Stuart Robinson and J. C.
Peck and other prominent ministers. (See Pres. Critic
1855-6).
But there has been a wonderful reaction in sentiment
on this subject of late. Denominational education seems
now to be the established policy of all the different branch-
es of the Christian Churches. Note.
There were two things that led to this reaction:
1st. The first was the infidel sentiments held and open-
ly expressed by Dr. Thomas Cooper, President of the College
of South Carolina. Dr. Cooper was a native of London and
educated at Oxford, and afterwards settled in Pennsylva-
nia. He was first elected as Professor of Chemistry, Geol-
ogy and Minerology in South Carolina College, and after-
wards, in 1821, upon the death of the celebrated Dr. Maxcy,
the first President, was elected his successor, and contin-
ued to fill the oflice of President till 1834, when public sen-
timent became so outraged at his open avowal of infidel
Note. We raise the question, whether the truth be not
midway betwetm these extremes: If the true Scripture
view be that colleges and schools should be built and man-
aged by (Jhrhsl'an men, as individuals, and not by the
Church in its organic capacity. We shall have occasion
to allude to this matter further on.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 105
sentiments as to demand a change. Says Laborde, in his
history of the college, "the close of the year 1834 found the
College in a most deplorable condition. It was almost
deserted. Parents for the last several years had either
kept their sons at home, or sought an education for them
in other and distant colleges. The whole number in col-
lege November 24 was twenty, only, (page 189). Yield-
ing, therefore to the pressure, and with a view of reorgan-
izing the entire faculty, the Board of Trustees requested
the resignation of all the Professors, which was done, and
in the election which followed Dr. Cooper was left out, but
he continued to live in Columbia till his death, which
occurred May 11th, 1840.
Thus the history of South Carolina showed the people
of the country that there were no safeguards thrown
around State Colleges, and that a similar result might at
any time occur in any of the State Institutions, and that
their only safety would be in having schools of their own
and under their control, for the education of their sons.
2d. Another reason, and one every way less worthy
was denominational rivalry. It so happened that at first
for quite a long period the University was under the con-
trol of Presbyterians. The first President, Josiah Meigs,
L. L. D., a graduate and an instructor in Yale College,
whose term of office extended through a period of nine
years, had neither religious preferences nor pretentions.
The Board of Trustees, however, being largely Presbyte-
rian, placed the Institution largely under Presbyterian
influence and control. In 1810 Rev. Dr. Henry Kollock,
pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savan-
nah, was elected President, but declined. The Presidency
of Dr. John Brown, a Presbyterian minister, then followed.
He was succeeded in 1827 by Rev. Dr. Robert Finley, a
Presbyterian minister from Baskingridge, N. J., whose
term of office continued but a few months, from April to
August, he dying the same year. The fourth President
was the Rev. Dr. Moses Waddel, another Presbyterian
minister, whose term of office extended through ten years,
from 1819 to 1829. He was succeeded by Dr. Alonzo
106 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Church, another Presbyterian minister, who had been a
teacher at Eatonton, who was first elected a Professor of
Mathematics and Astronomy, and whose incumbency as
President continued through the next decade, till 1859,
when the Rev. Andrew A. Lipscomb, a Methodist minister,
was elevated to the Chancellorship. Thus for a period of
59 years the Institution was under Presbyterian control.
This was not the result of the denomination being so
much larger than the others, or of any special scheming on
their part, but simply upon the ground that the Presbyte-
rian Church always believed in, and had, an educated min-
istry, and because up to that time the most suited and best
educated men were to be found in the ranks oi the min-
istry.
After so many years of continuous supply, and after
the other denominations, began to educate their ministry,
notes of dissatisfaction were heard, complaining of injus-
tice being done them in not allowing some of the chairs, at
least, to be filled by their men, especially as those denom-
inations so far outnumbered the Presbyterians. This clam-
or so increased that in 1830, when Rev. J. P. Waddel, a son
of the President was elected to the chair of Ancient Lan-
guages, he declined to accept the position and the Senatus
Academicus found it necessary to reconsider the action of
the Board and to allay the dissatisfaction by the selection
of Rev. James Shannon, a Baptist minister and pastor of
the Church at Augusta, Ga., who was chosen in his stead,
and which position he filled till 1835, when he resigned to
accept the Presidency of the Missouri University, and
when Professor Waddel was again elected to the place,
and which he held for twenty years, till 1856. (Academic
Mem'orials page 88).
For these reasons the different Churches felt that they
would be better satisfied with Colleges of their own, and
proceeded to establish and equip the same. In 1826 Emory
College was chartered by the Methodists and commenced
operations the next year under the Presidency of Ignatius
A. Few, L. L. D. So the Baptists in December 1837
obtained a charter and laid the foundation of their Col-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 107
lege, which they named Mercer, after Rev. Jesse Mercer,
their leading minister, and located it in Greene county, at
a place they named Penfield, after Josiah Penfield, a Dea-
con in their Church in Savannah and a liberal patron, and
where they already had a school in successful operation.
About the same time, and even as early as December
1835, a charter was obtained by the Presbyterians for a
College to be located at Midway, a village near Milledge-
ville, which they named Oglethorpe, after the founder and
first governor of Georgia. They commenced building March
1837, and opened the Institution January of the next year.
The three Institutions were all alike first projected upon
the Manual Labor plan, which, however, was soon aban-
doned.
From the early advantages, as well as splendid start,
the Presbyterian Church had made in the race of educa-
tion, it Would seem that they would easily outstrip the
other denominations; but sad to say, that was not the case.
For a while they did seem to run well, but in the end, have
been far outstripped by them.
Before the late civil war there were under the care of
the Synod of Georgia three female Institutions and one
prosperous male College, and which in some way, whether
from culpable negligence or through sheer mismanagement
she has suffered to slip through her fingers. The his-
tory is indeed a sad one, and the experience bitter, and
we would gladly draw a veil over the whole, but no true
history can T^e given of the Church in Georgia without an
honest recital of the facts.
CHAPTER VII.
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY.
Being an alumnus of the late Oglethorpe University,
and more recently one of its directors, "De Bonis Non,"
and knowing something of its life's work and death strug-
gles, I proceed to tell the wondrous story of its achieve-
ments and disastrous ending. To those at all posted, I
need to say, that its career, though brilliant in many re-
spects, was nevertheless tinged with the deepest sadness.
No institution perhaps ever passed through such checkered
and trying scenes. None ever rose with greater promise
and hope. None ever went down under greater darkness
and gloom. Ephemeral as the opening flower, it was, "A
thing of beauty," only for a season, for like the burning
meteor, it blazed for a time only, and then went out in the
darkness of night.
ITS ORIGIN.
In the early history of the State, there were few min-
isters, especially educated ones. The Presbytery oi Hope-
well feeling the necessity of doing sometning towards
remedying the evil, invited in 1823, the ministers and
churches of Georgia Presbytery, the only other at that
time in the state, to unite with them in an effort looking
to a greater supply. As a result, a convention was called,
and a society organized at Athens, Aug 7, 1824, which was
known as the Georgia Education Society, its object being to
assist all indigent pious young men, who had the ministry in
view, in obtaining an education. Though chiefly under the
direction and control of the Presbyterians, it was non-
sectarian. It had a president, seven vice presidents, a
corresponding secretary, a recording secretary, a treasu-
rer and fourteen directors. Of these seven vice presidents
two were Baptists, and one a Methodist. These denomi-
nations, however, did not co-operate to any great extent.
This association did a great deal of good in assisting
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 109
worthy m-en in obtaining an education. Under its auspices
and in accordance with the trend of puolic sentiment at
that time, was organized what was termed a Manual Labor
School.
MANUAL LABOR SCHOOL.
The object of this school, was not only to train the mind
but also to develop the bodj^ and at the same time, lessen
the expense of the students, by the products of the farm
and work shop. This school was located in the vicinity of
Athens, but never proved successful, and for the reason as
some thought, of its too close proximity to the city, the
boys of the country school failing to receive the same at-
tention as that given the more fashionable, and genteel
students of the town. In 1835, the school was disbanded,
and two others of the same kind established; one at Mid-
way, near Milledgeville, known as the "Midway Seminary,"
and placed under the care of Hopewell Presbytery; and the
other, at Lawrenceville, and known as the "Gwinnett High
School." This school was placed under the care of Flint
River Presbytery, and lingered until 1845, when it was dis-
continued, and the enterprise abandoned. *
About the time of the removal of the school to Mid-
way, the Presbytery of Hopewell, feeling the need of bet-
ter facilities for a higher christian education, resolved to
have a college, and decided to locate it at Midway, merg-
ing it into the other, but still retaining the Manual Labor
feature. A charter was obtained. A Board of Trustees
of twenty-four of the most prominent and influential men
in the church was appointed, to whom the enterprise was
committed. They held their first meeting at Milledgeville,
Oct. 21, 1835, and after organizing by the election of Dr.
Thomas Goulding as President, and R. K. Hines, Secretary,
began at once to take steps, looking to the establishment
of a College, which they decided should be named OGLE-
* Baptists and Methodists had similar Institution, one at
Penfield and the other at Covington
110 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
THORPE UNIVERSITY, thus attesting alike the height of
their aim and extent of their enthusiasm.
Their first step was to resolve:
"Whereas, the Midway Seminary lately under the di-
rection of the Presbyterian Society, has been placed under
the control of Hopewell Presbytery, and it being under-
stood by the Presbytery that this institution shall be con-
nected with the college, therefore, resolved: that the
Board of Trustees do take the guardianship and care of
said Institution as connected with the College." (Min. of
Board)
A committee was appointed to send a circular letter
to the neighboring states to show the object of the insti-
tution. Messrs. Howard and Talmage were appointed
agents to solicit subscriptions. An Executive Committee,
consisting of Messrs. S. Rockwell, J. A. Cuthbert, C. C.
Mills, J. H. Howard and T. Fort, were appointed, to whom
were entrusted the planning of the buildings, and also the
entire management and control of the Manual Lator
School, they being authorized to buy adjoining lands, if
necessary.
It was also resolved that when $75,000 were subscrib*
ed, the first instalment should be demanded. Thus was
laid the foundation for the Institution afterwards known
as
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY.
At the next meeting of the Board, November, 1836,
after discussing the question of change of location, and
deciding to retain the present one, it was resolved that
the University be organized with a president, salary
$:i,500, and house; three professors, $2,500 each, and a
house. The President in addition to usual duties, was to
instruct in Chemistry and Natural Philosophy. The of-
fice of Vice President was also created, it being his duty
to teach in Belles Lettres and Mental Philosophy.
It was also determined that in the organization of the
Faculty, there must l)e a professorship of Geology, Mine-
ralogy, and Botany. The office of Chaplain was also es-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 111
tablished, whose duty also was to lecture on Moral Philos-
ophy and Evidences of Christianity.
The Board then proceeded to elect a Faculty, which re-
sulted as follows:
Rev. C. P. Benian — President.
E. A. Nisbet — ^Vice President,
Rev. S. K. Talmage — Prof. Ancient Languages.
N. Macon Crawford — Prof. Mathematics and Astronomy.
Rev. C. W. Howard — Chaplain and Lecturer.
All of whom afterwards signified their acceptance, ex-
cept the Vice President, of whom we find nothing further
said, the office no doubt being discontinued.
The Executive Committee was instructed, as far as
practicable- to "provide for the system of Manual Labor,
especially so far as to lay out the grounds for an exten-
sive garden and workshop." (a) note.
(a) Note. This is the last mention of the Manual
Labor School. The scheme being found unpopular, was
abandoned February of next year. During that year also,
the Steward's hall that had been previously built at a cost
01 $15,000 including the furniture, was burned.
At the next meeting of the Board, the corner stone
was laid, and the rules and regulations adopted for the
government of the college.
LAYING THE CORNER STONE.
On Saturday, March 31st, 1837, the corner stone of the
main building was laid. The Presbytery of Hopewell be-
ing in Session, and holding their Spring meeting at Mil-
ledgeville at that time, and by special request of the board,
Hon. J. H. Lumpkin delivered the address; a copy of whijii
was secured for publication.* (note.)
*(Note) The laying of the Corner Stone was perform-
ed by the Masons, which was a matter of surprise to many,
as the Presbytery was in session at the time, and they
could not see why that could not have been done by them,
as well; the only part taken by them being their joining
in the march and the opening prayer being made by one
of their number. .
112 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
The procession started at "Steward Hall," and halted
at the appointed place, when, after the prayer, the stone
was placed in position by the order, according to their rites,
among other things pouring oil and wine upon it, and con-
cluding with an ode, in which there was more of the
praises of Masonry, than the worth of learning and scholas-
tic training, as appears from the opening stanza-'
Hail Masonry divine!
Glory of ages, shine,
Long mayest thou reign.
Where'er thy lodges stand.
Thou art divine!
The rain prevented the address of Judge Lumpkin at
that time it being announced however, that said address
would be delivered in one the churches in Milledgeville, at
three o'clock that afternoon, which was done. (Cor,
Charleston Observer, April, 23, 1837.)
The Executive and Building Committees being merged
into one, and afterwards known as the "Prudential Com-
mittee," were instructed to secure the services of Mr, Mc-
Cluskey in drawing a plan and specification of the col-
lege buildings and to proceed at once, to the erection of
the North-East building.
Thus equipped with a president and three professors
and a rector in charge of the academy; Mr, R. H. Ramsey
having been previously elected, and with the adoption of a
curriculum of high grade, the University began its work
in both its departments, academic and collegiate.
UNIVERSITY OPENS.
It opened the first Monday in January, 1838, with
three classes, and under most favorable auspices.
The report of the prudential committee showed that
by that time twelve dormitories had been erected. These
were one story wooden buildings, with two rooms each,
18 by 1§ feet, placed in rows on either side of the campus,
in front of the main building; also two boarding houses
on the college grounds. The main building fifty feet front,
eighty-nine feet deep, thre stories high, including the base-
ment, with two wings, thirty feet front, and thirty feet
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 113
deep, had been contracted for, and to be completed by
June 1st, 1840. The amount contracted for being $38,800
one tenth to be paid at the completion of each story, one
tenth when the roof was put on, and the balance when the
whole was completed; the first instalment having already
been paid.
The report also showed that the whole amount of sub-
scriptions, up to that time, was $72,190, whole amount paid
in, $18,516; lands belonging to the University 500 acres,
volumes in the library 300, number of students in attend-
ance, 125. Several lots had been sold to Messrs. Tucker,
Hall, Rockwell and Talmage, at $100 each, amounting to
several thousand dollars. Mr. Mead had been acting as
agent and added several thousands more to the subscrip-
tions. Mr. Howard was authorized to purchase in Europe,
some philosophical Apparatus for $1,500, this amount to
be taken out of Northern subscriptions, which he might
collect on his way. The Espirit de Corps was excel-
lent, the health of the students fine, the discipline firm.
The zeal, fidelity and ability of the faculty were highly
complimented. The influence of the institution was ele-
vating. In fine, it was a matter of general congratulation
that the outlook was so bright and encouraging. Indeed,
the committee seemed so hopeful, that they suggested the
raising and endowing of a new professorship to be known
as the "Beman professorship," to be raised by the payment
of $500 each, by fifty gentlemen, and which, some of whom
had already expressed their willingness to do.
INDEBTEDNESS.
Although the outlook seemed so bright and encourag-
ing, yet the condition after all was not so good as might
be desired, nor even thought to be. A little cloud, at first
the size of a man's hand, had already grown so large, as
to begin to cast its gloomy shadow athwart the sky. A
growing indebtedness, unnoticed, and perhaps disregarded
at first, destined soon to become unmanageable, had al-
ready as a cancerous ulcer, fixed itself upon the finances
of the Institution. All this might easily have been fore-
seen. With only eighteen thousand dollars, as reported
114 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
collected out of a subscription of seventy-two thousand,
the rest scattered all over the country, with the liberal
salaries promised the president, and three professors, with
fifteen hundred dollars appropriated for an apparatus, and
the same amount promised the rector of the academy,
with the salaries and expenses of agents, and with the con-
stant outlay of money on a building under contract for
nearly forty thousand dollars, how could it have be^n other-
wise.
Hence at their next meeting May, 1839, beginning now
to realize their true condition, the Board was compelled to
make the humiliating confession of great financial embar-
rassment. Said they, "We are well assured that a crisis
has arrived, in which the fate of the institution turns on
the conduct of its friends." They resolved however, that
notwithstanding the pecuniary difficulties which now em-
barrass the university, they would expiess it as their opin-
ion, that the friends would not falter. They also resolved,
that inasmuch as the University "was the creature of the
Presbyterian church, it is the high duty of that church,
in view of what sister denominations are doing, and of the
deep and lasting blot which a failure of this enterprise
would fix upon it, to come forward cordially and promptly,
to the utmost of its ability, to its support."
They further recommend the organization of a suitable
set of efficient agents under the superintendence of the
Prudential committee; and in order to discharge the lia-
bilities and carry on the Institution, "The whole of the as-
sets of the Trustees, whether of money, property, or claims
0. any kind, be, and hereby are placed in the hands of the
Prudential committee with the recommendation of the
Board that they pay 1st, the current .expenses of the
school, including the salaries of the officers. 2nd. All lia-
bility on which they have given security, or for which in-
viduals are pledged, or bound. 3rd. All other debts, all of
which to be paid in equal proportion as funds are raised,
provided, settlements may be made at the discretion of the
committee, by a transfer of property or other available
assets. (57).
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 115
Accordingly, in addition to Rev. Mr. Chamberlain, Rev.
S. S. Davis was appointed agent for South Carolina, sev-
eral other ministers also acting as agents.
It was at this particular juncture, that the Board, at
their meeting November, 1839, in view of the crisis upon
them, and with a hope of dividing responsibility, and also
of securing a larger circle of supporters, recommended the
Presbytery of Hopewell, under whose care the College was,
to transfer the management of the same to the Synod of
South Carolina and Georgia, and which the Presbytery was
glad to do.
At this meeting also, the President, Dr. Beman, and
two of the professors, Messrs. Crawford and Howard, ten-
dered their resignation. The Board at first declined all
three, but afterwards accepted the resignation of Prof
Howard. What was the cause of this? How much owing
to the financial condition of the college, and how much to
the difference of sentiment on the New and Old theology
controversy, growing out of the rescinding act of 1837,
which was then distui'bing the church, we are unable
to say. No matter what the difliculty, it shows that the
sea on which the Institution was sailing was by no means
a smooth one.
In the reorganization of the Faculty for the coming
year. Prof. Talmage was appointed for the time, to ofll-
ciate in the professorship vacated by Prof. Howard, and
Mr. O. B. Arnold, to instruct in the Ancient Languages.
UNDER THE SYNOD OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND
GEORGIA.
Backed by the influence of the Synod, and through
the exertions of so many agents, appointed and voluntary,
the year 1840 opened seemingly under more favorable aus-
pices. Indeed the Board even congratulated itself, and the
friends of the Institution, on the great success of the gen-
eral agent, in relieving it of its pecuniary embarrassments,
and expressed their utmost confidence in the final success
of the enterprise. The relief, however, was only temporary.
The Institution was not relieved of its indebtedness, but
only of the direct pressure of it. Messrs. R. J. Nicols and
116 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Miller Grieve, and other friends had come to the rescue,
and advanced large sums of money, towards the erection
of the Buildings, which were now complete, and for which
the property and notes of the Collefre had been given for
security. Thus the evil day was not overcome, but only
put off a little farther. Instead of being relieved of its
financial straits, there were not funds enough to meet cur-
rent expenses, and the Prudential committee were actual-
ly compelled to borrow money to pay the salaries of the
professors, and to replace the same from the first monies
in the hands of the treasurer.
During this year there were two changes in the
Faculty; one was the election of Rev. S. S. Davis to the
chair of Ancient Languages, and the other, the resigna-
tion of Rev. C. P. Beman, and the election of Rev. John
Breckinridge, as president, which position, however, he de-
clined, and which left the Institution without a president
for one whole year.
A rumor having reached the Board concerning the
dissatisfaction of the friends of the Theological Seminary
at Columbia, S. C, about its location, a committee v^as ap-
pointed to visit them and invite them to Midway, offer-
ing the use of their buildings.
At the meeting in 1841, they were confronted with an
"injurious report," circulated in Alabama, "Representing
our condition as desperate, and our conduct reckless, in
sustaining the University," which they found it necessary
to deny, at least to relieve their financial agent, who had
been working in said state, of all suspicion of being its
author.
Desirous of increasing the efficiency and usefulness of
the Institution, and securing aid and patronage from
abroad, the Board offered the privelege to the churches
and Christian people of the states of South Carolina, Ala-
bama, Mississippi, and territory of Florida, of nominating
the incumbent, if they would endow professorships, and
with the privilege of withdrawing their professorship, in
case the school should ever cease to be Presbyterian.
Rev. John Breckinridge having declined the Presidency
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 117
to which he had been €l€cted, at their last meeting, a year
before, a committe-e was appointed to visit the Synod at
Charleston, to confer with Dr. Church, with relation to his
appointment as president, and to present the claims of the
College. They also adjourned to meet at Charleston, at
which place they met, and el-ected Rev. S. K. Talmage,
President. They also at the same time elected John W.
Fitten, Teacher of Mathematics, Mr. John B. Mallard hav-
ing been appointed Tutor, a short time before.
The Board met early the next year (1840) in April, at
the call of the President, the main business being the
financial condition of the Institution. In as much as Messrs
Nichols and Grieve had advanced large sums of money,
as already stated, and thus to secure them they had agreed
that after withdrawing from the treasurer such notes and
negotiable assets as to meet the claims that might have
legal preference, to turn over to Messrs. Nichols and
Grieve of the property of the Institution, real and personal,
for their protection, and to execute a mortgage upon the
same; which was accordingly done, but which yet brought
no permanent relief, but only had the effect to put off still
further the time of reckoning; as the debts of the Institu-
tion were only growing larger and larger.
We leave the indebtedness for a while to consider still
further, some internal changes. At a later meeting in No-
vember, Mr. J. H. Fitten was elected Professor of Mathe-
matics, and Mr. J. B. Mallard, of Natural Philosophy. A
professorship of Law was also established; Hon. C. B.
Cole being appointed professor, and a room assigned him
in the building; the law students, however, not being sub-
ject to the laws of the University.
For the next four years, (1843-7) the affairs of the col-
lege moved on apparently without much trouble. The
creditors being secured to the extent of a mortgage upon
all the property of the Institution, the main work of the
Board being the completion of the South Carolina and Ala-
bama Professorships, commenced some time before.
During those years there were several changes in the
Faculty. In December (1843) Professor J. B. Mallard re-
118 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
signed the chair of Natural Philosophy, and Mr. W. P.
Finley was elected Professor of Belles Lettres and Mental
Philosophy. In 1844 Rev. Thos. S. Witherspoon was elect-
ed to, and accepted the Alabama Professorship, to take ef-
fect upon his completion of the endowment he was get-
ting up. He having died the next year before his inaugura-
tion, the Rev. J. L. Kirkpatrick, first, and afterwards
Rev. A. A. Porter, were elected to the position; which
both having declined, the chair continued vaeant until
1847, when it was filled by the election of Rev. R. C. Smith.
In 1844 Professor Fitten resigned his position as As-
sistent teacher of Mathematics, and Rev. J. W. Baker was
elected Professor of Ancient Languages. In 1845 Rev. Ferdi-
nand Jacobs was elected Professor of Astronomy and in
1846, Rev. C. W. Lane was elected Professor of Natural
Philosophy and Chemistry.
With the advent of the year 1847 came the removal of
the financial difficulty. Under the quieting influence of the
mortgage, and through the activity of a number of agents,
and with the contributions of churches, and gifts of friends
as well as patience of creditors, the Institution was kept
afloat. But they had now reached the crisis. Ine evil day
could be put off no longer. The indebtedness of the Insti-
tution had been slowly but surely increasing. In addition
to the claims of Messrs. Nichols and Grieve, there was the
debt of Joseph Lane the contractor, the Central Bank, the
Penitentiary, and others, besides the salaries of Profess-
ors, about $70,000 in all, which must be met. The Board
saw at a glance, that further dalliance was out of the
question, that something must be done and something rad-
ical. They saw too that their only hope was a compro-
mise.
COMPROMISE.
They passed a resolution, saying that it was their
opinion that, "By an appeal to the liberality of the friends
of Oglethorpe University an amount of money can be rais-
ed by voluntary contribution, sufficient to pay the credi-
tors twenty-five per cent on their respective claims," and
they appointed a committee to see what the indebtedness
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 119
was, and to tender the respective creditors twenty-five per
cent on their respective demands, and to be made payable
in one, two and three years. And if the creditors will not
agree to the twenty-five per cent, to see the least they will
take, i^nd furthermore, if they agreed to the compromise,
at once to put one or more efficient agents in the fi^ld to
raise the money.
The following are the compromises effected:
1. The claims of heirs of Joseph Lane $17,464.8*
Compromised for $5,000.00
2. Abner Cragins' claims 3,714.98
Compromised for 928.75
3. R. J. Nichols' Claims 20,724.49
Compromised for 5,181.12
4. M. Grieves' Claims 14,966.83
Compromised for 4,176.55
5. B. T. Bethune's Claims 4,170.13
Compromised for 600.00
6. Central Bank's Claims 6,507.38
Compromised for 650.74
7. Claims Ga. Penetentiary, (Settled in full) 713.60
8. Prof. Crawford's Claims 1,576.75
Compromised for 1,096.75
$17,633.91 $69,739.01
Thus in round numbers, SEVENTY THOUSAND DOL-
LARS compromised for EIGHTEEN, and at the same time,
accompanied with the understanding that from one to
three years would be allowed to pay it in. The whole show-
ing the very great straits to which the Institution had been
reduced.
UNDER THREE SYNODS.
While projecting this compromise, the two controlling
Synods of South Carolina and Georgia, upon the suggestion
of the Board, invited the Synod of Alabama, to unite with
them in the management of the Institution and thus it con-
tinued under the joint control of the three Synods until the
close of the war.
120 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
SCHOLARSHIP PLAN.
In addition to the compromise measure there was an-
other scheme of relief, which though seemingly promising
good, in the end worked disastrously, as it cut off one of
the main sources of supply, and that too at a time when
most needed. Although the outstanding indebtedness was
now reduced to about seventeen thousand dollars, the
Board still lacked the money to cancel even this small
sum, and pay running expenses, and even if it were paid,
what was there to prevent their falling again, in the fu-
ture, into a similar indebtedness, as in the past? It was
therefore thought that if they could only raise sixty thous-
and dollars more, they would then be able to pay all their
indebtedness and complete the endowment of their Pro-
fessorships, pay all current expenses, and place them in au
independent position. But how was this sum to be raised?
They had already raised seventy-two thousand and more,
by direct subscriptions. It was almost quite certain, that
the churches would not submit to a similar taxation for a
like sum. It was thought best to adopt a more popular
method, of raising the money. So they adopted what was
known as the "Scholarship Plan," which was simply this:
That every one upon the payment of one hundred dollars,
would be entitled to educate all his sons free. Upon the
payment of five hundred dollars by an individual or an
association, the donor would receive "A perpetual Scrip,"
which would entitle them, either individual or Association
to educate free any one they might designate; this certifi-
cate being a matter of devise by will, like any other piece
of property. It was understood that no subscription was
binding until the whole was secured.
Soon after the adoption of the scheme, agents were put
in the field. As the plan was simple and promised so
much to the Presbyterians, who had a number of sons to
educate, and furthermore as it was understood that this
was to be the last appeal, as the Institution was now to be
placed upon a sure footing, the friends of the college ral-
lied once more to its support; so much that at the
meeting of the Board, in Feb., 1851 it was announced that
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 121
the entire sum of sixty thousand dollars had been sub-
scribed. The Board therefore orderea the issuing and
signing of the certificates.
ERA OF PROSPERITY.
Things now began to brighten. The Milledgeville and
Gordon railroad was in process of construction, and would
pass in front of the buildings, and through their grounds.
The Thalian and Phi Delta Societies had obtained permis-
sion to erect separate and independent haus, on the schol-
arship plan, they assuming ..he labor of raising the money.
A plan was on foot for the endowment of a Professorship
in Louisiana. Prof. R. C. Smith had been added to the
Faculty a few years 'before. Dr. Joseph Le Conte was made
Professor of Chemistry, Geology, and Natural History. The
number of students reported, was ninety-five, in the Col-
lege proper, a larger number than ever before, with thirty
in the Preparatory department.
In the report of the Board to the Synod of Georgia,
they speak of a great and favorable change in the pecun-
iary condition of the Institution. They say:
"Three years ago a debt of more than $70,000 rested
upon it with overwhelming power, not a single Professor-
ship was adequately endowed. The number, of students was
small; darkness, doubt and fear surrounded the institution.
But such is not the present history of its condition. With
the means furnished by the recent effort to raise $60,000
the entire indebtedness of the Institution for buildings,
lands, and including a considerable portion of the amount
due the Faculty, has been extinguished, and the entire
property originally costing nearly $70,000, is relieved from
all encumbrance. By the aid of this effort, the endowment
of the Alabama Professorship has been completed; that of
South Carolina founded, and the means now remain for
the endowment of a third Professoriship connected with
this Synod. So that the actual assets of the Institution
may be stated, as its real estate, buildings, library, appa-
ratus and endowment for three Profe'ssorships. This is
indeed a far different state of things from what has here-
tofore marked the history of the College. And we have
122 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
occasion to exercise sincere and humble gratitude to God
"Who hath done great things for us whereof we are glad."
Thus relieved of its financial embarrassment, and
with confidence restored, Oglethorpe University started
again on its high Mission, and for the next decade achieved
a splendid success, graduating every year large classes of
students; many of these men of ability, and attaining un-
to eminence. During that period the three Professorships
of South Carolina, Georgia 'and Florida, and Alabama, were
fully endowed, and steps taken for the endowment of
a fourth, by assessment on the churches. Additional
dormitories were erected — steps taken to erect two sub-
stantial brick buildings, one on either side of the main
building, one of which was about completed, enough so at
least to be used. In one word the prospect was exceeding-
ly flattering; and Presbyterians began to look with pride,
at the degree of eminence their beloved institution had at-
tained, and the still higher heights they marked out for it
During this year we note the following changes in the
''faculty. The election and subsequent resignation of Rev.
J"no. L. Kenneday to the chair of Mathematics and Natural
^Philosophy, in 1851. The retirement of Prof. J. W. Baker,
Rafter seven years service. The resignation of Prof. Le-
/fconte in 1852, and the election of Prof. James Woodrow
*^ to .succeed him. The resignation of Prof. Woodrow in
''TS&O.'aiid the election of Professor N. A. Pratt to succeed
V- •"'
im.
000,09$ e5i>..
,asnib!i.d . ™E WAR PERIOD.
,QyQ^We aj-e now approaching the saddest period in the hls-
9-tef^ of, ^th,^, Institution. For she is destined soon to en-
^^.coy^^c^^.^ypj^^^^^s from which she can never recover. Like
^^.the ship, amid breakers, doomed after a few ineffectual
.^^struggies, to, right itself, to go down, to rise no more.
- , The w^r coming on, amid the general excitement of the
^j country, and the. tread of contending armies, the exercises
^^ of tlie College Avere ,nece'ssarily interfered with. Those ex-
_^ercises. were reguilp,rly carried on till 1862 when the last
^.cl^.sj,gra^uated, the,. young men being all called awa> by
-di&i tSa^¥lxlP^a?3n^S^fi' ^^^ receiving their diplomas by
€fV£d ^w bnA .9291 foO si.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 123
consent of the Board as they were so near through their
studie's. From that time to th-e end of the war, the col-
lege was only nominally kept open, being placed under
the care of Professors Lane and Smith; the President, Dr.
Talmage, being excused on account of declining health.
REORGANIZATION.
After the war was over, and the smoke of battle clear-
ed away, the Board met Sept. 6th, 1865, for the purpose of
reorganizing the University, but found very littJ^ with
which to organize. There were the buildings, by this time
badly in need of repairs. There were but two Professors,
Messrs. Lane and Smith, President Talmage having but re-
cently died, and Prof. Pratt having resigned some time be-
fore. The larger portion of the assets were lost, being
in Confederate Securities. Under the good management
of Col. . J. Gresham, Treasurer for Georgia and Florida
the funds in his hands were well preserved, amounting to
$28,000. The assets of the other two Synods of South Car-
olina and Alabama, being in Confederate notes and bonds
were nearly all swept away. Part of the Chemical Appa-
ratus, loaned by the Prudential Committee to Prof. N. A
Pratt, who was in the Confederate service, part of the
time, Was burned in the great fire in Augu'sta, the loss
however being amply repaid by the generous transfer of
his entire mineral Cabinet to the University. In addition
to all this, the tuition fees would be materially lessened by
the scholarship scrip, with which the country was flooded.
In the face of these discouragements, the Board re
solved to reopen the College in the coming October, but
the Synod of Georgia having ordered the closing of th«
College for the present, they, in accordance with this ac-
tion suspended the exercises. At a subsequent meeting,
fearing injury to the college by further suspension, they
resolved to resume the exercises January 16th of the next
year, (1866), In the mean while a committee was appoint-
ed to communicate with one or more similar institutionsf
with a view of making one institution of high order, but
not finding this plan to be feasible they resolved to pro-
ceed at once with the reorganization at its present site.
124 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA .
Thinking that Dr. J. C. Stil€s, on account of his wide
acquaintance, and commanding influence might be able to
do more for them than any one else, they elected him
President, upon the condition, that he act as Agent till
sufficient sums be raised to authorize his withdrawal from
the agency. Prof. Smith in the meanwhile presiding till
the President be installed. They also nominated Rev. Wm
Flinn as a suitable person for the chair of Mathematics
and cognate Sciences, but neither of these accepted.
In view of the scarcity of available funds, they also
resolved that the privilege of the scholarship should be
suspended for thj present.
Upon the declination of Dr. Stiles, Dr. Samuel J. Baird
was at their next meeting in March, 1867, elecced to the
Presidency, and upon the same condition, as Dr. Stiles, of
acting as agent.
Samuel G. White, M. D., was elected Professor of
Chemistry, to lecture at such times as suits him, the stu-
dents attending, being required to buy tickets, in addition
t'o the regular tuition.
Dr. Baird, having agreed to accepc the Presidency upon
the condition of removal, and that question being indefi-
nitely postponed, the Board proceeded with the work of
re'organization of the Faculty. Believing that the Synod of
Alabama would sustain their professor, they proceeded to
elect Sylvanus Bates professor of Languages, Mr. F. A.
Tufts, Tutor; upon this condition, however, that if the
Synod failed, then the election of these two men would be
null and void, and they would indefinitely suspend the Col-
lege after December next.
Dr. Baird having declined, the B'oard at their fall meet-
ing, in next year (1868) elected Judge A. J. Ingles, to the
presidency. Prof. Lane was reelected Professor of Mathe-
matics and Chaplain; Prof. Bates continued in the chair of
Ancient Languages, Rev. W. M. Cunningham appointed as
agent.
We have already considered the proposi'tion from the
Board to unite Oglethorpe with one or more Southern Col-
leges, and locate in some eligible place, and build up a
THE PRESBYTERIAN^ CHURCH IN GEORGIA 125
University of high order. Now the proposition comes from
the Synod of Georgia and upon tlie suggestion of two of
the controlling Presbyteries of Davidson College. At their
meeting at Rome, Dec. 10, 1868, the Synod agreed to the
transfer of the remaining funds of the institution to David-
son, and to endow with the same, a chair in that institu-
tion, and for the support of a professor. But the Board
declined to act upon the suggestion, as they regarded this
as unconstitutional, as it was the act of but one of the
controlling Synods; and as Judge Ingles had declined the
Presidency, they left the College as heretofore, under the
care of Professors Lane and Smith.
At their next meeting in 1869, they reaffirmed that the
Institution must be sustained, and reorganized. A Commis
sion consisting of Messrs. Cunningham, Petr^e and Lane
was appointed to visit the Synods' of Alabama, Georgia and
South Carolina and present the claims of the institution.
They then proceeded to complete the Faculty by the elec-
tion of Dr. W. M. Cunningham to the presidency, Rev. G^o.
L. Petrie, Professor of Mathematics, and Sylvanus Bates
Professor of Languages, Rev. Mr. Lane having withdrawn,
after so many years of faithful service.
REMOVAL TO ATLANTA.
After so many unsuccessful efforts to reorganize, and
to get the Institution once more upon its feet, the feeling
began generally to obtain that the Institution could never
be rebuilt at its old location, especially as the State Capi-
tol had been removed. Indeed the Synod of Alabama had
even gone so far as to affirm that it would withhold further
support unless removed. At their meeting above men-
tioned the Board discussed the question of removal. It
being soon discovered that they were evenly divided on
the question they agreed to leave the decision to the three
controlling Synods, the action of the majority to be their
own. The Synods of South Carolina and Alabama, feeling
that they had so little pecuniary interest in the School, and
so remote from the scene, agreed to leave the whole ques-
tion of removal entirely with the Synod of Georgia.
Accordingly the Synod of Georgia at its meeting at
126 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Tallahassee, in 1869, took up the question, and after dis-
cussion decided by a vote of 26 to 22, to remove and accept
a proposition from the city of Atlanta, which as under-
stood by them at that time was, to furnish ten acres of
land for a site and a subscription of $40,000. The discus-
sion was 'animated and protracted to a considerable length.
The writer was present and voted in the negative, as
appears from the Ayes and Noes. He so voted from the
deep conviction that removal would only sound the death
knell of the Institution, as to his mind, it was a question
of endowment, and not of location simply, which seemed
to be entirely overlooked by so many of the leading dis-
putants on both sides.
At the meeting of the Board Dec. 1, 1869, the action of
the Synod was confirmed. Dr. Cunningham, having signi-
fied his acceptance of the presidency, was urged, as soon
as practicable to visit as many points as possible, and
awaken interest in the Institution. The Trustees resident
in the vicinity of the College were made the custodians
of the Midway property, books, and apparatus, and allowed
to use the same for scholastic purposes. A committee, con-
sisting of Messrs. E. A. Nesbit, J. J. Gresham and Clifford
Anderson, were appointed to communicate with the author-
ities of the city of Atlanta, with reference to their com-
pliance with the conditions of removal.
The Board held their next meeting at Macon, March
31, 1870. In addition to the members present were Cols.
L. P. Grant and E. Y. Clark as a commission on behalf of
the citizens of Atlanta. These gentlemen submitted a
paper in writing with their signatures affixed, addressed
to Hon. E. A. Nesbit, president of the Board, setting forth
the fact that the requisite $40,000 was subscribed and in
this manner, viz: 10 acres known as the "Fair Ground,"
valued at $12,000. were given by the City; $12,000 were
given by the citizens of the southern section of the city
upon condition of the selection of the site of the 10 acres
located on McDonough street offered by them. The general
subscriptions of the citizens amounted to within a fraction
of $16,000, which Col. Grant assured the Board would be
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 127
raised. In a postscript it was stated that it was not the
intention of the Committee to embarrass the Board with
a donation of any lands as part of the $40,000, but to con-
vert the lands into moneyed subscriptions, that is, the
lands donated by the city and citizens, to make the aggre-
gate of $40,000.
A note was also presented, signed by eleven leading
citizens of Atlanta, Col. L. P. Grant, Chairman, stating that
their belief was that the city had now substantially com-
plied with the requirement of raising $40,000 and supply-
ing a site.
Also accompanied with a certificate of Wm. Ezzard,
Mayor of the City, that through their Finance Committee
they had examined the subscriptions, and feel authorized
to state officially, that in their judgment, said subscrip-
tions were good for $40,000.
These papers were submitted to a committee, consist-
ing of Messrs. Willis, Ramsay and Anderson, who after-
wards reported favorably, recommending the acceptance
of the offer, as thus explained, and as soon as titles could
be made and one-third of the subscription paid, work to
begin; to all of which the Board agreed, however, with this
interpretation attached, that the ten acres of land was to
be included in and form a part of the $40,000 and thus the
site was never furnished.
That the Synod, and the Board, at first, clearly under-
stood the proposition to be, ten acres of land in addition
to the $40,000 was too obvious to be questioned. (See Min.
Board p. 275, and Min. of Synod, 1874 p. 18). Why the
Board should change the conditions of the Synod, anu
accept the interpretation of the Atlanta Committee, with-
out referring it back to the Synod for its approval will
always be a mystery, as well as a matter of inquiry. This
new propositon was never submitted to the Synod for its
consideration. As it was the measure of removal was car-
ried by a majority of only four; had it been known that
the interpretation was to be attached, we feel assured that
resolution would never have passed that body.
The Board having accepted the proposition of the com-
128 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
mittee, with the •explanation given, proceeded to take steps
for the removal of the College to Atlanta. The first step
was to reorganize the Faculty. The death of Dr. Cunning-
ham being announced, Rev. David Wills was elected pres-
ident; Gustavus J. Orr was elected Professor of Mathe-
matics and Astronomy in the place of the Rev. Geo. L,
Petrie, who had declined; Benj. T. Hunter, Professor of
Physical Science and W. Le Conte Stevens, of Chemistry
and Modern Languages.
A new chair of Belles Lettres was formed and Prof.
R. C. Smith elected to fill it, but the studies afterwards so
changed that the president was made professor of Belles
Lettres and Sacred Literature, and Prof. Smith transferred
to the chair of Moral Science and Political Economy.
Rev. S. S. Gaillard was elec'ted Financial Agent, Sylva-
nus Bates was deputed to go to Midway and collect the
Library, Apparatus and other property of the College, and
send the same to Atlanta.
Messrs. Wilson, Whitner, Leyden, Wallace and Clarke
were appointed a local committee to whom all questions
touching a permanent site were to be submitted with
authority to choose, purchase or to accept in case of a
donation, and to arrange and engage to open in the pres-
ent or any other building, first Tuesday in October next.
Tuition was fixed at $75.00.
The permanent Fund was pledged for the payment of
all salaries. Tuition of candidates for the ministry of all
denominations to be free.
A University High School was also established, in con-
nection with the College, with the following corps of teach-
ers, viz:
W. M. Janes, Professor of English and Greek; E. J.
Moore, Professor of Latin; J. A. Richardson, Professor of
Mathematics.
Arrangements were made with the following gentle-
men, with no expense to the College, to give instruction in
the following departments:
LAW DEPARTMENT.
Richard H. Clark, Professor International and Consti-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 129
tutional Law; L. J. Gartrell, Professor Criminal Law; A. C.
Garlington, Professor Equity, Jurisprudence, Pleadings and
Practice; L. E. Bleckley, S. B. Hoyt and N. J. Hammond,
Common Law, General Principles, Pleadings, Practice and
all Special subjects not taught by the other professors.
COMMERCIAL SCHOOL.
B. T. Moore, Principal; J. F. Woodward and T. H,
Corkill Assistants.
(Note) The establishment of the High School, and
the choice of Teachers for the Law and Commercial
Schools were not made until after the opening of the term.
Having selected the Faculty, the next thing was to
arrange about the building. A committee of seven had
been appointed to which the whole question of location
had been submitted. It was soon seen that the site offered
on McDonough street was wholly unsuitable, if for no
other reason, its distance, being one and three-quarter miles
from the center of the city, and thereby shut off from all
local patronage. The committee then bargained for the
residence of Mr. John Neal for $12,000 and for which sum
the Board gave their note.
Thus equipped the University opened October 4, 1870.
We are not told where, as the records are silent on the
subject. Not in the Neal House, for the Secretary at the
meeting Nov. 7, was directed to inform the tenants that
the University would need the building Jan. 1, if not
sooner. But no matter where, it seemed to have opened
under most flattering auspices. The Synod, in its action
upon the report of the Trustees congratulated itself that
every thing was so prosperous and encouraging, that the
Trustees by a special act of the Legislature, had reverted
the University charter to its original feature, and in order
to carry out the design of the enactment, Legal, Medical,
and Commercial departments had been organized, by the
election of men of distincHon, to fill these various
chairs; and that a University High School had been estab-
lished in immediate connection with the College, and is now
in successful operation, and that now the number of stu-
dents is about 120, and it is believed by the first of the
130 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
opening year, would be 150; and then would be upon a self-
sustaining basis. They were bound, however, to express re-
gret that no financial statement accompanied the report,
which omission, however, they seemed willing, in the ex-
uberance of their joy, not only to overlook, but even con-
done.
But alas the sky that seemed so bright was destined
soon to be obscured with clouds. The Managers, for they
seem to be many, soon found out that the Neal Building,
originally a private residence, on a small lot in the heart
of the city, was entirely too small, and wholly unsuited to
the purpose. They also soon began to see that it required
more money to run a University than could be expected
from the limited resources within their reach. With a
President with a salary of $3,000 and a house; with four
professors, averaging $1,500 and a house each; with three
teachers in the preparatory school with $2,000 each; with
a note drawing $1,000 interest per year, with liberal appro-
priations for Apparatus, for contingent expenses; and to
the architect; amounting in all to about $17,000, and to
meet this, with only one endowment of $28,000, yielding
an income of $1,500. With a large part of the $40,000 sub-
scribed, forfeited and uncollected, on account of change
of location, and what was collected, was done by different
parties, paid in small amounts, and at different times, and
yielding no interest having never been invested; and the
tuition of about 120 pupils, yielding say $5,000, thus
amounting in all to about $6,000 income, with which to
meet an annual outlay of $17,000. The bed obviously was
far too short, "for a man to stretch himself on it, and the
covering entirely too narrow for a man to wrap himself
in it," and yet the Board seemed not to see it, or if they did,
were not deterred by the sight thereof, from their purpose
to go forward. No matter what our opinion of the judg-
ment thus displayed, we certainly cannot withhold our ad-
miration for the marvellous courage exhibited in the ven-
ture. Another instance, and even worse, of a king with ten
thousand, going to battle against another king that Com-
eth to meet him with twenty thousand. $6,000 to meet and
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 131
cover $17,000. Surely it did not require the prophet, or
even the son of a prophet to forecast what the result would
be. The only plan, under the circumstances would be first
to appropriate the subscriptions, as fast as collected. And
this was done. So we find that the treasurer was ordered
to "pay drafts upon him, with any monies in his hands.**
With the great demands upon the treasurer, the available
portions of the subscriptions were soon absorbed, and then,
as the devouring locusts march from exhausted to fresher
fields,- the next step was to fall upon the permanent fund.
Hence we find the resolution that the "treasurer be author-
ized to sell enough of the bonds of the S. W. Railroad, to
meet present deficit for salaries." And at another time,
$3,000 worth to repay borrowed subscription money paid on
the Neal house, although the Synod at three different
times distinctly forbade the use of said funds, "for anj'
purpose whatever." But what else could be done? Debts
had been contracted, and this was the last resort. Begin-
ning to realize the scantiness of their resources, the Board
appointed a committee, "to memorialize the city of Atlanta
for a larger donation." But it was soon apparent that no
help would be obtainable from that source; for though in
sympathy with the movement, the outlook had become so
uncertain, as to forbid any further alliance or entangle-
ment. The outside world too, and the church, taking in
the situation at a glance, had lost all heart, and likewise
turned a deaf ear to every appeal. Mr. Gillard, their
agent, returned with the statement that he was able to
collect only $280.00, which the Board generously
begged him 'to retain for his services, at the same time
abolishing the agency, on account of "the stringency of the
times," as they expressed it, and which they had now com-
menced so keenly to feel.
In the mean while some changes were made in the
Faculty. Prof. Hunter resigned the chair of Sciences, and
Prof. Stevens, elected in his place. Prof. Richardson
was made Principal of the High School and also Profes-
sor at a salary of $2,000. A change was made in the
Professorships, so as to make Mental and Moral Science a
13'2 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
separate chair, and Rev. T. A. Hoyt elected professor, and
at same time made Financial Agent. Mr. Hoyt accepted
neither position.
With the available portion of the $40,000 subscription
used up, and with the Neal house yet unpaid for, and with
the daily inroads upon the remainder of the invested funds,
the Trustees seemed still to indulge the fond, though now
forlorn hope of yet resuscitating the institution. Bent on
this purpose, and bouyed with this firm resolve they ap-
pointed Rev. De Witt Burkhead, as their "General Finan-
cial Agent," to raise funds to endow the University." But
like a "wise man, who foreseeth the evil and hideth him-
self," Mr. Burkhead courteously declined the position ten-
dered him.
The end was now drawing near. The ship was already
in the midst of the breakers. The Trustees resolved to call
a halt "before the last pea was consumed from the dish,'
as Col. Gresham so forcibly put it in his speech before the
Synod. They therefore appointed a committee of three,
to hold a consultation with the oflBcers of the College, "to
see what reduction, if any, could be made in salaries," so
as to reduce the expenses within the means of the Board."
But this also proved but the straw at which the drowning
man was catching.
Hitherto baffled in all their efforts at obtaining relief,
at their last meeting Feb. 2, 1872, and as their last meas-
ure they resolved:
1st. "That the Board of Trustees will continue to pay
the salaries of the President and Professors up to the end
oi this current Collegiate year. Atfer that time the Board
of Trustees will not be responsible for the salaries of the
President, Professors or teachers, and there shall be no
charge upon the funds, or property of the Board, except
the income of permanent fund; and it is understood that
any fund raised 'by any agent shall first go to the payment
of salaries."
2d. "Resolved that the Professors shall have the use
of the buildings, apparatus, and all tuition paid."
With the resignation of Prof. Orr, the increase of Prof.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 133
Stevens' salary to $1,800, under the above provision, the
election of Rev. R. C. Ketchum as principal of the Prepar-
atory School, his salary likewise to be paid from tuition ;
with an order to the treasurer for the past installment on
the Neal note, and the appointment of a committee to se-
lect a suitable man for a financial agent, the minutes of the
Board abruptly close.
The seeming abruptness, however, is somewhat ra
lieved by the concluding words, "Adjourned subject to the
call of the Moderator." But it seemed the Moderator never
issued his call, for seeing the obstruction in the way, and
realizing the impending doom awaiting the Institution he
wisely ignored his official investiture with any such au-
thority.
The last recorded meeting, as above stated, was Feb.
2, 1872. Who then managed the affairs of the institution
from that time till the closing in November; who kept the
funds, and how much on hand; what collected and what
paid out; who ordered the payment of the drafts, and es-
pecially the selling of the bonds of the permanent invest-
ment? Nobody perhaps will ever know. Like a crazy en-
gine on the track, or a shii at sea, without master or
helmsman, the University seemed now wildly to be run-
ning itself. Or like the Israelities in the time of the Judges,
every man did that which "was right in his own eyes,"
there being no one to whom any special responsibility was
due.
The records of the Board are exceedingly scanty. In
their extreme meagerness, they say nothing definite con-
cerning the purchase of the Neal house, nothing about the
price paid for it. Nothing definite about the site offered
by (the city, how large, how small, how valuable; no re-
ports of any itemized statements of monies received, only
"Verbal Statements," seemed to have been made. "By
special request," thirty days were allowed the chairman
of the collecting committee to prepare such an itemized
statement. No evidence appears this was ever done. In-
deed, neither the records of the Board, or the Synod, show
that any itemized statement of funds was ever presented to
134 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
tli€ Synod after the removal to Atlanta. All this may
be according to business rules, but the common mind will
ever fail to see it! If Presbyterians are to allow their
business to be conducted in this loose slipshod manner,
they may expect similar disasters to overtake their enter-
prises in the future, as in the past.
The Synod of Georgia met in November following. In
their report on the situation we meet with the following:
"Your committee finds that the entire permanent fund of
the university has been spent in the payment of Professors
salaries and incidental expenses, except the sum of $2,-
608.88 and this amount may be further reduced by payment
of salaries for the present year."
With the Neal House, and nothing left but the little
pittance above named, without a site, without subscription,
and without endowment, the Synod had no other alterna*
tive left, but to order the closing of the Institution.
And then and there Oglethorpe University, one of the
most promising institutions of our Southland, upon which
so much wealth had been lavished, and upon which sc
many fond hopes had been centered, and for which so
many earnest prayers had been offered, went down, and
tne cause of Christian education in the Presbyterian
Church in G-eorgia was set back one whole generation.
THE REMNANiS.
Sad enough would it be for us to stop just here; but
there are still other scenes in this mournful drama. Like
Job's messengers, one is hardly through with his tale of
woe, ere the footstep of another is heard. After death
comes the parting of the raiments. There were three
claimants: the Trustees, the citizens, and the city. There
was no report from the Trustees in 1873. Having done
nothing, they had none to make. The Synod, therefore,
did nothing more than urge the Board to guard its claims.
In 1874 the Synod appointed a new set of Trustees,
with instructions to look into its holdings, to sell the Neal
House, and to make a settlement with the claimants. Un-
der a decree of the Court, the house was sold for $13,566.88
and an amicable adjustment made.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 135
In the distribution, the city received, $5,752.15; the
citizens received, $4,558.30; the trustees received, $3,255.-
93. Including the $1,610 rent and making $4,865.93, which
was all the Trustees received out of the wreck.
ANOTHER CHAPTER.
This amount, being the last of the funds, was left in
the hands of Mr. S. D. McConnell, then Secretary and
Treasurer of the Board. According to a standing rule of
the Synod, Mr. McConnell reported this amount from year
to year, as invested in State and City bonds, each year
adding in the accruing interest, all of which were kept in
his safe under combination lock until 1879, when the Board
ordered funds and papers put into a tin box and deposited
in the Merchant's Bank, Atlanta. The box was made but
when called upon for the bonds and papers Mr. McConnell
candidly confessed that he had applied them to his own
use, expecting, las he said, to replace them, which, however,
he acknowledged himself then unable to do. The facts
being reported to the Synod, that body instructed the
Board to make the best settlement possible.
For the $5,941.24, he acknowledged in his possession,
he gave five notes payable in five years, endorsed by A. L.
Eichelbereg of Ocala, Fla., and as collateral, lands and a
lot in Ocala and Liberty County, Ga. Of this amount only
$2,700 were realized and that not until 1895, when the
lands given as security were sold and final settlement
made. The $2,700 were then placed in the hands of Col.
M. A. Candler, who was elected Secretary and Treasurer
of the Board, in the place of Mr. McConnell, and under
v/^hose judicious mianagement had in 1898 amounted to $3,-
115.60, which by the order of the Synod was turned over
to the Donald Eraser School of Decatur, and is there held
as stock, the authorities of said institution issuing certifi-
cate for the same. What other complfcation, if any, may
yet arise over this ill-fated remnant, will 'be left with the
future alone to reveal.
MIDWAY HIGH SCHOOL.
Upon the removal of the College to Atlanta, in 1870,
the question arose what was to be done with the Midway
136 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
property? The Board at their meeting, June 2nd, adopted
the report of their committee to whom the matter was re-
ferred for consideration. In their report they stated that
the College owned fifty acres of land, including the campus
in which stands the dilapidated college buildings, the mark-
et value of which is a mere trifle, that it would be wrong to
the church at large to throw away, for a trifling sum, what
cost so much; wrong to generous local contributors, and
descendants in the immediate vicinity, whose contribu-
tions amounted to seventy or more thousand dollars;
wrong to purchasers of property in the vicinity to make no
reparation; wrong to the invalid widow of President Tal-
mage, to dispose of such property to such uses, at her
door and compel her to leave her home. They therefore
recommended that the entire real estate of the College be
conveyed to T. T. Windsor, Elder in th Miliedgeville
Church, upon trust, that he will execute a deed to seven
persons as a Board of Trustees when incorporated, as may
be elected by the Presbyterian Church of Miliedgeville,
for the purpose of sustaining a Presbyterian High School
upon the premises; and upon the condition, that said prop-
erty is to revert to the Trustees of Oglethorpe College,
upon the non usage thereof, or the failure of the Miliedge-
ville Church to sustain a school thereon, for the contin-
uous space of two years ; which was done and the property
conveyed under the condition aforesaid. .
At the meeting of the Synod in 1872 at Albany that
body resolved:
"Whereas the want of the country was a school like
Rugby, or Eton in England, between a Common School
and College; and whereas the Trustees of the Midway
school would be willing to surrender back the property
for such a purpose. Resolved that a committee be appoint-
ed to consider and perfect the scheme and report to next
Synod."
The Committee reported at the next Synod:
"That whereas so many of the Synods were opposed
to Ecclesiastical control of educational Institutions, they
had shaped a plan whereby the school at Midway would be
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 137
placed entirely in the hands of a Board of Trustees. The
only power to be retained by the Synod was that to ap-
point a new Board of Trustees should the Board at any
time become extinct." The name of the School was to be
"The Talmage High School." They also named the eleven
Trustees. To all of which the Synod agreed.
A school was organized and continued for a while at
Midway, and known as "The Talmage School," but not un-
der the management of this Board of Trustees. The prop-
erty was never transferred to them, but continued in the
hands of the Milledgeville Board, and claimed by them un-
der the deed of 1870. The Talmage School soon proved a
failure and was abandoned.
In the mean while the people of Walhalla, S. C, see-
ing the situation, and having established an institution
known as the "Adger College," sent a petition to the
Synod of Georgia, for the loan of the library and Philos-
ophical and Chemical Apparatus, then lying idle, and to be
returned when required. To this the Synod agreed, with
the consent of the Board. They were not removed, how-
ever.
The rest of the story is soon told. The buildings
abandoned and neglected, were hastening to decay. Then
commenced the work of disintegration. Portion after
portion was taken down and carried off, by whom and by
whose authority, we are not informed. The Trustees of the
Milledgeville church, to prevent further depredation, ob-
tained an order of the court -by which all the property re-
maining, was sold for the benefit of said church. This
property was deeded for the sole purpose of establishing
a school at Midway, and for no other purpose, and upon
the express condition, in case of failure or misuse, to re-
vert to the Trustees of the Synod. Upon what principle
then of law, was this judgment of the court based, in thus
selling the same, and turning over the proceeds to an or-
ganization that did not have even the shadow of a title to
it is something the uninitiated will never understand.
Perhaps those better versed in methods of legal casuistry,
can explain.
138 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
The mineral cabinet, which had been carried to At-
lanta, and about to be cast into the streets as useless
plunder, was kindly cared for by friends, who took it upon
themselves to send the same to Davidson College, where it
still remains. In 1882, the remnants of the Philosophical
apparatus were gathered up and placed in possession of
the Georgia Midland Agricultural School, and in 1893 the
library, or what was left of it, was removed to the Georgia
State Normal School.
Thus scattered to the four winds of heaven, this insti-
tution, the growing pride of the Presbyterian Church, fin-
ishes her career in disintegration and ruin, and now lies
leveled in the dust, her halls deserted, her altars broken
down, her fires gone out, and not a single vestige left;
only her sons, to tell of her former greatness, and shed
bitter tears over her manifold miseries!
CLAIMS OF HEIRS OF JOSEPH LANE.
There is still one other scene ere the drama closes,
and which is necessary to complete this wonderful his-
tory. The contract for the erection of the buildings was
given to Mr. Joseph Lane. In the great compromise made
m 1849, with the different creditors of the institution, the
heirs of Mr. Lane, then deceased, received only $5,000, for
their claim of $17,464. In 1879, two of the daughters, their
husbands ministers and members of the Synod of Georgia,
presented a memorial to the Synod, asking that their
wrong might be redressed by a sufficient portion of the
property being turned over to them, the ground of the
claim being, that at the time of the compromise, one of
the claimants was under age, and the other under coverture
of marriage and therefore barred from the courts of the
country. The memorial was referred to the board for ac-
tion; the Synod declaring that no legal right of the mem-
orial should be barred on account of delay.
The Board at their meeting considered the matter,
Messrs. Cartledge and Milner presenting the claims of
their wives, the heirs of Mr. Lane. After hearing the case,
the Board decided the claims of the petitioners neither
legal nor equitable. Whereupon Messrs. Cartledge and
THE PRESBYTEHIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 139
Milner, upon presentation to Synod of the action of the
Board entered their protest against the action of Synod, in
refusing to consider and settle the matter itself, instead of
referring it to the Board.
At the next meeting of the Board in 1900, the petition-
ers again appeared with this proposition, that the adjudi-
cation of the matter be left in the hand of three referees,
the Synod appointing one, the Board one, and these two
the third. The Synod agreed to the proposal, and selected
Rev. W. E. Boggs, D. D. The Board at its meeting select-
ed Col. L. P. Mynatt.
At the meeting of the Synod in 1881, two of the ref-
erees reported that they, through unforseen circumstances,
had been prevented from forming an organization, and re-
quested the Synod to take up the matter, and give the
heirs a hearing during the present sessions. This was done.
Elder L. F. Livingston offered a resolution authorizing the
Board to turn over enough of the assets, as shall settle the
claim. After various amendments and substitutes the res-
olution was lost on a division of 16 Ayes and 28 Noes.
Thus ended the matter. But it will always be a question
in the minds of many, whether under all tlie crcumstances,
it would not have been better to have surrendered tlie
whole, if necessary, and thus far at least, wipe out a part of
the miserp ble stigma that must ever rest upon the com-
promise of 1849.
THE FRUITS.
In striking contrast with all these blunders and mis-
haps, this wreck and ruin, stands out the noble work of this
Institution, like "apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Oglethorpe was indeed a failure from a business or world-
ly standpoint, but from a spiritual and Heavenly, a Grand
Success. It did a splendid work, and which as far as I
know, stands unparalleled in the history of similar insti-
tutions. Out of its 317 graduates, we count 72 ministers.
Where was the like ever known? What other purely lit-
erary Institution has such a record? Nearly one fourth of
her graduates ministers of the gospel. Upon her roll also
stands a number of college professors, and a host of teach-
140 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
ers, physicians, attorneys, and men of distinction. To her
also belongs the honor of furnishing the poet Laureate of
Georgia, Hon. Sidney C. Lanier, who went out of her halls
in 1860.
But the crowning glory of the Institution, was the fre-
quent outpourings of the Spirit, and precious seasons of
grace. Year after year these seasons returned with
almost unvarying constancy, thus in an eminent degree be-
most unvarying constancy. Thus in an eminent degree be-
tokening the Divine favor. It would be impossible to tell
the number of precious souls who were thus born into the
kingdom of heaven through her instrumentality. Of multi-
tudes it will be said at the last day, when God shall write
up his people, that "this and that man was born in her."
Oglethorpe was anything else than a failure in her
work, and though the expenditure seemed enormous, the
church was amply repaid for the outlay. But what would
have been her record by this time, and what her career in
the future, if, with such beginnings, and such prophetic
foreshadowings, those who were at the helm had only
possessed skill enough to have kept the Institution off the
many destructive reefs that so effectually wrought her
ruin.
CONCLUSION.
I have now finished my story. I am fully aware that
what I have written will bring a pang of sorrow to the
heart, as well as a blush of shame to the cheek, of every
Pres'byterian who reads it. I wish it were otherwise. But
tne historian is not expected to make history, but simply
write it. I have covered up nothing, but sought to give an
impartial statement of the facts in the case, just as I find
them on the Records which are before me. And I have writ-
ten with no other spirit, but that our people might know,
nnd knowing them might learn wisdom from some of the
blunders and follies of the past. If I have at times written
with seeming sharpness, it is because of my interest in,
and the great love I bear to my Alma Mater, doomed ever
to bear the reproach of an inglorious death, with her bones
yet unbleached, lying scattered in every direction, the
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 141
sport of the jester, as well as the wonder of every passer
by. False to every instinct of humanity and untrue to
every noble impulse, would that heart 'be that could stand
unmoved in the midst of such a scene. I have gazed upon
the old Coliseum of Rome, one of the seven wonders of
the world, now grandly eloquent in its ruins; I have saun-
tered pensively along the buried streets of Pompeii, once
the scene of life and activity, but now the silent mauso-
leum of her dead; I have visited the fields of Waterloo, the
theatre of such carnage and 'blood, where the sun of Na-
poleon, which shone so resplendantly on other fields, went
down in darkness to rise no more, but upon none of these
have I looked with deeper and sadder emotion, than the
complete destruction, of an institution, so redolent with
prayer, so fruitful in works, so prophetic with hope, and
withal so deeply rooted in the hearts of God's people.
Let the Presbyterians of Georgia awake; and like
Jews of old, after their return from captivity, and viewing
their beautiful Temple in ruins, stop not simply with the
shedding of bitter tears, now wholly unavailing; but like
them go to work to rebuild and with firm resolve to make
tneir latter house even more glorious than the former.
* Editor's Note — Since the above was written the call
and prophecy therein seem about to be answered and ful-
filled, for a movement is now on foot to revive Oglethorpe
University in Atlanta, and it has every prospect of suc-
cess at this time.
142 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
PRESIDENTS OF OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY.
Rev. C. P. B€man— 1836-1840.
Rev. John Breckinridge — 1840 (Declined).
Rev. S. K. Talmage— 1841-1865.
Rev. J. C. Stiles, D. D.— 1866 (Declined).
Rev. Samuel J. Baird, D. D.— 1867 (Declined),
Judge A. J. Ingles— 1868 (Declined).
Rev. Wm. M. Cunningham, D. D.— 1868-1870.
Rev. David Wills, D. D.— 1870-1872.
VICE PRESIDENT.
Hon. Eugenius A. Nisbet— 1836 (Declined),
PROFESSORS.
Rev. S. K. Talmage, Ancient Languages— 1836-1840.
Rev. C. W. Howard, Chaplain, Moral Philosophy, —
1836-1839.
N. Macon Crawford, Mathematics and Astronomy —
1836-1839.
Rev. S. K. Talmage, Belles Lettres, Mental Philos-
ophy—1840-1842.
O. B. Arnold (Temp), Ancient Languages — 1840.
Rev. S. S. Davis, Ancient Languages — 1840-1842.
J. H. Fitten, Mathematics— 1842-1844.
J. B. Mallard, Natural Philosophy— 1842-1843.
Judge C. B. Cole, Law— 1842.
Rev. D. McN. Turner, Ancient Languages — 1842 (De-
clined.)
W. P. Finley, Belles Lettres and Mental Philosophy—
1843.
Rev. Thos. S. Witherspoon, Ala. Professor— 1844 (Died
1845).
Rev. J. L. Kirkpatrick,Ala. Professor — 1845 ^ Declined).
Rev. J. W. Baker, Ancient Languages — 1844-1851.
Rev. F. Jacobs, Mathematics and Astronomy — 1845-
1849.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 143
Rev. C. W. Lane, Natural Philosophy and Chemistry —
1846-1869.
Rev. R. C. Smith, Mental and Moral Philosophy — 1847-
1869.
J. B. Lym.an (Temp), Mathematics and Astronomy —
1849.
Joseph LeConte M. D., Chemical Geology and Natural
History— 1851-1852.
Rev. Jno. L. Kennedy, Mathematics and Astronomy —
1850-1851.
James Woodrow Ph. D., Chemistry, Natural Philos-
ophy, Botany and Geology— 1853-1860.
N. A. Pratt, M. D., Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, Bot-
any and Geology— 1860-1863.
Rev. Wm. Flinn, Mathematics— 186^ (Declined).
Samuel G. White, M. D., Chemistry and Lecturer —
1867.
Sylvanus Bates, Languages — 1867-1870.
Rev. Geo. L. Petrie, Mathematics — 1869 (Declined).
Gustavus J. Orr, Mathematics and Astronomy — 1870-
1872.
Rev. Donald Eraser, Languages — 1870-1872.
Benj. T. Hunter, Physilogy and Sciences — 1870-1871.
W. LeConte Stevens, Chemistry and Modern Lang-
uages—1870-1872.
Richardson— 1871-1872.
TUTORS.
J. H. Fitten, Mathematics— 1840-1842.
J. B. Mallard, Natural Philosophy— 1841-1842.
S. L. Knox— 1859.
S. C. Lanier— 1860.
TEACHERS IN HIGH SCHOOL.
R. H. Ramsay.
W. M. Janes.
E. G. Moore.
J. A. Richardson.
The schools of Janes, Richardson and Moore were
144 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORaiA
never actually a part of Oglethorpe University. The princi-
pals may have consented to be nominally considered as a
part of the institution.
Prof. Hunter was in charge of the Oglethorpe High
School, while Janes, Richardson and Moore, were Princi-
pals of The Atlanta High School, a private institu:tion.
When Prof. Hunter resigned, Prof. Richardson was elected
to take his place. When Prof. Orr resigned to accept State
School Commissioners' position by appointment from Gov-
ernor, Prof. Richardson was elected to succeed him.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 145
ALUMNI.
John H. Fitten
Thomas E. Lroyd
John Bilbo
Fleming G. Davies
Wm. C. Davies
Greo. W. Hardwick
1839
1840
Wm. J. Sasnett
John B. Whitehead
Robert W. Jemmison
B. F. McDonald
Chas. S. Rockwell
Chas. J. Williams
1841
Homer Hendee Chas. A. Stillman
Randolph Spaulding
1842
James F. Bozeman
Francis T. Cullens
Theodosius B. Davies
George W. Fish
Abner H. Bowen
Wm. L. Franks
Jas. A. Hall
James M. King
John C. Daniel
William Ivey
George R. Ramsay-
Henry Safford
Chas. W. Lane
1843
Joseph H. Nisbet
Geo. W. Owens
Robert A. Smith
Daniel H. B. Troup
James J. Neely
1844
Chas. E. Nisbet
James T. Nisbet
J. W. A Sanford
Robert Tucker
Thomas H. King
1845
Virgilius M. Barnes
Joel E. Barnett
G. H. Cartledge
Andrew J. Ford
Benjamin Fort
Jno. B. Habersham
Ellsworth Park
Phocion Ramsey
Elliott J. Smith
Chas. E. Tefft
Mo.ses Fort
146 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Benj. L. Beall
Hines H. Goode
Samuel Carter
Levi Gallimore
Joseph S. Merrill
1846
1847
Hansen Hall
Americus Lewis
Joseph M. Quarterman
Francis P. Stubbs
Richard L. Warthen
Thos. F. Wells
1848
Benjamin F. Carter
G. R. Foster
Donald Fraser
Algernon S. Hartridge
L. Stuart Quarterman
John B. Ragland
John M. Smith
Samuel B. Spencer
Leander L. Varnedoe
1849
James H. Alexander
James S. Bivins
Charles G. Campbell
A, Walker Sassels
John D. Holmes
R. A. Houston
Thos. J. Adams
John W. Duncan
James W. Hardee
Samuel McClary
Chas. T. Bannerman
Andrew Bowie
Francis H. Bowman
S. A. Calhc'm
Samuel Y. Carte:'
Robert W. Milner
Francis C. Morris
Wm H. Roane
James Stacy
Wm. M. Tucker
Henry M. Weed
Henry C. King
1850
1851
W. J. McCormick
John G. Richards
Charlton H. Wilson
Clinton Wright
John McLeod
Samuel Orr
Henry B. Pratt
Joseph J. West
Wm. D. Witherspoon
Sam'?el Hunter
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 147
John E. Baker
Wm. H. Baker
Samuel J. Bingham
Wm. K. Blake
John Cassels
James A. Cousar
J. A. Danforth
W. A. Barron
James W. Bones
James W. Boyd
James D. Clark
B. L. Cochran
W. W. Cochran
J. L. Cunning
Thos. J. Davidson
I. L. Ellington
W. S. Frierson
James S. Gamble
Isaac W. Avery
Thos. M. Beaty
David C. Boggs
W. E. Boggs
C. L. R. Boyd
M. B. Boyd
Wm. D. Boyd
Joel C. Briscoe
S. E, Axson
T. Q. Cassels
A. M. C. Duncan
John Ferguson
E. O. Frierson
James H. Hamilton
1852
Chas. H. Hall
Nathaniel Pratt
C. J. Silliman
L. A, Simonton
Arthur Small
Robert R. Small
Thos. L. Taylor
1853
William Hall
Emmet R, Johnson
R, A. Jones
Elmore Kinder
A. R. Liddell
A. McLeod
John McLeod
John C. Moore
Walker D. Newell
C. Whitfield Smith.
Levi Wilcoxon
Myron D. Wood
1854
Wm. T. M. Dickson
Z. C. Fort
Roger L. Gamble
Andrew F. Hill
A. Fort Hunter
J. B. Parr
A. Pickens Smith
Wm. A. Williamson
1855
H. L. Harvey
J. C. Patterson
M. M. Slaughter
Theodore E. Smith
W. S. Smith
Jno. L. Underwood
Thos. O. Wicker
148 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Ro'bert Bradley
E. Calhoun
W. A. Carter
B. H. Craig
H. K. Daniels
R. Q. Baker
G. S. Barnsley
G. A. Bivins
F. A. Borden
James H. Bryan
A. Buchanan
S. J. Cassels
W. W. W. Clay
R. H. Buchanan
J. S. Cozby
W. T. Daniel
R. H. Fleming
Tomlinson Fort
1856
1857
W. H. Harris
R. W. McCormick
W. McPherson
A. W. Millican
Geo. S. Thomas
D. G. Fulton
\V. A. Gregg
B. T. Hunter
H. E. Martin
Jno. B. McDowell
D. J-. Mclntyre
J. M. Oliver
L. W. Phillips
\V. S. Ramsay
J. M. Reid
W. G. Robson
W. E. Sherrill
R. L. Wiggins
L. B. Wilson
185J
C. B. Adams
D. S. Bethune
E. J. Bower
A. P. Calhoun
Allen Crosby
Jno. E. DuBose
A. W. Fleming
Thos F. Fleming
John Hardeman
Theo. Hunter
W. L. LeConte
W. A. Little
D. M. McClure
D. McDuffie
A. W. Morrison
J. H. Nail
Henry S. Orme
Jas. A. Shingler
G. W. Smith
D. N. Speer
J. F. Stinson
John M. Tarver
C. Toxey
W. S. Toxey
Jas. F. White
C. J. Williamson
H. J. Winn
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, COLUMBUS, GA.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 149
1859
C. A. Baker
W. B. Bingham
S. Dowse Bradwell
J. D. A. Brown
L. M. Cassels
Edwin K. Fulton
E. M. Green
G. F. Johnson
W. P. Johnson
S. L. Knox
Geo. W. Ladson
Jas. W. Law
H. S. Little
W. J. Martin
A. P. Miller
T. Newell
William Pelham
Geo. L. Petrie
Sam H. Spencer
W. W. Spencer
F. Tufts
W. A. Wilson
1860
C. T. Bayne
J. W. Burroughs
Wm. Craig
W. H. Fay
R. W. Flournoy
Jno. P. Fort
J. E. Fulton
J. M. Geotchius
■T. L. Oreer
Thos. Hardeman
E. F. Hoge
J. W. Kendrick
J. W. King
S. C. Lanier
Harrison Millican
S. A. Pressly
N. P. Quarterman
J. T. Roberts
J. G. Spencer
W. R. Slaughter
1861
John W. Baker J. F. Green
J A. Beall Anthony W. Hale
Chas. M. Boyd John J. James
J. G. Brown W. E. James
E. P. Cater Jno. G. Lane
J. P. D. Cooper James A. McCaw
Geo. P. Crichton J. S McDowell
S. T. Dean Hugh W. Montgomery
Jno. Ditmars John Montgomery
M. Li, Frierson Chas. Phillips
Thos. J. Shine
150 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
J. J. Boyd
Chas. Coleman
Joseph M. Brown
B. P. Gaillard
Chas. Gaskill
Clinton Gaskill
A. C. Briscoe
W. A. McDowell
I. M. Ginn
W. T. Hollinfcs worth
J. J. Johnson
1862
1871
1872
James G. Lane
R. H. Nail
R. A. Massey
William Spencer
R. Neal Smith
J. T. Wills
John Jones
W. W. Killough
W. T. Moyers
W. A. Taylor
B. K. Thrower
Willis Venable
Total— 317
THE PRESBYTERIAN OHUROH IN GEORGIA 151
LIST OF MINISTERS
W. J. Sasnett
1839
Homer Hendee
1841
Charles A. StillE
0. W. Lane
1843
G. H. Cartledge
1845
B. L. Beall
1846
Hansen Hall
Jos. M. Quarterman
1847
G. R. Foster
1848
Donald Fraser
J. H. Alexander
R. A. Houston
R. W. Milner
1849
F. C. Morris
W. H. Roane
James Stacy
W. J. McCormick
J. G Richards
1850
C. H. Wilson
F. H. Bowman
Samuel Orr
1851
H. B. Pratt
•
S. J. Bingham
S. A, Ooasar
J. A. Danforth
C. J. Stillman
1852
L. A. Simonton
Arthur Small
Robt. R. Small
Thomas J. Davidson
William Hall
Elmore Kinder
1853
A. R. Liddell
M. D. Wood
David Cj Bosgs
W. L. Boggs
1854
A. Pickens Smit
152 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
[ IN GEORGIA
1855
S. E. Axson
E. O. Frierson
H. L. Harvey
T. E. Smith
J. L. Underwood
Robert Bradley
W. A. Carter
1856
R. W. McCormick
R. Q. Baker
J. S. Cosbv
W. A. Gregg
1857
B. T. Hunter
D. E Mclutvre
L. B. Wilson
Jno. E. DuBose
Theo. Hunter
S. D. McLure
1858
D. M. McDuffie
J. H. Nail
C. A. Baker
J. D. A. Brown
E. M. Green
1859
Gpo. W. Ladson
Geo. L. Petrie
W. H. Fay
1860
N. P. Quarterman
John Ditmars
1861
B. L. Baker
James G. Lane
1862
R. H. Nail
R. Neal Smith
1871
I. M. Ginn
W. T. Hollingsworth
1872
Total 72
J. J Johnson
W. W. Killough
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 153
HONORARY DEGREE OF D. D.
Rev. Richard B. Cater 1847
Rev. Mr. Houston, Knockbrecken, Ireland 1848
Rev. John Stoughton, London 1850
Rev. B. M. Palmer 1852
Rev. John S. Wilson 1852
Rev. Robert H. Nail 1852
Rev. Remembrance Chamberlain (Declined) 1852
Rev. C. P. Beman 1853
Rev. E. P. Rogers 1853
Rev. N. A. Pratt 1854
Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge 1855
Rev. J. C. Patterson 1856
Rev. E. T. Buist 1857
Rev. Joseph R. Wilson 1857
Rev. J. L. Girardeau 1866
Rev. J. R. Burgett 1866
Rev. David Wills 1866
Rev. Jas. E. Evans 1866
Rev. Donald McQueen 1871
Rev. R. C. Mclnnis 1871
HONORARY DEGREE OF L. L. D.
Hon. William Law 1852
Rev. J. H. Thornwell, D. D 1855
Hon Washington Poe 1869.
Hon. A. Ingles 1871
Rev. George Howe, D. D 1873
CHAPTER VIII.
UNIVERSITY SCHEME.
After the demise of the Oglethorpe School, the idea of
a southern institution of high order still lingered in the
minds of several leading educators of the church. In 1889
a communication was received from the Synod of North
Carolina upon the subject of establishing such an insti-
tution, which was to be under the patronage of the four
Synods of North and South Carolina, Georgia and South
Georgia and Florida, and to bear the pleasing and sug-
gestive sobriquet, "The South Atlantic University." After
due consideration of the matter, and an address by Dr.
J. B. Shearer, a corresponding delegate from the Synod of
North Carolina, and who might justly be regarded as the
father of the scheme, it was resolved by the Synod that
"they appoint three commissioners, who shall meet with
similar commissioners from the other Synods, to confer
with them, and report to the Synods such measures as
may seem best and most practicable, for the accomplish-
ment of this object." Under this resolution, Rev. Messrs.
G. B. Strickler and G. T. Goetchius and Elder Clifford
Anderson were appointed such Commissioners. Indeed it
appears that action had been taken upon the subject even
before this, for a communication had been sent to the Syn-
od in 1888, and by a convention that had been held in At-
lanta sometime in July before, by whom called, or bv
whom attended, the records do not show. A Commission
was appointed by said Convention, co bring the matter of
establishing a university to the attention of the Synod.
In response, the Synod expressed its gratification at the
paper presented by the Commission, and cordially en-
dorsed the object set forth, and the work it had done. It
further authorized the Commission to formulate a plan
for the proposed university, or college, to receive sub-
scriptions for the same, to determine the location, etc
And furthermore, that as the Commission declared the be-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 155
lief that the city of Atlanta would give $75,000 and a loca-
tion, to go forward and see if a similar amount might not
be obtained outside of the same." Min. 1890. Pages, 9, 15.
At the same meeting, an Overture was sent from the
Presbytery of Athens, asking the Synod to use its in-
fluence to secure the removal of the Theological Semi-
nary from Columbia, to some point in Georgia, the reason
of the overture being the embarrassed condition of the
Institution, growing out of the evolution controversy. An-
other consideration was the idea of ultimately incorporat-
ing it as the "Theological Department of the proposed
Presbyterian University, contemplated In the measures
adopted at the late Centennial Convention held in Atlan-
ta." The Synod, however, declined acting in accordance
with the suggestion.
The above named Commissioners, appointed under
the first act, reported for a number of years nothing defi-
nite, however. They generally reportjeid, ^"Progress,"
sometimes adding that the "prospect was encouraging" but
failing to state wherein.
This state of things continued till 1901, when the
Synod met in Valdosta. The brethren of Southern Geor-
gia, and especially of the Presbytery of Savannah, feeling
more and more the importance of a school for the hig'her
education of their sons, had commenced agitating the
question of establishing such a school of their own; and
the people of Valdosta became so solicitous that they
were ready and willing to contribute largely to its erec-
tion especially if located in their place. After quite an an-
imated and protracted discussion, Synod resolved to pro-
ceed to establish a college for boys. A Board of Trustees
were appointed with power to proceed at once, in taking
all the preliminary steps of location, receiving offer of
bids, etc. They were to enlist the co-operation of the
Synods of Alabama and Florida; but if they failed in this,
to proceed alone. All this, of course, took the place of the
South Atlantic University, which scheme soon gravitated
out of sight.
The Board had one or two meetings and were pro-
156 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
ce€ding with the work in hand. In the mean while, it be-
gan to be whispered around that as neither Clarkesville
nor Columbia seamed to be doing much where they were,
that they might be induced to remove and unite with the
new College at Atlanta and thus form the nucleus of a
grand Presbyterian University. At a called meeting of the
Synod of Georgia at Atlanta in 1902 (the only one ever
held), the following resolution was adopted:
"Resolved, That this Board rest its action at this
point until information touching the consolidation of two
important institutions can be ascertained, whether feas-
ible or not. If not the Board shall proceed under their
original instructions, with permission to make the amount
$200,000, instead of $50,000, as first determined."
The city of Atlanta had agreed to give $200,000 and a
suitable location provided Clarkesville and the Seminary
would consent to the consolidation and location in her
borders. The citizens went to work with quite a zeal and
soon secured the subscription promised. But when the
proposition was submitted at Clarkesville, they refused to
enter the compact, as might easily have been forseen. And
no doubt as serious difficulties would have arisen at Co-
lumbia. So it soon became apparent to all concerned
that the scheme was a failure and the idea of a grand
University abandoned. (And after all, whether there was
any necessity for any such institution, and what the rela-
tive proportion of sentiment, and real necessity, entering
into the scheme, w^e leave the reader to decide for him-
self.)
RECENT EFFORTS.
After the abandonment of the University idea, the
Synod returned to its original plan of having an institution
of its own. Hence at its meeting at Macon in 1907 it adopt-
ed the recommendations of its Board in "renewing its al-
legiance to the college idea," in continuing its Board, and
in proceeding at once to raise the amount of $50,000 over
and above what is given by the community securing its
location, at the same time giving the March collection
to this cause, a part of which was to go to defraying the
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 157
expenses of the Board. A great deal of enthusiasm was
awakened at the meeting, there being present a large
delegation from the city of Dublin to urge the claims of
that place. But with the increasing opposition on the
part of many, and beginning to feel the financial pressure
on the country, Synod felt constrained to suspend all op-
eration for the present, as appears from the following
resolution adopted at Athens, 1909, commending the dili-
gence of the Board, and asserting that "in view of the
prevailing financial stringency, the project be abandoned."
Thus the matter now stands. What will be done in the fu-
ture, if anything, we are unable to say.
CHAPTER IX.
FEMALE COLLEGES.
For a long time the matter of female education was
entirely in the background in the state, but recently it has
come to the front, and equal, if not even greater, promi-
nence given it than the education of the males.
The first female college in the state was that established
by the Methodists at Macon and first known as "The Geor-
gia Female College," and first opened for pupils January
7, 1839; but changed its name to "Wesleyan Female Col-
lege" in 1850.
The first Baptist Female College in Georgia, was the
"Southern Female College," a school of high order estab-
lished at LaGrange by Dr. J. E. Dawson in 1843, and in
1845 converted into a college, under the control of Mr. Mil-
ton E. Bacon, of Liberty county.
The first Presbyterian College was that established at
Rome by Rev. J. M. M. Caldwell, as a high school in 1845,
but chartered as a college in 184 —
The first effort at a Synodical Female School was in
1848, at its meeting at Columbus. An informal proposition
had reached the ears of Synod that the people of For-
syth had held a meeting and expressed a willingness to
furnish a suitable lot and building, if the Synod would es-
tablish and maintain a school at that place, for the educa-
tion of females. The Synod most heartily entered into
the suggestion and even went so far as to elect a board to
confer with the people of Forsyth. Nothing, however,
seems to have come of the project, as the measure doubt-
less fell through for a want of satisfactory arrangements
to both parties.
The next year, 1849, at its meeting at Greensboro, still
feeling a deep interest in the matter, only quickened by the
Forsyth effort, Synod appointed a committee to consider
the feasibility of establishing one or more female colleges.
The Committee having reported favorably, another was ap-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 159
pointed to notify the churches, and to solicit proposals
from different localities and to report to the next Synod.
The following points were covered by this report:
That "We need at least one institution which shall
combine the following features:
1st. A thorough religious training.
2nd. A course of studies in the solid sciences and in
Literature and ornamental branches, which shall compare
favorably with any other denominational Seminary in the
State or in the North.
3rd. Terms so moderate that the daughters of ordi-
nary farmers can afford the expense.
4th. A location pleasant, healthy and easy of access,
and where a salutary religious influence will be thrown
around them *'
With this explanation of the object and aim, the com-
mittee recommended to Synod:
To issue a proposition to the churches for the estab-
lishment of such an Institution on the following condi-
tions:
1st. The Synod shall not be expected to incur any
pecuniary responsibilities.
2nd. That is shall not be considered as exclusively
pledged to one institution.
3rd. That the institution, if established, shall be un-
der the control of Synod, and that the moral and religious
instruction given in it shall be in accordance with our
views of the word of God; and
4th. That if circumstances ever render it expedient.
In the opinion of Synod, to discontinue the arrangement,
the property shall revert to the control of the original
donors.
The following committee were appointed under this
resolution: Rev. S. K. Talmage, D. D., Rev. W. M. Cun-
ningham, Rev. N. A. Pratt, Rev. J. B. Ross and Rev. Joshua
Phelps.
At the next meeting of Synod at Augusta, November,
1850, the committee reported that the following places had
sent up proposals, viz: Madison, Greensboro, Decatur,
160 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Griffin, and Canton. After due consideration of the sub-
ject, Synod resolved to establish two "Female High
Schools," one within the l)Ounds ot the Presbytery of Hope-
well, and the other within the bounds of the Pres'bytery of
Flint River. On going into an election, Greensboro and
Griffin were chosen, the first in the bounds of Hopewell,
and the other of Flint River, in different parts of the
Synod.
A committee was appointed to draft a constitution for
their government and the following Trustees were chosen:
Trustees for Greensboro — Ministers: Messrs. F. Bow-
man, S. K. Talmage, D. D., N. Hoyt, D. D., W. Baird, J. W.
Reid; Laymen: John Cunningham, Henry Merrill, R. Hub-
bard, W. B. JohnsojQ, Dr. T. N. Poullain, Hon. W. C. Daw-
son, Josiah Davis, Col. Y. P. King, F. H. Cone, Esq., Wm.
H. D. Weaver, James L. Brown, Esq.
Trustees for Griffin — Ministers: W. J. Keith, J. B.
Stevens, W. M. Cunningham, R. T. Marks, J. Y. Alexander,
A. G. Peden; Laymen: John B. Reid, Esq., H. P. Kirkpat-
rick, Curtis Lewis, Esq., Hon. James K. Stark, Gen, E. P.
Daniel, Wm. W. Chapman, Esq., Dr. Jas. S. Long, Jas. S.
Jones, Esq., Col. A. R. Moore, Washington Poe, Esq., Cy-
rus Sharp, Wm. Markham.
Reports were received at the next meeting of Synod
which met at Griffin the next yar, (1851), from the trus-
tees of both these institutions showing that progress had
been made in carrying out the instruction of the Synod.
The Trustees of Greensboro stated that their building, a
handsome brick structure, was nearly completed and would
be ready by the first of January of the coming year. Synod
encouraged them to go forward in the enterprise with
greater zest, insisting however upon two things, in the
conduct of the school when in operation: 1st, to eschew
the system of dormitories, but the placing of the pupils,
not in crowds, 'but in private families of refinement and re-
ligious influence, that they might not lose the benefit of
home training. 2nd, The exclusion from the institution of
all exhibitions "In Modo Theatri." *
(Remark) We cannot suppress our hearty endorse-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 161
m€iit of a sentiment so pertinent, and so eminently scrip-
tural withal! How cheap and common is woman becoming
in our Southland, since the overthrow of the old regime,
and the importation of foreign ideas. Paradoxical as it may
seem, the very effort to elevate, has only tended to de-
grade, by robbing her of that innate modesty, which con-
stitutes her crowning virtue and glory!
The report from the Griffin School showed that th€y
had secured an elegant site, and had adopted a plan for
the building, which was submitted for inspection, both of
which the Synod highly approved. They also reported a
plan for raising funds for the creation of ten scholarships,
which was also approved, and which for the present, in-
stead of being limited to one pupil, might be extended to
all the daughters of any one family. They also recom-
mend that the Board go forward vigorously to carry the
enterprise into full effect.
The report of the next year (1852,) showed fhe com-
pletion of the building at Greensboro, the selection of Rev.
Robert Logan, as president, with a competent corps of
teachers, and a successful beginning and operation during
the year. The Synod commended th-e work of the Trus-
tees, and especially the rule adopted by the Board in re-
quiring th€ pupils "to lodge in private families" of re-
spectability, and in abolishing sucli public exhibitions as
are adapted to blunt those sentiments of delicacy and
modesty, which are as valuable and ornamental to the fe-
male character as education itself.
The report of the Trustees of the Griffin School show-
ed that said school was not yet in operation. Synod ex-
pressed its gratification, however, at the advanced stage
of the building, and selection of President and suitable
corps of teachers, and expressed the hope th&it the amount
still needed for the completion of the building would soon
be obtained.
The next annual reports (1853) showed the Greensboro
institution in a flourishing condition, and the institution
growing in favor, the number of pupils being 107. The
financial condition also reported good; the debt having
162 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
been materially reduced. The resignation of Rev. Robert
Logan and election of Rev. I. S. K. Axson as prsident was
reported and approved and the election confirmed.
The Trustees of the Griffin School reported the com-
pletion of the building and election of Rev. C. P. B, Mar-
tin as Principal which was confirmd. The Synod also ap-
pointed a committee of visitation to attend the next com-
mencement and closing exercises.
The reports for the year 1854 were both very encour-
aging. The board of visitors to Griffin reported every
thing satisfactory, "the course of instruction being thor-
ough and practical." So the Greensboro College was re-
ported "in a highly prosperous condition," and "meeting
the highest expectation of its founders," the only shadow
being the anticipated loss of Dr. Axson from the presidency,
he having been called to the pastorate of the Independent
Presbyterian Church of Savannah.
The next reports were still more flattering. The Grif-
fin College showed "a degree of prosperity fully equal to
the expectations of its friends;" and the Synod could even
see the hand of Providence in the choice of Dr. J. C. Pat-
terson in the place of Rev. Mr. Martin, who had resigned,
which they thought prophetic of still greater prosperity in
the future.
So of the Greensboro School, which they declared not
only a success, but as even "surpassing our most sanguine
expectations;" the graduation class numbering nineteen
with one hundred in attendance.
From this time on we find somewhat of a change ill
the tone of the reports. Concerning the Greensboro School
the Synod asserts that its affairs "Have been judiciously
managed by the Board, and successfully conducted in its
educational departments, by the Faculty." Concerning the
Griffin School, that whilst greatly "pleased at the contin-
ued success of the educational department" at the same
time, "they had heard with painful regret of the pecuniary
embarrassment now in the College."
The next year (1857) Synod expressed its approval at
the manner in which the affairs of the College at Griffin
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 163
have been conducted, but also expressed its regret that
"its financial affairs were still in an embarrassed condi-
tion."
Touching the Greensboro School, Synod declared
that there were things, both to dampen the ardor and dis-
courage the hearts of the friends of the institution, as well
as other things to awaken gratitude and inspire fresh
courage." Among the former, the frequent changes in the
Faculty and the pressing indebtedness of the institution;
among the latter, the election of Rev. Homer Hendee to
the presidency, under whose management much was ex-
pected.
The Synod again the next year (1858), repeats its' en-
dorsements of these institutions and again calls attention
to the indebtedness resting upon each, and especially in
the case of the Griffin school, and urging the importance of
liquidation.
In the next year (1859,) we find no report or any men-
tion made of Griffin. Concerning the Greensboro school
we find the following allusion to its indebtedness. After
asserting that the Instittuion was selfsustaining, the com-
mittee goes on to say that "we regret to state that the
institution still labors under the burden of its old debt."
All of its liabilities are now concentrated in the hands of
one of its oldest, and noblest friends, (Mr, John Cunning-
ham) whose devotion to the institution, especially in the
matter of pecuniary indulgence, we feel deserves our
warmest commendation. We recommend to the Synod the
adoption of any wise measure which promises relief from
this pecuniary em'barrassment.
The tone of the reports to the Synod the next year
(1860) continue as heretofore, after the most commenda-
tory statements, calling attention to their continued indebt-
edness. The committee on the Greensboro school, begins its
report with the statement. "It is with deep regret that we
learn from the official source, that it is not in a more pros-
perous condition, than it is. * * * * It still lies under the
burden of a crushing debt * * * * and unless something ef-
164 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
ficient is speedily done, we are assured that the institu-
tion must be abandoned and its prosperity sacrificed."
So with regard to the Griflin College: "Synod deeply
regrets to learn that the comparatively small amount hang-
ing over this institution, is still an embarrassment in the
way of its complete success and prosperity."
We find no mention in the minutes of Synod of Greens-
boro College for the next year (1861), and the only men-
tion of the Griffin school, that, "Dr. J. C. Patterson made
a statement concerning the condition of Griffin College."
As the cry of indebtedness and appeal for aid was
coming up year after year, although distinctly asserted at
the outset that the Synod would not assume any indebted-
ness; and as the great struggle between the states was be-
ginning to loom up; the Synod began to show a little rest-
lessness under the situation, as appears from the follow-
ing resolution which it adopted:
Resolved, "That all these reports on Synodical col-
leges be transmitted to the presidents of the respective
colleges, to be published in their respective catalogues, if
they see fit;" thus relieving the minutes of Synod of any
further burden in that direction.
Before giving the final disposition of these institutions
it will be necessary for us to retrace our steps a little, and
go back to the year 1856, when another claimant appeared,
for the patronage of the Synod.
ROME FEMALE COLLEOE.
At the meeting of the Synod of Georgia at Atlanta No-
vember, 1856, an overture was sent up from the Presby-
tery of Cherokee touching the establishment of a Female
College. The following was the answer:
"'The Synod having considered the overture of Cher-
okee Presbytery in regard to the establishment of a Synod-
ical Female College at the city of Rome, decide that in
their opinion, the matter is one of vital importance to the
cause of religious education, and do by the following Board
of Trustees, take incipient measures for the inauguration
of said college; it being understood that the Synod is to as-
sume no pecuniary responsibility."
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 165
Trustees as follows — Ministers: A. Y. Lrockridge, W. B.
Telford, T. C. Crawford, J. M. M. Caldwell, J. F. Lanneau,
Geo. W. H. Petrie; Laymen: W. C. Cothran, N. J. Om-berg,
A. M. Sloan, C. H. Smith, C. T. Cunningham, R. C. Word,
J. A. Scott, James Sproul, H. V. M. Miller, J. Smith, R. J.
Johnson, Gabriel Jones, and their successors in office.
"That the trustees shall report annually as to the va-
cancies which may be filled; that their appointment of
teac'hers and all their acts, shall be subject to the review
and control of Synod."
We have already mentioned the fact that the Rev. J
M. M. Caldwell had a high school for females, established
at Rome in 1845, Feeling that it would add to its influence
and patronage by its becoming a Synodical school, he had
tendered it to the Synod to be taken under its care and
nominal ownership. The committee to whom the whole
question of a female college was referred, was directed to
visit the school, and examine it and report. They after-
wards reported as follows:
"On yesteday (Friday 19th), your committee made a
Visit to the Institution where they were politely and hos-
pitably reecived by the Rev. J. M. M. Caldwell, President,
and his excellent fedy. They were conducted through the
rooms of the college edifice and were shown the arrange-
ments for the accommodation of both instructors and pupils
all of which appear in good taste, and well adapted to the
T urpose for which they are designed.
After a careful examination, so far as time would per-
mit, of the premises, study and recitation rooms, philoso-
phical and chemical apparatus, your committee beg leave
to say they were particularly pleased with the location of
the Institution, which commands a wide and beautiful pros-
pect— with the system and order pervading the establish-
ment— the politeness and intelligence of the mem'bers of
the faculty they met and the decorum which prevailed
among the pupils in the school room. It is, therefore, the
opinion of the committee, that the trustees have not in the
least exaggerated in their statement of the present pros-
perity and prospective usefulness of this young but grow-
166 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
ing institution. Under its present Directors, it promises
to contribute largely to the cause of female education in
this city and this portion of the State. In conclusion, your
committee would submit the following resolution:
Resolved, "That the Synod learn with pleasure, the
prosperous condition of the Rome Female College, and
with increasing confidence recommend it to the patronage
of our Church and the public."
The Trustees also made an encouraging report of the
condition and prospects of the Institution. And we find the
Synod again expressing its gratification, and recommend-
ing the institution to the patronage of the church, as ap-
pears from the following action:
"That it is gratifying to find that the youngest of the
institutions taken under our Synodical care is conducted
with admirable vigor and success. They are glad to admit,
in the soundness and thoroughness of its course of instruc-
tion and the general efficiency of its management there is
nothing left to desire. With a competent and devoted Fac-
ulty, buildings handsomely finished and furnished, an ex-
cellent philosophical and chemical apparatus, and other
attractions and facilities, we believe that the trustees are
fully justified in "confidently recommending this school to
the cordial support of all friends of sound learning," and
in their belief, "that it will succeed because it deserves
success." In view of these pleasing facts, the committee
believes that the Synod will take the utmost pleasure in
once more expressing their entire confidence in this excel-
lent school, and in endorsing the recommendation of it by
the Board of trustees, with the hope that the meed of pat-
ronage it deserves will never be withheld."
The Synod took no action touching the Rome School
during the next year, except to appoint Mr. A. G. Pitner as
trustee in the place of Rev. J. F. Lanneau, removed, and
reducing the number of a quorum from seven to five.
In the next report for the year 1860, we meet with the
same old story of indebtedness. In connection with the
flattering statement about the progress of students and
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORaiA 167
otherwise prosperous state of the College we find the fol-
lowing in the report of the committee:
"We learn with pleasure, that mere has been such a
transference of the property of the institution to the Rev.
J. M. M. Caldwell, its president, with its liabilities as ef-
fectually secures the trustees from the debts which they
were unable to pay, and which crippled the college. The
property, although vested in private hands will be perpet-
uated for the uses and purposes, originally designed."
As the Synod never did assume any financial respon-
sibility in the management of this institution, what effect
this action had upon its relation to the Synod, if any, we
are unable to say.
For the year 1861, we find the meager record, "That
the report of the committee on Rome Female College was
received and adopted." What that report was we have no
means of finding out, as it was not recorded; as it was at
this meeting, that the resolution was passed, turning over
these reports to the trustees for record.
The Synod, now having three institutions on its hands,
viz: Greensboro, * (Note) Griffin and Rome, which if not
bankrupt, were badly crippled with debt, and being wearied
with the sad reports, and appeals for help, coming up year
by year, with the increasing shadow of war upon the coun-
try and no prospect of immediate relief, felt that it was
necessary that something should be done to relieve itself
of the embarrassment, and their meeting at Macon in 1862
appointed a committee on female colleges to consider the
whole question and report what action was necessary. The
Committee made the following report, through their chair-
man, Rev. J. L. Rogers, wliich was adopted:
"The committee to whom was referred the report of
*(Note) In 1859 the Pres-bytery of Hopewell o"ertured
the Synod that it would turn over to them the fiscal man-
agement of the Greensboro school that prompt measures
might be taken for the liquidation of its debts and placing
the institution upon a firm basis. This was done, but we
see no further mention of the matter.
168 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
the Greensboro Female College, together with the general
subject of our Syuodical female colleges, b€g leave to re-
port that they find the Greensboro College embarassed by
a heavy debt, amounting now to about $8,000 and with no
apparent resources to meet this debt; and we regret to
know that from the organization of the college to the pres-
ent time, this embarrassment has been felt, and from time
to time the Synod has been appealed to to devise some
means by which this indebtedness could be discharged,
and the institution placed in a more prosperous condition;
but so far these appeals for aid have been fruitless of any
good results. The policy of the Synod appears to have
been to extend to the female colleges under its care only
a nominal moral influence, which has consisted only in
hearing their annual reports and appeals, and passing as
often a series of resolutions recommending them to the
favor of the people. Your committee believe that unless
the Synod is prepared to go farther than they have ever
yet done, unless they are willing to assume pecuniary ob-
ligations, and raise the funds necessary to relieve them
from their pecuniary embarrassment, their nominal control
is a positive detriment to these institutions. There being
three of these institutions under our control, your com-
mittee does not feel authorized to make any recommenda-
tion for one, which may not apply also to the others. And
believing that the Synod would not feel authorized in as-
suming so heavy a pecuniary obligation as would be neces-
sary to place them all upon a safe and prosperous footing,
■we therefore believe that the best thing that we could do
for them would be to relinquish the nominal control that
we have been exercising over them, and commit them to
the hands of those more immediately interested in the wel-
fare of each — either to the Presbyteries within whose
ibounds they are located or to the resident Board of Trus-
tees. We would, therefore, submit the following resolu-
tion:
Resolved, "That the Synod appoint a committee of six,
who shall be empowered to remit the entire control of
these institutions to the local Board of Trustees, to be
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 169
controlled by them or transferred to the Presbyteries in
whose bounds they are located, as they may deem ad-
visable. The committee to consist of Revs. Messrs. J. L.
'Rogers, E. P. Palmer, William M. Cunningham, J. R. Wil-
son, D. D., and Ruling Elders Washington Poe and G. E.
Thomas."
Wc now come to the final action. On account of the
condition of national affairs, the country being in the midst
of the war, the committee did nothing. Hence we find at
the next meeting of Synod (1863) they took the following
action:
Ruling Elder J. H, Lumpkin, from the committee to
"which was referred the r€lation of the Synod to the Fe-
male collegese of Rome, GriflBln and Greensboro, reported.
The Report was adopted, and is as follows:
The subject of the three female colleges at Rome,
Griffin, and Greensboro, all under the care and control of
this body, having been brought before the Synod at Macon,
that some action might be had in reference to said insti-
tutions, a report with the following resolutions was adopt-
ed, to wit: "That the Synod appoint a committee of six
who shall be empowered to remit the entire control of
these institutions to the local Board of trustees to be con-
trolled by them, or transferred to the Presbyteries in
whose bounds they are located, as they may deem advis-
able," and it appearing that no action had been taken by
said committee, it is recommended that the Synod adopf
the following resolutions, appropriate to each of said
schools, according to their respective ctarters and cir
cumstances :
1. That this Synod relinquishes all rights which it has
or may be supposed to have, to direct and control the
Rome Female College, and it advises that an act of the
Legislature be passed ratifying this proceeding and con-
firming the title already made to the Rev. J. M. M. Cald-
well by the local Board of Trustees.
2. It is inexpedient to take any action in regard to the
Griffin Female College, formerly known as the Griflan Col-
legiate Seminary.
170 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
3. Finding that the Greensboro Female College is
largely in debt of which debt it cannot be disencumbered
except by sale; and that Mr. John Cunningham, the prin-
cipal creditor, has a mortgage on the entire property, we
deem it best that he proceed at once to foreclose said mort-
gage, and bring the property to sale in open market, and
after discharging all the debts of the institution from the
proceeds, that the balance of the funds, if any, be held sub-
ject to the future order of the Board of trustees. And in the
event of Mr. Cunningham declining to pursue this course,
we advise that the property be sold by the Trustees, and
after paying all the debts of the institution the overplus,
ii any, be held as above named, and that an act of the
Legislature be immediately obtained to authorize such
sale.
At any event, this Synod pledges itself, so far as it is
concerned, that this surplus fund, if any, be solemnly
pledged to the Presbyterian education of female teachers
and pupils, or, in failure to accomplish this, that it be
restored to the donors.
At the next meeting of Synod at Augusta the infor-
mation was communicated that the Greensboro College was
sold in virtue of a permissive act of the Legislature and
that the purchaser, Mr. John Cunningham, transferred the
same to three trustees, consisting of Joseph R. Wilson, D.
D., Rev, James Woodrow, and Rev. R. A. Houston and
their successors in perpetuity, to be conducted as a Female
Seminary. And it was so used till 1872, when it was acci-
dentally burned.
The Building of the GrifRn School was turned over to
the city of Griffin, they being the largest contributor in its
construction, and intended by them to be used as a city
sc^hool. It was used as a hospital during the war, and like
its twin sister at Greensboro, became food for the devour-
ing flames. Upon the site, however, a commodious edifice
has been erected by the city for a public school, and has
been used ever since.
So in accordance with the above action, the Rome
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 171
institution was turned over to Rev. J. M. M. Caldwell, the
original and real owner.
Thus after twelve years of effort (1849-18'63) and varied
results, the whole scheme of female education n Georgia
fexi through and the fields abandoned by the Synod. That
great good had been done, however, there can be no doubt.
We can but express regret that a beginning which prom-
ised such great things should have had such an inglorious
termination, and that such a disaster should befall the
Synod in so great a measure through sheer mismanage-
ment. The war may be pleaded in part for the final fail-
ure, but only in part, as the institutions were all three
involved financially before the breaking out of the war.
ROME FEMALE COLLEGE. NO. II.
In 1884, twenty years after the abandonment of the
scheme of female colleges, we find the Synod again under-
taking the work of establishing such an institution.
The Greensboro and Griffin schools were now things
of the past. The Rome College was still kept up by its
proprietor, Rev. J. M. M. Caldwell, but now becoming
advanced in years, he was desirous of disposing of it.
'Some of the friends of education in the Synod felt that it
ought to be secured as a Synodical School. At the meet-
ing at Marietta (1884), Dr. Bunting, at that time pastor of
the church, read the following paper:
"Whereas, this Synod recognizes the importance of a
female seminary of high rank, in connection with which
provision is made by adequate endowments to meet the
expenses of the board and tuition of daughters of indigent
Presbyterian ministers, in the South, either partially or
fully, as circumstances may indicate; and
Whereas, this work has been prosecuted during the
last eighteen years, by a member of this Synod, and should
be enlarged and made a permanent element in the aid and
relief of our Southern ministers who need the help indi-
cated; therefore it is hereby
Resolved, 1. That to secure the existence and perma-
nency of such an institution, we will elect Trustees
to devise the ways and means of its establishment, and
172 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
that of their number shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business.
2. That the Synod, as such shall neither assume or
have any pecuniary responsibility, or exercise any con-
trol over the institution except in the election of its trus-
tees now and in the future, together with the reception
and review of their annual reports.
3. That other Synods may be invited and urged to
unite with this body in this great work by the Board of
Trustees.
4. That the proposed institution shall be located in
Rome, on the basis of the Rome Female College, and shall
be opened for the reception of pupils at such time and
with such an organization as the Trustees may determine.
The name of the institution may be changed by the Trus-
tees.
After the reading of this paper, he offered the follow-
ing resolution, whic'h was adopted:
Resolved, That a committee composed of ten gentle-
men, two from each Presbytery, be now appointed to visit
Rome, to enquire into the propriety and wisdom of estab-
lishing, on the basis of the Rome Female College, such an
institution as indicated in the paper just read, and that
the committee consist of the following gentlemen or their
alternates :
Presbytery of Augusta — Rev. W. Adams and W. C.
Sibley; Presbytery of Athens — Rev. T. P. Cleveland, J. B.
Estes; Presbytery of Atlanta — 'Rev. J. L. Rogers, Rev, E.
H. Barnett; Presbytery of Macon — Rev. A. W. Clisby, H.
H. Jones; Presbytery of Cherokee — Rev. J. E. Jones, W. K.
Moore.
This committee made the following report, at the next
meeting at Lagrange, and which was adopted:
"The committee appointed to visit Rome for the pur-
pose of enquiring into the propriety and wisdom of estab-
lishing, on the basis of the Rome Female College, such an
institution as indicated in the paper presented to Synod by
the Rev. Dr. Bunting, and published in the appendix of the
Minutes, respectfully report;
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 173
That they met at Rome October 20th, 1885, and after
prolonged inquiry into the whole matter, they cordially
and unanimously recommend the adoption of the scheme
proposed in Dr. Bunting's paper, to-wit: The appointment
of eighteen Trustees who, if the way be clear, shall pur-
chase, or otherwise secure the said property, and estab-
lish a female college for the education of the daug'hters of
Presbyterian ministers and others, under the auspices of
the Synod, together with that of any other Synod or Syn-
ods of our church, desiring to co-operate with us in this
important enterprise."
Under this resolution the following were appointed
Trustees: Rev. G. B. Strickler, D. D., Atlanta; Rev. G. T.
Goetchius, Rome; Mr. Samuel Inman, Dr. J. W. Rankin,,
Atlanta; Mr. John Peabody, Columbus; Dr. P. R. Cortel-
you. Marietta; Rev. J. E. Jones, Cedartown; Gen. Jno. B.
Gordon, Decatur; Mr. J. W. Harle, Atlanta; Mr. R. G
Clarke, Dr. John Kincaid, Messrs. J. W. Bones, S. G.
Hardy, H. C. Norton, John C. Printup, B. I. Hughes, Prof.
S. C. Caldwell, Rome; W. K. Moore, Dalton.
This Board reported, through Dr. Strickler, its chair-
man, to the next Synod, which met at Sparta in 1886, that
in consequence of the financial pressure, it was found im-
possible to raise the necessary funds for the purchase of
the Seminary. But being profoundly impressed with the
need of such an institution in the bounds of the Synod,
they recommend that the Synod assume tne moral control
of the institution as it now exists, and under its present
management, giving it that support which will tend to
elevate it to even a higher degree of usefulness, and which
will commend it to the confidence and patronage of Pres-
byterians in this and other Synods. The Synod adopted
the recommendation and proceeded to the election of the
necessary Trustees, according to previous arrangement.
The Synod met at Rome, November 188 7. The Trus-
tees reported the school in a flourishing condition. They
^Iso stated that Rev. Mr. Caldwell had made an offer of
sale of the property for the sum of ii)i6,000. The privilege
of the floor was extended to citizens of Rome who were
174 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
interested in the purchase of the property. After a discus-
sion of the whole matter the following resolution was
adopted:
"Resolved, That Synod having heard with pleasure the
letter addressed by a prominent citizen of Rome to th-*
President of the Board of Trustees of the Rome Female
College, do now propose to the Trustees of said college
to endeavor to raise $25,000, or more for the institution,
so soon as the citizens of Rome shall purchase said prop*
er'ty and he prepared to deliver proper titles of the same
to the said Trustees, the title to said property not to be
conveyed, nor vested in said Trustees until the $25,000 or
more shall have been raised by them. The Synod prom-
ises hereby its moral support and encouragement to the
Board in their endeavor to secure the endowment or fund
proposed."
This is the last record on the subject. The effort to
raise the necessary amount was a failure. Further con-
sideration of the matter was dropped. Mr. Caldwell after-
wards otherwise disposed of his property. Thus ended
the second chapter in the history of Presbyterian female
colleges in the State.
AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE.
It is with pleasure that we turn away from these igno-
minious failures to a grand success in the line of female
education in the bounds of the Synod of Georgia. We
allude to the female institution located at Decatur, Ga, first
known as the Decatur Female Seminary, but now the
Agnes Scott College.
The latter part of December, 1888, the Rev. F. H.
Gaines arrived in Decatur to assume the duties of the
pastorate of the Decatur Presbyterian Church. He found
a congregation of people, intelligent, devoted, capable,
responsive. Being a firm believer in Christian education
and seeing no school in the place adequate to the wants
of the community, and furthermore, that it was a suitable
location for an institution of that character, he began eariy
in the summer of the next year to consider and suggest to
his people the propriety of establishing a high school for
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 175
girls under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. The
proposition met with a hearty response. At a meeting
of the Session, after a full discussion, where the matter
was fully considered. Col. G. W. Scott, a member, intro-
duced the following resolution, which was adopted:
"Resolved, That we determine to establish at once a
school of high character."
At the same meeting it was determined to apply for a
charter for a minimum stock of $5,000, which was imme-
diately subscribed. Col. Scott being one of the largest
subscribers. This amount was afterwards mcreased to
$25,000. The chartered name of the institution was to be
"The Decatur Female Seminary."
Col. Scott was made chairman of the committee to
secure a suitable building, and rented a frame building
suitable for the purpose. The school opened Sept. 24,
1889, with sixty pupils, three being boarders.
In the spring of 1890, Col. Scott proposed to give
$40,000 to procure a permanent home for the institution.
In recognition of his generosity the name was changed to
Agnes Scott Institute, a memoral to his mother. Col.
Scott then went North to investigate school buildings and
upon his return proceeded to have his architects draw the
plans and proceeded with the erection of the building. On
this building, grounds and furnishings. Col. Scott paid in
cash, $112,500. It was dedicated in the presence of the
Synod of Georgia at their meeting at Decatur, Nov. 12, 1891.
Owing to the high standard of the institution, and the
high plane upon which it is conducted, for many years it
did not pay expenses. In every emergency Col. Scott has
come to its relief, having paid out $30,000 in deficiencies.
The institution has steadily grown in its curriculum,
its faculty, its attendance, and its educational facilities,
until now it is Agnes Scott College, in reality, as in its
chartered name which has been so changed.
The grounds have been enlarged, and a new building,
making nine in all, has recently been put up (1906) for
a dormitory, with a commodious auditorium attached,
named Rebecca Scott, after the wife of the late Col. Scott,
176 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
at a cost of $80,000, to which his family contributed very
largely. The aggregated gifts of Col. Scott to the institu-
tion amount to $170,000. The present value of the plant
and equipments is approximately $300,000.
At first the institution was a joint stock corporation,
in which the Session of the Decatur Church was always
to have a controlling interest, but for some time the joint
stock feature has boen abolished, and now the institution
has been donated to a self perpetuating Board of Trus-
tees. According to the terms oi the Charter no one can
be a member of that board unless he be a member in good
standing in the Presbyterian Church.
For a number of years the Rev. F. H. Gaines, D. D.,
was president of the institution in connection with the pas-
torate of the Church, but the duties becoming so onerous
he resigned the pastorate of the Church in 1896, and
ever since has been its President.
The Agnes Scott is emphatically a Christian school,
the Bible being one of its leading text books. Upon its
Curriculum is inscribed as its aim: "The Supreme End of
Agnes Scott Institute is the Glory of God." And this its
ideal as set forth in its Curriculum:
1. A liberal curriculum, fully abreast of the best
institutions of the land.
2. A sound curriculum, with text books along all
lines in harmony with the Bible.
3. The Bible a text book. The Bible course neces-
sary to graduation.
4. Thoroughly trained and consecrated teachers.
5. A high standard of scholarship.
6. The Institute a model Christian home.
7. All the influences in the school to be made condu-
cive to the formation and development of Christian char-
acter.
CHAPTER X.
PRESBYTERIALf HIGH SCHOOLS.
The Synod, at its meeting at Cartersville, in 1892,
"Urged the Presbyteries to more earnest efforts towards
the eqiiipmeut of schools under denominational control,
and that they might have schools of pronounced Christian
influence for their sons and daughters," P. 14. Several of
tihese schools were accordingly set up.
DONALD ERASER HIGH SCHOOL.
The first of these was tiie Donald Eraser High School,
which was established in Decatur in the same year by the
Presbyterian church in that place and named after a form-
er pastor, who died in 1887. The Institution was placed in
the hands of a Board of Trustees of which the pastor was
an ex-officio member.
In 1896, a resolution was adopted by the Synod in-
quiring into the feasibility of utilizing the remnants of the
funds of the old Oglethorpe College in establishing a High
School for boys. After a futile effort to establish such a
school at Rome, the Synod, in 1899, agreed to place said
remnant, amunting to $3,115.60 (in 1898), in the hands of
t'he Trustees of Donald Eraser School.
The following is the action:
"Whereas, Oglethorpe has not been in successful op-
eration for more than twenty-five years, its property and
funds have almost been entirely lost, and there is little
reason to expect that it will ever be reorganized; and
whereas, it is the desire of Synod that its remaining prop-
erty and funds be used as nearly in the direction contem-
plated by its founders as possible, 1. e., the moral and
Christian education of boys under Presbyterian care; and
whereas, the Donald Eraser High School for boys, located
at Decatur, in Dekalb county, Georgia, has been duly in-
corporated, is under Presbyterian control, and is now in
successful operation, with a subscribed capital stock of
178 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
more than eight thousand dollars, and a property approxi-
mating that value; therefore:
Be it resolved, That the consent and authority of
Synod is given to the Trustees of Oglethorpe University to
invest in the stock of the Donald Fraser High School lo-
cated at Decatur, Georgia, the remaining fund of the Uni-
versity, now In their hands, and to take therefor certificate
of stock in the corporate name of the University, and that
the remaining portions of the apparatus, library, etc., be
put in the custody and care of the school; provided, said
investment be not made until the dharter of "The Donald
High School for Boys" shall have been so amended as to
give to the Synod of Georgia the appointment of two of
the three trustees, the election of whom by said charter
is in the stckholders of said school." Min. Synod. 1898. 26.
The charter was accordingly afterwards amended and
under its terms Synod elected Rev. Messrs. Geo. T. Goet-
Ohius and R. O. Flinn trustees, the number of the trustees
being six; two chosen by the Decatur church, two by the
Synod, and two by the stockholders.
The school has been largely patronized, it has a high
standard and is doing a noble work, especially in training
and preparing boys for entering college. A military depart-
ment has recently been added.
EUHARLEE INSTITUTE.
The next Denomnational School set up was that at Eu-
harlee, by the Presbytery of Cherokee, in 1896. This school
has been growing in interest and rapidly becoming a
centre of influence and usefulness. It is co-educational.
BLACKSHEAR INSTITUTE.
This Institute was established by Savannah Presbytery
in 1900. The Presbytery feeling the importance of having
an institution of high grade for the education of the boys
and girls of the land, appointed a board of trustees to work
to the end of establishing such a school that would "best
carry out the idea of the Presbyterian church and furnish
an ideal blending of secular and Christian education." Al-
though flattering offers were received from other places.
Blacks hear was selected as the place for the PresbyteridI
THE PRHSBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 179
Institute. Although its conception and management are
strictly Presbyterian, it is entirely undenominationa' in
Its policy, it being one of the rules of the school that "no
proselytism shall go on within its walls." The Bible is one
of its text books, and its simple truths are taught without
any denominational bias.
They have suitable buildings containing class rooms,
library, with electric lights and heat, and with convenient
auditorium, the whole valued at $40,000. They also have a
military department in connection with the school.
According to the last report there were in attendance
12'5 pupils, taught by a faculty of ten.
Not only the Presbytery of Savannah but all the Pres-
byterians in the eastern and southern portion of the State
look with commendable pride upon the Institution. In 1906
the Synod that met at Waycross, adjourned and in a body
visited the Institution.
NACOOCHEE INSTITUTE.
This Institution is also co-educational, and was estab-
lished by the Presbytery of Athens in 1903. It is located
in the beautiful and picturesque valley of Nacoocihee, some
eleven miles from Clarkesville, and growing in impor-
tance. It has a plant valued at $12,000, and, during the
past year, had 6 teachers, and 150 pupils. It is receiving
additional importance from the fact that it is the place
where the annual Bible School and Conference of the Pres-
bytery is held.
ROCHELLB SCHOOL.
During the Fall of the same year, the Presbytery of
Macon set up this sOhool for the intellectual, moral and
religious training of her young people, being like the
others, co-educational. For some reason this school has
been discontinued.
YOUNG FEMALE COLLEGE.
Macon Presbytery also has under its care the Young
Female College, located at Thom'asville. This Institution
is the property of the city of Thomasville, and was for
thirty years under the management of Professor John Bak-
er, but after ihis retirement and death, it was, in 1903, put
180 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
under the care and management of the Presbytery of Ma-
con, upon the condition that its name be retained,
and that it be exclusively for young ladies, and that it be
maintained in Thomas county. It has six teachers. The
value of the endowment is $20,000.
From the above it is obvious that there has been con-
siderable progress in the bounds of the Synod in the mat-
ter of Christian education, there being schools in all of the
Presbyteries except that of Augusta. We can but indulge
the hope that it will not be long ere that Presbytery will
also have an Institution of its own.
sm.
f
"THE BIG POPLAR"
at Washington, Ga., under which the first Presbytery in Georgia
met and ordained the first Presbyterian Minister,
Rev, John Springer.
CHAPTER XI.
DRAWBACKS— WAR AND CONTROVERSY.
WAR PERIOD.
That th€ war had a most deleterious influence upon
the churches, "Goeis without saying." That was a true, but
very rough speech of General Sherman, when he said,
"War is hell." Rough as the definition may seem truth
forbids any softening of its tone. Nothing more harden-
ing, nothing more brutalizing or generally more demoral-
izing. Whilst the powers of darkness were, therefore,
holding their high carnival, in the midst of human butch-
ery and geneiial vandalism, we could not expect the church
to be making much progress. The hearts and minds of
every one would be drawn away to the terrible 'Struggle
going on, in which the lives of loved ones as well as the
fate of the country, were involved.
Services were frequently interrupted by the march
of moving armies and many of the pastors away serving as
chaplains in the army. Theological students were required
to leave off their studies and enter the army as soldiers.
We know of none of the ministers of the Synod who en-
tered the army as Captains. The only minister of our
acquaintance, who commanded a company was the Rev.
P. McMurray, who had been pastor at LaGrange but who
had removed to Union Springs, Alabama, and who entered
the army as Captain, not only from patriotic motives, but
especially to be with the members of his church, who had
entered the company of which he was made Captain.
As the struggle progressed, and the country began to
be overrun by the enemy, the principal activity of the
church was directed towards the work among the soldiers
and support of army missionaries and hospital chaplains
appointed and supported by the executive committee of
the church.
As the state of Georgia, during the latter part of the
182 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
war, became one of the principal fields of carnage, the
interruptions increased. The churches were generally
used as hospitals. The bells in some places, the property
of the Lord, consecrated to His service, were taken down
and given the Government to be moulded into cannon with
which to shoot the invaders of the soil. The Sabbath was
utterly disregarded.
So the Soldier's prayer meeting, maintained at a few
places during the entire war, were broken up in a major-
ity of instances.
Briefly stated the results were twofold:
1st. The almost complete estoppel of ^11 church pro-
gress as statistics will show. We find that the church
made little or no progress during the four years of strife.
In 1869 we had sixty nine ministers, one hundred and six
churches and 6,274 members. In 1866, five years after-
wards, 70 ministers, 117 churches and 6279 members, n
gain of only one minister, eleven churches and five mem-
bers.
2nd. Second result: the treading down of the Sab-
bath. The descent to Avernus is quite easy. It is difficult
to dispossess the camel of his supposed rights, after once
his nose is in the tent. At first freight and other trains
were run on the Sabbath upon the plea of necessity, which
plea strangely, however, seems still to exist, though the
war has long since ceased.
CONTROVERSY.
Another thing which has greatly militated against the
progress of the church, were the disputations and con-
troversies, which at different times sprang up to disturb
its peace and waste its strength, and of which we now pro'
ceed to speak.
CHAPTER XII.
CONTROVERSY.
Ever since the days of Paul and Barna^bas, and the
early Christians the world has been given to disputings
and divisions. It is only in this way, it seems, that Bible
dostrines have been evolved and kept pure. The truth,
like the torch, only shines brighter as it is shaken. It is
only by the comparison of views that we are able to ar-
rive at safe and wise conclusions. The result of the great
ecumenical councils of old, have been the settling of many
of the great doctrines of the Bible wisely and forever. And
Presbyterians have had their full share in church disputes;
and in this they have inherited much of the spirit of their
Scottish ancestors, and even of Apostolic times, in thus
earnestly "contending for the faith once delivered to the
saints."
Among the controversies that have disturbed the
peace of the Presbyterian Church, none perhaps will out-
rank the great controversy of 1837 and 1838 which shook
the whole church North and South, and resulted in the
division into Old and New School. Its history is generally
familiar. It grew out of the plan of union entered into
between Presbyterians and Congregationalists in the year
1800, whereby the ministers and churches of the two de-
nominations could interchangeably constitute the pastoral
relation, and also whereby Congregational ministers could
sit in Presbyterian assemblies and Presbyterian ministers
would likewise be entitled to seats in Congregational as-
sociations. This union continued till 1837, when it was
abrogated, not being found satisfactory, the manner of
the abrogation being simply the cutting off the four Syn-
ods of Western Reserve, Utica, Geneva, and Gennessee,
in which the union was in actual operation, by declaring
the original action unconstitutional and therefore null and
void. As this action was considered by many as equally
unconstitutional, it was the means of stirring up a great
184 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
deal of dissension and strife, and resulting in the great
division above mentioned. There yet being no Synod
formed in Georgia, only three Presbyteries being yet con-
stituted, viz: Hopewell, Georgia and Flint River, this ac-
tion came up severally before them for review. Two of
these Presbyteries, viz: Georgia and Flint River heartily
and unanimously approved the act of the Assembly. In
the Presbytery of Hopewell, however, were several who
were displeased with the rescinding act of the Assembly,
if not in actual sympathy with some of the New School
doctrines. These withdrew and in 1839 formed themselves
into an independent Presbytery, which they termed "Eto-
wah."
PRESBYTERY OF ETOWAH.
We find the following record in the minutes of Hope-
well Presbytery at its sessions at Lincolnton, April 10,
1840:
"Whereas, It is known to this Presbytery that three
of its ministers, viz: Chas. W. Howard, Jas. H. George
and H. C. Carter, have united in forming a separate and
independent Presbytery, and have published their declara
tion of independence ito the world;
"Resolved, That the names of these brethren b€
erased from the roll of members of the Presbytery.
"And whereas. It is also known to the Presbytery
that the Rev. Theodore M. Dwight, who has been some
time in Burke county, the Stated supply to Waynesboro
church, has with this church renounced his connection
with this Presbytery, his name also and the name of said
church be erased from the roll."
As we have never seen the records of this body we
are unable to report much of its proceedings, or to say
with any degree of certainity what churches went with
them, except Harmony and Hickory Flat.
From other sources we learn that subsequently to
their own organization they organized a church in Pick-
ens county named Little Britian, now known as "Talking
Rock," that they received Rev. Joseph McKee from th«
Protestant Methodist Church: and licensed Mr. Jesse Wim-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 185
pey, a Tennessean and teacher, and father of Mr. John A
Wimpey, of Atlanta, recently deceased; also licensed Rich-
ard A. Milner, afterwards one of the original members of
the Synod of Georgia, and father of the Rev. W. A. Milner.
It appears that the Presbytery never connected itself
with the New School Assembly but remained independent.
Neither did it continue but a few years before it began to
disintegrate, as Rev. H. C. Carter returned to Hopewell
Presbytery, Nov., 18, 1842. Harmony Church, which had
been organized by him in 1838 and withdrew with him
from the Presbytery, had already returned and was re-
ceived by that Presbytery only two months before. So
Salem Church organized by him in 1840 and under care of
Etowah Presbytery returned in 1842. Their Licentiate, R.
A. Milner, was received by Cherokee Presbytery and or-
dained by them in 1844, the first year of their existence.
Rev. James H. George entered the Episcopal Church, after
a few years, and died at Marietta in 18 — . Messrs. Wimp«y
joined the New School Presbytery of Kingston, and Mc-
Kee that of Union, and afterwards both became charter
members of the New School Presbytery of Chattahoochee,
set up in 1844, and into which the remnant of Etowah Pres-
bytery was merged. Rev. C. W. Howard remained inde-
pendent till his death, which occurred at his home at Ell-
erslee Dec. 25, 1876. Rev. T. M. Dwig'ht, though in sym-
pathy with the New School movement, never connected
himself with it while in Georgia, but removed to Tennes-
see, and became a member of the New School Presbytery
of Shiloh in 1846, and pastor of the New School church at
Gallatin for three years, 1846 — 9, and there he died.
The Waynesboro Church, of which mention is made
above, and as having gone off with Mr. Dwight, in 1840,
remained independent until 1853, when it was again re
ceived under the eare of Hopewell Presbytery under the
style of the "Waynesboro and Bath Church."
It may here be proper to state, that there were others
of the ministers of the Synod, and prominent among them,
Rev. C. P. Beman, who were more or less in sympathy
with the New School movement, but who being opposed to
186 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
schism, refused to go off with the new movement.
Having mentioned the name of Dr. Beman in this con-
nection, it is but due his memory to state that in later life
his views were in hearty accord with the principles and
teachings of the Old School branch of the church in which
he remained an honored and useful member till his death.
His brother, Dr. N. S. S. Beman, however, returned
North and joined the New School Church, oeing a member
of the Presbytery of Troy, and became a prominent mem-
ber till his death in 1878. He was Moderator of the Old
Assembly before the division, in 1831, but afterwards sided
with the New School Branch and became their leader in
the division.
We here give brief sketches of four ministers:
REV. CHAS. W. HOWARD was a native of Savannah,
born October 11th, 1811, and received as a licentiate from
the Presbytery of Philadelphia, April 3, 1834. Ordained
at the same time at Milledeville as pastor of said church;
afterwards resigning his pastorate to become agent for
Oglethorpe University. He was a leading spirit in the es-
tablishing of said institution, gathering a great deal of its
funds and suggesting the names and afterwards became
professor of Belle Lettres. He was a man of great energy
and force of character. On April 5, 1836, he was com-
missioned by the state of Georgia to visit England for th?
purpose of copying some of the early Colonial Records, and
was absent two years. He was afterwards pastor of the
Huguenot Church in Charleston for a number of years from
1845 to 1852. Being a very ardent friend of the South,
during the late war, he entered the Confederate service
as captain of Co. I, 63d Georgia Regiment, and was wound-
ed in battle July 22, 1864, between Atlanta and Decatur,
and died at his home at Ellerslie Dec. 25, 1876, in the
66th year of his age.
REV. JAMES H. GEORGE, was received as a candi-
date from the membership of Athens Church, Nov. 4, 1833;
licensed and ordained, and installed pastor of Monticello
Church in 1836 by Hopewell Presbytery; withdrew in 1840
and joined Presbytery of Etowah and afterwards entered
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN (GEORGIA 187
the ministry of the Episcopal Church and died at Mariet-
ta 18—
REV. H. C. CARTER, one of the five students of Dr.
Goulding, at Lexington, and one of the first graduates of
Columbia Seminary, was received as a candidate of Hope-
well Presbytery, April 4, 1826, licensed by same April 6,
1829. Ordained Oct. 9, 1830. Served as a home Mission-
ary for a number of years in Upper Georgia and was in-
strumental in gathering up and organizing quite a number
of Churches. He died near Calhoun, Ga., Dec. 30, 1869.
REV. THEODORE M. DWIGHT, was a native of Con-
necticut, and graduate of Franklin College and of Colum-
bia Seminary in 1832. Licensed by Hopewell Presbytery
in 1833, and ordained by the same 1834; withdrew from the
Presbytery in 1840; removed to Tennessee and joined the
New School Presbytery of Shiloh, and became pastor of
the New School Church at Gallatin, 1846—1849, where he
died.
PRESBYTERY OF ETOWAH
(Independent)
Set Up In 1839.
MINISTERS
C. W. Howard — Received from Hopewell Presbytery-
Died Dec. 25, 1876.
H. C. Carter— Received from Hopewell Presbytery-
Returned to s^me, 1842.
Jas. H. George — Joined the Episcopal Church, and died
at Marietta.
Jesse Wimpey — Licensed and ordained by the Pres-
bytery, and joined New School Presbytery of Kingston.
Joseph McKee — Received from Protestant Methodist
Church, joined Presbytery of Union N. S.
LICENTIATE
Richard A. Milner— Joined Cherokee Presbytery 1844.
CHURCHES
Harmony — Received from Hopewell Presbytery, 1839.
Hickory Flat— Received from Hopewell Presbytery,
1839.
188 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Little Britian — Organized by Etowah Presbytery,
Salem, (Campbell County) organized by Dr. Carter,
1840.
Friendship joined Cherokee Presbytery,
PRESBYTERY OF CHATTAHOOCHFE.
Upon the dissolution of the Presbytery of Etowah, an-
other Presbytery was set up in its place, and upon its
ruins by the New School Synod of Tennessee, and named
Presbytery of CHATTAHOOCHEE. The following is the
account of its organization:
On October 9, 1844, "A communication was received
from James McLin, J. Wimpy, and J. McKee, ministers,
and from sundry Elders residing within the limits of the
state of Georgia, requesting Synod for a separate Pres-
byterial organization."
On the following day the committee on the petition of
the Rev. James McLin and others, reported. The report
was accepted and approved, and the Synod ordered, "that
the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and that the Rev.
James McLin, Jesse Wimpy, and Josepn McKee, be con-
stituted into a Presbytery, to be known by the name of
Chattahoochee. The north boundary of that Presbytery
to be the Tennessee Sate line, and to include the counties
in the new part of the State of Georgia as far as the
bounds of the Synod of Tennessee extend, having under
their care those churches in that region which are now
under the care of the Kingston Presbytery. They further
recommend, that the Presbytery of Chattahoochee meet
In Cassville, Ga., on the first Thursday of April, 1845, at
11 o'clock A. M., and that the Rev. James McLin preside
as Moderator." (Min. Syn. Tenn.) We presume the Pres-
bytery met at the time and place appointed by the Synod,
though we lack the records to show it. They reported to
the Synod in the fall four ministers, (The Rev. David H.
Mason having been received), and seven churches. In
1846, they reported the same ministers, and eight church-
es; and supplied as follows: Rev. James McLin, Pine Log
and Stamp Creek; Jesse Wimpy, Dahlonega, Hightower
and Hickory Flat; Joseph McKee, Pleasant Valley, Little
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 189
Britain and Salem. Rev. D. H. Mason without charge. In
1847, they reported an additional minister, Rev. Henry
Reid. In 1848 they reported the ordination of Campbell
Boyd and William Swift and only four churches reported.
In 1849, the Synod considered the case of Rev, J. Wimpy
who had been suspended from the gospel ministry by the
Presbytery, and reversed the action of the Presbytery,
and restored him to his former standing, when they took
the following action:
" Resolved that the Presbytery of Chattahoochee be,
and is hereby dissolved; That Messrs. H. Reid and Joseph
McKee be, and hereby are, attached to the Presbytery
of Union; and that Rev. Messrs. C. Boyd and J. Wimpy,
with all the churches of the Presbytery of Chattahoochee
in the State of Georgia and the records of that Presbytery,
be and hereby are, transferred to the Presbytery of Kings-
ton." (Min. of Synod).
The minutes of their General Assembly for 1849, the
year of the dissolution of the Presbytery, show that there
were four ministers, eight churches, forty-one additions on
examination, twenty-five on certificate, whole number 132;
infants baptized, 36; membership of churches as follows:
Pine Log, 16; Stamp Creek, 20; Dahlonega, 10; Hightower,
24; Hickory Flat, 30; Pleasant Valley, 13; Little Britain,
13; Salem, 6. Rev. Joseph McKee, Stated Clerk.
Thus it appears that the New School Presbytery of
Chattahoochee, like that of Etowah, did not long survive
— not more than four years.
In 1847 Rev. James McLin connected himself with the
Presbytery of Cherokee, and at the same time two churches
were reported as being received, by that Presbytery, "from
a body not in our connection," and in 1859 Rev. William
Swift and Concord Church belonging to that Presbytery
were received by the Presbytery of Cherokee.
After the dissolution of the Presbytery, Rev. Jesse
Wimpey returned to the Presbytery of Kingston, Rev. Jos-
eph McKee joined the Baptist Church and after the war
forsook them and joined the Northern Methodist Church.
"About 1868," says Mr. Cartledge in his notes, "Rev. P. C.
190 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Morton met him at his home in the northern part of Lump-
kin county, Ga., in extreme old age, and without a hope
in Christ. What has since been his lot I know not."
After the dissolution of the Presbytery the New School
element seemed to have lost the little hold it had in the
State. The few remaining churches soon became absorbed
either by our own branch of the Church, or by other denom-
inations, so that in a few years, after the removal of Rev.
T. M. Dwight, and the death of Rev. C. W. Howard, every
trace of it had disappeared from the bounds of the Synod*.
SYNOD OF TENNESSEE. (New School)
CHATTAHOOCHEE PRESBYTERY.
1846 — Ministers: Jas. McLin, S. S., Cassville, Ga.;
Jesse Wimpy, S. S., Dahlonega, Ga.; Joseph McKee, D. M.,
Cassville, Ga.; D. H. Mason, W. C.
1847 — Ministers: Henry Raid (additional).
1848 — Ministers: Campbell Boyd, ordained; William
Swift, ordained.
Churches — Pine Log, S. S., Stamp Creek, S. S., Dah-
lonega, S. S., Hightower, S. S., Hickory Flat, S. S., Pleas-
ant Valley, S. S., Little Britian, S. S., Salem, S. S.
CHAPTER XIII.
BLOCK CONTROVERSY AND DANCING.
One of the great controversies, and one perhaps that
stirred the Church more than any other, unless it be that
of evolution, of which we shall hereafter speak, and one of
great importance in its bearing upon the matter of disci-
pline, was that upon the subject of worldly amusements,
and dancing in particular.
During, and just after the war of secession, there was
a tide of worldliness sweeping over the land. There were
a ^reat many in the Church, ministers and others, who felt
that something ought to be done to arrest it.
An overture was sent up to the Assembly that met at
Macon, in 1865, by Dr. Ross, then pastor of the Huntsville
Church, propounding three questions and asking answers
to the same. The three questions were:
1. Whether every Church Session has the right to
make it a rule that dancing and other amusements are dis-
ciplinary?
2. Whether such rule commonly exists in the Pres-
byterian Church?
3. Whether such rule is expedient? Or what should
be the mind of the whole body, and what its action?
To these three questions the Assembly made the fol-
lowing answers :
To the first: No church judicatory has a right to make
any new rules of church membership different from those
contained in the Constitution; but it is the undoubted right
of the church session and of every other judicatory to make
a deliverance, affirming its sense of what is an "offense"
in the meaning of the Book of Discipline, Ch. I, Sec. 3.
To the second: Probably none of our judicatories are
as faithful as they ought to be, but it is believed that the
churches generally do in some form discountenance danc-
ing. And the Presbyterian Church, through its supreme
192 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
judicatory, has repeatedly borne its testimony against
dancing and other worldly amusements.
To the third: It is the duty of every judicatory to en-
force the teachings of our standards on this and other
fashionable amusements, such as theatrical performances,
card playing, etc. And while the Assembly believes that
the "lascivious dancings," declared to be forbidden in the
seventh commandment, by the answer to the 139th ques-
tion of the Larger Catechism, are not those usual in our
best society, yet it is our belief that the tenor of the
teachings of the Scriptures and our standards is in di-
rect opposition to this social usuage. Christ's kingdom is
not of this world, and the apostle exhorts Christians not
to be conformed to this world. Though we do not say that
all these amusements are "in their own nature sinful," }t
is clear that they "may tempt" those who engage in them,
and others, to sin; and moreover the Scriptures condemn
them as worldliness. If the practice of the dance in mixed
assemblies be not conforming to the world, it is difficult
to name any offense against the injunction of the Apostle.
Nor need the church of Christ have any hesitancy in an-
nouncing its position on this subject, for the men of the
world, with one consent, agree that it is inconsistent with
the nature of the Christian profession, for members of the
church to engage in the dance.
In this connection the Assembly would take occasion
to exhort our Christian people to avoid the excesses into
which they are in danger of being drawn by the demands
of fashion. The Scriptures forbid "revellings" and all in-
temperate self-indulgence; with which teachings the pre-
valent eustom of protracting social assemblies, with
music and dancing, to the hours of the morning, but es-
pecially when accompanied with drinking, or cardplaying,
is manifestly inconsistent. Moreover the Assembly, ob-
serving that parties of pleasure are usually composed al-
most exclusively of unmarried young people, would give it
as its earnest advice, that the best form of social reunion
be made to partake, as much as possible of the style and
tone of the family circle in which youthful enjoyment is
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 193
tempered by the presence of the older and married mem-
bers.
The Assembly expresses itself with the more earnest-
ness on this whole subject, because of the disposition
which is observed in all parts of our borders to run into
the inordinate indulgence of worldliness at this time, in
forgetfulness of the mighty chastenings of God which are
even yet upon us, and because we see members of our
churches, and our beloved baptized youth, in forgetfulness
of the covenant of God, which is upon them, carried away
with the world's delusions, to the subversion of the divine
influences of the sanctuary, and to the neglect of the in-
terests of their souls. Wherefore, the Assembly would
urge our people to take the word of exhortation; to ab-
stain from all forms of evil; and to study and pursue that
sobriety which becometh the gospel, so that the church
of Christ shall indeed be "a peculiar people." And we
hereby exhort our ministers and church Sessions to a dis-
charge of their duties. Let them proceed by affectionate
and faithful instruction from the pulpit, as well as in pri-
vate; by admonition and by such other measures as Christ-
ian prudence may dictate; but when all other means fail,
let them proceed to such methods of discipline as shall
separate from the church those who love the world and
practice conformity thereto, rather than to the law of
Christ. (1)
An overture was sent by Rev. Dr. Dabney, then Pro-
fessor at Union Seminary, to the Assembly at Mobile in
May, 1869, the substance of which was an earnest recom*
mendation to the Assembly, "to direct all its moral and
spiritual powers, to the points: "First, appealing to educat-
ed and professional men for an extraordinary recruit to
the ministry.
And secondly, effectually causing all church Sessions
and Presbyteries to enforce the discipline provided in our
constitution against offenses; and especially aginst con-
formity to dissipated and lascivious amusements of the
(l)Min. Assem. Vol. 1. 361, 362.
194 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
world, intemperance, and relaxed expedients for evading
pecuniary obligations now permitted by the laws of the
country."
To the second of these the Assembly gives the ans-
wer:
That the Assembly would, in hearty response to the
second suggestion of this overture, earnestly and solemn-
ly enjoin upon all the Sessions and Presbyteries under its
care, the absolute necessity of enforcing "the discipline
provided in our constitution against offenses," under the
word offenses, including attendance by our members upon
theatrical exhibitions and performances, and promiscuous
dancings; against intemperance, and against availing
themselves of the "expedients for evading pecuniary ob-
ligations, now permitted by the legislation of the country,"
in such manner as cannot be justified by a conscience en-
lightened by the Spirit and the word of God, and must dis-
honor the cause of Jesus Christ. (2)
At the meeting of the Presbytery of Atlanta at Phil-
adelphia church, April 1877, Rev. P. McMurray introduced
a resolution to the effect that in view of the pleasure-lov-
ing disposition of the people in this day of abounding in-
iquity, that a pastoral letter be prepared and sent down
to the churches, putting them on their guard, and warning
them of evil tendencies. It was also resolved that the fol-
lowing resolution be incorporated in said pastoral letter:
"Resolved, That the Presbytery of Atlanta hereby en-
joins the Sessions of the churches under its care to exer-
cise the discipline, prescribed in our book against the
guilt of indulging in worldly amusements, condemned by
our Assembly in its deliverances of 1865 and 1869."
This pastoral letter was prepared with this resolu-
tion embodied in it and sent to the churches. Min. Pres.
1877, pages, 12, 17, and 20.
At that same meeting of the Presbytery the follow-
ing overture was prepared and ordered sent to the General
Assembly:
(2) Min. Assem. Vol. 11. 390.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 195
"The Presbytery of Atlanta would respectfully over-
ture the General Assembly to interpret the law of the
church against worldly amusements as set forth in the
deliverances of 1865 and 1869, in the following particul-
lars:
1st. Does the law forbid card playing for purposes of
amusement or for purposes of gambling merely?
2nd. Does it forbid dancing, or only promiscuous
dancing?
3rd. If the latter only, to what accident of the dance
does the word "promiscuous" refer? Does the law forbid
the round dances merely as distinguished from the square,
or dancing at a public hall as distinguished from dancing
in a private house? Or the mingling of males and females
in this amusement, for the reason, among others, that in
such cases the dance has a tendency to inflame the licen-
tious passions?
By giving explicit replies to the above questions, Pres.
bytery is persuaded that the Assembly will perform time-
ly and important service to the church, and free from
their present embarrassment many sessions which are
ready to enforce the law, and yet restrained from acting
by doubt as to its true construction." (1).
The following was the answer of the Assembly to
these questions, rendered at their meeting in May of the
same year at New Orleans:
1st. The Assembly has uniformly discouraged and
condemned the modern dance in all its form, as tending
to evil, whether practiced in public halls or in private
parlors.
2nd. Some forms of this amusement are more mis-
chievous than others — the round dance than the square,
the public ball than the private parlor — 'but all are evil
and should be discontinued.
3rd. The extent of the mischief done depends largely
upon circumstances. The Church Session is therefore the
only court competent to judge what remedy to apply; but
(1) Min. P. 17.
196 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
the Assembly being persuaded that in most cases it is the
result of thoughtlessness or ignorance, recommends great
patience in dealing with those who offend in this way,"
Vol. IV, P. 411.
Against this action Rev. J. W. Montgomery offered a
protest which was allowed to go to record; the ground of
the protest being twofold:
1st. Because the Assembly by condemning actions as
actions which may or may not involve an element of sin,
weakens the force of its own protest against REAL and AC-
KNOWDEDGED wrong.
2nd. Because, in the judgment of your protestant,
this deliverance contravenes Section 2, Chapter 20, Con-
fession of Faith, which declares that God alone is Lord of
the conscience, and hath left it free from the doc-
trines and commandments of men which are in anything
CONTRARY TO HIS WORD OR BESIDE IT, etc. P. 429
In accordance with the above deliverances of the
General Assembly and their interpretation of the law, the
Session of the Central Church, Atlanta, Georgia, then un-
der the pastorate of the Rev. J. T. Leftwich, D. D., pro-
ceeded to table charges against Mr. Frank E. Block, a
member and Deacon in said church. The following com-
posed the Session at that time: Dr. J. P. Logan, A. V.
Brunby, Moses Cole, S. D. McConnell, William McNaught,
Campbell Wallace, and J. M. Patton, who was Clerk.
The Session met Jan. 8, 1878, at which time the fol-
lowing charge was made out:
"Whereas, It is reported by common fame, that Mr.
Frank E. Block, a member and Deacon of this church, has
been guilty of violating the law of the church, in this:
1st, that the said Frank E. Block did, on or about the 27th
of December, last, give an entertainment at his residence
on McDonough Street, in this city, in which dancing was
permitted and encouraged. 2nd, that the said Block, by
his own act, in thus encouraging a violation of the law
of the church, has tempted others, and younger members
of the church to sin; Therefore:
"Resolved, That the clerk be directed to issue a cita*
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 197
tion requiring the said F. E. Block to appear before the
Session on Monday, 21st, at 4 o'clock P. M. in the lecture
room to answer in reference to these matters."
The citation was issued, Mr. Block appeared before
the Session, and after a regular trial the Session adopted
the following sentence:
"Mr. Frank E. Block, having admitted before the ses-
sion, that at an entertainment given by him at his resi-
dence in this city on the 27th of December last, dancing
both round and square, was permitted; and having de-
fended and attempted to justify the same, notwithstand-
ing the deliverances of the Presbytery of Atlanta, and of
the General Assembly, which have both strongly enjoined
upon sessions the absolute necessity of enforcing the dis-
cipline provided in the constitution of the church against
such conduct; and the said Block having gone further, and
denied the validity of the said deliverances above referred
to, as unauthorized by the constitution of the church, and
the word of God; and having denounced the same as an un-
warranted usurpation of power on part of the said judica-
tories.
"It is, therefore, declared as the sense of this Session,
that the said F. E. Block be suspended from the priveleges
of church membership, until he shall give evidence of re-
pentance for this offense, and make promise of reformation
in the future."
From this judgment, Mr. McNaught one of the elders,
dissented, favoring only admonition.
From this judgment Mr. Block took an appeal to the
Presbytery of Atlanta, which was soon to meet.
The Presbytery of Atlanta met in Lawrenceville,
April 26, 1878. The case came up by appeal, and being in
order, was fully considered, three days being consumed
in its consideration. In this discussion nearly all the mem-
bers took part. The debate was lively and animated. On
the third day the vote was taken with the following re-
sult:
TO SUSTAIN.
Ministers — John Jones, D. D., D. Eraser, J. H. Martin.
198 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Elders— W. P. Inman, M. V. McKibben, L. O. Stevens,
D. Hoyt, W. L. Shumate— 8
NOT SUSTAIN.
Ministers — A. G. Peden, J. N. Bradshaw, F. McMurray,
Wm. Dimmock, W. A. Dabney, R. F. Taylor, W. T. Hollings-
worth, S. S. Gaillard, James Stacy, D. D.
Elders— H. P. Richards, T. W. Dimmock, A. W. Blake,
D. M. Bird, John Thompson, Winfield Woolf, A. L. Huie,
Geo. Lyons, John Douglass, J. A. Hollingsworth, D. D.
Peden— 20.
SUSTAIN IN PART.
Ministers — Henry Quigg, J. L. King, J. L. Rogers, M.
C. Britt.
Elders— S. D. Night, R. L. Barry, A. C. Russell— 7.
Wherefore it was "resolved. That it is declared to be
the judgment of the Presbytery that the appeal of Mr.
Block be not and is not, sustained."
From this decision of the Presbytery Mr. Block ap-
pealed to the Synod of Georgia.
CASE BEFORE THE SYNOD OF GEORGIA.
The Synod met at the Central Church, Atlanta, Oct.
z3rd, 1878, and continued in session till Wednesday, No-
vember 1st. There was a full attendance and the intens-
est interest manifested on part of the church and com-
munity, as the place of meeting was the church and con-
gregation in which the case originated; and moreover as
the case had been before the church and world for more
than a year; a great deal having been said and written
on the same.
The following are the grounds of the appeal, eight
in all. The first, second and eighth, were stricken by the
Synod, as not being germane to the appeal and not sup-
ported by evidence, which in the nature of the case, could
not be contained in the records.
3rd. On the ground that the decision was not sup-
ported by the evidence, there being no proof offered, that
any sin had been committed by myself, or any one else
in my house, on December 27th, the Session relying solely
for proof on questions asked me to convict myself, which
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 199
mod€ of conviction is contrary to the fundamental princi*
pies of justice, both in civil and ecclesiastical courts.
4th. On the ground that I am suspended from the
church upon a charg-e which in itself does not contain the
essentials of an offens-e.
5th. On the ground that the verdict of the Session
was not corrected in the statement that "I justified danc-
ing both round and square," which is contrary to the fact
as shown in the evidence on record.
6th. On the ground that the verdict of the Session
was not corrected in the statement that I "denounced the
deliverances of the Assemblies as an unwarranted usur-
pation of power on part of the said judicatories," which is
contrary to the fact as shown in the printed defense as
offered before the Session.
7th. On the ground that the position taken by the ap-
pellee, and supported by the Presbytery, involves the mak-
ing of new terms of communion, not contained in the
Bible or in our standards."
After protracted discussion of the case, the vote was
taken and is as follows:
To sustain 26. To sustain in part, 14; not to sustain;
17. The Presbytery of Atlanta not being allowed to vote.
The following was adopted the finding of the Court:
The Synod finds:
1st. That laws exist in our constitution which are ap-
plicable to all offenses, including under that term popular
amusements of all kinds, when these are in their own na-
ture sinful, or from attendant circumstances become so.
2nd. That when common fame charged Mr. P. E.
Block, a deacon of the Atlanta Central Church, with hav-
ing violated a law of the church in connection with danc-
ing it was the duty of the Session of said church to inves-
tigate this charge, in obedience to the commands of the
General Assembly, as contained in its deliverances made
in answer to the overtures of Drs. Ross and Dabney, and
the Presbytery of Atlanta, in the years 1865, 1869, and
1877.
3rd. That the proceedings of said session, in conduct-
200 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
ing the trial to which this investigation led, were irregu-
lar. (1) In failing to specify with sufficient particularity
in the charge what law of the church had been violated
(2) In failing to observe the requirements of the Book of
Discipline in chapter IV, section 5. (3). In including in
the sentence specifications of offenses not set forth in the
charge.
4th. That the decision of said Session was not sus-
tained by the evidence.
5th. Therefore, on these grounds the Synod reverses
the decision of the Presbytery of Atlanta in this case and
the sentence pronounced upon Mr. F. E. Block by the Ses*
sion of the Atlanta Central Church, and it restores Mt
Block to the privileges of church Membership."
The vote upon this paper stood: Ayes, 37; Nays, 15.
Dr. Leftwich gave notice that he would on part of th«
Session take an appeal to the General Assembly. But
having received a call immediately thereafter, and even
before the rising of the Synod, to the First Presbyterian
Church, Baltimore, Md., and soon moving out of the
bounds of the Southern Assembly, the matter was drop-
ped and the case prosecuted no further.
We have been rather particular in our statements, as
this is one of the most important judicial cases ever up be-
fore the Synod of Georgia for adjudication, as it settled a
most important principle. The case was watched with in-
terest, not only by our own people, but equally so by oth-
er denominations, and likewise by the outside world. It
was regarded by all as a test case. Its decision, therefore
was far reaching, and forever settled the question of
church discipline for worldly amusements and not only
so but lowered the entire standard of church membership,
and not only in our own church, but those of other denom-
inations, removing all barriers between it and the world,
except the judgment and notion of the member himself;
and in his way, most disastrous in its effects. Formerly dis-
cipline for worldly amusements was administered with
comparative strictness, but now worldly conformity is no
longer desciplinable, at least beyond admonition. For if
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 201
promiscuous dancing, theatre going, and card playing, be
not disciplinable, neither are whiskey selling, horse rac-
ing and gambling. The church has thus tied her own
hands by placing these things outside her jurisdiction and
limits of her power. If she be not competent to act on
general principles, and to define what is to be considered an
"offense," but must show a thus saith the Lord, for every
statute, she may as well throw down all her standards
except the ten commandments, and abolish all her courts.
He who goes to the Scriptures for an express command-
ment for every case will find himself mistaken. All we
find are general fundamental principles, which in cases of
dispute are to be settled by her courts.
We have nothing to say about this particular case,
whether the punishment was unduly severe or not, but
this much we would venture to afirm, that our courts
seem to stand self contradicted. For in the first deliver-
ances in '65, '69 and '77, it was distinctly affirmed that in
the judgment of the Assembly promiscuous dancing was
considered an offense and Sessions were instructed to pro-
ceed against recalcitrant members. And then in 1878 they
assert with equal clearness' that there is no such law;
that the Assembly has no authority so to interpret an of-
fense; that these former deliverances were mere "Obita
Dictu" of the court, and really of no authority, not even
as advice, for if the advice could not be followed in deal-
ing with delinquent members, the Assembly simply stulti-
fied itself in giving it.
In the discussion the distinction was clearly drawn be-
tween a decision and a mere "in thesi deliverance," it be-
ing admitted that the former would have all the binding
force of law, but the latter never could, for the former
would be the act of a court solemnly sitting in the name of
Jesus Christ and the latter only an expression of opinion.
On the other hand, it was argued that these deliver-
ances were the deliverances of the same court of Jesus
Christ, as well as the other constituted in the same way,
with the same authority, and why the one solemn deliver-
ance of the same court, constituted in the same way, and
202 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
with the same authority, should not be as binding as the
other, no one could tell.
There seemed also to be a confused notion as to the
styling of a decision in a concrete case as a law. It was ad-
mitted that all such decisions would be law in that partic-
ular case, but how a law in others with different attend-
ing circumstances? So the case must precede the law be-
fore the law could be known, and thus the case would de-
termine the law and not the law the case. The whole ques-
tion of the force of "in thesi deliverances" and their posi-
tion in our form of government, needs to be upset and re-
considered. Of what use is a court if it cannot interpret
the meaning of the law when appealed to; or if its inter-
pretation, when thus rendered, be not binding?
Concerning this case the following things are to be
noted :
1st. Next to the evolution controversy, of which I
shall speak hereafter, no question was ever before the
Synod of Georgia of equal magnitude and none ever stir-
red the church more profoundly. The papers, both secu-
lar and religious, were full of it. The discussion was upon
every lip and this interest not confined to our own church
alone, but to the other denominations as well and also to
the utside world. Every body regarded it as a test case.
The question was now to be settled whether a church
member could be dealt with for worldly conformity and
indulging in worldly pleasures. Whether the Church had
the right to make a law against such things? Or to so in-
terpret the teachings of the Scriptures as forbidding such
things and to exclude from her communion all who per
sistently indulged in them. And the question assumed
additional interest, because so far reaching in its applica-
tion; the principle applying alike to the kindred subjects
of whiskey selling, horse racing, gambling and the like.
For they were all in the same category. If the church
could not reach the one in her discipline, neither could it
reach the others. The eyes of every one, therefore, were
turned to this case to see what would be the decision of
the Presbyterian church on this class of subjects.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 203
2nd. To th€ casual observer the settlement of the
case was a quasi declaration that the Presbyterian church
has no law against these things, and therefore no man is
to be dealt with for indulging in them. This was the in-
terpretation put upon the verdict by the world. This was
the thing charged by the defeated minority of the Synod,
and virtually admitted by the controlling majority, inas-
much as in their judgment they said nothing about the con-
duct of the defendant, as though he had done nothing
worthy of censure, though he was a deacon, -and had sworn
to "study the unity and peace of the church," but the entire
blame being put upon the Session for all the disturbance,
and injury done the church and the cause of Christ in
general.
It was for this reason that Dr. Lane, seeing the logi-
cal interpretation the world would and was putting upon
this action of Synod, offered the supplementary resolution
which was adopted to the effect that, notw'ithstanding the
decision in the case, the Synod would not have the world
believe that it favored dancing. And for the same reason
eight years after, at Sparta, in 1886, J. L. Stevens,
seeing still more clearly the effect of the decision, offered
the resolution:
"Resolved, That in view of the fact that the action of
the Synod in the Block case has been construed into an
approval of the dance, when that case was decided purely
on technical grounds, as the records of the Synod will
show, that we affirm that all of the deliverances of the
Assemblies of the church on the dance are in full force.'*
Which resolution was at once tabled by a vote of 32 to 11.
(Min. 1886. p. 12.)
So also in 1889, thirteen years after, at GriflEin, the
Synod found it necessary to counteract the effects of that
decision, to adopt the following resolution upon the recom-
mendation of the committee on Worldly Amusements:
"Whereas, there is a misapprehension as to the posi-
tion of the Synod of Georgia on the subject of dancing and
other fashionable amusements, it is hereby:
Resolved, That the Synod of Georgia disapproves of
204 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
and condemns dancing, especially in its more modern
forms, the round dance and the German, card playing and
theater going, and that this has uniformly been the posi-
tion of the Standards of the Church." (Min. 1889. p. 13.)
That this was the interpretation of the entire outside
world clearly appears from the effects. The result of the
decision was that it has effectually killed all discipline
not only in the Presbyterian church but in all the Christ-
ian churches, for the offense of dancing, it heing
no more regarded as an offense but the merest peccadillo
at best. Afld not only so, but also lowered the standard of
discipline in all the churches and upon all matters. Form-
erly the churches were tolerably strict in their discip-
line, but now the dividing line between the church and
the world has been almost entirely obliterated, and it has
become exceedingly rare ever to hear of a case of discip-
line in any of the churches for any offense. The decision
of the case has been most disastrous in its results and far
reaching in its consequences.
3rd. Now as to the merits of the case and the prin-
ciples involved. In order to understand this we must
bear in mind the following things:
1st. The Definition of an Offense. An OiTense, ac-
cording to the Book of Church Order, " is anything in the
principles or practice of a church member which is con-
trary to the Word of God. The Confession of Faith, and
the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster
Assembly, together with the Formularies of 'Government,
Discipline and Worship, are accepted by the Presbyterian
Church in the United States as standard expositions of
the teaching of Scripture in relation to both faith and
practice. Nothing, therefore, ought to be considered by
any court as an offense or admitted as a matter of accusa-
tion, which cannot be proved to be such from Scripture as
interpreted in these standards." (Ch. Ill Par. 153.)
2nd. The Powers of the Assembly. In addition to its
general supervisory power, among other things, it is
asserted that it is its province, "to decide in all controver-
sies respecting doctrine and discipline; to give its advice
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 205
and instruction, in conformity with the constitution, in all
cases submitted to it." Not that it has power to make law,
or to set up a new standard, but to interpret the standards
already set up, in all cases submitted to it for its decision.
Being the Court of last resort, its instructions and direc-
tions are to be regarded as supreme, its interpretations of
the standards to be received as authoritative and binding.
3rd. The things mentioned as embraced in the Stand-
ards. These are, the Confession of Faith, the Larger and
Shorter Catechisms, together with the Formularies of Gov-
ernment, Discipline and Worship. Error in any of these
particulars constitutes an Offense with which the Courts
are to deal.
4th. Now for the facts in the case. For some years,
from 1865 to 1877, at different times and on different oc-
casions, the Assembly had been formally overtured, once
by a Theological Professor, once by a prominent pastor,
and once by a Presbytery, for interpretation and instruc-
tion as to the teachings of the standards of the church
on the subject of the dance. Whether the "promiscuous
dance" as commonly practiced was an offense according
to the standards, and therefore disciplinable, and whether
there should be a distinction between the round and
square dance, and whether in private and public?
The Assembly replied that no Church Court has a
right to make any law on the subject, but that each Ses-
sion has the right to make a deliverance aflarming its sense
of what is an offense in the meaning of the Book of Dis-
cipline. That all dances may not come under those term-
ed lascivious in the answer -to the 139th question in the
Larger Catechism, yet they all tend to evil, whether
round or square, in public or private, and should be dis-
countenanced. That is was their duty to enforce the
teachings of the standards on this and other fashionable
amusements, and after admonition, public and private, had
failed, to proceed to such method of discipline as to sep-
arate such from the church. This instruction was also re-
peated a second time.
With these clear cut interpretations of law by this the
206 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
supreme Court of the Church, and to which the Constitu-
tion had given this power, before them, the Session of the
Central Church proceeded to table charges against Mr.
Block and suspended him from the church.
Now in the Judgment rendered by the Synod, they
declare that the Session of the Central church, when they
had heard the charge of common fame against the defend-
ent, ought to have proceeded according to the directions of
the Assembly in answering the overtures in '65, '69 and
'77. But had they not done that very thing? This is what
they thought they were doing.
The Assembly had adjudged that promiscuous danc-
ing was an offense under the standards. This was the
added clause, "and enquire what law had been violat-
ed?" The Assembly had adjudged that promiscuous danc-
ing was an offence under the standards. This was the
thing submitted and passed upon. Herein the standards
of the church as interpreted by our highest court were dis-
regarded, and this is the charge against the defendant. This
was all to be proven; a thing not denied. What then is
the meaning of this search for violated law, and that in
obedience to the direction of the Assembly, when the As-
sembly said nothing about it? To some of the members
of that Court at least, at that time, the search for that
violated law, doubtless all seemed right and proper, but to
observers at this distant day it appears sadly out of join*-.
This brings us then to the main issue in the argu-
ment, since in this demanded search for law is clearly
concealed an implied hint that there was no law on the
subject, and indeed this was the very point made in the
argument. The point was pressed by all the leading speak-
ers upon that side that these decisions of the Assembly
were mere "Obita dictu," mere "In thesi" deliverances,
and not law. And yet they were the utterances of a
Court, the highest court of the church constituted for the
very purpose of settling all questions of law as well as all
controversies, when submitted to them and in answer to
a formal overture that as a court, it would interpret th^e
standards. In all civil courts all interpretations of the law
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 207
by the court are authoritive and binding and indeed
forms part of the law itself. Strange, then, that the same
principle should not apply to Ecclessiastical Courts as
well. If the solemn interpretations of law by the Assem-
bly when formally submitted to it be no more than a mere
opinion or advice, then wherein does a Presbyterian As«
sembly differ from a congregational assembly? If it can
only give advice, of what use is it? According to Pres-
byterian theory, the Assembly is a court and not an advis-
ory body, and all its decisions are authoritative and bind-
ing. When it gives an opinion, merely, then that opinion
is to be received simply as an opinion and respected as
such. When it gives a solemn interpretation of law that
interpretation becomes the law of the church and is to be
accepted as such. So when it decides a judicial case that
decision becomes the law in that particular case. If a court
in one thing, so in all. If a court in the morning, so in
the evening. If only a court in some things, then where
will you draw the line? If the interpretation of a court be
not law, and binding, why should its decision in a judicial
case be binding? If the ruling of the Assembly be not
law, but only an expression of opinion, why term it a
Court? According to our standards, the General Assem-
bly is a properly appointed Court, and every where so
termed, and like all other courts, not to make law, but to
interpret the law, to tell what the law is, and that decision
is just as binding as when it passes the final sentence.
The very object of a court is to see that the law is prop-
erly understood and administered as it is written upon the
statute book. This is what the Assembly did. It made no
new law but simply interpreted the law concerning offen-
ses, as then existing upon the standards. To say on the
one hand that the Assembly had no right to do this, is to
deny its existence and authority as a Court. To say, on
the other hand, that in doing this the Assembly made a
new law, is simply making an assertion not supported by
the facts in the case.
Here then was the circle in which the Synod was mov-
ing. In their judgment they said that the Session ought to
208 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
have followed the direction of the different Assemblies in
the matter, and yet they condemned the Session for doing
that very thing. They were to follow the directions of the
different Assemblies of '65, '69 and '77, and point out with
distinctness the particular law of the church which had
been violated, and yet when that was done and they had
pointed to the law of offense as interpreted by the As-
sembly, they say that those official decisions of this the
highest court in the church, and set up for that very pur-
pose, which in the exercise of their ligitimate functions,
had interpreted the law as submitted to them, that these de-
cisions of this high court were mere "obita verba" "in thesi
delivepances," mere opinions and not laws. They were to
follow the Assemblies and not to follow them.
The Assembly, when sitting as a jury, was a court,
but when sitting as an interpreter and expositor
of law, no court, and its decisions of no more binding au-
thority than of any body else. It is easy to see how the whole
outside world regarded the whole trial as the merest
sham, but an ecclesiastical dodge of the great practical
issue that was shaking the church from its centre tj its
circumference.
There were two other particulars in which the Synod
said the Session had erred. One was not first having gone
to the defendent in private, according to the Saviour's
rule in Matt. 18, 15 (see Ch. IV. Sec. V. Book of Discip-
line.) But to the Session this did not appear a private but
a public offense. The offender had been remonstrated
with; the pastor had been to see him, and had been preach-
ing upon the subject; the subject had been before the As-
sembly several times, and discussed in the papers; the
appellant knew very well that he was disregarding the
wishes of his pastor and Session and also running against
the highest judicatory of the church; nor yet was the of-
fense a private one but committed in public. The Session,
therefore, felt that enough had already been said; the act
though committed but once, yet being of so contumaceous
a character that they felt warranted in taking the step they
did.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 209
The second ground of exception, was that there were
some things in the sentence of the Session, that were not
in the charges, and even admitting this to be true, it would
not affect the decision in the least and is therefore un-
worthy of notice here.
It was the opinion of a large part of the Synod that
the Session had acted too hastily in not first having tried
milder measures, and this w^as the ground of the vote to
sustain in part. If the Synod had based their judgment
solely upon that ground, instead in calling in question the
constitutional authority of the Assembly, the decision
would have been far more logical and satisfactory.
We have thus written at large and endeavored fully
to present the subject in all its phases. And we cannot
but express regret that the case was never carried to the
Assembly for final adjudication, for as the matter now
stands the. Assembly has said one thing and the Synod
another. In other words, the Synod has given an interpre-
tation contrary to and in the face of that of the Assembly.
And thus the matter stands.
CHAPTER XIV.
EVOLUTION.
Scarcely had the cloud passed away ere another of
still greater magnitude commenced to gather in the dis-
tant horizon, and one, too, destined soon to sweep over
the whole land with its damaging results, as it affected
alike the interests of the whole Church.
Like a great mountain cast into the sea, it agitated the
surrounding country, not only Georgia, but the whole
Southern land and even reaching Northern shores. It was
acted upon in Presbyteries, Synods, General Assemblies;
discussed in Church papers and political journals; talked
of on the streets, as a matter of general comment. It con-
tinued to agitate the church for four years, from 1884 to
1888, and like the burning fire in the forest, consuming
every thing in its course, the greatest injury being to the
Synod of Georgia, and the Theological Seminary at Co-
lumbia, S. C, as these were the centres of the hottest
fires.
To do justice to such a controversy would require a
full volume to itself, instead of a single chapter. We shall
endeavor to be as concise as possible in pointing out th<i
different acts in this noted controversy.
ITS BEGINNING.
In the autumn of 1857 Dr. James A. Lyon, of Colum-
bus, Mississippi, introduced the following resolutions in the
Presbytery of Tombeckbee, which were warmly supported
by Rev. Richard S. Gladney, of Aberdeen, and unanimously
adopted, viz:
"Whereas, We live in an age in which the most insid-
ious attacks are made upon revealed religion through the
natural sciences; and as it behooves the church, at all
times to have men capable of defending the faith once db-
livered to the saints; therefore:
"Resolved, That this Presbytery recommend the en-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 211
dowment of a professorship of the natural sciences as con-
nected with revealed religion in one or more of our theo-
logical seminaries, and cheerfully recommend our churches
to contribute their full proportion of funds for said en-
downment.
"Resolved, That the same be brought before our Synod
(of Mississippi) at its next meeting for consideration."
This was accordingly done. The Synod of Mississippi
unanimously approved the proceeding of the Presbytery
and "cordially recommended the same to the consideration
of the next General Assembly." Thus it appears the idea
of a professorship of natural sciences originated in the
Presbytery of Tombeckbee.
At the meeting of the Synod of Georgia, at Jackson-
ville, Florida, Dec. 2, 1859, official notice was given through
the Board of Directors of the Seminary that Judge John
Perkins, of "The Oaks," near Columbus, Mississippi, a
member and ruling Elder of the church in that city, had
donated to the Seminary at Columbia, $50,000, $30,000 of
which was to be devoted to the establishment of a new
chair in said institution on the connection of Science with
Revelation. The residue to be used for the benefit of in-
digent young men in the Institution, as well as of disabled
ministers, their widows and children.
To this sum $10,000 was afterwards added by the
Donor, making $60,000, in all.
This was indeed a most magnificent gift, and was thank-
fully and joyfully received. And the Synod began to take
steps for the establishment of the new chair, the title of
which was to be, "The Perkins Professorship of Natural
Science in connection with Revelation, the design of which
shall be to evince the harmony of science with the records
of our faith."
According to an agreement with the other associated
Synods, it was the time for the Synod of Georgia to elect
the Professor and the others to confirm. So the Synod de-
termined to go into an election and set the hour, but on ac-
count of the great interests and responsibilities involved,
212 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
it was thought best to postpone the election till the next
regular meeting, which was done.
At the meeting of the Synod next year at Columbus
(1860), Synod proceeded to elect a professor to fill the
chair. There were four names put in nomination: Rev.
James Woodrow, professor in Oglethorpe College; Rev
James A. Lyon, D. D., pastor at Columbus, Miss.; Rev. Wil-
liam Flinn, pastor at Milledgeville, and Prof. A. Guyot, of
Princeton, N. J., which name was afterwards withdrawn.
Prof. James Woodrow was duly elected, and his election
being confirmed by the other Synods arrangements were
made for his inauguration. At the next meeting of the
Synod, of Georgia, at Marietta, Nov. 22, 1861, Dr. Wood-
row delivered his inaugural address, in which he outlined
the methods and subjects of his teaching.
After pointing out the method by which the design
of the chair could be met in instances where there was no
antagonism, he proceeds to show the method where there
was asserted antagonism, as in the length of the Mosaic
days, the Scriptures asserting as usually believed ordi-
nary days, but science indefinite periods; the first begin-
ning of death; the Scriptures teaching that there was no
death before the Fall; science on the other hand claiming
that death of lower animals, at least existed before that
event; then as to the extent of the flood; the Scriptures
teaching its universality; science that it was only partial;
that in cases of this kind, as it was impossible for hira
to conceive of a proposition being Theologically true but
scientifically false, the diflaculty would be either with the
facts of science or the interpretation of Scripture, the
work of the professor would be to acquaint himself with
the facts of the one and also to see that the interpreta-
tion of the Scriptures be correct and thus remove the
seeming antagonism, but that in either and every case, the
authority of the Scriptures was never to be called in ques-
tion, its authority being supreme.
In that inaugural there was no mention made of Evo-
lution, as that subject was yet hardly before the public.
It was not till after this that the views of Darwin and Hux-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 213
l€y became generally known. After the publication of their
"Works, and their views were known they were discussed
in the public Journals. Dr. Woodrow found it necessary
to discuss them before his classes. It therefore became
desirable to the members of the Board of Directors of the
Seminary and also highly proper that they should know
the views of the Professor of Natural Science on that sub-
ject and the character of his teaching to his classes.
Hence we find the following resolutions adopted at
their meeting in May, 1883.
"Whereas, "This Seminary is the only one in our
Southern Church, that has the Chair of Natural Science in
connection with Revelation; and
"Whereas, during the senior year, the questions of
the unity and antiquity of the human race are fully exam-
ined; and
"Whereas, Skepticism in the world is using alleged dis-
coveries in science to impugn the Word of God;
"Therefore, be it resolved, that this Board request
Prof. Dr. James Woodrow to give fully his views, as taught
in this Institution upon Evolution as it respects the world,
the lower animals and man, in the October number of the
Southern Presbyterian Review, or as soon thereafter as
possible." (Min. of Board).
At the meeting of the Board the next year (1884,)
May 6th, a communication was received from Dr. Wood-
row, stating that "it had been impossible for him to pre-
pare the article requested by the Board for the October
number of the Southern Presbyterian Review, but that
he would deliver an address that night before the
Alumni, in which he would present the views and teach-
ings asked." The Board regarded the statement as satis-
factory, and requested the publication of the teachings in
the aforesaid Review.
The address was delivered as promised, and afterwards
published in pamphlet, and also in the Review.
In that address he said "There would seem to be no
ground for attributing a different origin to man's body
from that which would be attributed to animals. If the
214 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
existing animal species were immediately created, so was
man; if they were derived from ancestors unlike them-
selves, so may man have been. The soul of Adam he be-
lieved to be immediately created. In the case of Eve,
however, he saw "insurmountable obstacles in the way of
fully applying the doctrine of descent."
The Board met again in Sept. 16 of the same year. The
following communication was received from Dr. Wood-
row:
"In the autumn of 1882 your report to the Synod con-
tained certain expressions touching Evolution which led
me to regard it as my duty to take the earliest possible
opportunity to call your attention specially to my in-
structions on that subject in the class room, although I had
already frequently done so at the successive examinations.
Accordingly at your next meting in May, 1883, I laid be-
fore you a brief statement as to the views held and taught
by me. Thereupon, after receiving the brief statement
that Evolution does not contradict the sacred Scriptures,
you did me the honor to request me to give my views more
fully on this topic and publish them in the Southern Pres-
byterian Review, since "scepticism in the world is using
alleged discoveries in science to impugn the word of God."
I have acceded to your request, and beg leave now to sub-
mit to you a copy of the article I have published in accord-
ance with it."
After a long and thorough discussion of the matter,
Rev. A. W. Clisby offered the following paper:
"Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Seminary, at
its meeting in May, 1883, requested the Perkins Professor
of Natural Science in connection with Revelation, to give
fully his views as taught in the Seminary upon Evolution
as it respects the world, lower animals and man. In com-
pliance with this request he delivered an address before
the Alumni Association, in the presence of the Board in
May, 1884, and published it in the Southern Presbyterian
Review of July following:
"Whereas, Both this action of the Board and said ad
dress have been made the subject of much discussion in
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 215
our religious papers, the Board deems it proper to make the
following statement to the Synods controlling the Semi-
nary for their information and that of our whole church:
1. This Board is in fullest sympathy with the godly
jealousy of the church for the infallible truths of, and
absolute inerrancy of, the Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments as God's word to man, and we rejoice in the
full confirmation by Dr. Woodrow of our conviction that
he stands immovably with us with said position.
2. In making our request upon Dr. Woodrow, the
Board was not actuated by any suspicion of his soundness
in the faith, but having heard that to some extent such
suspicion had arisen in some parts of our church, and
knowing that scepticism was using some forms of the the-
ory of Evolution for assailing the Word of God, we judged
the occasion opportune for securing an exposition of the
whole subject in its relation to Revelation from one
thoroughly acquainted both with it and the Scriptures of
truth which might be greatly useful in imparting needed
information to the church and allaying groundless alarm
on account of the boasting of unbelief.
3. In our use of the words, "as taught in the Semi-
nary," the Board was fully aware of the difference of
meaning in the phrase "teaching science" as applied to
secular institutions of learning on the one hand and Theo-
logical Seminaries, on the other. We were mindful, that
in the College, human science is taught for its own
sake, as truth discovered by man concerning the works of
God. In this sense it is merely stated or described, in it.3
alleged facts and principles, for the purpose of inquiring-in-
to its relations to the Word of God. The college teaches
it as truth to enlarge knowledge. The Seminary men-
tions it as current among men, and inquires whether its
claims are consistent with the teaching of Scripture. If
contradictory, then the Seminary pronounces it ipso facto
false, if not contradictory, leaves it to stand or fall on its
own merits without further concern about it.
Holding this view and convinced that Dr. Woodrow
held the same, The Board is gratified to have this convic-
216 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
tion confirmed, both in liis address and reply to criticisms
thereon, and to have his explicit assertion that wherever
Scripture makes definite statements in any branch ot
Natural Science, or in matters in the alleged range of such
science, these statements are the standards of appeal and
the end of Controversy. In connection, therefore, with his
phrase, "teaching science" we call upon all concerned,
to note that no theory of Evolution or of any other human
science is dogmatically taught in the Seminary, but only
the relation to the Word of God, of what men call science.
With regard to the mode of creation of Adam, proposed
by Dr. Woodrow as probably true, since he advances it
only as an hypothesis tentatively adopted by himself, nor
contradicted by any express statement of the word of God,
and does not dogmatically teach, or even hold it, while far
from yielding our assent to it, the Board sees no reason to
approve or condemn it officially.
4. This Board heartily acknowledges the great and
timely service done by Dr. Woodrow to the church in his
address in calling attention to the duty and necessity of
affirming as a matter of faith only what a candid and crit-
ical study of the Word of God shows him to declare either
in express terms or by good and necessary consequence.
Sad and guilty experience in the past aboundantly con-
firm this admonition, and we cordially congratulate the
controlling Synods on our possession of one able and will-
ing to remind us of this duty with courageous fidelity as
well as ability and wisdom.
5. This Board accepts with unfeigned confidence Dr.
Woodrow's full and explicit reaffirmation of his hearty ad-
herence to the whole Word of God as the only rule of faith
and practce, and of our standards as setting forth the sys-
tem of doctrine contained therein; and we bespeak for him
like confidence from the church. Praying that he may
long be spared to serve it faithfully as hitherto and now
especially in instructing its candidates for the ministry.
6. In conclusion, we congratulate the Synods and the
church and render thanks to God that the Seminary
opens with an increase of students over the number in at-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 217
tendance last year, and the promise of a very notable ad-
vance in this respect."
For this paper of Dr. Clisby, Dr. Stacy offered the fol-
lowing substitute, which was lost by a vote of 8 to 3, as
follows:
Ayes — James Stacy, J. B. Mack, Geo. W. Scott. (3)
Noes— A. W. Clisby, T. H. Law, W. J. McKay, W. A.
Clark, T. B. Frazer, C. A. Stillman, J. W. Lapsley, A. D.
Curry. (8)
"Whereas, in the July number of the Southern Pres-
byterian Review, Prof. James Woodrow, in giving his
views as taught in this Institution upon Evolution, "does
affirm that evolution is God's plan of creation, and that
the body of Adam was probably evolved from lower ani-
mals," therefore be it resolved:
1. That this Board regards the teaching of the un-
proved hypothesis of 'Evolution as improper, especially as
it changes the received interpretation of many passages
of Scripture.
2. That this Board regards the view that the body of
Adam was evolved from lower animals, as contrary to our
standards as understood by those wjio made them, by the
Presbyterian church, and by our Assembly when it en-
dorsed them in 1861 in Augusta, Ga.
3. That this Board enjoins upon Dr. Woodrow not to
teach these views in this institution,"
Rev. W. J. McKay then offered the following paper
as a substittue for that of Dr. Clisby, which was adopted
by the same vote of 8 to 3, names reversed.
"The Board having carefully considered the address of
Dr. Woodrow published in pursuance of its request, adopts
the following minute:
''Resolved, 1st that the Board does hereby tender to
Dr. Woodrow its thanks for the ability and faithfulness
with which he has complied with its request.
2nd. That in the judgment of this Board "The rela-
tions subsisting between the teachings of natural science
and the teachings of Scripture," are plainly, correctly and
satisfactorily set forth in said address.
218 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
3rd. That while the Board is not prepared to concur
in the view expressed by Dr. Woodrow, as to the probable
method of the creation of Adams' body, yet in the judg
ment of this Board, there is nothing in the doctrine of Evo-
lution, as defined and limited by him, which appears in
consistent with perfect soundness in the faith.
4th. That the Board takes this occasion to record it*?
deep and ever growing sense of the wisdom of our Synods
m the establishment of the "Perkins Professorship of Nat-
ural Science in connection with Revelation." And of the
importance of such instruction as is thereby afforded, that
our ministry may be the better prepared to resist the ob-
jections of the infidel scientists and defend the Scriptures
against their insidious charges."
The following protest was admitted to record:
"The undersigned respectfully request to enter their
solemn protest against the action of the Board, in refusing
to enjoin upon Rev. James Woodrow not to teach that evo-
lution is God's plan of creation and that the body of
Adam w-as probably evolved from lower animals, which
things are affirmed in an address delivered by him, and
published in accordance with a request made by this
Board, that he would give fully his views as taught in this
Institution, upon Evolution.
We Protest for the following reasons:
1. Evolution is an unproved hypothesis.
2. Belief in Evolution changes the interpretation of
many passages of Scripture from that now received by the
church.
3. The view that Adam's body was evolved from low-
er animals and not formed by a supernatural act of God,
is dangerous and hurtful.
4. The theory that the body of Adam was formed by
the law of evolution, while Eve's was created by a super-
natural act of God, is contrary to our standards (Conf.
Faith, Ch. Iv. Sect. 2-17), as those standards have been and
are interpreted by our church.
'. The advocacy of views which have received neith-
er the endorsement of the Board nor of the Synods having
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 219
control of the Seminary, which have not been established
by science; which have no authority from the word of God;
which tend to unsettle the received interpretation of many
passages of Scripture, and to weaken the confidence of tho
church in her standards; which have already produced so
much evil by their agitation; and which will injure th«
Seminary, and may rend our church; ought not to be al
lowed. "
JAMES STACY.
J. B. MACK.
GEO. W. SCOTT.
The four associated Synods, soon to meet, were duly
informed of the action of the Board. The Synod of South
Carlina was the first to meet. They m€t at Greenville,
Oct. 22, 1884. The Committee on the Seminary were di-
vided bringing in both a majority and a minority report.
These reports covered very much the same ground as oc-
cupied by the different members of the Board at their
meeting, the substance of the majority report being, that
they saw no necessity for interfering with the action of
the Board inasmuch as evolution was not taught in the
Seminary as a science, but simply in an expository man-
ner. The minority reported, substantially that as the
theory contradicted the interpretations of the Bible by the
Presbyterian Church, the action of the Board should be
reversed, and the further teaching of the theory be pro-
hibited. After a lengthy discussion, running through sev-
eral days, both these reports were rejected, by the same
vote of 52 to 44.
The following was offered:
"In as much as Dr. Woodrow maintains that he doea
not teach the Evolution hypothesis, as set forth by him in
his address, in the sense of inculcating it, and as he does
not set it forth as a demonstrated truth.
"Resolved, By this Synod, that with this limitation, as
set forth by him, they do tiot see that he transcends the
duties of his chair."
The following substitute was then offered and adopted:
"Resolved, That in the judgment of this Synod the
220 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
teaching of Evolution in the Theological Seminary, at Co-
lumbia, except in a purely expository manner, with no in-
tention of inculcating its truth, is hereby disapproved."
This resolution was adopted by a vote of 50 to 45, and
was the final action of the Synod.
The Synod of Georgia met the following week,
October 29, at Marietta. In addition to the report of the
Board, the Synod had before it an overture from the Pres-
bytery of Atlanta, asking Synod to express its disappro-
bation of the teaching of Evolution in the Seminary, and
to "take whatever steps be necessary to prevent it."
As in the case of the Synod of South Carolina, there
were two reports, a majority and a minority report.
MAJORITY REPORT.
"In reference to the subject of Evolution, brought to
the attention of the committee in the report of the direc-
tors of Columbia Theological Seminary, and by the over-
ture of the Atlanta Presbytery, the majority of the com-
mittee on Columbia Seminary respectfully recommend for
the adoption of the Synod the following resolutins:
1. "The action of the Board of Directors of Columbia
Theological Seminary, in permitting the teaching of Evolu-
tion, as contained in Dr. Woodrow's address be disap-
proved.
1. "The action of the Board of Directors of Columbia
should be taught in that Seminary; and hereby, as one of
the controlling Synods of that Seminary, directs the
Board to take whatever steps may be necessary to pre-
vent it.
G. B. STRICKLER,
J. L. ROGERS,
A. G. JOHNSON,
R. F. TAYLOR,
P. L. MYNATT,
K. L. TURK,
M. A. CANDLER.
MINORITY REPORT.
"Resolved, 1. That inasmuch as the hypothesis of ev-
olution concerning the earth, the lower animals and the
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 221
body of man, as advanced by the Professor of Natural
Science in connection with Revelation is a purely scientifir
and extra Scriptural hypothesis, the church as such is not
called upon to make any deliverance concerning its truth
or falsity.
2. That in view of the deep interest in this matter
experienced by all, and the fears experienced by some lest
this doctrine of evolution should become an article of
church faith, the Synod deems it expedient to say, that the
church being set for the defence of the Gospel and the
promulgation of Scriptural doctrines, can never, without
transcending her proper sphere, incorporate into our Con-
fession of Faith any of the hypotheses, theories or sys-
tems of human science.
3. That while the presentation of the hypothesis of
evolution in relation to Scripture falls necessarily within
the scope of the duties pertaining to the Perkins Profes-
sorship, nevertheless neither this nor any other scientific
Hypothesis is, or can be taught in our Theological Semi-
nary as an article of church faith. But we see no objection
to its being demonstrated, as it has been done by Profes-
sor Woodrow, that the hypothesis of evolution as defined
by him is not contradictory of the teachings of the word of
God.
4. That in view of the above congiderations, the
Synod sees no sufficient reason to interfere with the pres-
ent order of our Theological Seminary, as determined by
the Board of Directors.
CLIFFORD ANDERSON,
T. D. BREWSTER,
DONALD McQueen,
A. M. HASSELL."
The majority report was adopted by a vote of ayes 60,
noes 21.
A protest was then offered signed by ten of the mem-
bers, which wag allowed to go on record. The grounds of
the protest were threefold. (1) That this action defeats
the very purpose for which the Perkins chair was estab-
lished. (2.) That it was in violation of the constitution
222 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
of the Seminary, inasmuch as Synod undertakes to control
the action of the Board in matters entrusted to it by the
Constitution. (3) That it was a virtual condemnation of
the Perkins Professor without according him a trial by the
Board, as provided in the Constitution of the Seminary.
To this reply was made by the Committee in
which they affirm: (1) That Synod does not pro-
pose to prevent the teaching of science in Colum-
bia Seminary, but only the teaching of evolution as con-
tained in the address of Professor Woodrow. (2) Thai
the action was not unconstitutional, as the Constitution
accords the Synod the power of controlling the Seminary
through the Board. (3) That its action has particular
reference to the Board of Directors, and that the condem-
nation of Professor Woodrow was only incidental, which
is inevitable whenever one's views are condemned.
The vote on the above is as follows:
Ayes— Ministers: G. H. Cartledge, A. G. Peden, James
Stacy, Henry Quigg, J. N. Bradshaw, D. Eraser, J. L. Rog-
ers, W. T. Hollingsworth, G. B. Strickler, E. H. Barnett, J.
T. Bruce, J. H. Alexander, Z. B. Graves, J. E. DuBose, John
Jon€s, W. Adams, N. Keff Smith, T. C. Crawford, J. M. M.
Caldwell, R. F. Taylor, L. A. Simpson, W. McKay, K. P.
Julian, J. L. King, J. J. Robinson, G. T. Chandler, J. S
Hillhouse, C. W. Lane, T. P. Cleveland.— 29.
Ayes— Elders: S. C. Groves, T. E. Fell, W. L. Peek,
J. W. Hollingsworth, E. Huie, G. C. Crookshanks, T. L
Russell, W. M. Lowry, Samuel Pharr, R. A. Saye, J. A.
Nisbet, J. H. Logan, E. P. Ellis, W. G. Wigley, T. E. Ken-
drick, Josiah Sibley, H. H. Logan, W. C. Keheley, Edward
Bailey, J. T. Owen, W. K. Moore, James Pritchard, Frank
White, M. A. Candler, D. A. Thompson, P. L. Mynatt, J. B.
Estes, W. C. Sibley, A. W. Blake, A. H Sneed, Ceo. L. Car-
son.—31. Total 60.
Noes— Ministers: J. C. Grow, M. McN. McKay, G. T.
Goetchius, D. McQueen, A. M. Hassell, J. W. Baker, D. L.
Buttolph, A. W. Gaston, W. A. Milner, J. B. Hillhouse, R. F.
Bunting, A. W. Clisby, J. E. Jones, W. E. Boggs.— 14.
Noes— Elders: R. L. Hunter, J. W. Bones, P. R. Cor-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 223
telyou, J. F. Brewster, Clifford Anderson, C. N. Alexander,
J. W. Fleming.— 7. Total 21.
Rev. Messrs. McKay and Gaston qualified their votes
with the statement that they were alike opposed to both
reports.
The debate occupied most of the time of the Synod.
Though with much earnestness, the language was cour-
teous and respectful. Dr. Woodrow opened the discussion
on Thursday evening, consuming the whole evening and
concluded on Friday morning, speaking about 7 hours in
all. He was followed by Dr. Strickler who spoke in de-
fense of the Majority report. Dr. Boggs continued the de-
bate, arguing against, followed by Dr. Rogers who spoke
in favor of said report, followed by Dr. Adams in favor
of, and Col. Anderson against, and Col. Mynatt in favor of
the report. Rev. A. W, Clisby then spoke m defense of the
Board. Dr. Strickler then concluded the discussion, being
Chairman of the Committee. Dr. Woodrow declined speak-
ing any further, as the time had been restricted to one
hour, which he said was too brief for his defense, as he
felt that he was virtually on trial.
The debate closed on Saturday night, when the vote
was taken. Many others of the members went prepared
to take part in the discussion, but were barred by short-
ness of time. Indeed if no limit had been set to speeches
and time it is impossible to tell how many more days would
have been consumed.
SYNOD OF ALABAMA.
The Synod of Alabama was in session at Tuscaloosa at
the same time with that of Georgia. There was likewise
division in that body. Two reports were brought in by
the Committee, signed by four members each, the com-
mittee being equally divided. The first report simply
disapproved the teaching of evolution except purely in an
expository manner. The second both disapproved the
teaching of evolution, and also instructed the Board to
take steps to prevent its being taught in the Seminary.
This latter report, which was substantially the action of
224 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
the Georgia Synod, was adopted by a vote of ay€s 41,
noes 19.
SYNOD OF SOUTH GEORGIA AND FLORIDA.
The Synod of South Georgia and Florida, the remain-
ing one of the four controlling Synods, met at Leesbnrg
a month later, Nov. 27th. There were three reports
brought in before that Synod. The first, a majority re-
port, signed by Messrs. J. W. Rogan, Jas. W. Shearer, W.
H. Crane and Ruling Elder S. Thompson, condemning the
teaching, and instructing the directors to unite with the
others in preventing its further being taught. The sec-
ond, signed by Elders Angus Patterson and E. P. Miller,
stating that as they could see no conflict with he teach-
ing of Scripture they could see no reason for any inter-
ference. The third, was offered by Rev. Gilbert Gordon,
in which he dissented from the majority report and pro-
posed to abolish the professorship inasmuch as it proposes
to shackle and restrain the Professor in the utterance of
his convictions in a manner and to a degree that would
render his scientific investigations worthless; and that
the church must either dictate the findings and utterances
of science, or abdicate her just authority, so far as that
chair is concerned and therefore that a complete reorgan-
ization if not abolition of that Professorship, seems to be
called for as the only possible solution of the difficulty.
The majority report was adopted by a vote of ayes, 22;
noes, 13.
After the taking of the vote, Dr. W. H. Dodge offered
a resolution requesting the Board to settle the matter by
regular judicial action; which was, however, rejected.
A protest was then entered signed by twelve of the
members and on the grounds, (1) That the Synod, in de-
claring that evolution was an unproved hypothesis, was it-
self passing judgment upon a scientific question. (2) Be-
cause the action taken was a virtual condemnation of the
professor without a trial. ' (3) Because it makes the
opinion of a majority, no matter how small, the rule of
teaching in the Seminary.
Dr. Woodrow opened the debate on Friday afternoon
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 225
and spoke two hours, Rev. J. W. Rogan replying. The
debate was continued till Saturday afternoon by Revs
Messrs. Anderson, Curry, Mack, Dodge, Helm, .^hearer
Kerr, Johnson; and Elders Campbell, Montgomery and Pat-
terson. The discussion closed with another speech fron:
Dr. Woodrow of three hours, and a short rejoinder by Rev
J. W. Rogan, chairman of the Committee; the whole time
being 12 hours, nine of which was consumed by the evolu-
tionists; and the remaining three hours by the other side.
(Christian Observer).
OTHER SYNODS.
The agitation was not connned to the controlling
Snyods, but extended to others that were without.
The Synod of Mississippi expressed itself as unwilling
that such an unproved hypothesis should assume to con-
trol the interpretation of the Word. So the Synods of
Kentucky, Nashville, Memphis, Arkansas and Texas, all
condemned the theory and its further promulgation.
The Synod of Nashville went so far as to say,
that unless the teaching should be prohibited immediate
steps would be taken to secure the withdrawal of their
candidates from the institution.
MEETING OF THE BOARD.
Under the circumstances, therefore, it seemed obvi-
ous that something should be done and at once to prevent
further hurt to the Seminary, as well as to carry out the
instructions of the controlling Synods. A call signed by
Messrs. Stacy and Scott, of the Synod of Georgia, and
Mack, of Carolina, was sent to the President asking him to
convene the Board, which he did, on the 10th day of Decem-
ber, 1884. There were thirtee^n members present,
five of whom were new. These new members changed the
complexion of the Board, as they were chosen since the
agitation, and by Synods which had spoken out against
this probable theory of Dr. Woodrow. One of these new
members was Dr. Adams, of Augusta, who had been ap-
pointed by the Synod of Georgia to fill the place of Rev.
A. W. Clisby, who had been displaced by the Synod. At
the meeting of the Synod at Marietta, Dr. Clisby having
226 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
refused to comply with the instruction of the Synod to
take steps for the prohibition of the further -"eaching of
Evolution, and would only promise a respectful considera-
tion of the action and wishes of Synod, his commission
was withdrawn, and Dr. Adams substituted in his place.
When, therefore, Dr. Adams presented his credentials two
of the members objected to his being seated. Dr. Clisby
also sent a communication claiming the right to his seat,
and asserting that the Synod had exercised an unconsti-
tutional authority in his removal. Dr. Adams was, how-
ever, seated, and upon his admission a protest was enter-
ed by Rev. Messrs. Eraser, Law and McKay.
The Board proceeded to the business before them. The
following paper was introduced and adopted by a vote of
8 to 4:
"Wheras the Synods of Georgia, Alabama, and South
Georgia and Florida, have disapproved of the views of
Pr^of. James Woodrow on the subject of Evolution as con-
tained in the address submitted by him to the Board of
Directors in response to their request, for him to give fully
his views as taught in this Institution, and have also in-
structed the Directors to take steps to prevent the teach-
of such views in their Seminary; and Whereas, the Synod
of South Carolina has disapproved of the teaching of evo-
lution except in a purely expository way, without intention
of inculcating its truth; and Whereas, he has publicly
announced, that if he continues to be their Professor, he
will hereafter teach as probably true, the hypothesis of
evolution; and Whereas he is thus disqualified from re-
maining as a Profesior in their Seminary, and thereby ren-
dered incompetent to discharge duties in which he speaks
in the name and by the authority of these Synods; there-
fore be it
Resolved, That this Board, in obedience to the above
instructions appoint a committee, consisting of Messrs.
Stacy, Webb and Sibley, to wait on Dr. Woodrow, and ask
for his resignation."
The committee waited upon Dr. Woodrow. The Board
received the following answer, that afternoon:
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 227
Gentlemen: I have received by the hand of your com-
mittee, the preamble and resolution adopted by you, in
which you ask for my resignation as Professor in the
Seminary,
I have no desire to teach in the name and by the au-
thority of the Synods which control the Seminary, since
they have expressed disapprobation of my views, yet I am
constrained respectfully to decline to offer my resignation
for the reason I would thereby acquiesce in, and so to
some extent recognize, the justice and righteousness of
the action of the Synods on which you base your request,
and which I regard as illegal in form and incorrect in fact.
The resolutions of three of the Synods to which you re-
fer, condemn with greater or less clearness, my teachings
as unscriptural, and contrary to our standards; and this
condemnation has been expressed without judicial inves-
tigation, by which alone such matters can be authoritative-
ly determined.
I hold, on the other hand, that my teachings, so far as
they are expositions of the sacred Scriptures, accord per-
fectly in every particular with the teachings of the Con-
fession of Faith and Catechisms, and so far as they relate
to natural science, do not on any point contradict the
sacred Scriptures as interpreted in our standards.
In view of these facts, I respectfully ask that you pro-
ceed to determine the questions as to my alleged incom
petence, and unfaithfulness in teaching what is contrary
to the sacred scriptures, as interpreted in our standards,
by a full trial as is provided in the constitution of the Sem-
inary, section 2, article 2. Yours very respectfully,
JAMES WOODROW.
The following paper was then offered:
"Inasmuch as the Perkins Professor has already had
a full hearing in person before three of the Synods, and
through his friends and advocates before the fourth Synod,
and inasmuch as these Synods have already condemned
his views and teachings on the subject of evolution, this
Board, in deference to the decisions of the said Synods,
declines to comply with his request.
228 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
"And inasmuch as in his reply to the committees
appointed to wait upon him, Dr. Woodrow declares his
unwillingness to tender his resignation, therefore,
"Resolved, That he be, and is hereby, removed from
his Professorship according to the authority given this
Board. See Constitution, Section II, Articles 11 and 13."
Pending the discussion of the foregoing, the following
was adopted:
"That Dr. Woodrow be invited to appear before the
Board at 7:30 p. m., if he so deisre, to show cause why
the pending resolution may not be adopted."
Dr. Woodrow declined this invitation, whereupon the
following paper was adopted:
"Inasmuch as Rev. James Woodrow, Perkins Profes-
sor, has declined to appear before the Board of Directors,
to show cause why he should not be removed from his
Professorship; and inasmuch as he has already had a full
hearing in person before three of the Synods, and through
his friends and advocates before the fourth Synod, and
inasmuch as these Synods have already condemned his
views and teachings on the subject of evolution; and inas-
much as in his reply to the committee appointed to wait
upon him. Dr. Woodrow declares his unwillingness to ten-
der his resignation, therefore,
"Resolved, That he be, and hereby is, removed from
his professorship, according to the authority given to the
Board. See Constitution, Sec. 2, Art 11 and 13.
2. "That the Secretary be directed to officially no-
tify Dr. Woodrow of this action."
The following resolution was also adopted:
"Resolved, That in taking this action the Board de-
sires it to be distinctly understood that in its interpreta-
tion of the instructions received from the Synods, it does
not understand that any undue restrictions shall be placed
upon any professor of our Seminary or limitations put upon
the discussion of any legitimate doctrine or hypothesis;
nor does this Board, itself, desire to limit discussion on
any proper subject; provided always, that the views incul-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 229
cated shall be in accordance with the standards of our
church."
Immediately after the adoption of the resolutions, Dr.
Law tendered the resignation of Dr. W. E. Boggs, as Pro-
fessor of Church history, and Rev. W. J. McKay tendered
that 0(f Dr. C. R. Hemphill, as Professor of Biblical Liter-
ature, both of which were accepted, the resignations to
take effect at the close of the session.
Dr. Woodrow gave due notice, a few days after to the
President of the Board, of his intention to appeal from the
decision of the Board to the Associated Snyods, and upon
the ground that his removal without a trial was con-
trary to the Constitution.
At an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery of Augusta,
of which Dr. Woodrow was a member, the request of Dr.
Woodrow made at a previous meeting was considered. The
request was that a judical proceeding should be entered
against him as he had been accused of heresy and teach-
ing contrary to the standards of the church. After con-
sidering the matter, the Presbytery declared that
1st. We find nothing that warrants a trial for heresy.
2nd. As no one appears or offers to make out charg-
es no process can be instituted. Dr. Woodrow gave notice
that he would complain to the Synod on account of the
incompleteness and unsatisfactoriness of the decision.
When, therefore. Dr.. Woodrow appeared before the
Synod of Georgia, which met at LaGrange, October, 1885,
he appeared both as complainant and appellant; Complain-
ant against the Presbytery of Augusta, and appellant from
the action of the Board. The case also came up in the
report of the Board. There were two reports before th<»
Synod, a majority and a minority, the minority disap-
proving of the action of the Board and the majority ap-
proving of the action of the Board in the removal of Pro-
fessor Woodrow. The majority report was adopted by a
vote of ayes, 45; noes, 23.
The complaint against the Presbytery of Augusta was
sustained, "Because the Presbytery, while declining to say
that ther^ were no grounds for judicial process, refused to
230 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
prefer charges against the complainant and try him. The
Synod, therefore, returns the case to the Presbytery and
directs it to reopen it, . and either to declare that there
are no grounds for judicial process or if there are such
grounds to proceed to trial."
The Synod of South Carolina met in Chester, in October.
When the report of the Board came up for review there
were two reports touching the removal of Dr. Woodrow.
The majority was adopted, in which the Synod disapprov-
ed the action of the Board in his removal, by a vote ayes,
79; noes, 62.
The Synod of Alabama, which met at Huntsville, No-
vember 4, on the other hand, by a vote of 27 to 15, sua,
tained the action of the Board.
The Synod of South Georgia and Florida met at Sa-
vannah, October 23. By a vote of 15 to 11 they disap-
proved of the action of the Board in removing Dr. Wood-
row, for these reasons:
1. "The Board should have asked him, if he would
conform his teachings to the expressed wishes of Synod
before removing him.
2. "The Board proceeded to execute a judicial sen-
tence without a judicial trial, as provided for in the Con-
stitution. Sec. 2. Art. 11.
Thus there was an equal division in the action of the
four controlling Synods, two approving and two disap-
approving the action of the Board in removing Dr. Wood-
row, the consolidated vote being 129 for and 145 against
removal. The Board, therefore, had a problem before
them at their meeting.
They met in December after the meeting of the Syn-
ods, and considered the case of the Perkins Professorship.
Official notice of the action of the Synods having been re-
ceived, Dr. Law presented the following:
"Whereas, the action of the Board taken December
4th, 1884, removing Prof. James Woodrow, D. D., from his
professorship in the Seminary, being duly reported to the
controlling Synods, was not "approved by a majority of the
Synods" which, according to the constitution. Sec. ii, Art,
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 231
11, is necessary to make such action complete; therefore,
"Resolved, 1. That the Board recognizes the said Prof.
James Woodrow as the lawful incumbent of the Perkins
Professorship.
2. "That the Treasurer be instructed to pay to the
said Prof. Woodrow the salary pertaining to the said Per-
kins Professorship from 1st January last up to the pres-
ent time.
3. "That inasmuch as the Synods in their action of
1884, have instructed the Board to tal^e steps to prevent
the teaching of the hypothesis of evolution as inculcated
'in his address laid before the Board in 1884, the Board
now requests Prof. Woodrow to inform it whether or not
he can or will conform his instructions on that subject to
the expressed wishes of the Synods in reference thereto.
4. "That a committee be appointed to convey a copy
of these resolutions to Prof. Woodrow and request a reply
at his earliest convenience."
For the Third resolution Dr. Stacy offered the follow-
ing substitute:
"Whereas, Three of the controlling Synods of the Sem-
inary have disapproved of the views and teachings of the
Rev. Dr. James Woodrow on the subject of evolution, and
have instructed their representatives to take whatever
steps may be necessary to prevent its teaching in the sem-
inary; and
"Whereas, two of the Synods have withdrawn their
approval of Dr. James Woodrow as a Professor in said
chair, by approving the action of the Board of Directors
in removing him from his Professorship, about a year ago,
under Art 5, Sec. 11, of the constitution of the Seminary,
which renders his continuance in oflBce unconstitutional;
therefore :
"Resolved, That in the judgment of this Board the
continuation of Rev. Dr. James Woodrow in the Perkins
Chair is both unconstitutional and in violation of the
spirit and letter of the terms in the deed of gift of the
late John Perkins for the founding of said Professorship."
232 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
The Substitute was rejected aiK* the Faper of Dr. Law
adopted, by a vote of 7 to 6.
A committee was therfore appointed to wait upon Dr.
Woodrow, through whom the Board received the following
answer:
"Gentlemen: I have received through your committee,
Rev. Messrs. Thos. H. Law and W. J. McKay the pre-
amble and resolutions which you adopted this morning
respecting my relation to the Theological Seminary, in
which you recognize me as the "lawful incumbent of the
Perkins Professorship."
"In your third resolution, you call my attention to
the instructions given to the Board by the controlling Syn-
ods respecting my teaching of the subject of Evolution,
and you request me to inform you whether or not I will
conform my instructins to the expressed wishes of the
Synods.
"In reply to your question, I would say that I recog-
nize the right of the Synods, to which the Seminary be-
longs, to prescribe what subjects shall be there taught and
what shall not be taught; and therefore as long as I shall
continue to be a Professor in the Seminary, I will act in
accordance with the expressed wishes of the Synods by
omitting Evolution from the subjects taught.
"If the question were of present prtictical importance,
I would request the Board to interpret for me the meaning
of the Synods: Whether it is intended that the subject in
all its aspects shall be omitted, or that the teaching re-
specting it shall be only expository, or that it shall be
omitted only so far as it is supposed to relate to man, etc.,
but inasmuch as no reference to the subject in any of
its aspects occurs except in the third year of the course ot
lectures in my department, and inasmuch as this part of
the course cannot be presented to the students now in the
Seminary for two years, owing to the interruption of my
lectures since Dec. 10th, 1884, the question is not now of
practical importance, and therefore I will not trouble you
with it at present.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 233
Dr. Adams offered the following, which was rejected
by a vote of 7 to 6.
"Resolved, that in view of R€V. Dr. Woodrow's pro-
nounced position upon the subject of Evolution in his pub-
lished address, editorials, and speeches he is disqualified
for the occupany of any chair in this institution.
"Therefore, this Board is unwilling for him to con-
tinue in his Professorship, and respectfully requests his
resignation at onc€."
Rev. W. H. ©odge offered the following resolution.
"Resolved, That in order to quiet the agitation exist-
ing in the church, by reason of the discussion of the sub-
ject of Evolution, and to secure the best possible results
in behalf of the Seminary, the Board of Directors of the
Seminary most respectfully requests Dr. Woodrow to
tender his resignation as Perkins Professor of Science in
Connection with Revelation."
Dr. Stacy offered the following as a substitute:
"Wheras, Dr. Woodrow in his answer h&s given no
assurance that he will conform his instructions on the sub-
ject of Evolution to the interpretation of his theory by the
Synods; and
"Whereas, His further continuance in the Perkins
chair would be hurtful to the interest of the Seminary and
the entire church, we again request his immediate resigna-
tion."
The substitute was rejected and Mr. Dodge's paper
adopted by a vote of 8 to 5.
A committee was appointed to convey this paper to
Dr. Woodrow. Said Committee returned with the answer,
that Dr. Woodrow "did not see his way clear to give an
answer at present."
Whereupon, Rev. F. B. Webb presented the following:
"Whereas, this Board, deeming it highly injurious
to continue Dr. Woodrow in his Professorship, requested
his resignation, 'and he having declined to answer at once;
therefore be it
"Resolved, that for the same reasons for which his
234 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
resignation was requested, the Board hereby declare the
chair of the Perkins Professor vacant."
The resolution was rejected by a vote of 7 to 6.
Mr. W. C. Sibley moved that, "Inasmuch as judicial pro-
ceedings against Dr. Woodrow are pending in the Pres-
bytery of Augusta that he be suspended from his profes-
sorship until the case be decided."
The motion was lost by a vote of 7 to 5.
Dr. Adams offered the following protest which was
submitted to record:
"The undersigned respectfully requests permission to
place on record their solemn protest against the action of
the majority of the Board in refusing to declare the chair
of the Perkins Professorship vacant, inasmuch as the con-
tinuation of the Rev. Dr. Woodrow in that chair portends
to this Seminary serious and alarming consequences,
and inasmuch as we have done all we could to secure the
will of the Synods which elected us as Directors of this
Institution, we declare that the responsibility rests upon
the Brethren with whom we differ."
Signed: Adams, Stacy, McKee, Webb, Scott, Sibley.
The following answer was also admitted to the record:
"We recommend the following reply to said protest:
"The Board of Directors have power to remove from
ofRce any Professor for two causes only, viz., unfaithful-
ness in his trust or incompetency to the discharge of his
duties. In the absence of any charges or Specifications
bringing the Perkins Professor under either of these dis-
abilities, the Board has no power to remove him, directly
or indirectly, by declaring a chair vacant, (Con. Sec. II
Art. 11). In the course of discussion before the Board
01 the matters relating to the Perkins Professorship, it was
several times suggested that such charges in a definite
form were necessary, before a Professor could be removed.
In the absence of such charges a Professor can-
not be removed without repeating the action taken by the
Board in December, 1884, which failed to receive the ap-
proval of a majority of the Synods.
"Under these circumstances. Dr. Woodrow having
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 235
prDmised to obey the instructions of the Synods, given in
1884, the majority of the Board could not see that any
course was left to them other than the one adopted.
"There might be difference of opinion as to the con-
sequences of their act, but for these consequences they do
not regard themselves responsible, having discharged their
duty with the best lights before them."
The Board met May 12, 1886.
Dr. Stacy presented the following resolution:
"Whereas, the Board at its last meeting requested
Professor Woodrow for his resignation as Perkins Profes-
sor; and Whereas the only reply received was that he
does not see his way clear to answer at present.
"Resolved, That we now repeat the same request and
ask for an immediate reply; and that a committee be ap-
pointed to wait upon and communicate to him this ac-
tion."
This resolution was adopted by a vote of 7 to 6.
The committee was appointed, and waited upon Dr.
Woodrow and brought the following answer:
Gentlemen: On the 11th December last, I received by
the hands of your Committee, consisting of the Rev.
Messrs. Dodge and McKay, a copy of a resolution in which
you request me to tender my resignation as Perkins Pro-
fessor. To that request I replied, through your commit-
tee, that I did not see my way clear, to give an answer at
once. I intended to send you a formal written answer dur-
ing your present Meeting.
"I have now received through another committee, con-
sisting of the Rev. Dr. Stacy, the Rev. M. Webb, and Mr.
McKee, a reiteration of the same request.
"I beg leave to say in reply that I have carefully con-
sidered the matter, and that it would give me pleasure to
comply with your wishes were it in my power; but I re-
gard it as impossible for me to do so honorably under
existing circumstances. Therefore, I respectfully decline
at present offering my resignation." Yours, etc.
Dr. Stacy then offered the following Resolution:
"Resolved, That in consequence of the serioi*s compli-
236 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
cations in which this institution is involved, we hereby de
Clare this Seminary closed until the controllia? Synods
shall order its reopening."
This resolution was lost by vote of 7 to 6.
The Board met Sept. 15, 1886.
The following communication was received froir Dr.
Woodrow:
"Gentlemen: You are doubtless aware that the Gen-
eral Assembly, which met at Augusta last May, adopted
the following resolution:
"Resolved, That the General Assembly is convinced
that Rev. James Woodrow, D. D., one of the Professors
in the Columbia Theological Seminary, holds views re-
pugnant to the Word of God and to our Confession of
Faith, therefore this Assembly does hereby, in accordance
with its action yesterday, in regard to the oversight of
Theological Seminaries earnestly recommend to the
Synods of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and of South
Georgia and Florida, which direct and control the said
Seminary, to dismiss the Rev. James Woodrow, D. D., as
Professor in the s'aid Seminary and to appoint another in
his place.
"You are also aware that I was charged by the Rev.
Dr. Wm. Adams with 'teaching and promulgating opinions
and doctrines in conflict with the sacred Scriptures as in-
terpreted in the Confession of Faith and the Larger and
Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly, that
last month I was tried on this charge by the Presbytery
of Augusta and declared by it 'not guilty;' and further,
that Dr. Adams has complained to the Synod of Georgia
with reference to this verdict.
"In view of these facts, I am reluctant to teach in the
Seminary while the pending questions are unsettled.
"I therefore respectfully request that you consent to
my abstaining from teaching, for the present, I during such
time relinquishing my salary." Yours, etc.
This request was granted.
Mr. McKay offered the following which was adopted:
"Resolved, That in view of the present incomplete
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 237
equipment of the Institution, the Board does hereby recom-
mend that the controlling Synods authorize the Board to
defer the resumption of the exercises of the Seminary until
the third Monday in September, 1887."
The following protest was admitted to record:
"The undersigned respectfully put on record their
solemn protest against the following action of a majority
of the Board, viz:
First. In granting the request contained in the letter
of the Rev. James Woodrow to be relieved for the present
from his official duties. Such action involving his reten-
tion in this Institution as a Professor, and thereby com-
promising both the Board and the church. Inasmuch as it
is the expressed wish of the church that his connection
with the Seminary be severed.
Second. We protest against the action of the majority
of the Board in the election of Professors to the vacant
chairs. Inasmuch as the difficulties by which it has been
embarrassed and brought to its present unhappy condi-
tion must be adjusted by the Synods controlling the Sem-
inary and not until such adjustment be made can we ex-
pect any person qualified for those duties to accept the po-
sition. Such action, therefore, is premature and likely to
debar, rather than to secure, men fully qualified for the
work.
Signed: Adams, Scott, McKee, Webb, Sibley, Stacy."
By this time the whole church was considerably stir-
red up over the condition of things at Columbia. The re-
ligious journals were loaded with articles on the subject,
many of which showed feeling, and even bitterness . in
many instances. The secular papers, too, were taking part
in the discussion. It had become perfectly obvious that
something must be done to prevent further disgrace to the
cause of religion and the church. Matters had gone so far
that charges had been brought against one of the leading
journals of the church and its editors even accused of du-
plicity and falsehood and the case tried before one of the
Presbyteries. Furthermore, "A Declaration and Testi-
mony" had been published, signed by 104 ministers and
238 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
elders, which even threatened division. Hardly a Church
court in the Church but had taken action of some
kind, some Synods criticising the action of the Assembly;
the Northern Assembly had expressed itself; two of the
Professors of the Seminary had resigned their places in the
Seminary, and the resignation of another (Dr. Girardeau),
was then before the Board for their action; and the
Board awaiting the action of the Synod to close the Sem-
inary.
This was the state of affairs when the Synods held
their meetings in the Fall (1886.)
Dr. Girardeau in Synod of South Carolina offered a res-
olution to the effect that it would be to the interest of the
Seminary for Dr. Woodrow to resign, and that he be re-
quested to tender his resignation to the Board. Adopted
by a vote of 71 to 42. Dr. Woodrow, not being at the
meeting, he was communicated with by telegraph. His
answer was: "Under existing circumstances, I decline to
accede to Synod's wish."
Dr. Girardeau then offered the resolution, That as Dr.
Woodrow had declined to accede to the wishes of the
Synod, that the Board be directed to remove him from of-
fice and declare the Professorship vacant. Adopted, ayes,
78; noes, 42. A resolution was also adopted setting forth
the fact that this action was entirely independent of the
recommendation of the General Assembly on this subject.
The Synods of Georgia and Alabama met a few weeks
later, at the same time (Nov. 10th) the one at Sparta, and
the other at Talladega. The action taken was the same as
that of the Synod of Carolina, viz: That the Board be
instructed to request the resignation of Dr. Woodrow.
Should he refuse, then they should proceed to remove
him from office and declare the Professorship vacant. The
vote in the former stood ayes, 32; in the latter the state-
ment is "almost unanimous."
The Synod of South Georgia and Florida, met at Mont-
icello, Nov. 24. There were two reports, the majority
agreed with the aforesaid Synods in directing the Board
to remove Dr. Woodrow, if he refuses to resign; the minor-
• THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 239
ity that they proceed to try him. The majority report was
adopted by a vote of 25 to 16,
In view, therefore, of the action of the controlling
Synods, and in obedience to their instruction, the Board
met Dec. 8th, 1886.
The following resolution was adopted by a unanimous
vote:
"Whereas, The four Synods controlling this Seminary
have instructed this Board to request the Rev. James
Woodrow, D. D., for his resignation as Professor of Natural
Science in Connection with Revelation.
"Resolved, That a committee consisting of Rev. J. W.
Rogan and Rev. W. T. Thompson, D. D., be appointed to
w^ait on Dr. Woodrow and make the said request and the
said committee present Dr. Woodrow with a copy of this
resolution."
The Committee waited upon Dr. Woodrow and re-
turned with the following answer:
"Gentlemen: In reply to the request which you have
just handed me for my resignation as Professor of Natural
Science in Connection with Revelation, I beg leave to say,
that I respectfully decline acceding to it."
Yours respectfully. JAMES WOODROW.
Perkins Professor of Natural Science in Connection
with Revelation."
The following Resolution was, therefore, unanimously
adopted:
"The committee appointed to present the request of
this Board to Dr. James Woodrow for his resignation as
Professor of Natural Science in Connection with Revela-
tion, having presented his reply declining to accede to the
request, therefore, it is
Resolved, That in accordance with the instructions re-
ceived from the four controlling Synods of the Theological
Seminary, he be and hereby is, removed from the chair of
Natural Science in connection with Revelation, and that
the Secretary be directed to communicate this action to
Dr. Woodrow."
The history of this case is not yet fully stated. It is
240 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
necessary for us to retrace our steps a little and in a
measure go over the same ground in part, in order for the
reader fully to comprehend the situation.
At the regular meeting of the Presbytery of Augusta,
at Union Point, April 1885, Dr. Woodrow made the state-
ment that he had been accused for several months in the
public journals of teaching what was contrary to the
Scriptures, and asked that the Presbytery, of which he was
a member, would subject him to a regular trial. The mat-
ter was put in the hands of a committee and the case to
be tried at an adjourned meeting.
The Presbytery met at Augusta. The committee
brought in a unanimous report, which after discussion was
adopted, and is as follows:
"First. We find nothing that warrants a trial for
heresy.
"Second. As no one appears or offers to make out
charges, no process can be instituted." Signed, Henry
Newton, O. T. Goetchius, J. W. Wallace, W. M. Adams.
Dr. Woodrow gave notice that he would complain to
the Synod of Georgia on the ground of the incompleteness
of this action. The Presbytery released him from the
charge of heresy, but not of the charge of teaching con-
trary to the Scripture.
The Synod of Georgia, as already stated, met at La-
Grange. The complaint of Dr. Woodrow was sustained
and the case returned to the Presbytery with instruction
•'to reopen it and either to say that there was no grounds
for judicial process, or if there are such grounds, to pro-
ceed to trial."
The Presbytery met at Waynesboro in April, 1886, The
complaint, together with the action of Synod, was placed
in the hands of a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Dr.
Adams, Henry Newton, and Elders F. White, J. G. Tolleson
and C. H. Smith. They brought in a report signed by only
three of them, the others refusing to sign, viz., Messrs.
Adams, Tolleson and Smith, reporting "that they find there
is strong presumption of the truth of the charge that Dr.
Woodrow holds and teaches doctrines with regard to the
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 241
origin of the body of Adam which are contrary to the
teachings of the Scriptures on this subject, as interpreted
by the standards of the church and so recommend that
the Presbytery Institute process against him for these er-
rors."
After discussion, Rev. D. McQueen offered a substitute
which was adopted by a vote of 8 to 7, and is as follows:
"The Synod of Georgia having remanded the complaint
of Rev. Dr. Woodrow back to this body for a new hearing,
"Resolved, 1. Thiat inasmuch as Dr. Woodrow de-
clares himself a firm believer in the inspiration of the
Scriptures and cardinal doctrines of the Presbyterian
church; and inasmuch as we by our former action exon-
erated him of the charge of heresy, that we do now, while
not endorsing the hypothesis of Evolution as advanced by
him, reiterate our declaration exonerating him of said
charge.
"That inasmuch as we vindicate him from the charge
of heresy, and heresy being the point at issue, we find no
ground for judicial process."
Dr. Adams then gave notice that he would prefer
charges against Dr. Woodrow, on his own responsibility.
This was accordingly done, and the Presbytery met at
Bethany church, Aug. 16, for the purpose of issuing the
case. Dr. Adams then appeared as prosecutor. There were
two counts in his bill of indictment: First, "That he was
pro^yagating opinions and doctrines in conflict with the
sacred Scriptures, as interpreted in the Confession of
Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of
the Westminster Assembly," Second, that in his teach-
ing concerning the origin of Adam's body, "He was promul-
gating opinions which are of a dangerous tendency, and
which are calculated to unsettle the mind of the church
respecting the accuracy and authority of the Holy Scrip-
tures as an infallible rule of faith."
After discussion the vote was taken and Dr. Woodrow
exonerated on both counts, and declared "not guilty;" on
the first by a vote of 14 to 9; on the second by a vote of
17 to 6. Dr. Adams gave notice that he would carry his
242 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
case to the Synod of Georgia.
The Synod of Georgia met at Sparta, Nov. 10th, 1886,
at which time the Complaint of Dr. Adams against the
Presbytery of Augusta was fully tried, with the following
results: To sustain, 49; not to sustain, 15; to sustain in
part; 2.
In the record of the case, the Synod declared that
"the complaint be sustained, for the reason that the finding
and judgm-ent of the Presbytery are contrary to the evi-
dence and the law, in that the evidence before the Pres-
bytery showed that the belief of the said defendent Rev.
James Woodrow, D. D., as to the origin of the body of
Adam, was contrary to the Word of God as interpreted in
the Standards of the church; and it is therefore ordered
that the said verdict and judgment of the Presbytery is
hereby reversed."
Dr. Woodrow not being satisfied with this decision,
gave notice that he would complain to the General As-
sembly.
The Assembly met in St. Louis in May, 1887. Dr. Wood-
row being physically unable to attend requested the As-
sembly to postpone his case to the next Assembly. The
request was granted and the case postponed.
The Assembly met at Baltimore May, 1888. The com-
plaint of Dr. Woodrow was heard, and not sustained; with
the following vote:
Not to sustain, 109; to sustain, 34; to sustain in part,
2.
In their judgment, the Assembly declared:
"It is the judgment of this General Assembly that
Adam's body was directly fashioned, by Almighty God of
the dust of the ground, without any natural animal parent-
age of any kind. The wisdom of God prompted him to re-
veal the fact, while the inscrutable mode of his action
therein he has not revealed.
"Therefore, the Church does not propose to teach,
handle or conclude any 'question of science which belongs
to God's kingdom of nature. She must by her divine consti-
tution see that these questions are not thrust upon her.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 243
to break the silence of Scripure, and supplement it with
any scientific hypothesis concerning the mode of God's be-
ing or acts in creation, which are inscrutable to us. It is
therefore ordered, that this complaint in this case be not
sustained, and the judgment of the Synod of Georgia be,
and the same is hereby in all things affirmed."
Rev. T. C. Whaling presented the following protest
signed by himself and seventeen others, which was admit-
ted to record:
1. "The second specification in the indictment against
the Rev. James Woodrow, D. D., is expressly excluded by
the constitution of the church inasmuch as "nothing ought
to be considered by any court as an offense, or admitted as a
matter of accusation, which cannot be proved to be such
from Scripture as interpreted in these standards."
2. "In the view of your protestants, the Holy Bible
does not reveal the form of the matter out of which, or the
mode by which God created the body of Adam, and
therefore the hypothesis of evolution as believed by Rev.
James Woodrow, D. D., cannot be regarded as in conflict
with the teachings of the sacred Scriptures.
3. "The Westminster standards simply reproduce,
without interpretation, the statements of the Scriptures in
reference to the creation of Adam's body; and as the
views of the complainants are not in conflict with the
statements of the Scriptures so neither can they be with
the teachings of the standards."
4. "The action of the Assembly in refusing to sustain
this complaint is equivalent to pronouncing as certainly
false the theory of Evolution as applied by Dr. Woodrow
to Adam's body, which is a purely scientific question, en-
tirely foreign to the legitimate sphere of ecclesiastical ac-
tion. Your Protestants, therefore, are unwilling that thir
General Assembly should express any opinion whatever re
specting the hypothesis of evolution, or any other scien-
tific question."
This was the third time this subject was up before the
Assembly; First before the Assembly at Augusta, in 1886,
brought up by overture, asking a deliverance on the sub-
244 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
ject; and also by the report on Theological Seminaries. In
the first, Dr. Woodrow's theory was condemned; in the
second, the Assembly earnestly recommended the con-
rrolling Synods to take the necessary steps to have him re-
moved and some one else put in his place.
The second time at St. Louis, in 1887, by overtures
from the Presbyteries of Harmony and South Carolina,
asking for a deliverance on the authority of the Assembly
over the Seminaries; and from the latter asking a further
deliverance on the mode of creation; in both of which the
Assembly declined saying any thing further.
The third and last time was in the meeting above men-
tioned at Baltimore in 1888, when the Assembly, in decid-
ing the case substantially repeated what had been said
at Augusta in 1886, condemning Dr. Woodrow's theory of
Evolution and the mode of the creation of the body of
Adam.
Thus with this final action of the Assembly, and the re-
moval of Dr. Woodrow from his Professorship in the Sem-
inary, after four years of constant agitation, the subject
began gradually to disappear from the public eye.
There is still another little episode, connected with
this subject which is necessary to mention in order to com-
plete the history of this unfortunate movement. After the
removal of Dr. Woodrow in December 1886, he became con-
nected with the South Carolina College as one of its Pro-
fessors. Some of the students of the Seminary being his
warm friends and admirers, matriculated as attendants
upon his lectures; among whom were Mr. W. W. Elwang
under the care of the Presbytery of New Orleans, and W.
C. Foster under the care of South Carolina Presbytery,
and this without the knowledge of the Faculty. Undet
the advice and counsel of Rev. Mr. Blackburn, then tutor in
the Seminary, and without the knowledge of the Profes
sors, these young brethren ceased attending those lectures.
Mr. Foster soon left the institution. In the meanwhile Mr
Elwang had written to Rev. J. W. Flinn, Chairman of tha
Committee of Education, of New Orleans Presbytery, for
instruction. Mr. Flinn replied, that he should consult his
FIRST PRESYTERIAN CHURCH, AUGUSTA, GA.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 245
wishes in the matter, and to attend said lectures if he so
desired. The faculty had before this notified Mr. Elwang
of their intention to refer the matter to the New Orleans
Presbytery. Mr. Elwang wishing to have the matter set*
tied as a test question, submitted it to the Faculty for their
decision. They gave it as their judgment, that in view of
the decision of the four controlling Synods they could not
do otherwise than refuse permission to the students of th3
Seminary to attend upon the lectures of Dr. Woodrrow.
Mr. Elwang soon left the Institution, and thus the little
cloud, which for a time seemed to threaten a little fric-
tion, soon blew over. In reviewing their action, the Boar(?
approved what the Faculty had done.
We have given in the above the main facts in the
Evolution controversy, and in so doing have entered largely
into details, that the reader may be in a condition to judge
for himself of its true character. Without desiring in the
least to interfere with his right to form his own conclus-
ions, we offer a few remarks upon the general subject.
1. As to the propriety of the Chair Itself. Though
voting to receive the money the writer is candid to say
that he never has been able to see the necessity or advis-
ability of this new addition to the seminary curriculum. It
has always seemed to him an incongruous, as well as dang-
erous thing, for the church to appoint a man to teach in
her name and by her authority, something outside th»
Scriptures, concerning which she knows nothing, and foi
which she has no standard; the only limitations to the
teaching being the individual notions and conclusions of
the man himself; thus placing herself entirely at his
mercy, without any protection or safeguard against any
vagary in which he might indulge; and in case of conflict
between himself and the church, which might occur at any
time to put him in position to plead his superior knowledge
as an expert, thus placing her at an awkward and humiliat-
ing disadvantage.
But a still greater incongruity appears in the proposed
end for which the appointment was made. The idea of en-
246 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN aEORGIA
trusting the defense of God's truth .to any one man, no mat-
ter who he is, or what his talents or qualifications may be,
ff not so serious a matter, would he farcical in the ex-
treme. It finds its parallel in the story of the two irate
neighbors living on opposite sides of Stone Mountain,
each with pole in hand, pushing with all his might, the one
seeking to roll the towering mountain over upon his neigh-
bor, and the other, putting forth all his strength to pre-
vent it. God's truth is immovable, being "Forever settled
in the heavens." God's truth is indestructible, and needs
not the feeble efforts of puny man for its defense any
more than the keeping of the sun, moon and stars in their
orbits. The Ark is the Lord's and has no need of Uzzah's
unhallowed touch to prevent its fall. He has made us His
witnesses or ambassadors simply and not his counsellors
or co-defenders of his truth. "Ye are my witnesses." In-
stead of one man, he has made all His people His witness-
es. If a wicked and gainsaying world refuse to receive
the truth, that is a matter entirely between them and the
king. The responsibility is with them and not with the
ambassador. And after all, the best and only effective sys-
tem of Christian apologetics, and the only one God has
appointed, is the consistent life of his people. It is by their
godly living that they are "To put to silence the igno-
rance of foolish men." We need this tar more tnan the
study of science, or the appointment of a professor's chair,
for the speedy and successful triumph of the gospel.
We cannot, therefore, but express the coinviction that
in the appointment of a Chair of Natural Science, the
church simply went out of her commission, assuming a
prerogative and role which were not hers. And as "The
curse causeless sh'all not come," the divine displeasure
soon became apparent in the sudden sweeping away of the
larger portion of the endowment and the after visitation
of the bitter strife and angry debate which followed, the
effects of which are still felt and especially seen in the
hurt inflicted upon the unfortunate Seminary, from which
it seems difl[icult, if not almost impossible to rally.
2. As to the removal of the Professor. This, and not
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 247
simply the question of Evolution, was the storm center of
the whole controversy. No one defended the doctrine of
Evolution, and certainly not as interpreted by Dr. Wood-
row. We tind no minister, Presbytery, Synod, or Assembly
endorsing his peculiar tenets on that subject. The chief,
and we might add, the only objection raised was, that the
Professor was removed without a trial, as was charged,
and which thing was felt and declared by his friends to
be an act of great injustice to him.
We cannot but express surprise at this statement,
when the records so abundantly show that he was tried,
and fully tried, both as to his doctrine and as to himself;
arst, his doctrine, by the Synod of 'Georgia at Marietta in
1884, and also by the other Synods in their meetings so
soon after, when days were consumed in canvassing the
whole subject; and second, himself tried first before his
Presbytery at Augusta in 1885, and at Bethany in August
1886, and by the Synod of Georgia at LaGrange in 1885, and
again at Sparta in 1886, and by the General Assembly at
Baltimore in 1888. His case was before the associated
Synods and the General Assembly and the entire church
for four consecutive years (1884-1888) considered and acted
on in the church courts, discussed in the public prints, and
tried at the bar of public opinion; with unlimited time
allowed him at the church courts in which to defend him-
self, with the Southern Presbyterian, his own paper, at his
command, and which, too, he wielded wiih a deft and dili-
gent hand, and the Southern Presbyterian Review at his
fullest disposal; in all of which the most ample opportu-
nities were afforded him for the vindication of himself, and
presentation of his views. Instead of a deficiency, if any-
thing, there was too much trial, at least, so thought some
of his friends. For when he asked his Presbytery
(Augusta) to enter judicial process against him they
refused to do it, even after the Synod had returned the
case to them with instruction to reopen it and either enter
process or assert his entire innocence; they refusing upon
the ground that they had already considered the case and
acquitted him of all charge of heresy.
248 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
It should also be borne in mind that Dr. Woodrow was
not removed until all the Synods had spoKen again and
again, and had all acted and in concert with the General
Assembly, had given instruction to the Board to remove
him in case he should refuse to tender his resignation. It
is true the records show that he Was removed by the
Board in the fall of 1884, But that was not a removal
proper, but only a suspension. In the records of the Board
the word "removed" was unfortunately used instead of
"suspended," for this was all the Board could do and all
that was rea'lly done. The Board under the constitution as
it then existed, had no right to remove permanently. They
could only suspend temporarily till the Synods could act.
As the Synods did not approve what the Board h'ad done
its action went for naught, and left the Professor the law-
ful incumbent of the ehair, which the Board afterwards
unanimously declared. The Board cannot, therefore, be
chargeable with his removal before the Synods had con-
sidered the case or that he was removed without a trial.
He was not actually removed till after the action of all
the Synods. The only error of the Board was the incor-
rect use of the word "removed" in their records.
But the thing chiefly complained of by Dr. Woodrow
and his friends, was the absence of a special and formal
trial to test his orthodoxy and suitableness for the profes-
sorship. But a moment's thought will show that this was
neither possible nor necessary.
This trial could not be by the Board. The Board had
no right to try him for anything, and certainly not for his
orthodoxy. That Was the province solely of his Presby-
tery. No provision was made for the organizing of the
Board into a court and sitting in judgment upon a man's the-
olgy. Dr. Woodrow virtually admitted this when he refused
to appear before them, when invited, to show reason why
he should not be removed. He knew full well that they
had no right to summon him into their presence, which
they would, had they been a legally organized Court.
Nor could he be tried in this manner by the Synods,
especially as there were four of them. We know of no law
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX GEORGIA 249
in our Ecclesiastical affairs, whereby four Synods could
form themselves into a court for the trial of a minister's
orthodoxy. No provision for any such anomaly as that. The
Synod of Georgia could sit in judgment upon his orthodoxy
in an appeal, but what had the Synods of South Carolina,
Alabama and South Georgia and Florida to do with that
matter? All that the Synods could do, would be to sit in
judgment upon his fitness simply as a professor, and to say
whether in their judgment, he was a suitable man to fill the
position or not, and which they could without any formal
trial, and in his absence as well as in his presence, they
having the undoubted and absolute right to say whether a
man shall teach in their institution and the right to dis-
miss for any reason, if displeased, without giving any rea-
son, than simply to say, you do not suit us.
Dr. Woodrow seems to have lost sight of the fact that
his election was not for life irrespective of any and all
considerations outside of his orthodoxy. In all covenants
or contracts, in which no time is specified, it is understood
that the continuance is at the will of the parties. Either
may withdraw at any time if they see fit to do so, as in
the appointment of judges of the court, the selection of
teachers in schools and colleges, and the installation of
pastors in churches. No court, institution of learning or
church would do -such a foolish thing as to bind itself to
any incumbent for life. And the Seminary could be no ex-
ception. To deny the right to the Synods to change their
professors when the interest of the seminary demanded it,
would be to rob them of all controlling authority and make
the will of the Prfessor supreme in the matter. It was un-
fortunate that this underlying error was not more distinct-
ly emphasized in the debate.
We have a parallel in the case of Dr. Plumer, when tho
Assembly in 1880 approved of his removal by the Board,
on account of his age, and that too, without any other cere-
mony or formal trial than a simple resolution. And strange
enough, too, that some who were so hearty in the removal
of Dr. Plumer were so bitterly opposed to the removal of
Dr. Woodrow, though the cases were analogous. Dr. Plumer
250 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
denied the charge of incompetency and plead the contin-
uance of the contract. Tlie Assembly, then, was shut up
to one of two things: Either to resolve itself into a court
to establish his superannuation, or else continue him as
professor, to the gre'at detriment of the institution. To
do the former, would be to make this high court guilty of
a most shameful and unheard of thing, a thing without
law or precedent; to do the latter would be to surrender
all control of its own property, and prove itself recreant
to its trust.
The same principle applies to the case before us. Dr.
Woodrow denied the charge of disqualification, and plead
the continuance of the contract. Nothing was left the
Synods to do, but either to assert their authority and vacate
the chair, or else surrender the institution to the professor
and his friends.
We repeat, that the only trial outside of the Presby-
tery, known in the annals of Ecclesiastical law whether by
the Board or the Synods, to which the professor was sub-
ject, would be for them simply to say whether or not in
their judgment he was suitable and acceptable, and that
too without form or ceremony. And in this sense he was
fully tried both by the Board and the four controlling
Synods.
Even if it were possible for the Synods to organize
themselves into a court and give him a formal trial, of
what use would it be? For it must be remembered that
the only thing for which Dr. Woodrow was to be tried was
his Evolution theory. That was the only ground of ob-
jection to him and the only reason for his removal. If an
Evolutionist, he was not wanted. That was the whole of it.
The question then comes up, what was the use of any trial,
formal or otherwise, when he admitted the fact, and his
address was open to every one? Why try a culprit after he
confesses guilt? Wherein the necessity of any sort of trial
to prove what he never denied?
But the greatest error of the Professor, and that, too,
which seemed to have confused the minds of so many, was
his demand of the Synods that they show wherein his
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 251
views were contrary to the Scriptures. From tlie persist-
ent refusal to tender his resignation the Professor seemed
to think that the Synods were bound to show his error and
convince him of the unscripturalness of his views, before
they would have a right to remove him. But that was a
question with which they were not concerned just then, as
they had already considered it, and in a condemnatory
way in their sessions at Marietta. Why consider it again?
Besides, they did not feel called upon to correct the erro-
neous views of the Professor. It was enough for them to be
convinced in their own minds that they were unscriptual
and should be kept out of the Seminary.
Here then were the two erroneous positions of the
Professor.
1st. That his appointment was for life, irrespective
of any and all considerations, except the matter of heresy.
2nd. The necessity of convincing him of the unscrip-
turalness of his views, before the Synods would have the
right to remove him. Both of which were contrary to
reason and the common practice of mankind.
We cannot conclude this review without noticing tho
action of the Synod of South Georgia and Florida. In their
judgment they said: "The Board ought first to have asked
if he would not cease teaching his peculiar views?" But
that would have been of no practical value, as it was after-
wards tried and brought no relief. Obviously that was not
the way to reach the evil. The mischief was already done.
His views had been promulgated far and wide. And even
if he did not say a single word, he could not remain a Pro-
fessor without teaching them. And indeed those viewg
would be but the more widely advertised by the very con
spicuousness of the silence. Then see the awkward and
anomalous position, of having an institution with a Pro-
fessor of pronounced views and yet restrained and muz-
zled from expressing them, and who could not be question-
ed by the students, and when interrogated, dare not give
an opinion. Who desires such a professor, or would pat-
ronize such an institution?
Any one can «ee at a glance, that any Professor would
252 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
at once be disqualified by such a muzzling. The Board so
thought, so th€ Synods; and so the General Assembly, as
appears from the fact that in the end they all voted for
his removal, notwithstanding the fact that he had prom-
ised to drop the subject of Evolution altogether out of the
course of lectures.
We think we have said enough to show that there was
no necessity for any trial either to prove that Dr. Wood-
row held to the theory of Evolution', or to find out whether he
would cease from teaching it, and therefore the utter want
of any foundation for the charge of injustice done him in
not granting him a formal trial, since he was removed
simply and solely for the reason that he was an Evolu-
tionist, which neither himself nor his friends denied. If
an Evolutionist, the case was fully made out and further
dalliance utterly useless.
3. A third thing worthy of notice was the manner of
conducting the debate and the arguments employed. A
great deal said was irrelevant, and a great deal mislead-
ing and fallacious. A great deal was said concerning the
Scriptures, "as interpreted in our standards," but very lit-
tle about the Scriptures themselves. The assailants of Dr.
Woodrow's theory argued that the hypothesis was un-
proved; but how easy the retort that in that very saying
the church courts were themselves settling a scientific
question which they had avowed to be outside their
sphere, as Dr. Whaling and others charged the Assembly
with in their protest. So there w^as also an utter lack of a
clear cut and well defined definition of the term Evolution,
and which led to so much confusion, and useless discus-
sion. If simple development, as in the minds of many,
very few would object to being called evolutionists. But
it especially seemed unfortunate, and a defect in the argu-
ment, that the great law of creation as given by Moses, in
the opening chapter of Genesis, was not distinctly stated
and insisted upon. That law is very explicitly stated in
Gen. 1. 24:
"And God said let the earth bring forth the living
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 253
creature after his kind, cattle and creeping thing, and
beast of the earth 'after his kind; and it was so."
The great Scripture law of descent is generation after
its kind. Every beast and living thing was to produce only
after its kind. The fish always to produce the fish; the
bird nothing but a bird, and the quadruped nothing but ?
quadruped. Here then was the great law with which Evo-
lution was in direct conflict.
God says every thing is to perpetuate itself
after its kind; not so says evolution, but one kind can and
will produce another kind; the oyster can become a fish,
and the fish a bird, and the bird a lion. Here is conflict,
and not only conflict but direct contradiction. Admit the
fixedness of species or kind and the question is settled
Admit the fixedness of species, and the law that kind is to
produce its kind, and no one objects to the greatest lati-
tude of mere development resulting in Varieties, c.s is
known to every agriculturist and pomologist. Dr. Wood-
row's Evolution was not simply development, but transpo-
sition of kind, from one species to another, from the pro-
toplasm to the mollusk, from the mollusk to the radiate,
frm the radiate to the articulate, and from the articulate
to the mammalia. This point, however, he very adroitly
covered up. On speaking of it, it was always, "as explain-
ed in his address," and in the address, it was simply
"descent with modification," and never the distinct enun-
ciation of the transmutation from one species or
kind to another. In speaking of Adam's body as
probably of brutal descent, he completely ignored
the previous Evolution of that body. He stated the case
thus: The Scriptures say nothing about the body, wheth-
er formed from organic or inorganic matter, and in the ab-
sence of any Scripture on the subject, it was unfair to ac-
cuse him of teaching contrary to the Scriptures, when he
said that the body was probably of animal parentage. But
what did he mean by "Animal Parentage?" He and his
friends argued the case as though the question was wheth-
er Cod simply took the body of some animal already in
existence, and out of it formed the body of Adam, or
254 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
whether he fashioned that body directly from inorganic dirt?
But this view was clearly misle'ading, as there was no Evo-
lution in such a creation as that. The evolution was in the
previous formation of that animal body — the bringing of it
up from some lower form of animal life and it was just
there in the judgment of many that the Professor contra-
dicted Moses in saying that that body did come up from
some lower form, when Moses had said so explicitly, that
the law of animal life was for every thing to perpetuate it-
self after lbs kind. If he meant simply that God took the
body of an animal already m existence, then it was simply
a remodeling with which Evolution had nothing to do, and
much, if not all discussion on that subject, was "Much
ado 'about nothing." It seems strange that no mention was
made of this point in the discussion we have of the sub-
ject, when it was the very turning point of the whole ar-
gument. If the debate had been narrowed down to this
one definite Scriptural view, every thing "after its kind,"
fully three fourths of the discussion would have been ruled
out as irrelevant and a great deal of rancor and bitterness
thereby avoided, and with result far more satisfactory.
In common with the whole church, we rejoice that the
discussion of this vexed question has long since passed out
of view. Errors are many times like approaching weaves
which threaten to engulf every thing before them, but
pass on to come no more. So this great error, we believe,
has passed by to return no more forever. And even if it
should ever lift up its head again, we have no fears what-
ever of the safety of God's truth, for that truth is eternal
as the years of the Most High.
CHAPTER XV.
THE GREAT COMMISSION.
HOME MISSIONS.
From th€ fields of controversy and strife, we turn to
th-e legitimate home work of the church, as set forth in her
great commission, "Ge ye into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature." For we need hardly say — that
all this dissension and discord through which she has
passed form no part of that commission. She is no where
commanded to engage in controversy and strife. But
simply to "go and preach." This is to be her sole busi-
ness.
And it is worthy of note that the command is to "go,"
not to sit still, but to go and carry the gospel to the peo-
ple. The terms of her commission require her ever to be
moving and advancing. She is to go, and as she goes to
preach; like Jonah entering Ninevah, and crying as he pro-
ceeds, declaring the doom of the city. Nor yet is she to stop
till tihe gospel is preached to ever creature.
Concerning this commission, we have further to say:
1st. Its first essential feature is that of preaching.
Nothing is to take the place of this formal proclamation of
the gospel. Neither leagues, nor associations, sohools of
instruction, nor any other thing of human device can take
the place of the living ministry, or be made a substitute
for the human form or human voice. It is required of
those who would preach this gospel, that they speak it in
person. They are to be witnesses, as well as ambassadors
of the truth. God has ordained, that by "the foolishness of
preaching" the kingdom of Satan is to be overturned — and
the world saved.
2nd. Nor yet is anything to take the place of this
gospel, the essence of which is faith in the Lord Jesus, as
set forth in the declaration, "He that believeth, and is bap-
tized, shall be saved, but he that believeth not, sihall be
256 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
damned." Man is not to tamper with this message, either
by adding thereto or taking therefrom.
That there is much included in this matter of preach-
ing we readily admit. All religious instruction is preach-
ing in one sense. The office of the pastor is to teach as well
as to preach. But all teaching is not preaching. We are
to teach only what is included in the great commission.
The only rule to guide us in determining what to
preach and what to leave out is the model given us in
the Scriptures, viz., the preaching of the master and the
Apostles. The nearer we follow those models, the more
effective our preaching; the farther we depart from them,
the weaker our testimony, and the fewer souls led to
Christ.
3rd. The Church, in her marching, is not to neglect
her home work. There is a work behind as well as before;
a work at home, as well as abroad. She is not to send all
her forces to the front, nor yet to keep them all at home,
but to divide the same between her missionary or evange-
listic fields and her pastoral work at home. Like a wise
general she is to hold on to and fortify her conquests, and
make the same the base of future operations.
And herein we see what we conceive to be the mistake
of our Methodist brethren on the one hand, and our own
on the other. They set out with the idea of having noth-
ing but traveling evangelists. The Presbyterians, on the
other hand, though they have ample provision in their sys-
tem for evangelistic work, have been emphasizing the pas-
torate. Both these methods are extremes; both unscript-
ural. The divine appointment covers the middle ground:
"Some evangelists, some pastors and teachers," the
evangelist to do the outside work, and the pastor the work
at home. They are both beginning to see their error, and
endeavoring to correct the same, and in doing this are get-
ting nearer the scripture standard in this, that the Metho-
dists are lengthening their pastorate, and the Presbyter-
ians are increasing the number of their evangelists. When
this is fully accomplished they will then be standing side
by side upon the true scripture ground.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 257
4. There is to be no distinction or limitation as to the
field. The distinction between Home and Foreign Mis-
sions, is absolutely without any foundation in the scrip-
tures; nor yet in reason, for when the whole world is
evangelized, then there will be no foreign field. In scrip-
ture parlance, the "field is the world," not the part at home
any more than the part abroad; nor one place to the ex-
clusion of any other. Beginning at Jerusalem, but not to
stop there, but to go to Samaria, and the uttermost part
of the earth. Nor yet waiting for the conversion of every-
body, but continue moving from house to house, from place
to place, from nation to nation, till the very last man of
every tribe and nation has heard the glorious tidings of
salvation.
How apparent then the error of those who say that
they believe in home, but not foreign missions. Those who
thus believe take their own reason, and not the word of
God, as their guide.
5. Here then is the distribution we would make as
gathered from the word of God. The pastor is to preach
and teach at home, both offices, preaching and teaching,
being in one. The evangelist, or home missionary, as he
is sometimes termed, to look after the new and destitute
fields; the two here again being both united in one.
Thus the evangelistic and home mission work are very
closely allied, the only difference being the additional
feature of sustentation in connection with the latter. The
evangelist is more of a traveling minister. The home mis-
sionary is expected to look after the feeble and newborn
churches planted by the evangelist. The feeble churches
must be cared for and nursed or else they will die. No
Church can expect to enlarge her borders which will adopt
any other plan. This is the reason as we believe and we
here repeat it with emphasis, why the Presbyterian church
has made no more progress. While looking over her home
interest, the other denominations, with their advance
guards, were actively engaged in planting churches in other
and destitute places in the country.
But we are glad to know that the Presbyterians of
258 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Georgia are becoming more and more alive to the impor-
tance of this work. The Presbyteries now all have a stand-
ing committee on home mission work, whose duty is
to look after and provide for the wants and necessities of
every weak and destitute field. This is one of the en-
couraging signs, and evidence of advance in the church.
With fidelity on the part of these committees, every field
in the Synod will thus be supplied.
We desire just here to speak of a method of evangelis-
Lic work inaugurated in the Presbytery of Atlanta, and one
we think a most admirable one, and that is the use of the
"gospel tent." It has been tried by the Presbytery with
great success, and resulting in the organization of church-
es, as at Panthersville, and Bremen, and also used with
success at other places. We can but express regret that
a plan so much in harmony with the principles of the great
commission, and meeting with such success, should be dis-
continued.
SYNODICAL EVANGELISM.
Following the example of the Synod of New York and
Philadelphia, also the General Assembly after its forma-
tion, and still later the example of the more recent Synods
of Virginia and the Carolinas, the Synod of Georgia at
first adopted it as its policy to send out missionaries or
evangelists, in different parts of its territory. Hence, in
1859, we find the Synod appointing as evangelists, Rev. Dr.
J. C. Stiles, and Rev. W. M. Cunningham, who
labored through the next year with great accept-
ance and success. But in 1882 they seemed to have
changed their policy. In answer to an overture from the
Presbytery of Athens asking the appointment of one or
m'ore Synodical evangelists, Synod gave the following
answer: p. 21.
"The Form of Government, which distinctly defines
the sphere of action, and, by express provision, limits the
jurisdiction of each court, gives to the Presbyteries — to
Presbyteries alone — the power "to ordain ministers," to
require them to devote themselves diligently to their sa-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 259
cred calling, and to censure the delinquent, and "to s€t
apart evangelists to their proper work."
The Constitution gives Presbyteries — Presbyteries
only — power "to form and receive new churches" and "to
take special oversight of vacant churches."
But as Synod has the constitutional right "to concert
measures for promoting the prosperity and enlargement
of the church within its bounds, it is hereby recommended
and enjoined that the Presbyteries of this Synod faithfully
and earnestly so to group and aid their vacant
churches as to secure to all of them at least occasional
ministrations."
Notwithstanding these clearcut statements of the
principles and interpretaton of the Book, we find the
Synod five years after repudiating the same and going
back to the old method of Synodical evangelists. For in
1887 we find that in answer to an overture from the Pres-
bytery of Augusta asking the appointment of evangelists,
the Synod declared that it was its sense "that one or more
evangelists should be put into the field," and a Committee
appointed to carry out the scheme. The same action was
taken for several succeeding years, without any practical
results till the appointment of Rev. Dr. J. B. Mack in 1890,
to whom Rev. Messrs. W. M. Doggett and Nathan Bach-
man were added in 1891, at which time the Synod seemed
so much enthused upon the subject that the Committee
recommended the appointment of four more evangelists;
they also proposed the appointment of a minister as gen-
eral superintendent, who should give his entire time to the
work. Said superintendent was not appointed, however.
The matter was referred to the standing committee, and
we see nothing more said about it.
Whatever may be said concerning the logical sound-
ness of the interpretation of the constitutional principles
laid down by the Synod in 1882, the results showed the
wisdom of the appointment. Dr. Mack continued in the
field some eight years, the other two about two. Never
was there a greater accession to the number of churches
260 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
than during those years. Dr. Mack says in his report in
1898:
"Since coming to this Synod in the Fall of 1890, it has
been my privilege to participate in the organization or re-
organization of forty-four Churches. Of these, two have
been dissolved; one is in another Synod; and one com-
posed mainly of Northern emigrants, has preferred to he
with a Northern church; of the remaining forty (or about
one fifth of the churches upon the roll of the Synod) thirty-
two hav€ houses of worship; five are either building, or
have secured desirable lots, and only thre« as yet have
taken n'o definite step in securing a house. These results
show what might have been accomplished if Synod had
put three or four men in the field and continuously kept
them there." (Min. p. 42.)
Whether this be according to our theory of Church
Government or not it nevertheless seems now to be the
settled policy not only of the Synod but also of the Gen-
eral Assembly. At the meeting of the Assembly at
Greensboro, N. C, May 1908, they created a permanent
committee on Evangelism, and the Synod, at its meeting
at Athens, has also endorsed the same by appointing a
similar committee to act in concert with said committee
of the Assembly, but, "not to interfere with the committees
01 the Presbyteries."
We may here add that the interpretation given by the
Synod in 1882 may be a correct expose of the principles of
the bo'ok, but the question may here be raised as to the
soundness of those principles themselves? For if the
Synod be but a larger Presbytery, as sometimes stated,
why may it not also have the same right to appoint evange-
lists as the Presbyteries? It, therefore, becomes simply
a question of expediency and not of constitutional law.
CHAPTER XVI.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.
In nothing, perhaps has the Synod made greater prog-
ress than in her work in foreign fields. At first little or
nothing was done in that direction, not only because of the
inaccessibility of those fields, not being open as now, but
also because the church, at that early period, felt that they
themselves were in a certain sense, a foreign and needy
field. But with the opening of the Eastern world by the
visit of Commodore Perry in 1853, and the expansion and
development of the church at home, the interest in Mis-
sions has also been growing, till now the whole church is
becoming more and m'ore enthused with the importance of
the work.
We think we can safely say, that never has the world
been so stirred on the subject, as at present; never such
general and wide spread interest, never such zeal, such
liberality, such success, such loud and continued calls for
money and men. Witness the numerous Ladies Mission-
ary Societies, and their unwearied zeal and devotion to
the cause, and the interest manifested even by the child-
ren, but especially the recent "Lay Movement," originated
and supported by the men of the church. Indeed so great
the interest and marvellous the success, that the idea is
now taking hold of the minds of the people, at first a mere
random thought uttered by some one, but now becoming
a settled conviction, and an article of belief, that the
evangelization of the world is to be accomplished with this
generation.
The increasing zeal of God's people appears from their
increasing liberality. Formerly the contributions to this
•cause were sporadic and small, and were the result of
special appeals, and under the stimulus of a visit of a
church agent, but now in a regular systematic way with-
out the need of such agents. The amount contributed by
262 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
th€ Synod for Foreign Missions during the past year (1911)
was $37,935, sev€n years ago, $14,855.
This growing z-eal further shows itself in the increas-
ing number of those who are contributing to the support of
Missionaries outside of their regular contributions. It is
encouraging as well as astonishing to know the number of
these churches and individuals who have pledged them-
selves, in whole or in part, for the support of Mission-
aries. There are at least thirty of these in the Synod, and
the number is constantly multiplying.
That the evangelization of the world is moving on
apace, and that, too, at an increasing rate of speed, must
be obvious to the most casual observer. The fulfillment of
prophecy points to a speedy approach of the Millennium
when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be establish-
ed on the top of the mountains, and all nations shall flow
unto it, when the "the little stone cut out of the mountain
without hands shall become the huge mountain and fill the
whole earth."
Whether this evangelization is to be in this generation,
we will not affirm. All that we can say is, that the accum-
ulation of prayer is going on at the throne of the heavenly
grace, the seed being widely sown, the gospel will soon be
preached to every creature, all then that will be needed
will be the outpouring of the Spirit, to secure the birth of
nations In a day.
Nor yet does the approach of this glorious day necessi-
tate the conversion of all men. The wheat and tares are
to grow together till the harvest, when the angel reapers
are to go forth and gather the wheat into the garner of
the Lord, but bind the tares in bundles that they may be
burned. The teaching of Scripture is that there is to be a
falling away first before the end, and the question comes
is the church now entering into that period? If the views
held by many, that the seven Apocalyptic churches are
seven progressive periods of the church on earth be true,
then the Lord is yet to spue out of his mouth the church
of today, not for the want of outward activity, but misin-
terpreting that activity, in saying, on account of that very
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 263
activity, that she was rich and had need of nothing, where-
as, she was spiritually poor and wretched and blind. If
we interpret prophecy aright, there is yet to be a great
earthquake, or upheaval such as never before, or the like
of which will ever again be seen, of which John speaks.
This is only the sowing time, and this sowing can be done
by people of the world, as well as the people of God, and
all this outward activity can easily be mistaken for relig-
ious zeal. God may allow, for the advancement of his
truth, all the present methods of man's devising and mul-
tiplied forms of self imposed "Will worship," but in the
end judgments are to come, and some great movement or
revolution will arise in the very heart of the church which
is to usher in the Millennial reign of righteousness and
peace.
FOREIGN MISSIONARIES.
There have gone out from Synod the following Mission-
aries:
IsL. The first were Mr. and Mrs. R. Q. Way, who
went out from the old Midway Church, Liberty County,
to Ningpo, China, in 1845, the year in which the Synod
was organized. Both were natives of said Church and
County, Mrs. Way being the daughter of the pastor, Rev.
Robert Quarterman. This was the first missionary move-
ment in the State, and the second in the south, the first
being the Rev. Abiel Stevens, of the Baptist Church, of
Liberty County, and sent out by the Baptist Board at Rich-
mond, Va., to Burmah, in 18 —
2nd. The second Missionary was Mr. Jno. Winn Quar-
terman, and brother of Mrs. Way, and went to Ningpo,
China, 1846, where he died of smallpox, October 14, 1857,
the first to fall at his post, and give his body in trust to
the soil of China.
3. The next was Rev. William Le Conte, another na-
tive of Liberty County, who went to Brazil in 1872.
4. Miss Safford, the daughter of Rev. Henry Safford.
5. Rev. W. H. Sheppard, colored, a native of Virginia,
educated at Tuscaloosa, licensed by the Presbytery of
Tuscaloosa, ordained by Atlanta Presbytery, and in com-
264 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
pany with the lamented Lapsley, went as a pioneer mis-
sionary to Africa, and where he labored with such wonder-
ful success, until recalled a year ago.
6th. Rev. R. P. Baird, missionary from Cherokee
Presbytery to Brazil, died on the train at Jesup, Georgia,
Nov. 9th, 1909.
7th. The Rev. H. M. Perkins from the Presbytery of
Savannah.
In addition to these were Rev. Thomas Clay Winn,
son of Rev. John Winn, and Miss Harriet Leila Winn,
daughter of Rev. T. S. Winn, all the descendants from
Midway Church, though not at the time connected with
the Synod of Georgia. The latter went to Kanahawa,
Japan, in 1877 as a missionary of the Northern Church;
the former to Japan under the care of the Dutch Reform-
ed Church in 1873.
CHAPTER XVII.
WORK AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE.
We find nothing specially done for the colored people
in Georgia till the organization of the Presbytery of Geor-
gia in 1821 and for the reason, we presume, that there were
comparatively few slaves in the up-country. As that
Presbytery embraced all the Seacoast, where the larger
portion of the colored people dwelt, we naturally expect
it would take the initiative; and so we find.
The place where we find the first manifest interest in
the colored people was in the bounds of the Old Midway
Church, Liberty County, and even there no special efforts
were made for a number of years. No provision made for
them in the first log house, nor even in the second, till
1770, when it was ordered that a gallery be made commod'
ious for the white and a shed be added for the colored
people. During Mr. Holmes' ministry some stimulus
se^ms to have been given to their 'religious instruction, ae
a booth or arbor was erected near the Church for them.
The interest continued during Mr. Gilderslteves niuiistry.
who frequently held special Sabbath afternoon services fol
them.
But the work did not fairly begin till 1831, when Dr.
C. C. Jones, a native of Liberty County, and a man of
means, devoted himself to their instruction, and he may
well be termed the Apostle to the colored people. Being
a practical man, he soon had them arranged into schools
with preaching places for their oral instruction, and with
colored leaders whom he placed over them as "Watchmen."
These were scattered over different parts of the county.
He also formed an association among the whites to whom
he annually made reports. In a few years the whole lower
belt of the county became fully organized. Quite a num-
ber of the white people becoming interested likewise tools
part in the work. Dr. Jones continued his work for thir-
teen years, and as a result hundreds of the colored
266 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
were saved, their general condition greatly improved, and
a general interest awakened throughout the whole coun
try, principally Georgia, South Carolina and Mississippi
and not only in one church but all the churches.
We have no means of determining the number of col-
ored members before the civil war as they were not kept
separate. But there must have been a considerable num-
ber, for white churches all had provision for the negroes to
worship with them, either in the gallery or in the seats in
the rear of the building. They had no separate churches
of their own, but joined with the whites. Since the war
they have withdrawn and not only have separate organiza-
tions but also houses of their own, on which account few
of the Presbyteries have made any special efforts in their
behalf, nor have those been very successful that have.
The following is their several actions since the war:
The Presbytery of Hopewell, in accordance wtih an
overture from the colored members of the Macon Church
to be set off into a separate church, met in Macon on May
10, 1866, and organized said church, and at same time or-
dained Joseph Williams, David Laney and Joseph Carter,
all members of said church as ministers of the gospel;
"Provided, however, that these men shall be regarded as
ordained ministers in the Presbyterian Church only among
their own color" (Min. Presbytery,) without telling their
authority for this restriction, however. David Laney was
installed Pastor of the Church; Williams and Carter were
ordained as Evangelists at large among the colored peo-
ple.
Rev. Joe Williams removed to Liberty county where
he succeeded in gathering together and organizing into
three separate churches, the colored elements remaining
after the dissolution of the Midway Church, viz., Midway,
with Ebenezer on the North, Riceboro on the South. These
churches connected themselves with the Knox Presbytery.
The Presbytery of Hopewell in 1840 organized the
African Church of Augusta, which existed for but a short
time.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 267
Neither of the Presbyteries of Georgia, Flint River or
Cherokee ever had a colored church under their care.
The Presbytery of Macon organized the colored
church of Hicksville in 1890 and ordained E. D. Covington
in 1891 and installed him pastor. He was dismissed to
Central Alabama Presbytery in 1895.
The Presbytery of Atlanta organized the First Colored
Church Atlanta in 1867; Mount Sinai Church, 1875; and
Zion Church Atlanta, 1879; and received Mr. A. A. Jones
from the Methodist Church and mad« him pastor. The
church was dissolved in 1894 and Mr. Jones joined Knox
Presbytery. Atlanta Presbytery also ordained the Rev. J.
R. Harris in 1887, and dismissed him to Knox Presbytery
in 1887; also, ordained the Rev. W. H. Sheppard, as Mis-
sionary to Africa, and whose career is so well known.
The Athens Presbytery organized the Sardis church in
1889, Mt. Zion in 1891, Mt. Olivet in 1892, Cedar Grove in
1893, and ordained E. P. Burns in 1889, T. Thompson in
1895 and S. J. Morrow in 1897. These churches were all
dismissed to the Presbytery of Abbeville in 1898. Rev.
S. J. Morrow was dismissed to Catawba Presbytery in
1899, and the name of E. P. Burns dropped in 1898.
The Presbytery of Savannah organized the Savannah
Colored Church in 1881, and dissolved the same in 1884;
organized Grant Chapel, and ordained J. D. Taylor and in-
stalled him pastor in 1892, and dismissed both to the Knox
Presbytery in 1898.
Thus from first to last there have been twelve colored
churches organized and ten colored men ordained within
the bounds of the Synod, but none today connected with
the same.
Making all due allowances for the desire on part of
the colored people to have an entirely independent organ-
ization of their own, we cannot be oblivious to the fact
that the white people were just as anxious to have them
to themselves, and therefore the policy pursued towards
them was not of such a character as to draw that people
any closer to their organization. Indeed, it was difficult
to determine the precise relation of the colored churches
268 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
to the Presbyterian Church. They seemed to have been
considered as an integral portion of the Church but simply
"in accordance with the scheme of the Assembly to form
an independent church of their own," but of which scheme
no one could give an intelligent account. In some in-
stances they were not even put upon the roll, and if they
were they were not rgarded as entitled to representation.
It might well be asked, whether any development, or in-
crease could grow out of or the blessing of God rest upon
any such an anomaly? In the absence of the proper
Episcopal oversight, and left to themselves, we have an-
other illustration of "the blind leading the blind, with the
open ditch before them into which to fall."
As an illustration of this, and also to show the injus-
tice done them by thus cutting loose from them, to show
their idea of things and what to expect if left to them-
selves in their present state of advancement, I quote the
following sentence from a published account of the open-
ing sermon of a Colored Singing Convention not many
miles from where the writer resides: "Rev. Mobley took
for his text "Behold how good and pleasant it is for breth-
ren to dwell together in unity." The sermon was tenured
biblical, explained explicitly, referring to consistary, treat-
ing on Theology, showing Deontology, giving remonstrance,
impelling them which was remarkable and incontestible
and well received by the delegation." Were it not a matter
of such solemn importance the reader would be tempted to
indulge in a smile. But the matter is of too serious a na-
ture for any thing like merriment, but rather of the deep-
est sympathy and concern.. Instead of awakening
laughter it should stir up the soul to its deepest depths on
their behalf.
To further show the condition of this class of people,
if left to themselves, and the need of missionary work
among them, I quote from my work, "The History of Mid-
way Church," in which an account is given of that most re-
markable episode among the colored people of that section,
known as the "Christ Craze," and which in some respects
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 269
finds its parallel only in the celebrated New England
Witch Craze in 1692.
THE CHRIST CRAZE.
In the early part of 1889, a white man named Dupont
Bell appeared suddenly in the lower part of the County,
from whence not definitely known, though from Ohio, it
was said, slender in form, about thirty-five years of age, of
rather pleasing appearance, open countenance, with long
flowing beard, and hair of light sandy color, parted in the
middle, somewhat curly, and resting upon his shoulders;
attired in copper colored suit, with a sailor's oilcloth hat
and colored shoes, and withal remarkably well versed in
the Scriptures.
This man knocked at a house occupied by a colored
man and family at a late hour in the night. Being refused
admittance on account of the lateness of the hour, the
family all having retired, he stated that if they knew who
it was that knocked they would not hesitate to open to
him. On being asked who he was, he made to them the
startling announcement that he was the Christ and that if
they would call their neighbors and friends together he
would make known to them the object of his mission.
By the next day a considerable number were gathered
together, when he proceeded to tell them that he was
Jesus, who had been crucified and risen from the dead.
To confirm their credulity, he asked them if they did not
remember the great earthquake which they had a few
years before (1886) and if they were not all shaken at that
time? Said he, "that shaking was produced by my com-
ing. You have been praying for my coming, I am now
come, and there is no need to pray anymore; no necessity
of planting or doing anything more, but to get ready; that
the world would come to an end in August; and that as
Moses led the Israelites into the promised land, so in
about forty days he would lead them to Jerusalem. He
told them the people would soon rise against him and have
a Sanhedrim Court, and would cast him out as they did be-
fore, but it makes no difference if they would only stand
up to him."
270 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
This he did from day to day. The congregations con-
tinued to increase. The colored people flocked from all
the surrounding country. In a few weeks he had between
two and three hundred followers. A bush arbor was first
erected near the junction of the Riceboro and Mcintosh
roads, under which they met for a while, but afterwards
they removed to Mr. Walthour's "Homestead place," a few
miles further back in the country, where they met every
day under two majestic live oaks, covering at least a quar-
ter of an acre of ground, where they had a box placed,
termed "The Ark," and into which the people deposited all
their money, which they had been told was now useless.
The people became almost frantic with excitement. The
nearest surrounding Churches were drawn heavily upon
and for the time even threatened with extinction, as Bell
had told them that their pastors were imposing upon them,
robbing them and preaching for money, for which he gave
them no authority, as he himself went without money or
scrip.
The people became deluded with the belief that Bell
was the Christ from his singular appearance, his wonder-
ful knowledge of the Scriptures and also his pretended
power to work miracles. For on one occasion, while walk-
ing along the road, said he to a crowd, "Did not Christ,
when on earth, convert water into wine? Hand me half
a dollar." He took the money and put it into a tin bucket,
which one of them had, then shaking the bucket turned it
upon the ground, when lo, by a dexterous turn, a dollar roll-
ed out, which was accepted as a genuine miracle by his ad-
mining followers.
His power over them was truly marvellous. Indeed he
seemed to have had perfect control, they holding them-
selves to do his every bidding. In obedience to his behest,
they ceased working, neglected their farms, sold their
goods and lived together upon the proceeds.
By the middle of August, their proceedings became so
disorderly and riotous, and the community so demoralized,
that the sober people, both white and colored, felt that
something must be done to arrest the evil, as it had become
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 271
a standing menace to the continuance of good order, for
they had not only abandoned their homes and farms, but
many of them had begun to show signs of mental aberra-
tion. Whereupon a warrant of vagrancy was sworn out
against said Bell. He was arrested and carried to Flem-
ington before the Magistrate, Captain W. A. Fleming, for
commitment trial. He was carried in a buggy guarded
by officers and armed men, to prevent disturbance. The
negroes followed their Christ as they termed him, in
crowds. Instead of trying him at thai time, the Magistrate
appointed a day for hearing the case at Mcintosh Station.
As the prisoner was carried back the crowd followed, frant-
ically shouting, singing and crying, "This is our Jesus who
was nailed to the tree." Before the day of trial it was
thought best to change the form of the warrant from vag-
rancy to that of lunacy, as it was obvious that Bell was
deranged. A jury was accordingly summoned, and upon
a formal trial in August, 1889, he was adjudged, "Non
compos mentis," and a short while afterwards sent to the
Asylum at Milledgeville, where he still remains confined.
After Bell's sentence, and before leaving for the Asy-
lum, he appointed his right hand man and Counsellor, Ed-
ward James, at that time a Colored Magistrate, as his suc-
cessor, and left every thing in his hands, with full author-
ity to carry on the government, till his return, which he
said, would be in a very short time. Bell had told the peo-
ple that his spirit would return, and probably in the per-
son and form of a colored man; and as James claimed to
have the spirit of Bell, they believed him and were there-
fore ready to accord him all honor and authority, and
which he was not slow to receive, and which he resigned
his magistracy to accept. For a short time James carried
it with a high hand, and issuing orders which were im-
plicitly obeyed. In obedience to his orders, the people con-
tinued to cast their silver into the "Ark," which none of
them dared touch, as Bell had assured them that the per-
son touching the same would instantly be smitten of the
Lord. Upon David James endeavoring to get his brother
Edward away, the people in their fury fell upon one Sam-
272 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
uel Carter, who had accompanied him, and beat him quite
severely. In a general melee that followed, some outside
parties, more under the influence of cupidity than
feelings of piety, stole all the money and carried it off.
Soon after this James was arrested and tried on charge of
lunacy and adjudged insane and sent to the asylum at
Millegeville, where he died.
Under and in connection with his leadership rose one
Shadrach Walthour, who often hearing Bell speak of Sol-
omon's greatness, vainly imagined himself to be that per-
sonage, and therefore styled himself as "King Solomon,"
and by which appellation he was generally recognized. But
unfortunately for this would-be king, he was soon arrested
under the charge of disorderly conduct and placed in the
county jail at Hinesville where, while awaiting his trial, he
suddenly and rather mysteriously died. The jailor was
thought to be the cause of his death and was afterwards
tried under charge of murder, but was acquitted.
After the arrest of "king Solomon," the government
and leadership were left in the hands of Ellen Roberts, as
"Queen Mary," or "Virgin Mary," or "Queen of Sheba," as
she was variously styled. And under this appellation, and
under her more gentle sway, the affairs of the Society
were conducted until the elose.
Upon the removal of Bell all restraint seemed to be
removed, and such orgies and abominations practiced as
hardly to be believed. Eye witnesses say that the picture
can hardly be overdrawn. Among other things they were
even charged with laying aside the marital vow under the
delusive idea of having "Things in common." But we draw
the vail over this part of the proceedings.
With Bell, their Christ, and his Deputy James, both in
the Asylum, with Solomon their King, under arrest, and
held in "durance vile" for misdemeanor, and with several
of their prominent leaders hopelessly insane and the strong-
arm of the law beginning to assert its authority, the de-
lusion gradually fell out of view. Though for a time, it
was said, they still had a queen to whom they secretly did
homage. The Craze, like a passing storm, shook mightily
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 273
for a while some of the churches of the neighborhood. The
Congregational, near by, but especially the two Baptist
churches at Newport, and the Methodist at Mcintosh, were
for a time considerably brought under the influence of this
ecclesiastical maelstrom.
Concerning this delusion we have to say:
1. That Bell was obviously a crazy man, and therefore
we are not to be astonished at any of his hallucinations and
vagaries.
2. That while this was the case, it nevertheless can-
/.ot but be a matter of considerable astonishment that he
obtained a large following, and especially in such a county,
where so much had been done for the religious instruction
of the negroes, and it is only on this account that it is
worthy of notice, especially as it might and has been used
as an argument against the work of the churches in be-
half of this race.
3. Truth and justice to the sainted dead, to Dr. Jones
and- his coadjutors, who so faithfully labored for their spir-
itual welfare, demand the statement that very few, if any,
of the regular descendants of the old Midway people, w^ere
led off by the delusion, or took any part in those scenes.
And this was especially true of those who had lived
around the old church, of which Rev. J. T. H. Waite was
pastor, and which is now Presbyterian. The same is true
of the Presbyterian Church, on the other side, at Riceborn,
of which Rev. B. L. Glenn, colored, was pastor. The drain
was upon the congregations and churches above enumerac-
ed.
From which we see:
1st. The utter unfairness of declaring that the work
among the colored people was a failure.
2nd. The wisdom of Dr. C. C. Jones and others, in
not encouraging the separate organization of the colored
people into a separate church of their own. The question
of a separate and independent church for the colored peo-
ple, with only colored ministers and without any aid or
oversight from the white race, under present environments
at least, may be regarded still an open one.
274 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
3rd. A third inference is the entire suitableness of
the Presbyterian form of government for the illiterate and
uneducated. The church of Mr. Glenn (Presbyterian) was
not at all disturbed by the commotion, having lost none of
its members while that of Mr, Waite on the other side,
lost but a few, and only temporarily. The government of
a congregation, by an intelligent board of officers, with an
educated minister, and well taught and trained Elders, is
rational and effective, as well as in harmony with the gen-
eral teachings of the Scriptures. To leave the government in
the hands of an ignorant and untrained populace, is to
leave it in a state of insecurity, for there is room for con-
siderable swing in any direction.
4th. Our final remark is, that the most astonishing
thing in connection with the whole matter is that the
scenes of these outrageous proceedings was, as already
hinted, almost within sight, and under the very shadow of
a large flourishing institution, erected by Northern Congre-
gationalists for the colored people. In justice to said
institution let it be said:
First. That the teachers were away at the time, hav-
ing returned to the North, whither they go every summer
on account of health, during the sickly season. Their
presence might have done much in way of restraint.
Second. Whatever might be said of the church and
congregation, I have no knowledge of the fact that any of
the pupils of said Institution, ever took any part in those
proceedings.
Third. The Institution had hardly been in existence
long enough to permeate all classes with its refining and
elevating influences, as to shield a whole district from
such an inroad. The elevation of a people from a state of
ignorance and servitude must be necessarily slow. If Bell
had deferred his visit till now, he might not have been so
successful in securing followers." Pages 193-199.
We have reproduced the above, not only on account of
its extreme marvelousness, but that we might make the
additional remark that such proceedings could never have
occurred in the days of slavery, when the two races wor-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 275
shipped together and furthermore that the only way to
prevent the recurrence of these and similar scenes is for
the white race to feel a deeper interest in, and do more for
the religious uplift and training of the colored people. We
are glad to be able to state that some of the churches are
waking up to a sense of responsibility in this matter and
putting forth special efforts on behalf of the colored people
and that their efforts are crowned with an encouraging de-
gree of success.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
Dr. John S. Wilson in his Necrology, asserts that "To
Hopewell belongs the honor of taking the initative for the
establishing of a Theological Seminary in the South."
This statement needs some qualifications. If the establish-
ment of an independent Seminary is meant, it is true; but
not true if the appointment of a Professor of Theology in
a Literary Institution, for there was such a Professor in
Hampden Sidney College by the appointment of Hanover
Presbytery as early as 1812. No matter how we interpret
the statement, it is true that to the aforesaid Presbytery
belongs the honor at least of making an early and praise-
worthy effort in the direction of establishing such a Semi-
nary, as appears from the following account:
In 1809, in answer to an overture on the subject from
the Presbytery of Philadelphia, the General Assembly de-
termined to establish an Institution for the better training
of her ministers, and sent down to the Presbyteries an
Overture to vote upon and decide which of the three pro-
posed plans should be adopted, viz: (1) Whether they
should establish "one great School in the centre of the
bounds of the church;" (2) Or "Two such schools for the
better accommodation of the Northern and Southern di-
visions of the Church," (3) "Or such a school in the
bounds of each Synod." The majority having expressed
themselves in favor of one school, a committee was ap-
pointed, of which Dr. Ashbel Green was chairman, to pre-
pare at once a plan for the Seminary. The Committee re-
ported at the next meeting, and after due consideration,
the Assembly finally adopted a Constitution, in 1812, and
proceeded to elect a Professor of Theology, which resulted
in the choice of Dr. Archibald Alexander. Dr. Samuel
Miller was chosen the next year and in 1821, nine years
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 277
afterwards. Rev. Charles Hodge was chosen assistant Pro-
fessor. Min. Gen. Ass. 1812, 13, & 21.
Although the Synod of Virginia acquiesced in the de-
cision of the majority to have but one Seminary, yet they
thought it best to have a school of their own, and looking
to that end they appointed Dr. Moses Hoge, then President
of Hampden Sidney, as their Professor of Thelogy, who
thus continued to teach in that Institution, and in that
capacity till his death in 1820. * Note.
After unsuccessful efforts to secure a successor to Dr.
Hoge, the Synod turned the whole matter over to the
Presbytery, the first movers in the enterprise, and they
proceeded to lay the foundation of an institution to be en-
tirely separate from the College, and in 1822 elected Dr.
John H. Rice, Professor of Theology, who delivered his
inaugural January 1, 1824. In 1826 the Seminary was
turned over to the General Assembly for their manage-
ment and control, but the next year was placed in the
hands of the United Synods of Virginia and North Caro-
lina; the Assembly only retaining the general oversight,
and in commemoration of the united interest and action
of the two Synods, the name was changed to "Union Semi-
nary," from that given it by the Assembly, viz., "The
Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church under
the care of the Presbytery of Hanover." Min. 1826 p. 32.
The Presbytery of Hopewell, at their meeting at Mad-
ison, September, 1817, resolved to establish a Seminary
for the training of her ministers, and appointed a commit-
tee consisting of Drs. Cummins, Brown and Finley, to con-
sider the whole subject and report at the next meeting.
*Note. This seems to have been the common custom
Ol having a department of Theology in connection with
Literary Institutions; as was the case in Harvard, Yale,
Dartmouth, and Princeton. So in the plan first adopted,
Columbia Seminary was to be a Classical literary as well
as Theological School. Since then the settled policy is to
have the Seminary entirely separate and independent.
278 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
On account of the early death of Dr. Finley, which oc-
curred soon after, no report was made.
In 1819 another committee was appointed, consisting of
Drs. Cummins, Brown and Beman, who brought in a report
which was considered so far as to choose a location for
the Seminary. Two places were in nomination — Athens and
Mt. Zion. Athens was chosen. Another report was after-
wards brought in but not adopted. After further considera-
tion, the whole matter was "indefinitely postponed," wheth-
er on account of the contest over the place, as the Author
of the Necrology suggests, or because of a more realizing
sense of the magnitude of the undertaking, we are unable
to say.
Thus it appears, that if not the first to establish in
the South an independent Seminary, Hopewell began at
quite an early day to move in that direction. This much
may also be truthfully said, that to it belongs the honor of
furnishing the first Professor to the Seminary, viz., Dr.
Goulding. The Seminary, too, was first temporarily locat-
ed in its bounds, at the home of Dr. Goulding, like the Ark
of old temporarily in the house of Obededom. To Georgia
Presbytery also belongs the honor of furnishing one of the
earlier Professors in the person of Dr. C. C. Jones.
In April, 1824, the Presbytery of South Carolina, at its
meeting at Willington, appointed a Committee to draft a
Constitution for a Theological Seminary.
Upon the suggestion of the Charleston Union Presby-
tery, which was invited to take part in its support, it was
placed under the management of the Synod of South Car-
olina and Georgia. Under the Constitution adopted by
the Synod, the chartered name was ' The Literary and
Theological Seminary of the South." And the site select-
ed was the District of Pendleton and two and a quarter
miles from the village of the same name. At the sugges-
tion of the Board, the charter was so changed in 1827 as
to make it only a Theological School. In 1829 the loca*
tion was also changed. Columbia was selected in prefer-
ence to either Winnsboro or Athens, Georgia, which were
also put in nomination. These changes gave considerable
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 279
dissatisfaction to many, who were alike dissatisfied with
the dropping out the Literary department as well as change
of location.
In December, 1828, Dr. Thomas Goulding was chosen
Professor of Theology with permission to remain for the
time being in the pastorate of his Church. During the next
year (1829) he taught at his own home a class of five
students, their names being H. C. Carter, Isaac Waddel,
Farwell Jones, James Beatty and Wm. Moultrie Reid,
Early in January, 1830, Dr. Goulding removed, with his
five pupils, to Columbia and occupied temporarily the Par-
sonage of the Presbyterian Church. On March 17th, 1830,
he delivered his inaugural, and in January, 1831, the exer-
cises of the Seminary were regularly opened in a building
which had been prepared for them, and kept up contin-
uously ever since with exception of the year 1887, when
closed on account of the Evolution disturbance.
It might also be interesting to know that, previous to
the establishment of Columbia Seminary, the churches of
Georgia contributed liberally to Princton. Hence we find
that at the second regular meeting of Georgia Presbytery,
at Midway Church, in 1822, the Presbytery declared that
they would assume $3,0'00, as their part of Synod's debt
towards establishing a Professorship in Princeton Semi-
nary, And of this amount, Mr. Davis reported to Presby-
tery in April, 1823, that "$2,300 had been paid." Witness,
too, the scholarships of John Whitehead, of Burke County,
of $1,000, and also that of John Nephews, of Mcintosh
County, for a similar amount, and the Augusta Female
Seminary fund of $2,500. Besides smaller sums were given
at different times to their agents, among whom were Dr.
Davis, who was an Agent of the Assembly in 1827. Min. P.
126.
In 1857 the associated ownership and management of
the Seminary was extended to and accepted by the Synod
of Alabama, and in 1881, the Synod of Florida, so that now
the Seminary is under the joint control of the four asso-
ciated Synods of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and
Florida. Out of the Thirteen members of the Board of
280 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
■Directors, the Synod of South Carolina is entitled to six;
the Synod of Georgia, to four; that of Alabama, to two,
and that of Florida, to one.
CHAPTER XIX.
RELIGIOUS PAPERS.
As early as 1820, there was a paper published by Rev.
Benj. Gildersleeve at Mt. Zion, styled "The Missionary,"
which received the endorsement of the Georgia Presbytery
in its Sessions at Midway in 1822. In 1827 Mr. Gilde:-
sleeve removed to Charleston and issued the Charleston
Observer, which was of great service to the church.
But feeling the need of a religious paper, nearer home,
as the medium of communication, the Synod, in 1846, at its
meeting at Milledgeville, considered the propriety of issu-
ing a paper and also endorsing the Presbyterian Review
at Columbia. The Committee to whom the matter was re-
ferred reported, stating the terms upon which such paper
might be published. A committee was accordingly ap-
pointed to issue a prospectus, terms etc., showing that the
paper should be a family paper, price three dollars, that
its name be "The Presbyterian Luminary;" 2nd, that it be
published at Milledgeville. They also endorsed the pro-
posd Presbyterian Review to be publishd at Coilumbia, S.
C, (Min. P 26.) At the next meeting, in 1847, it was an-
nounced that a paper called "Southern Presbyterian," with
Rev. Washington Baird, as editor, had been established.
SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN.
The Southern Presbyterian was founded near Mil-
legdeville (at Scottsboro) in 1847, with Rev. W. Baird as
editor, and removed to Charleston, S. C, in 1853, and
where, in 1854, Rev. Dr. J. L. Kirkpatrick and Rev. B. E.
Lanneau became editors. About 1851 the paper was sold
to Dr. Adger and others and removed to Columbia, with
Dr. Abner Porter as editor. Shortly before the close of the
war it was removed to Augusta, At the close of the war
Dr. Adger and fellow proprietors decided to discontinue its
publication, deeming it a useless undertaking in the crip-
pled condition of the country, when Dr. Woodrow, deeming
it an invaluable aid, purchased it in 1865, becoming sole
282 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
editor and proprietor and removed it back to Columbia and
continued to publish it till 1893, and then sold it to Rev.
W. S. Bean, who removed it to Clinton, S. C, and there
sold it to Jacobs & Jacobs, who sold it to Rev. Dr. Con-
verse, in 1903, who removed it to Atlanta.
In January, 1909, it was consolidated with the 'Central
Presbyterian, of Richmond, and the "South Western Pres-
byterian," of New Orleans, with the three associated edi-
tors, which has added greatly to its strength and efficiency,
and its name changed to, "The Presbyterian of the South."
It was later moved to Richmond, where it is still success-
fully published.
PASTORS AND PEOPLES JOURNAL.
In 1857 a Monthly Journal was issued conjointly by
Rev. Messrs. R. L. Breck, pastor at Macon, and William
Plinn, pastor at Milledgeville, which received the endorse-
ment of the Synod at Rome, and which for a time seemed
to meet with success, but was suspended the next year, on
account of the removal of Mr. Breck to the Presbytery of
New Albany.
WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE.
This new enterprise was begun in Atlanta in 1911,
under the direction of Rev. Thornwell Jacobs, and bids fair
to have a useful and prosperous career.
CHAPTER XX.
PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL.
Rev, Dr. Holderby, the pastor of the Moore Memorial
Church, being a practicing physician before becoming a
minister, and deeply interested in the "healing art," com-
menced advocating the establishment of a church hospital
for the sick, and especially for the poor, and with the re-
ligious element prominently in the foreground. As the re-
sult of his advocacy, an institution of this kind was es-
tablished in the city of Atlanta in 1901 by a few individual
members of the different Presbyterian churches and out-
side friends. The next year, the attention of the Synod be-
ing called to this work, a committee was appointed "to visit
the institution and annually to bring tidings of the same
to that Body." The committee having reported favorably
the next year, the Synod "expressed its gratification at the
growing efficiency and usefulness of this Institution, and
commended it to the interest and prayers of our people, '
at the same time appointing another committee to visit the
same during the year and to report.
In 190'5, the Synod accepted a proposition made to
them of taking part in the management of the Institution
which had now been in successful operation for several
years; and accordingly appointed six Trustees, one from
each of the Presbyteries, and also appointed a Sunday,
(second Sunday in February) to be known as "Hospital
Sunday," in which a collection was to be taken in all the
churches for this object.
In 1908, the expenses of the Institution became so great
on account of the great amount of Charity work, that it be-
came involved in debt. As the result of a special effort,
made in behalf of "the Great Hospital," this indebtedness
has been lifted, a sufficient sum raised additional for the
erection of a suitable building. A movement is also being
made with a view of securing a "Maintenance Fund" to
284 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
cov€r all charity expenses. At the same time, the charter
has been so changed as to vest the absolute and permanent
control of the Hospital in the Synod and Presbyteries of
Georgia. Said institution to be controlled by a Board of
Trustees, consisting of thirty-six members, together with
an Advisory Board, consisting of the same number; eigh-
teen of these Trustees, and the same number in the Ad-
visory Board, to be appointed by the Presbytery of Atlanta,
and the remaining eighteen of each to be appointed equally
by the Synod and the other five Presbyteries of Georgia,
each being entitled to three and three of the Advisory
Board. This Advisory Board to consist entirely of minis-
ters, and whose province it will be to look after the spirit-
ual interests of the Hospital; the extent of their authority
extending no further than the giving of Advice.
This scheme, like many others, looked well on paper,
but for want of interest or lack of means has never yet
been carried out. The Hospital, after a few yars of seem-
ingly successful operation, has been closed, and whether it
is to be reopened remains to be seen.
CHAPTER XXI.
RETROSPECT.
At this point it might be well to pause for a moment,
and take a retrospective view of the progress the church
has made, as well as the peculiar methods of that pro-
gression.
1st. And first as to the numerical strength. This we
can better show in a tabular statement. As the earlier re-
cords of the church were kept so imperfectly, and so many
years in which no reports were sent either to the Synod or
Assembly the early statements are not given as entirely
accurate, but only approximately so, nevertheless with suf-
ficient accuracy to show the general progress.
1797 — 5 Ministers, 15 Churches, 100 Communicants.
1810 — 5 Ministers, 11 Churches, 218 Communicants.
1820 — 7 Ministers, 16 Churches, 320 Communicants.
1830 — 23 Ministers, 51 Churches, 2,263 Communicants.
1840 — 44 Ministers, 80 Churches, 2,747 Communicants.
1850 — 61 Ministers, 95 Churches, 4,699 Communicants.
1860—70 Ministers, 116 Churches, 6,199 Communicants,
1870 — 65 Ministers, 123 Churches, 6,126 Communicants.
1880 — 75 Ministers, 152 Churches, 8,605 Communicants,
1890—69 Ministers, 151 Churches, 10,294 Communi-
cants.
1900—110 Ministers, 210 Churches, 15,915 Communi-
cants.
1910—124 Ministers, 238 Churches, 20,311 Communi-
cants.
From the above it will appear that the church made no
visible progress during the first decade, and also very little
during the second. This is generally the case with all new
enterprises. There is always more or less preparatory
work to be done. Thus it was with the early establish-
ment of the province. Seemingly it made no progress dur-
ing the first two decades. So in missionary work; usually
286 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
years of toil and self denial elapsed before the first fruit
appears.
The above table shows another thing. In the decades
between '60 and '70, and between '80 and '90, instead of
progress, the church actually retrograded. When we re-
member that these were the two decades in which the
Church encountered war and afterwards worse than war-
bitter controversy, we can easily see the reason. The Holy
Spirit is the Dove of peace and will withdraw himself from
the region of strife and turmoil. In the first decade, there
was the four years of civil strife followed by the Block
controversy lasting two years; and in the second, was the
bitter controversy of Evolution, which more or less agitated
the entire church. The season of peace and brotherly love
is the time for progress in spiritual things.
In comparison with other Denominations, especially
the Methodists and Baptists, the progress of the Church
seemed very slow indeed. The first regular Baptist min-
istr in the state was the Rev. Daniel Marshall, and the
first Baptist Church, the Kiokee Church, in Columbia Coun-
ty near Appling, organized by him in 1774. Their first As-
sociation was that of Georgia, set up in 1784, at Kiokee, at
Columbia Court House, with five ministers and about as
many Churches (Sherwood, Page 329). Today they have
84 Associations, 1,482 Ministers, 2,218 Churches, 237,313
Members.
The first Methodist minister of which we have any ac-
count, was the Rev. Beverly Allen, who came from Vir-
ginia in 1785, and the first field he occupied by the ap-
pointment of the Conference was simply "Georgia." (Min-
Conf. p. 23). Their first Conference was held at the Forks
of Broad River, April 9, 1788, with six members and four
probationers in the year. (Asbury Jour, 11, 30). Today
they have two annual Conferences, 910 Ministers, 1,553
Churches, and 182,192 Members.
In striking contrast with this appear the statistics of
the Presbyterian Church; their first minister, Rev. John
Newton in 1784; their first church in 1787; they have today
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 287
(1910) six Presbyteries, 124 Ministers, 238 Churclies and
20,311 Members.
The contrast at first may seem discouraging, especially
as they had such a promising start, being among the first
in the field; and holding the educational centres. But their
form of government, their ideals and standards, their
method and character of work are so unlike, that after all
the difference might not be so great as at first appears.
The world may, later on, be better able to judge of the
relative worth of the different systems. The final fruitage
will be the best and only true test of superiority.
Besides it must not be forgotten that each denomina-
tion, as each individual, has a mission and work of its own,
neither of which can do that of the other, and therefore
is not to be judged by the standard or measure of another.
2nd. The church has likewise made wonderful pro-
gress in the development of her principles and policy, es-
pecially in the elevation of the offices of Deacon and Rul-
ing Elder to their proper place in the scheme of church
government. It was not until recently that any great im-
portance seemed to have been attached to either. In the
earlier records the name of Deacon seldom, if ever, oc-
curs. It was not until 1784 that the Assembly even order-
ed the number of deacons and elders to be reported. But
now a church is hardly considered fully organized without
the full complement of these officers.
So also with regard to the correct interpretation of the
proper functions of these offices. Until recently Elders
were denied the moderatorship of the ecclesiastical courts.
But now it is understood that as a ruler in the house of th^
Lord, he stands on equal footing with the minister; and
moreover concerning his duties, that ne has something to
do more than to distribute the sacramental elements; that
he is not installed to be honored, but to serve. He is call-
ed to be a co-pastor with the minister in watching for souls
and looking after the general interest of the church; while
to the deacon belongs the management of its temporalities.
As the result of this fuller development of her principles,
and clearer definition of the duties required, these duties
288 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
are more efficiently discharged and members better under-
stand why they are Presbyterians.
3rd. In nothing perhaps, is this improvement and de-
velopment more apparent than in the matter of giving. The
idea of worshipping God with our substance is more clearly
seen and reduced to practice. Indeed the whole matter of
giving is now reduced to a system and becomes an integral
part of the regular service. At first neither the Assembly
nor the Presbytery had any system of giving. The contri-
butions were after a most desultory sort and principally
through traveling agents or committees appointed for the
purpose. For a long time the Assembly worked through
what they called a "Society," and Presbyteries conforming
their methods to that of the Assembly, also had theirs.
And what might now seem strange to us, it was Q^ite a
common practice with them to adjourn the Presbytery that
they might meet as a "Society" and attend to its business
At first these societies were independent but afterwards
there was an advance in the system, and coming somewhat
nearer to the Presbyterian theory, becoming "Auxilliaries"
to that of the Assembly. The result was that the sums given
in this desultory way amounted to little, especially after
deducting the expense of the agent.
This matter will the more strikingly appear by com-
paring the present contributions with those of former
years. In 1845, when the Synod was organized, there were
only three outside causes, viz: Foreign Missions, Home
Missions and Education. The contributions to these three,
$4,441. As there were only 3,742 members, the amount
contributed per member, was about $1.25. At the present
time (1910) there are nine of these causes, and 20,462
members, the amount contributed, $89,386, about $4.00 per
member.
It is here well worthy of special mention that there
has been marked improvement also in the matter of pas-
toral support. In 1842 Flint River Presbytery reported to
the Synod that "three-fourths of their ministers were com-
pelled to enter the school room for their daily bread."
(Min. p. 433). But it is quite different of late, there being
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 289
very few ministers in the schoolroom for that reason.
4th. There is still another direction, in which the
church has added largely to her equipments and activities,
whether wisely or not, the future may determine. In ad-
dition to her schemes of benevolence, she has organized
herself into different Orders, Companies, Leagues, and As-
sociations, and with a classification so minute, and exten-
sive, as to embrace the entire membership, from the prat-
tling babe to the old, weary, worn pilgrim. At first under the
leadership of the old divines, she steadfastly resisted all such
measures and overtures, as wholly useless, if not entirely
outside of her commission. But latterly being drawn into
the current, she has not only fully committed herself to
the new regime, but made most wonderful strides in this
newly discovered field of Christian activity. Whether any
or all of these modern innovations be right and proper,
whether they will add any thing to her queenly beauty or
impart greater efficiency to her work, or in the end be set
aside, as David did the armor of Saul, being found too
cumbrous, may still be regarded as an open question.
The general principle of exclusion herein set forth is
equally applicable to all the other schemes of the church,
her schools, colleges, hospitals, asylums and all the other
eleemosynary institutions under her care, whether at
home or in a foreign land. As these things are not found
in her commission, they cannot form part of her ligitimate
work, but properly the work of her individual members.
The church may and should encourage her members to en-
gage in these and similar enterprises but not become
mixed up herself either in their construction or their
management. The church is yet to dominate the world,
but not in person, but through her principles and individ-
ual members. "Holiness to the Lord" is yet to be written
upon every thing, even the bells of the horses, but she
is neither to own the bells nor control the horses. She
may appoint her members as her helpers, give advice and
counsel, and even of her money, but excluded by her char-
ter from ownership. Her members may own property but
not herself. Her members may own and control stores,
290 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
and do business in the marts of trade, and bestow upon
her the benefit, but in no case has she the right to own
and control those stores herself. Her great work is to
preach the gospel and as "the pillar and ground of the
truth," to simply bear testimony to the truth, and
not to build houses — not even to build and own and con-
trol a hospital, orphanage or an asylum. The healing of
the sick was given in the same manner and for the same
reason as casting out devils, speaking in an unknown
tongue, taking up serpents, drinking deadly poison with-
out harm or any other miraculous work vouchsafed to
the early Christians and intended simply as attestations
of the gospel, and belonging to a miraculous age; the
spirit alone, and not the power, being transmitted to us.
Nor yet do we see any reason why any of the above should
be singled out and emphasized to the exclusion of the
rest. We are confirmed in these views:
1st. From the entire silence of the Scriptures, they
not even giving a hint, concerning these matters at any
time.
2nd. From the principle already enunciated, that
what the church does in its organic capacity, it does in
the name of the Lord; and he becomes the principal part-
ner. In every case of failure, therefore, or suit against
the property, the Lord himself must become a party to the
transaction, a thought which shocks beyond measure.
3rd. From the aggressive nature of all innovations,
as already hinted. If the Church has a commission to
build hospitals for the sick, why not go further and erect
asylums for the insane and the blind? For Christ had fully
as much to do with the demoniac and the blind as the
"sick of the fever." If authority to own and control a
hospital, why not likewise to own and control a home for
the aged and infirm? Why not put temperance societies,
anti saloon leagues, and every other institution that seeks
to do good upon its roll and under its care and manage-
ment? How different the spirit of the commission of the
Master to his early disciples, to eliminate every thing from
the business in hand and not even to stop to salute a
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 291
friend on the way, but to go and preach the gospel, that
being the main and only business. The truth of the mat-
ter is, that we can see but one solution of the problem
now confronting the world, and that is to remand all these
schemes back to the individual members, the church re-
taining only the niminating and advisory power, thus re-
lieving herself of all financial responsibility.
It would seem that Presbyterians by this time would
have learned this lesson from their bitter experience in
the past, in the complete destruction of Oglethorpe and
her female Colleges, as well as the recent unfortunate fi-
nancial trouble with her hospital. We are glad to believe
light is breaking, and the church beginning to see that
the true and only Scriptural plan is for all these outside
institutions to be placed in the hands of her individual
members, as Agnes Scott has so wisely done. Adopt any
other, and like all errors it will sooner or later lead to dis-
aster and ruin.
The objector will doubtless, in reply, point us to the
other denominational colleges which have not been over-
taken with similar disaster, but seem to be doing well.
Our answer is two-fold:
1st. For purpose of warning, one wreck is quite suf-
ficient. One wrecked Idaho on the coast of Ireland, gives
warning enough to every passing vessel. One 'Deluge, one
Pharaoh, one Ananias, are enough to show the mind and
purpose of God, concerning the rebellious and perverse.
His plan is not to visit judgment upon every transgressor,
but by one clearly marked visitation, to furnish a distinct
warning to all after comers. Other churches may, there-
fore well profit iby our example.
2nd. Our second answer is, wait and see; for the end
is not yet. In our judgment, the question of denomination-
al schools, is not yet settled by any means. For after all
that has been said and done; after all the outlay of men
and means, as far as we can see, such institutions have
very little, if any advantage over others in either promot-
ing .morality or checking the advance of infidelity. For
they all seem to be heading in the same direction and
292 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
adopting the same methods and from present indications
they will in a short time all be conducted under the same
general management and discipline. We give one in-
stance, from which to judge the rest. The honor rule is now
the popular one. Instead of acting as custodians of the
students committed to their care, and, in the place of
their p'arents, exercising a kind 'but strict surveillance, the
student is simply put upon his honor, and allowed to roam
at will, to lodge w^here he pleases, to come and go when
and where he chooses, day or night, the only restrictions
being his remaining in the city, and answering to his name
at roll call. The extreme peril of such a course must be
apparent to every one. Place a young boy at any college,
it matters not whether state or church, away from home
and home influences, with the temptiations of the city
around him, with his pocket filled with money, and with
no other restraint about him but his honor, which he can
easily put in his pocket, or lock up in his trunk for safe
keeping, and he is at once started on the high road to
ruin; and unless arrested by the grace of God, and re-
strained by early counsels will surely make his landing
place there. We feel satisfied that the location and home
training have far more to do with the question of morality
than the character of the institution. And therefore the
city is not the proper place for the location of a school, es-
pecially under modern discipline, to which our youthful
sons are to be sent for training.
And as for the matter of infidelity, the question is
well worthy of the most serious consideration, whether
after all, the Church College constitutes such a bulwark of
defense, and indeed whether there would be any more
skepticism in the land if there were not a denominational
College in existence. Home training, and not church col-
leges, is the only true safe guard against the further pro-
gress of this insidious foe. The family fireside with its
religious instructons is the Lord's only appointed school,
and a school, too, simple, economical, and efficient, though
the world seems fast losing sight of the fact. "And ye
shall teach them" (his laws) to your children, speaking of
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 293
them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou
risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the doorposts
of thine house, and upon thy gates." Deut. IX. 19, 20.
There are far greater dangers imperiling the life of the
church th'an those springing from the infidelity of State
colleges; and the neglect of the home is one of them
Would that the church would place the emphasis where
God has put it, upon the home and home training, and not
upon her grand institutions of learning upon which she
has lavished, and, in so many instances, squandered so
much of her Lord's money.
We will only further add, that if all the Christian
people would rally around our State colleges and Univer-
sities they could easily control their management and
teachings. Whereas, the present plan of withdrawing and
leaving in the hands of ungodly, and in many instances,
profane men, these institutions with all their vast re-
sources, the great centres of influence, and wielding such
tremendous power in moulding the character of such a
large percentage of the leading men of the country, is the
best way we know of to intensify the skeptical tenden-
cies of the age.
CHAPTER XXII.
SKETCHES AND INCIDENTS.
It would indeed be a pleasing task to give some
sketches of all of our deceased ministers, but time and
space forbid. Nor yet do we think this necessary as it
has been the growing custom of Synods and Presbyteries
to furnish full and accurate memorials of their deceased
members, and which may be found in their printed records.
All that I can hope to do will be to emphasize the life work
of a few of our departed brethren, who have been most
prominent in the work of the church, and who, under the
blessing of God, have seemingly been able to do more for
the advancement of His cause than others, giving my own
impression of their worth, and also, as far as possible, to
record any additional incidents that might have come
under my own observation and not heretofore published.
REV. JOHN S. WILSON, D. D.
The first name I mention is that of Dr. John S. Wilson,
who was born in Pendleton District (now Anderson), S. C,
Jan. 4th, 1796, the same year that the first Presbytery was
formed; licensed by the Presbytery of South Carolina,
Oct. 29, 1819; ordained by the same at Nazareth, April
5th, 1821; taught and acted as missionary for four years
at Ruckersville, Elbert County, Ga., when he removed in
1824 to Gwinnett County, where he lived for twenty years,
filling the position of teacher and preacher. For fifteen
years he had charge of the old school at Lawrenceville,
which, for a part of the time, was one of the Manual
Labor schools established by Presbyterians in the state.
In 1844 he removed to Decatur, one of the churches he had
organized, and where he continued as pastor and teacher
for fifteen years, till 1859, when he became pastor of the
First Church of Atlanta, another Church organized by him,
and where he remained until his death, which occurred
March 27, 1873, after a ministry of over 53 years.
Very few men did more for the cause of education and
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 295
religion and the Presbyterian Church. Being one of the
pioneer ministers, his labors were abundant, combining the
toils of the school room with that of the pulpit. He taught
school nearly all of his ministerial life, never being re-
leased frm the school room till his removal to Atlanta in
1859. When at Lawrenceville, he had a large attendance
of young men, many of whom entered the ministery as well
as prominent positions in the country and church. But he
was especially useful in the ministry as a missionary, he
having organized as many as fourteen churches. Being
physically robust, he was enabled to endure hardness as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ. And indeed it is difficult for
any one living in this age of railroads and facilties for easy
travelling to form anything like a correct idea of the sac-
rifices connected with his laborious services. In his semi-
centennial review of his ministry he thus wrtes: "The
week was spent in the school room, and the Sabbath in
the church. On Saturday I went to my field of labor,
preaching at night, then preaching twice on Sabbath,
and returned home on Sabbath night and was in
the school room on Monday morning, often rid-
ing thirty miles amid darkness and solitude, having
deep streams and dangerous bridges to cross, with no
light save the lightning's glare, and no sound save the
thunder's roar and the growl of the wolf." Min. Synod. 1873
p. 14.
As a Presbyter, he was faithful to attend the meet-
ing of the church courts; never failing but once through
thirty consecutive years to attend the meeting of Synod,
and then on account of sickness in his family. When we
remember that for the first twenty-five years of his minis-
try, the Synod covered two states, frequently with place of
meeting at a distance of one to two hundred miles, and
with no other means of conveyance than horseback, we at
once see that this was no easy achievement.
Dr. Wilson was a man of prominence and was very
much respected and honored by his brethren. He was sent
as a delegate to eleven General Assemblies and in one
made Moderator (at Charlotte, in 1864). He was Modera-
296 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
tor of the Presbytery of Flint Riv€r at its organization at
McDonough in 1835. He was elected Stated Clerk of the
Synod of Georgia at its organization at Macon in 1845, and
which office he continued to fill till 1872, when he resigned
on account of failing health.
He was a strong man in the pulpit. His sermons were
clear, solid and eminently practical as appears from the
few that were printed; as a writer, accurate and pointed.
In 1863 he was requested by the Synod to prepare memo-
rials of her deceased ministers. How faithfully he per-
formed the work will appear from his "Necrology," which
contains thirty three sketches of deceased ministers of
the Synod, together with a compact sketch of the early
history of the Presbyterian Church in the state. In 1864
his library was burned by the enemy, in which he lost not
only all of his MSS sermons, but also notes he had been
collecting for a history of the Church, which he intended
to write. It is hard for us to realize the greatness of this
loss, as no man was better qualified to write its early his-
tory than he, so many of the early facts coming under his
own observation.
Upon the whole Dr. Wilson was a remarkable man in
many respects, and in nothing perhaps more than this,
that he never reached the "Dead line in his ministry," his
time of greatest efficiency, being the latter years of his
life. His life's history was but an Illustration of the
Scripture, "They shall bring forth fruit in old age."
So his life was a living epistle, and convincing exem-
plification of the truth of Christianity. As a friend once re-
marked, "I am sometimes tempted to be a little skeptical,
but it all vanishes when I look at that grand old disciple,
that living demonstration of Christianity."
The honorary title of Doctor of Divinity was conferred
upn him in 1852 by Oglethorpe College.
REV. JOSEPH CLAY STILES D. D. L. L. D.
Rev. Joseph C. Stiles was born in Savannah, Ga., Dec.
6, 179'5; graduated at Yale College in 1814; studied law at
Litchfield, Conn., after which he entered upon the practice
of the same, having entered in co-partnership with W. W.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 297
Gordon, Esq., one of the leading attorneys of the city.
In 1822 a severe affliction befell him in the loss of his
wife which led to his conviction and conversion. Immed-
iately upon his conversion he entered upon a life of
Christian activity, taking an active part in the informal
services of the church. He also began holding meetings for
the colored people on his father's plantation. Upon the
suggestion of his father, who told him if he intended to
give up the practice of law and enter the ministry to go to
some theological seminary and prepare himself for the
work, he went to Andover Seminary, where he remained
two years. As evidence of his zeal and success among the
colored people, we may mention, that upon acquainting
them with the fact of his intention of entering the Semi-
nary, they said to him, that it was "no use for you to go
to the Seminary," but upon his reminding them that when
they went out to their work in the morning, they first
went and ground their axes, and that he was simply going
to grind his axe," they said, "then go. Mars Joe, and grind
your axe."
After two years at Andover he returned to Georgia,
and was licensed by Hopewell Presbytery, April 3, 1825,
and ordained in Aug. 1826, by the same body, as an evange-
list: preaching at Milledgeville, Macon, and other places,
resulting in the organization of these and other Churches.
In 1829 he removed to Mcintosh County, connecting
himself with the Presbytery of Georgia, Jan. 4, 1855, from
which he was dismissed to the Presbytery of West Lexing-
ton, Ky., March 3, 183 , where he remained laboring in
the West for about nine years, preaching at Cincinnatti,
Ohio, Versailes, Harmony, Midway and other places.
In 1844 he removed to Richmond, Va., and for four
years, was pastor of Shocco Hill, now Grace St., Church.
In 1848 he became pastor of Mercer St. Church, New York,
which he resigned after two years, on account of failure of
health, and became Agent of American Bible ^ociety, in
1850 — 1, travelling principally in the South.
In 1853, he accepted a call to the South Street Church,
New Haven, Conn. The edifice was a costly one, being
298 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
erected by Gerard Halleck, editor of the New York Journ-
al of Commerce, who was desirious of having a church in
that section in sympathy with Southern sentiment. While
there he was instrumental in the formation of the Southern
Aid Society, which did much toward sustaining many
feeble churches at the South.
In 1859 he was elected, in connection with Rev. Dr.
W. M. Cunningham by the Synod of Georgia, as Synodical
Evangelist. After two years of faithful service, in which
much good was done in building and strengthening
churches, he returned with his family to New Haven.
At the commencement of the civil war he entered the
Southern army and labored faithfully among the soldiers
as army chaplain until its close.
After the war he continued to labor as evangelist in
Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Missouri, and
only ceased work when physically disabled. His last ser-
mon was preached at Union, Monroe County, West Vir-
ginia, Jan. 28, 1874. He died in Savannah May 27, 1879, in
the 80th year of his age, after months of weakness and
physical suffering.
Dr. Stiles was a most remarkable man. Of fine phy-
sique, striking features, pleasant voice, strong imagination
and logical acumen, he became a preacher of unusual
power; and never failed to command the attention of his
hearers; nor was it ever necessary for him to resort to any
of the sensationalism of the present day. His vivid pre-
sentation of the simple truth was sufficient to excite the
greatest interest. Under his powerful preaching many a
poor sinner, like Felix of old, was made to tremble in his
seat. He had a clear conception of the plan of salvation
and knew how to make it plain to others. "Plunging into
his theme he pursued it with wondrous abstraction and
persistent investment until resolved to its first analysis.
His definitions were transparent, his positions were im-
pregnable, his rhetoric and elocution were rich and fasci-
nating, his imagination glowing, and at times, terrific. As
he arose and kindled with his subject, his irresistible logic
and glowing figures, his ready utterance, and earnest ap-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 299
peals, culminated in an application absolutely overwhelm-
ing." We regarded him as the greatest preacher we ever
heard. Professor Goodrich, teacher of elocution in Yale
College, is quoted as saying that, "he was the first pulpit
orator in America."
As a writer. Dr. Stiles was clear and argumentative,
as his work on "Modern Reform" will show, but his
strength lay principally in his eloquent speech.
To give the reader some idea of his style, we copy the
opening sentences of his sermon on Predestination, preach-
ed at Milledgeville, Ga., August 1828.
"He that essays to comprehend the Almighty unto per-
fection, will soon reach the limit of the human mind. If
man knows much, he is ignorant of more. So far from
embracing the great deep which spreads inimitably be-
yond his farthest thought, even the narrow compass of his
powers, there is scarcely an object so mean or an event so
common, but it may boast something mysterious to man."
In 1842, William W. Gordon of Savannah died. Being
a most public spirited man, interested in all internal im-
provements in the state, the promoter and urst president
of the Central railroad, and after whom Gordon County
was named, his death was greatly lamented. An immense
crowd followed his remains to the cemetery, when Dr.
Stiles, happening to be in the city at the time, addressed
the crowd as they stood around the open grave, wth soft-
ened hearts and open to impression, telling them of the
ravages of death; how the monster was turning them out of
the body, turning them out of this world, turning them into
the hands of the Almighty God, and turning them into the
unchanging retributions of Eternity. The address, it is
said, was "powerful and stirring," and was followed by a
series of meetings conducted by him in the city, which re-
sulted in great good.
Dr. Stiles was a man of the deepest humility. Just be-
fore his death he wrote to a friend: "If possible I am still
more sensible of man's utter helpfulness and Christ's all
sufficient fulness. No words can tell you, my dear brother,
what an unfaithful and useless life I seem to have lived.
300 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
and what a worthless guilty creature I am, and ever have
been."
His death, however, was triumphant. Dr. Axson who
visited him during his last sickness writes: "When his feet
touched the waters of the river, nearer and nearer, with
the consolations of his love, the dear Lord came till the
soul began to run over, and he could only tell of the ex-
uberance of his happiness, and utter benedictions on those
who stood around him."
The honorary title of Doctor of Divinity was conferred
upon him in 1846, by the Transylvania University, and
that of L. L. D. by the University of Georgia in 1860.
REV. GROVES H. CARTLEDGE.
We know of no one in the entire list of ministers ever
in connection with the Synod more worthy of honorable
mention than Rev. Groves Harrison Cartledge. Spending his
entire life in what might be regarded as a more obscure-
part of the state, and building little, if any upon any other
man's foundation, he has done a great work which shows
for itself. The churches of Homer and Hebron, built up
chiefly through his ministry, to say nothing of other labors,
will ever stand as monuments of his zeal and self sacrific-
ing work. No churches, perhaps, are better indoctrinated
and more strongly established in the truth, being thorough-
ly taught in the fundamental truths of our faith. His
teaching was doctrinal as well as practical. No man was
ever more sound in the faith and none more Scriptural in
his expositions, or more consecrated to his work. His was
the longest pastorate thus far in the Synod, being 47
years, 1852 — 1899. There have been only three others any
where near it, viz., James Stacy, Newnan, 43 years
1857—1900; Dr. Quigg, Conyers, 38 years, 1866—1904; Rev.
Dr. Axson, Independent Church, Savannah, 1857 — 1891, 34
years.
Rev. Groves H. Cartledge was born in Madison county,
Ga., Feb. 15, 1820, and almost his whole life was spent
within 25 miles of the place of his birth. He graduated
with distinction in Oglethorpe University in 1845; entered
the Columbia Seminary the same year for the study of
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 301
Hebrew; licensed by Hopewell Presbytery Oct. 1846, hav-
ing studied Theology during his college course, under Dr.
S. K. Talmage. In 1847 he located at Lexington, teaching
and preaching for two years, after which his health failing,
he returned to his home in Madison county, and entered
the home missionary field, in Madison and Elbert counties.
In 1852 he commenced to supply the churches of He-
bron and New Lebanon (now Homer) and in the fall of the
same year installed pastor by Hopewell Presbytery and
continued to sustain that relation for forty seven years,
till his death. Though other and flattering offers were
made him by other churches, he declined them and re-
mained with the same to which he had become attached.
For a while he acted as Domestic Missionary of his
Presbytery in connection with his regular pastorate as he
had opprtunity.
Bro. Cartledge was a man of strong native intellect,
of general reading, having acquired a vast fund of inform-
ation; well versed and powerful in the Scriptures, always
interesting and instructive in his preaching; an independ-
ent thinker. Though raised a Baptist, he became a decided
Presbyterian, never having heard a Presbyterian sermon
till about grown. No man exerted a greater influence in
that whole section of country. He was a public spirited
citizen, an able minister, faithful pastor and an able ex-_
pounder of the Word. Commencing as a missionary with
two feeble churches, he built them up till they became the
strongest country churches in the Presbytery, and at the
same time planting and organizing quite a number of
churches in and around his native County. No man had
more of the confidence of the people, or did more for the
cause of Presbyterianism in that whole part of the state.
Preferring an humble and obscure field, he resisted all
offers to larger and more attractive churches. Had he
preferred to do otherwise, we know of no reason why he
might not have won for himself a name and wide reputa-
tin in the country at large. But he preferred to do his
Master's work in a quiet and unobtrusive manner, and
doubtless his crown will at last be but the brighter, and the
302 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Master will say unto him "Well done, good and faithful
servant, ent-er thou into the joys of thy Lord."
His health failing in 1897 he tendered his resignation
which was declined by his charge, but continued Pastor Em-
eritus till his death, which occurred July 5, 1899, He was bur-
ied in the cemetery of the Hebron church, and his memory
still lingers as fragant incense in the entire community.
He has left two sons in the ministry, Rev. T. D. and S. J.
Cartledge, and upon whom his mantle has worthily fallen.
The Synod adopted a suitable memorial at its meeting
at Valdosta in 1901. He has also left an autobiography of
himself, now in the hand of his son, Rev. S. J. Cartledge.
He has also left a volume of sermons and some interesting
"Sketches" of early Presbyterian History, which have been
published.
1865, was a year of great revival in both Homer and
Hebron Churches, 39 being added to the former and 36 to
the latter. The Holy Spirit had been working mightily
upon the hearts of the members and people, insomuch that
the pastor felt assured that the churches were upon the
eve of a great revival, and he so stated publicly. The
following account of a meeting held at the Hebron Church
during that year, and commonly spoken of as the "Laugh-
ing Meeting," is taken from the "Autobiography" of Rev.
Mr. Cartledge, and in his own words: "I have witnessed
many revivals." said he, "but have never seen any that
seemed to have such a deep, happy and lasting effect upon
the church itself."
"The interest had constantly increased from Friday
Morning till Tuesday afternoon, everything so far quiet
and orderly, A goodly number had obtained a hope, and
many others confessed. Christians had been growing
more and more happy, until it was becoming painful for
them to suppress their emotions. Such was the state of
feeling in the vast assemblege when Bro. Milburn (Cum-
berland Minister assisting) rose and began his sermon on
that memorable day, which we still call the 'Day of Pente-
cost.' The text was the invitation of Moses to Hobab,
"'Come thou with us and we will do thee good, for the
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 303
Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel. Num. 10, 29. In
the intrduction, the preacher gave a historical narrative of
the circumstances in which the words of the text were
spoken. Before he had gotten through with these historical
details, the emotions of the congregation became uncon-
trollable and many began to give vent to their pentup feel-
ings in noisy demonstrations of joy. The preacher, finding
that he could neither restrain the people nor proceed with
his sermon, simply said: "It is useless for me to try to
preach. We, too, are journeying to that good land of
which the Lord hath said I will give it to you, 'Come thou
with us and we will do thee good.'
"The scene which followed beggared description. Every
one in that great congregation, with scarcely an exception,
was making some audible demonstration of joy. And yet
every demonstration was appropriate and becoming. The
usual expression of joy was laughter, the most hearty, joy-
ous laughter ever heard, and shaking hands, friend with
friend, telling each other what the Lord had done for their
souls, and praising God for his redeeming grace. Every
eye seemed to sparkle with heavenly intelligence, and
every countenance beamed with celestial radiance and
glory.
Those of other denominations who were present were
affected as we were and expressed their joy just as we did.
Those who, up to this hour, had been greatly alarmed on
account of their sins, with only one or two exceptions, ob-
tained deliverances and seemed to be as happy as any of
the rest.
After allowing the people to give expression to their
joy, for perhaps an hour, and wishing to reduce them to
order, I called for a hymn. Several of our singers began,
but broke out into laughter before they had finished the
first verse. Other efforts were made, but always with
the same results. Finding the people were too happy to
sing, I called on a good old Methodist Brother to pray.
Laughing as hard as he could, he replied, Brother Cart-
ledge, please call upon some one else I am too full to pray."
I then called on one of the oldest Elders. He began, but
304 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
before he had finished the first sentence he broke out into
loud, joyous laughter. Chokng down his laughter with a
great effort, he again began to pray, and again broke down
as at first.
I then attempted to pray; and the people kept mod-
erately quiet; but as soon as I had finished, they broke
out afresh. Abandoning all further effort to restrain their
emotions, I left them to laugh and talk and shake hands
till about four o'clock, when I arose and pronounced the
Benediction. Then the happy people left the house, and
started for their homes, still laughing and talking, and
praising God. In many homes these demonstrations con-
tinued nearly all night, the happy souls declaring, that if
they did not give expressions to their emotions, they
would surely burst asunder."
REV. J. C. PATTERSON, D. D.
The writer well remembers an incident in the life of
this faithful servant of the Lord. He appeared before the
Presbytery of Atlanta, for the last time at its meeting in
Atlanta in the Central Church, May 3rd, 1866. Just before
the close of the Presbytery, on Saturday evening. Dr. Pat-
terson arose and said, that he was particularly desirous of
attending this meeting of the Presbytery, as he felt as-
sured that this would be his last, as we all too plainl/'
saw, from the enlarged glands in his neck and throat, of
which he afterwards died. He said he desired to meet
with his brethren to express to them his continued
esteem, confidence and love, and to bid them a final
adieu, and also to leave his testimony behind to the sus-
taining and comforting power of God's grace. After ex-
horting us to be faithful he said that though he knew he
would soon die, yet he wished us to know that he had no
fears of death, that he was afraid of but one thing, and
that was sin, and after pausing for a moment added, (his
countenance brightening with the thought) and I am not
afraid even of sin, for it is written, "Sin shall not have
dominion over you." Such testimony from such a man
under such circums.tances, was truly strengthening and re-
freshing, and those of us who were present felt it was a
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 305
message to us directly from the heavenly world; God
speaking to us through the mouth of his servant.
Another instance of the suggestive work of the Holy
Spirit and received from his own lips: In early life he was
in poor health. Once when on his way to his appointment,
riding on horse back, he became impressed with the
thought that he would surely die on the road side. In ithe
midst of his despondency, the passage of Scripture came
forcibly to mind, "I shall not die, but live to declare the
wonderful works of God." He believed it, he said, and
went on his way with confidence and strength to his ap-
pointment.
REV. SAMUEL J. CASSELS.
When a student in the Theological Seminary at Colum-
bia, S. C, the writer passing through Savannah, called to
see Mr. Cassels. He found him in bed, weak and emacia-
ted, hardly able to speak above a whisper. During the
conversation, he remarked to me, in his low whispering
voice, with occasional pauses as gasping for breath,
"Brother Stacy, I will tell you what you will do when you
enter the ministry, you are going to preach two-thirds
Stacy and one third Christ." I need not say that I
felt the thrust keenly and thought that although I knew
that I was ambitious and thought pretty well of myself and
my powers, yet I did not see why I was so much worse
than others to be thus singled out for such an admonition.
He continued, and to my great relief added. "This is the
way I did; I at first preached two thirds Cassels, and one
third Christ, but of late I think I have been able to re-
verse the order, and preach one third Cassels and two
thirds Christ." I have often remembered the remark, and
been compelled to admit to myself, ithe justice and forceful
application of the unintentional rebuke.
REV. HENRY KOLLOCK, D. D.
The, subject of this sketch was the eldest of ten child-
ren, and born in New Providence, N. J., Dec, 14, 1778;
graduated at Princeton College, 1794; tutor in the same
from 1797 — ^1800; Licensed by the Presbytery of New York
May 7, 1800, and ordained and installed by the same body,
306 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
pastor a"t Elizabethtown, D€C. 10, 1800. December, 1803, he
was chosen to fill the chair of Divinity in the College,
where he remained, also supplying the pulpit at .the same
time, till 1806, when he accepted a call to the Independent
Church, Savannah, where he continued till his death in
1819.
Having become a member of the Presbytery of New
Brunswick at this time, he was dismissed by that body to
the Presbytery of Hopewell, Savannah at that time being
in its bounds; but as the Presbytery of Harmony was set
up that same year, the letter was presented to and he was
received by that body at its second meeting in Augusta,
Jan. 11, 1811, the first meeting in Septebmer being a fail-
ure for want of a quorum.
Dr. Kollock was a man of rare gifts and accomplish-
ments of culture, elegant speech, polished address, and
deep piety withal and soon acquired a wide reputation as
an orator and scholar. This appears from the fact already
mentioned that he was called to fill the chair of Divinity at
Princton College in 1803, when only 25 years old, and also
having the title of Doctor of Divinity conferred upon him
by Harvard College in 1806 at the age of 28; the same also
being conferred a few months later, by Union College. His
reputation grew as the years advanced. In 1810 he was
elected to fill the position of president at the State Univer-
sity. This position he declined, however. So in the same
year, at the solicitation of friends, ne published a volume
or his sermons, thus continuing to grow in reputation and
to entrench himself in the hearts of his people and the
community, till at length a dark shadow crossed his path
which brought great disitress to his heart as well as that
of his people and friends, and came near crushing his
noble spirit.
It was customary at that early day, to keep spirituous
liquors on the sideboard for the use of the family as well
as guests, which would be considered a breach of courtesy
not to offer to the guests. This was not only considered an
act of courtesy, but even demanded by the unhealthy
climate and impure water, which, as Pat Tailfer et al, in
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 307
their pronunciamento, declared "needed qualifying," as
every body thought, if not "believed," as they said. Dr.
Kollock fell into the general practice, especially at times
when worn down with his .arduous labors, for in addition to
regular Sabbath services, he conducted meetings in the
week, and many times in summer he would be the only
minister in the place.
In 1812, the General Assembly passed some stringent
resolutions on the subject of Intemperance. (Min. P. 8 & 9).
The next year (1813) rumors were in circulation that
Dr. Kollock was indulging too freely and became so ad-
dicted to the habitual use of strong drink as to be unable to
control himself, and so much so that several ministers
and Elders signed a call for a Pro Re Nata Meeting of the
Presbytery.
As early as 1812, such rumors were afloat, and were
privately communicated to him, with tenderness and can-
dor and in return received -assurance of future circum-
spection and constancy, but new instances being charged
the above call was considered necessary.
Pursuant to the call, the meeting of the Presbytery
was held at Edgefield C. H. August 11, 1813, at which time
charges were tabled, witnesses summoned, distant testi-
mony ordered taken, and he cited to appear at next regu-
lar meeting to answer.
While on the threshold of this painful duty. Presby-
tery received from him a communication, in which he says
"I do hereby withdraw from the Presbyterian Govern-
ment," together with an argument of some length and
ability showing, as he claimed, that the only Presbytery
of the Scriptures known to ithe early church was that which
was Parochial or Congregational.
Presbytery in their reply said that they regarded it
unfortunate that he should take a position of that kind at
that time, and suggested that fear of conviction, perhaps,
was the real ground of objection, and that they regarded
his conduct as an act of contumacy, and in the exercise of
the authority, vested in them as well as a conscious sense
of the responsibility resting upon them, they suspended
308 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
him from the ministry. In the mean time the Stated Clerk
was directed to furnish him with a copy of the action and
also to cite him to appear at the next meeting and show
reason why sentence of deposition should not be passed.
By invitation the next sessions of Presbytery were
held in the Scotch church, Charleston, April 14, 1814. Dr.
Kollock neither appearing nor sending any communication.
Presbytery proceeded to depose him from the ministry.
Thus matters remained for two years, Dr. Kollock dis-
regarding the action of the Presbytery and continuing to
preach as heretofore, and his people still clinging to him
and waiting upon his ministry till January 25, 1816, when
there was a called meeting at White Bluff for the ordina-
tion and installation of Rev. Thomas Goulding as pastor.
At this meeting there were no Elders and only the follow-
ing four ministers, viz: Dr. McWhir, John Cousar, Jno. R.
Thompson, D. D., and Murdoch Murphy. Although the
meeting was called only to ordain and install Mr. Gould-
ing, the Presbytery took up the case of Dr. Kollock and
proceeded to annul the sentence of deposition, and re-
stored him to the ministry and recommended him to be
treated as a minister of good and regular standing. They
also instructed their clerk. Rev. John Cousar, to send a
copy of these minutes to each member of the Presbytery
and to the Moderator of each Presbytery under the General
Assembly.
The Presbytery, at its next regular meeting, refused to
ratify these irregular proceedings, charging the pro re nata
meeting with transcending its authority in considerng any-
thing but what was included in the call. Besides, that they
had no direct and formal communication from Dr. Kollock
expressing either repentence or promise of reformation,
and only some private letters to some of the members of
vague and indefinite character; that the communications
were all informal, and therefore no ground for their action.
Such irregular action of the Presbytery gave occas-
sion to a great deal of talk and discussion concerning the
conduct of the case, wherefore the Presbytery addressed
a letter to the General Assembly, rehearsing the entire
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THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 309
case, and asking for advice, and concluding with the state-
ment "If you find us wrong, condemn us; if right, give us
the support of your public approbation." The Assembly
made a reply in which they expressed their great sympa-
thy for them "in the painful business detailed to them and
lamenting the unpleasant events which had taken place."
They also expressed a willingness to consider the case when
all the facts could be gathered and presented, yet they at
the same time suggested that the case be referred to the
Synod of South Carolina, (Min. 1816 p. 615) which was ac-
cordingly done at its meeting at Willington. The Synod
decided that the action of the Presbytery at White Bluff
was irregular and sustained the action of the Presbytery
at Charleston in repealing the action of the White Bluff
Presbytery, thus leaving Dr. Kollock under sentence of
deposition.
Dr. Kollock continued his ministrations notwith-
standing this action of the church courts, being upheld by
his devoted people and the community in general, many of
whom, not understanding the government of the church,
felt that he had been treated with undue severity, declaring
the action "arbitrary, unwise and tyrannical."
All this was extremely painful to Dr. Kollock. After
the first action of the Presbytery he writes: "I do not
then attend the Presbytery and I cannot recognize your
authority over me. To me it is a matter of little conse-
quence what you do. Life has lost its charms to me, and,
confiding in the cross to which I have fled and relying on
that infinite grace, which is all my plea, hoping as a par-
doned sinner to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, I
wait for the liberating stroke of death. I have received a
wound in my heart which will cause me to groan all my
days."
In reviewing the case we can see errors and mistakes
committed on both sides. Dr. Kollock erred in resisting the
authority of the Presbytery to which he had promised obed-
ience, and furthermore in not confessing his sin and ask-
ing forgiveness and restoration. Had he done this his
brethren doubtless would most gladly have forgiven and
310 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
restored him, as clearly appears from the unconstitutional
action of the Presbytery at White Bluff, and also from the
fact that it seemed that he had reformed, as appears from
an unpublished letter in reply to the letter of the Prest//-
tery to the General Assembly in which he says "Is not
your address calculated and designed to represent me as
perfectly abandoned to intemperance? And yet you well
know that on this point I had long abstained from the very
appearance of evil, and was not only temperate but rigidly
abstemious?" Howe. II. 241. And second, from the fact
that he afterwards rendered acceptable service to the
church, no charges being afterwards brought against him
by any one.
Dr. Kollock continued to entrench himself in the
hearts of his people who clung to him, and whose confi-
dence in his purity and integrity was not at all shaken. In-
deed, his misfortune seemed only to have had the effect to
draw them closer to him, and to whom he was the more
willing to embosom himself in the warmth of a pastor's
love. From Mr. Raymond Demere a Ruling Elder in Bry-
an Neck Church, and whose parents were members of
Dr. Kollock's church, and he a boy at the time, I learn some
time during his troubles he delivered a sermon or address
from the text, "This is my infirmity," and which Mr. De-
mere said fell upon the audience with Magic effect, and we
can well imagine the effect of his eloquence upon a people
in full sympathy with him.
Their continued interest in him further exhibited it-
self in the fact that they increased his salary from $3,000,
to which a parsonage had been added, to $4,000.
Dr.. Kollock's popularity continued till his death. His
health failing in 1817, he visited Europe, travelling in Eng-
land, France and Italy, preaching with power to crowded
and interested audiences in the British Isles, his brother,
Dr. Sheppard K. Kollock supplying his pulpit during his
absence. He also visited Europe to gather materials for
a life of Calvin, which he had commenced, but finding it
necessary for him to go to Germany to get those materials
and his time being too short, he never completed the work.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 311
His congregation increasing, it became necessary to
erect a larger building for their accommodation. So a new
building was erected on its present site which was dedi-
cated by himself May 9, 1819. Text Hag. II, 7. Ser. Vol. IV.
p. 250. The building was built of material most of which
was brought from the North, and cost $96,108, the cost,
size and splendor showing the resources of the city at that
time, the strength and influence of the congregation, as
well as the influence and power of the pastor.
After a period of thirteen years' service this remark-
able man was called to his reward I>ecember 29, 1819, in
the 41st year of his age. His end was peace. His funeral
was largely attended, the ministers of the city taking
part. Rev. Mr. Sweat (Baptist) introduced the services
with psalmody and prayer, Rev. (afterwards Bishop) Cap-
ers preached the sermon. Rev. Mr. Goulding, of White
Bluff, concluded with prayer, and Rev. Mr. Cranston, Epis-
copal) reading the Episcopal service at the grave.
The funeral was on Friday and was largely attended by
all classes and professions. No man more honored than
he. His death was regarded as a public calamity. The
papers announcing his death appeared in mourning. The
Mayor issued proclamation requiring all the stores to be
closed; and a universal suspension of business. All the
vessels in the harbor with colors at halfmast. MEM, Pref.
Vol. I. 42.
In 1806 at the age of 28, the degree of Doctor of Di-
vinity was conferred upon him by Harvard College, and
also by Union College a few months later. After his death
4 Volumes of his sermons, edited by his brother, were pub-
lished, the last containing those published by himself in
1817 at the solicitations of his friends.
Dr. Kollock married June 1, 1804, Mrs. Mahetebel,
widow of .\lexander Campbell, Esq., of Richmond, Va. He
had no children.
Dr. James W. Alexander, in his memoir of his father,
Dr. A. Alexander, speaks of Dr. Kollock, "As one of the
most ornate, yet vehement orators whom this country has
prduced." So Bishop Capers of the Methodist Church said
312 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
of him, "I have not heard more than one speaker in my
life whom I thought fairly on a par with him, and that
was Dr. Jonathan Maxcy, the first President of South
Carolina College," Howe, II. 243.
REV. JAMES STACY
The writer hopes to be pardoned for a personal allu-
sion in giving the following incident:
One of the most remarkable incidents in the author's
life occurred in the year 1865. The Presbytery of
Flint River extended at that time from Lawrenceville on
the North to the Florida line on the South. The Presby-
tery met that Fall in October at Americus. The Rev. Geo.
C. Coit was then -pastor of the Church, a most excellent
and lovely brother, and withal filled with the Spirit; and
was exceedingly desirous for a blessing upon the church.
After the close of the Presbytery, and at his request. Rev.
Messrs. Wm. M. Cunningham, R. T. Marks and James
Stacy remained to assist in carrying on a meeting. The
meeting was continued for several days and resulted in a
revival of the Church and the addition of several members.
This might easily have been predicted from the fact that
the pastor was himself so stirred. The Holy Spirit
never awakens desires within us to mock us. So revivals
also usually begin in the heart of some one, or a few of
the members. Brother Coit seemed unusually wrought
upon, as appeared from a prayer offered by him concerning
which it was remarked by one of the brethren, that "no
man could offer such a prayer who was not under the in-
fluence of the Holy Spirit."
During the Presbytery there were in attendance a
number of the young people from Fort Gaines, to which
people the writer had frequently ministered during his set-
tlement at Cuthbert and Lumpkin. This was his first
charge in 1853, his time being divided between those two
fields with occasional visits to Fort Gaines. After a few
days his Fort Gaines friends left for their homes. Feeling
a deep interest in them his heart followed them. Before
leaving, they gave him a warm and pressing invitation to
go to Fort Gaines and hold a meeting for them and in that
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IM GEORGIA 313
place. This was a new proposition to him, as he had left
his home at Newnan with no intention of going anywhere
else than Presbytery, and, as he had already been away
from home several days over his time, he hesitated, not
knowing what course to pursue. But as his heart went
with his friends, in whom he felt the greatest interest, he
concluded to accede to their request, and asked them to
make the appointment for the meeting, which they did, to
begin on Friday night; at which time he began the meet-
ing. There being at that time no other minister of any
other denomination in the place, the entire burden of the
preaching, for a time, rested on him. The Spirit of God,
however, seemed to be present from the very beginning.
The whole town was stirred. Although the interest was
unabaied, yet on Tuesday after the preacher felt im-
pressed that he should close the meeting, which he did in
face of the protestation of the entire congregation. And
what seemed so remarkable about it, was the fact that
there was no special reason for so doing, or to return to
his people, whose minds and thoughts were entirely absorb-
ed about the 'War and its issues, and really he did not see him-
self why he should so decide till afterwards. So contrary
TO the expressed wishes of the people, and the earnest en-
treaty of his young friends concerning whom he felt so
much concern, and the fact patent to every one that the
harvest had not yet been gathered, he closed the meeting
on Tuesday night, after receiving eight members into the
church, and took the train for his home in Newnan on
the next, Wednesday, morning. Scarcely had he closed
the meeting when the question at once sprang up for debate
in his mind whether he had done right in leaving a field so
ripe for the harvest, and with such manifest tokens of the
Divine presence and favor? This feeling only increased
during the night, and next morning, at sunrise he boarded
the cars under the most conflicting emotions. He sat on
the rear seat in the end of the car, and as the train moved
off he felt very much as Jonah did, that he was fleeing
away from duty; and as the car moved around the high
bluff and as he looked back to take the last view his heart
314 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
sank within him, and he could but seek relief in tears.
For now he was just as much persuaded that he had done
wrong, as he had felt that he had done right in closing the
meeting. His distress continued as he journeyed on, and
found no relief till he resolved to return. On leaving
Americus he promised the brethren, Cunningham and
Marks, that he would stop at Americus and report the re-
sult of the meeting at Fort Gaines. His mind, however,
was fully made up to return to Fort Gaines the next day,
although sixty miles on his way home, and which he ac-
cordingly did; and never did he a thing with more joyful-
ness. Next day, therefore, he started on his backward
journey. On passing through Cuthbert, his old home, he
felt actually ashamed to look out of the window lest he
Ehould be recognized by some of his friends who knew that
he had closed the meeting at Fort Gaines and had passed
through their place the day before on his way home, and
therefore would wonder the reasons for such strange con-
duct. However, on looking out to his great relief he saw
Dr. Gardner, who had been sent to Cuthbert to obtain the
help of Rev. Homer Hendee and who was with him upon
the platform with his handbag in hand. In a moment he
took in the situation and saw the reason why he was call-
ed away from Fort Gaines and also for his return, as there
was work there for two instead of one, and especially as
he had not been long in the ministry. The congratula-
tions, of course, were mutual and encouraging.
On reaching Fort Gaines quite a number of the young
people were at the train to see whether Mr. Hendee had
come. Imagine their astonishment and delight in also
seeing "Brother Stacy." The news was soon borne through
the town that they had now two ministers instead of none.
At the evening services the writer remarked to the
congregation that they knew how decided he was in his
purpose to leave, and which neither they nor himself could
explain. But the solution was now easy, as the Lord had
work for two instead of one, and urged them to accept it
as a direct appeal from the Lord to give themselves wholly
to the work, and if they did the Lord would surely bless
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 315
them. The people seemed to feel the force of the appeal
and were thereby encouraged to lay hold of the promises
as all seemed to see the hand of the Lord in the matter.
Brother Hendee remained the rest of the week and then
returned to his school at Cuthbert. In the mean while
the meeting at Americus having closed Rev. Mr. Marks
went down to Fort Gaines and remained with the
writer, assisting till the close of the meeting on Wednesday
night of the following week, at which fourteen more were
added to the church, making twenty 'two in all. Among
these were not only his young friends who had attended
Presbytery at Americus, but others of experience and in-
fluence in the community. The membership of the little
church was doubled and so strengthened as to employ the
services and support the Rev. Gaylord S. More a refugee
from New Orleans, as their pastor till the close of the
war. There were many other converts who joined the
Methodist and Baptist Churches. Considering all the cir-
cumstances, the unexpected visit of the Brother, his re-
turn after 60 miles on his journey homeward, the manner
of the additional help, and the number of converts and ad-
ditions to the church, it must be regarded as one of the
most remarkable revivals that has ever occurred in that
church and that part of the county.
FLINT RIVER PRESBYTERY.
One of the most celebrated and interesting meetings
of the Old Flint River Presbytery was the one held at
White Sulphur Springs, Meriwether County, April 2-6, 1856,
At that time White Sulphur Springs was a place of sum-
mer resort, and was then owned and run by the Rev. R.
T. Marks, a member of the Presbytery. Brother Marks had
been a business man at Columbus, Ga., and entered the min-
istry after several years of business life under the clause
"extraordinary." He became a very useful and successful
minister depending, however, upon his own efforts
for support, rather than the feeble churches that he sup-
pled. Being trained in matters of business, he was of great
advantage to the Presbytery, being the treasurer for a
number of years. He assisted, too, very much in the con-
316 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
duct of busin€ss. While the Presbytery might be discuss-
ing some question upon which they could not agree Brother
Marks might be seen preparing a paper which he would
offer at a suitable time and which the Presbytery would
unanimously receive as the settlement of the matter.
In the Fall of 1855 the Presbytery met at Newnan.
When the question came up as to the place for the next
meeting among the places nominated was White Sulphur
Springs by Rev. R. T. Marks. Two objections were
raised: One was that we had no church there; the other
was it would be an imposition upon the brother to enter-
tain such a body and also their horses, as there was no
railroad or public conveyance any where near. To the
first, he replied the fact that there was no or-
ganization there was the very reason why the Presbytery
should go there with the hope of planting one. To the sec-
ond, he said that it would be no imposition, as he had made
a fine crop and had an abundance of provisions for all the
Presbytery and their horses; that the guests would not be
coming in until May and therefore an abundance of room
for all; that it would be a most pleasurable occasion to the
Presbytery to have them all under the same roof and sit at
the same table; that it would be equally so a pleasure to
himself and family to entertain the Presbytery, and fur-
thermore, that so far as expense was concerned the Lord
could easily pay it back to him and more with one good
shower of rain upon his fields. The arguments of the
Brother prevailed and Presbytery accepted the invitation,
and met there the following Spring. The Rev. S. H. Hig-
gins, D. D., pastor of the Columbus Church, was chosen
Moderator. There were present 13 Ministers and 9 Ruling
Elders, and above all the Holy Spirit was present in the
preaching. The Communion was administered on the
Sabbath. After the adjournment two or three of the Breth-
ren remained and held services for several days, which
resulted in the organization of a little c'hurch consisting of
of 14 members with two Ruling Elders, which church was
reported by Rev. R. T. Marks, and received under the care
of Presbycery at its next meeting at Ephesus, p. 264. The
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 317
Church continued on the roll, being supplied by Mr. Marks
and different ministers, a little chapel being erected for
the purpose, till the removal of Mr, Marks and family,
when the Spring property fell into other hands. In the
mean while, the war coming on, the members became
scattered and the church building, which had been erected
by the family and being part of the estate, was sold with
the rest. The church was formally dissolved by the Pres-
bytery of Atlanta or rather dropped from the roll in Octo-
ber, 1888. The following is the action of the Presbytery.
"White Sulphur church having become extinct the
name was dropped from the roll and the Stated Clerk in-
structed to grant a certificate of dismission to Dr. D. A. Gil-
lespie, the only remaining member and Elder, to join the
Greenville Church."
Thus the little church, after an existence of 82 years,
became extinct.
We will only add that the meeting of the Presbytery
at which it was organized was voted by all the members
as one of the most pleasant ever held. The following was
the action of the Presbytery at the close of its business
meeting and expressive of the feeling of its members:
"Resolved, That the thanks of this hody be, and hereby
are, tendered to the Rev. R. T. Marks and his family for
their most liberal and generous heartfelt hospitality to-
wards the members of this body during its present ses-
sions, and that we take pleasure in here recording the
fact that owing to the peculiar facilities that have been
afforded us for business meetings and for social inter-
course, we regard the present meeting as the most pleas-
ant and fraternal in the history of this body."
REV. REMEMBRANCE CHAMBERLAIN.
In 1850 the Synod of Georgia held its annual sessions
an the city of Augusta. At that meeting it fell to the lot
of. our Synod to elect a Professor for the Seminary at Co-
lumbia. Three candidates were nominated, viz., Dr. Alex-
ander McGill, of Alleghany, Penn., Dr. Thomas Smythe of
Charleston, S. C, though a native of Ireland, and Dr. Dan-
iel McNiel Turner, of Abbeville, S. C. While the Synod
318 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
was discussing the merits and demerits of the different
candidates, none of them being present, considerable feel-
ing was excited, it being a time when there was much
abolition and sectional excitement and bitterness in the
public mind. I began to fear that bitter and unkind feel-
ings would be stirred up in the Synod, when Rev. Remem-
brance Chamberlain, a Vermonter, but a large slave hold-
er and who had hitherto maintained silence, arose to his
full six feet of corpulent stature, and rubbing both hands
over the front of his protuberant body, said in nasal tones:
"Mr. Moderator, a good deal has been said in regard to
where the respective candidates were born. Some object
to Dr. McGill because he was born at the North, and some
object to Dr. Smythe because he was born in old Ireland,
and some are in favor of Dr. McNeil Turner because he
was born in South Carolina. Now, Mr. Moderator, I do
not think that any of these good brethren were born in a
worse place than the place in which we were all born,
which was in "a state of sin and misery," and down he
sat amidst loud guffaws of the reverend Synod of Georgia.
His wit and waggery had restored the Synod to good
humor and soon after the vote was cast, and by a decided
majority the man born in the North was elected.
Although somewhat out of our pathway, it may be in-
teresting to the reader to know what happened at the
other end of the line. When the question came up before
the Synod of South Carolina for confirmation, it was met
with equal and even greater opposition than in the Synod
of Georgia. That opposition was led by Rev. Julius J. Du-
Bose, one of the younger members of the Synod. The
meeting was held in Columbia. Being a student in the
Seminary at that time, and interested in knowng who his
teacher would be, the writer, in common with his fellow
students attended the discussions. In the course of the de-
bate the fact was emphasized by Mr. DuBose, as well as
others, that both the other Professors, viz., Drs. Howe and
LeLand were northern men, and whilst saying nothing
against them or accusing them of sympathy with the
abolition sentiment, for both were Slaveholders, he advo-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 319
cated the principle that the remaining chair should be
filled by some one entirely Southern in birth, as well as
sentiment. Knowing the skill and quickness of Dr. Le-
land at repartee, we watched him as he sat off to himself
in the corner of the room listening to the speeches, grit-
ting his teeth as his custom was and we knew full well
that something sharp was coming, so after Mr. DuBose had
finished his speech and sat down, Dr. Leland, a man vene-
able in appearance and years, arose and said, "Moderator,
our young Brother has said a good deal about northern
and southern people. I would ask him to tell me what
constitutes a southern man? How long a man must live
at the south to be a good southern man? I would remind
the young brother, that I have been at the South longer
than he, and furthermore. Moderator, I came because I
chose to, but he could not help himself." Then the old
gentleman sat down amid the laughter as well as con-
cealed blushes of the mothers in Israel, many of whom
were present. This simple statement covered the whole
field of argument, and doubtless settled the question, for
the vote was soon taken confirming the choice of the Syn-
od of Georgia.
REV. W'M. McWHIR, D D.
Mr. McWhir stands as a noted landmark in the early
history of education in Georgia. He was born m Ireland,
graduated and ordained, and came over to America in
1783 and first taught school at Alexandria, Va., and for
ten years was acquainted with President Washington
who was one of the Trustees in his school, and was fre-
quently a guest at his home; came to Liberty county, Ga.,
in 1793 and opened a school at Sunbury, which soon had
an established reputation throughout the land, drawing
pupils from all parts of the state and which continued for
nearly 30 years. He deserves to be placed in the first
ranks with the educators of the country.
In addition to teaching he was also a useful minister,
having appointments at Sunbury, Mcintosh, and also at
Darien, but later in life visiting Florida where he organ-
ized a church at Mandarin. Still later in life, when 90
320 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
years old and upwards he engaged in the colporteur work,
distributing Bibles and tracts to his neighbors and friends.
I well remember when a boy seeing his" familiar face, and
hearing him speak. He died in 1852.
But what I desire more especially just now to do is to
mention a rather singular and unusual thing that is said
to have happened in his religious life.
CONVERTED UNDER HIS OWN PREACHING.
Though a Presbyterian minister in good and regular
standing, he secretly held at first to Unitarian views, hav-
ing doubts as to the divinity of Christ. It is said of him,
that one day while preaching he made a statement which
brought up the suggestion, and this thought was awakened
and passed through his mind. "If this be true, then I am a
lost man," and this conviction by the truth from his own
lips; resulted in his conversion and a complete change in
his views and life. It is not often we hear of a man being
converted under his own preaching, and yet why not? It
is not the speaker, but the truth that saves. This circum-
stance was related to me by the son of one of the Col-
league pastors of the Midway Church, and who was well
acquainted with the history and life of Dr. McWhir.
REV. THOMAS GOULDING, D. D.
The life of Dr. Goulding is fully given in the mem-
orials which have been published of him. It is known that
he was the first native-born Presbyterian minister of our
Branch ordained in the State. Also that he was the first
Professor in the Columbia Seminary, when it was estab-
lished in his own house in Lexington, and where he taught
some pupils before its removal to Columbia. The only
thing I desire to add to what has been already written con-
cerning him, is the unusual circumstances in his religious
life, viz: the fact of his conversion durng his sleep, as
stated by himself. Said he, "If ever converted, it was
when asleep," for he went to bed under a great distress
and upon awaking in the morning the burden was gone.
Why may not our prayers and the prayers of others be
heard and answered when we are asleep as well as when
awake? The Holy Spirit does the work without any as-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 321
sistance on our part, and why not convert the man in the
night, as well as in the day?
REV. S. K. TALMAGE, D. D.
I desire here to make record of a little incident which
occurred in the life of Dr. Talmage, illustrative of his
power in the pulpit. It occurred during his presidency of
Oglethorpe and when preaching to the inmates of the
Asylum near by. I take it from Rev. Groves H. Cartledge,
who got it from t)r. T. O. Powell, the superintendent of
the same.
"One afternoon Dr. Talmage was preaching to the
Lunatics on the pardon of the sinner. To illustrate some
point he brought in the case of a murderer who had been
condemned to be hung, but some of his friends sent a pe-
tition to the Governor begging for a pardon. The day of
execution arrived and no pardon had come for the doomed
man. At the fixed hour the Sheriff took the criminal from
the jail, seated him on his coflSn and drove him to the gal-
lows. He made him ascend the scaffold, tied his feet to-
gether, fastened the black cap over his face, bid him good
bye, and, descending from the scaffold, raised his hand
to strike the trigger which would launch the doomed man
into eternity, when, upon hearing a noise in the distance
he turned his eyes, and saw a horseman coming at full
speed, and holding something like a paper in his hand,
and crying out "Pardon, pardon, do not hang that man, I
have a pardon for him." The Doctor, then leaving the
the Sheriff with his hand still raised to strike the trigger,
began to picture out the horseman and his horse, the rider
spurring with all his might, and leaning forward in his
eagerness to get the pardon to the poor culprit, the horse
stretching every nerve and tendon of his body, with nos-
trils distended and sides panting, etc, etc. To one little
man, at least, the pictured scene, became a living reality,
and at length, in hi'c impatience at the Doctor's tardiness,
that little man at one bound sprang up, with his feet upon
his seat, and cried out at the top of his voice, "O! Dr. Tal-
mage do be in a hurry or that poor man will be hung be-
fore you get his pardon to him." It is scarcely necessary
322 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
to add that the whole audience became greatly excited,
and the services terminated abruptly and without prayer,
singing or the benediction."
SHOWING GOD THE ANSWERER OF PRAYER.
During the war services in the churches were very-
much interfered with, especially towards its close, when
the enemy was in their midst, and a large portion of the
country overrun by them. In some places churches were
closed, in others church buildings were used as hospitals,
and in some instances, the bells were surrendered for
making cannon. The pastor of the Newnan Church,
though' in full sympathy with the South in her struggles,
was not in hearty accord with the idea of closing the
churches. He was always at the Soldier's prayermeeting
unless off as missionary preaching to the soldiers. He
was not in acocrd with the idea of taking the churches con-
secrated to the services of God to be used as hospitals, but
maintained that the residences and other buildings should
be so used. And furthermore to show his true interest in
the struggle was always at the Soldiers prayermeeting,
which was kept up during the entire war. And now for
the sequel: Twice was the town spared, as we confident-
ly believe, in answer to those prayers. Twice the enemy
passed through, with evil intent but with hands tied in
both instances.
In the latter part of July, 1864, two raids were pro-
jected by the Federals, one under Gen. Kilpatrick, the
other under Gen. Stoneman. The one to go down the
eastern side, the other on the w^estern side of the Central
Road and to form a union below Macon. The one under
Gen. Kilpatrick on going down burned the depot at Pal-
metto, also tearing up the track, but below Jonesboro, en-
countered Gen. Wheeler, who drove him back. In his re-
treat he sought to pass through Newnan that "he might
cross the Chattahoochee, which was then the line. On
the evening before. Gen. Roddy had started from West
Point, for Atlanta, with a regiment of soldiers. On reach-
ing Newnan he was informed by Col. Griffin, the Com-
mandant of the post, that he would not be able to pass
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 323
Palmetto on account of the destruction of the railroad at
that place, by Kilpatrick, and moreover, on account of the
excitement of the citizens, he would be glad for him to re-
main at Newnan during the night, as he would have better
accommodation for his men. This he consented to do.
On the next morning, after the whistle had sounded, and
G^n. Roddy and his men were getting on the train to
leave, the advance guard of Kilpatrick's men came down
the hill and commenced firing upon them. Gen. Roddy
threw his men in battle line and soon drove them back.
After retreating they made a detour around the town
with the hope of reaching the river before Wheeler and
his men should come up. But before doing that they again
encountered Wheeler's men, who discomfitted them, scat-
tering them in the woods and taking several hundred of
them prisoners. There was a man in the neighborhood
named Bostrom, and who had a lot of bloodhounds, and
who assisted in the chase with his hounds, which greatly
exsperated the Federals, many of whom were thus made
prisoners, insomuch that they said that if they ever should
have the opportunity they would wreak their vengeance
upon the citizens and the place.
Just before the close of the war, and but a few days
before the armistice was declared, another raid was plan-
ned and started from the upper part of Alabama under
Col. Brownlow, who was a soldier under Kilpatrick of the
first raid, who made Newnan the objective point, with the
intention of destroying the place on account of indignities
they had received. After reaching Georgia, they com-
menced burning towns on the way till they reached Car-
roUton, which they burned to show what they intended to
do with Newnan, as they said on starting for the said
doomed city. But fortunately for the place the armistice
was proclaimed which put an end to the war. Citizens of
the place were sent with a flag of truce to notify them
that the armistice had been proclaimed. On learning
this the raid passed through without doing any damage.
On entering the place, however, they enquired of several
citizens what had become of Bostrom and his dogs. Be-
324 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
fore reaching the place they repeated their threats, and
all through the country they expressed their regrets that
the armistice had not met them after than before reaching
Newnan, as they intended not to leave one stone standing
upon another for the indignity of chasing them with dogs,
and for the insults of the women, who had done every
thing by way of indignity to them when prisoners, "ex-
cept spit in their faces."
Considering the kind protection over us when so near
th€ enemies lines and so exposed, it being only nine miles
to the Chattahoochee, the line, and the two marked divine
interferences in the two cases mentioned, we can but feel
and ever will believe it was a special act of protection and
deliverance and in answer to prayer, which was regularly
kept up by a faithful few during the entire period of the
CHAPTER XXIII.
FINAL OUTLOOK.
WHY NO GREATER PROGRESS.
(Written 1907.)
It has now been one hundred and eleven years since
the Presbytery of Hopewell was set up, and sixty two since
the organization of the Synod of Greorgm. When organized
there were on its roll sixty-four ministers, one hundred
and thirty-four Churches, and five thousand ?nd fifty-seven
n.embers. The present number is one hundred and sev-
enteen ministers, two hundred and twenty-eight churches,
and nineteen thousand and two hundred and forty three
members. Thus it will appear that the annual rate of in-
crease has been very small, being only a little more than
one minister, two churches, and one hundred and seventy-
three members per year. How account for this small
growth? Although the Presbyterians were among the
first to enter the field, bringing with them all the pres-
tige of their past history and with all the educational
centres in their hand, yet they have suffered the other
Denominations to come in and far out strip them. While
the Methodists and Baptists have their churches planted,
like so many beacon lights in every village and hamlet,
there are still forty of the counties of the state in which
no Presbyterian church is to be seen. Of these three are
in the Presbytery of Atlanta, nine in the Presbytery of
Augusta, ten in Cherokee, eleven in Macon, six in Savan-
nah. To Athens Presbytery alone belongs the honor of
nah, and one in Athens. Here then, is a church
one hundred and eleven years old, a church stained
with the blood of martyrs, and rich in historic memories
and associations, and still without a witness in about one
fourth of the counties of the state.
The fault surely cannot be with our Theology or
Church Polity, for these have stood the test of ages; nor
the fact that some of its doctrinal statements are regarded
326 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
as hard, for they are held in common with a large portion
of the Christian world; nor yet is the idle conceit to be in-
dulged for a single moment that, while the numerical
strength may be less, the excellency of the material used
and superiority of the work done, will more than compen-
sate for the deficiency in that direction. It is obviously
out of place to talk of quality versus quantity, of Leonidas
with his little band, or repeat the Scripture quotation of
"one chasing a thousand, and two putting ten thousand
to flight," so long as the roll of the churches are burdened
with so many nominal and indifferent members.
We think we can point out some few things, at least,
that constitute a far more satisfactory solution of the
problem.
And first, we suggest that much of the ill success is
attributable to the imperfect manner in which Presby-
teries discharge their duty. The whole trouble may be
summed up in one single sentence, viz: The want on
their part of proper Episcopal authority and jurisdiction.
In theory the Presbytery is a Bishop, with all power and
authority, to manage and conrtol, but in practice it is but
the indulgent parent Eli-like, wholly unable to control his
household. "My sons why do you do such things?" being
the extent of the jurisdiction.
No one can read the minutes of the Assembly with-
out being struck with the number of unsettled, umemploy-
ed ministers and vacant churches. There are fifty of
these in the Synod of Georgia alone. We have seen at
times as many as one half of the churches of a Presbytery
reported as "vacant." What a draft upon the resources
and working force of a Presbytery. What farmer would
remain long out of the Sheriff's hands who allowed so
many of his laborers to remain idle, and so many of his
fields to lie neglected? Or what merchant could keep
out of the hands of the receiver who has his business no
better in hand?
With all due allowance for every honest effort to over-
take the destitutions (and we know something of the diffi-
culties), yet we cannot see how Presbyteries can hope to
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 327
escape similar disaster when we consider some of their
business methods.
First, their treatment of newly organized churches.
The sight is a very common one, and none the less sad on
that account, to see the Presbyteries organize a church
and then, seemingly oblivious to any further responsibility
in the matter, leave it to shift for itself. Hundreds if not
thousands of little churches have thus been organized and
left to themselves only to linger, droop and die. Let the
farmer plant his crop and then abandon it, or the hen.
hatch her brood and then forsake them, and it would
hardly require the wisdom of a prophet to forsee the re-
sult.
We lay down this broad proposition that organization
carries with it the. idea of responsibility. No Presbytery
has the right to organize a church unless it intends to take
care of and nourish it until able to take care of itself.
Nourishing is an important part of motherhood, and one
of the main objects for which the Presbytery was constitu-
ted. The helpless infant needs no more the mothers care
than the feelble church the fostering care of the Presby-
tery. The strong church can take care of itself. If the
neglectful parent can become chargeable with the sin of
infanticide, why may not the charge of Ecclesiasticide
equally lie against the Presbytery that neglects its off-
spring and leaves it to die?
The same principles apply to licensure and ordination.
No Presbytery has the right to license and ordain a man
without giving him a field. To lay hold of a man and
claim his time and labor, is but requiring brick without
straw. And yet how often do we see men Icensed, and
even ordained and then turned loose to manage their own
affairs. We may well ask where is Episcopal authority in
all this?
The theory is for the church to select its own pastor.
This is Presbyterianism as far as it goes, being only half
of it however. The other half is Presbyterial care and
oversight. The elective principle, allowing the church to
choose its pastor does not destroy Episcopal authority for
328 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
a moment. Until the pastor receives the call and the
church is able to take care of itself, it is the solemn duty
of the Presbytery to take the matter in hand, and furnish
a field to the minister and a supply to the church. In this
our Methodist Brethren furnish us a good example, and
give one of the reasons for their success. They give em-
ployment to every minister, and a laborer to every field.
Their churches are never allowed to remain vacant, or
their laborers idle. If they have a single vacant church in
the state we are not aware of it. If Presbyterians would
adopt this rule, there would be a wonderful improvement
in the rate of their increase.
Second. A second ground of failure lies in the matter
of the dissolution of the pastoral relation, many of which
are hasty and uncalled for. Not finding the field as pro-
ductive as he had hoped, and in many instances unreason-
ably expecting fruit without any previous labor, the young
minister, especially, becomes restless and unable to wait
till the regular meeting, succeeds in getting a called meet-
ing and the relation dissolved and the church declared
"vacant"' which means stoppage of work, loss of interest,
waste of time, with general demoralization, leading to dis-
integration and decay. No moving train can be brought
to a standstill without a loss of time. No tree can be re-
moved out of its bed and planted elsewhere withut being
retarded in its growth. The waste of time and energy
connected with the breaking up of pastoral relations in the
Presbyterian church is simply enormous. Yea, beyond all
computation. No wonder the progress of the church has
been so slow when the interruptions have been so numer-
ous. The wonder rather is that there has been any prog-
ress at all. Here, again, the Methodist brethren have the
advantage of us, inasmuch as they make their transfers
all at once.
But the matter assumes a still more serious aspect,
when we remember the little part taken in these transfers,
either by the Presbytery or the church. The practice has
become so common of late of not regarding the wishes of
the church, and to take action before consulting the Pres-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 329
bytery, that it may be regarded well nigh the settled pol-
icy of the church that the whole matter of removal is with
the minister. If the minister only feels it to be his duty
to go, the feeling of the church, no matter how strong
over, goes for naught. Strange that the call from without
should be regarded as the voice of God, but no voice of
God in the louder unanimous home call. If the call to an-
other field is to be interpreted as the voice of God calling
him away, why is not the hearty unanimous wish of the
home church, also interpreted as the voice of God to stay?
Indeed, the churches are beginning to feel that it is useless
for them to interpose any objections, and therefore seldom
ever offer any. If the ministers wish is to be the rule
then wherein consists the use or sense of consulting either
the church or the Presbytery? Or what is the use for any
Presbytery at all, if the whole thing is to be done in the
pastor's study? My Brethren will pardon me for saying
that this matter of establishing and dissolving the pastoral
relation in the Presbyterian church is becoming in the
minds of many, nothing but a solemn farce. For it all
amouts simply to this: That the Presbytery is called to-
gether simply to endorse what the pastor has not only de-
termined to do, but what he has already done. If this be
Presbyterianism, it is high time that some of the older
ministers were reviewing their studies in this department
at least, for to them, instead of Presbyterianism, it seems
to be but a disguised species of independency.
OHAPTER XXIV.
The following statistics, comiparing all the ministers
and churches ever in connection with th« (Synod were
chiefly compiled from the church records. As the eccles-
iastical year covers a part of two years, from April to
April, for the Presytery and from November to Novem'ber
for the Synod, there may be discovered, in some instances
some slight inaccuracies, as to dates, as we have no
means of determining whether the event recorded, oc-
curred in the latter part of the one year, or the former
part of the next. iWe have spared no pains, however in
endeavoring to make the list as accurate and complete as
possible. The star (*) after a name means "ordained."
HOPEWEDL IPRESBYTERY.
Set up December, 1796.
MINISTERS.
John Newton, received in 1797 from South Carolina
Presbytery; died 1797.
John Springer, received in 1797 from South Carolina
Presbytery, died 1798.
Robert Cunningham, received in 1797 from South Car-
olina Presbytery; 'dismissed in 1809 to W. Lexington
Presbytery; died in 1839.
Moses Waddell, received in 1797 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1801 to South Carolina Presby-
tery; died in 1840.
Wm. Montgomery, received in 1797 from South Caro-
lina Presbytery; dismissed in 1813 to Mississippi PresTay-
tery; 'died in 1848.
The above were the original ministers of the Presby-
tery.
Thomas Newton*, received in 1799; dismissed in 1822
to Alabama IPresbytery; died in 1845.
Edward Pharr*, received in 1801; died in 1845.
John Hodge*, received in 1805 Lie. from Cumberland
Presbytery; died in 1819.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 331
Francis Cummins, received in 1805 from South Caro-
lina Presbytery; died in 1832.
Jno. R. Thompson*, received in 1807 Lie. from New
York Presbytery; dismissed in 1809 to Harmony Presby-
tery; died in 1846.
John Brown, received in 1813 from Harmony Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1836 to Flint River Presbytery; died in
1842.
N. S. S. Beman, received in 1813 from Cumberland
Association; dismissed in 1821; set off to Georgia Presby-
tery.
Henry Reid, received in 1815 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1819 to South Carolina Presby-
tery; received in 1819 from South Carolina Presbytery;
dismissed in 1829 to South Carolina Presbytery; received
in 1829 from South Carolina Presbytery; dismissed to
Tombeckbee Presbytery in 1837.
Robert Finley, received in 1817 from New Brunswick
Presbytery; died in 1817.
B. Gildersleeve*, received in 1820; dismissed in 1827
to Charleston Union Presbytery; died in 1875.
Thos. Goulding, received in 1822 from Georgia Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1832 to Harmony Presbytery; died in
1848.
Orson Douglass*, received in 1822 Lie. from New
Brunswick Presbytery; dismissed in 1823 to New Castle
Presbytery.
Jesse 'Stratton, received in 1823 from W. District As-
sociation; dismissed in 1832 to South Alabama Presby-
tery.
R. Chamberlain, received in 1824 from Georgia Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1841 to Flint River Presbytery; died
in 1856.
Jno. S. Wilson, received in 1824 from South Caro-
lina Presbytery; dismissed 1833; set off to Flint River
Presbytery.
A. H. Webster*, received in 1824; died in 1827.
'f. Y. Alexander, received in 1825 from South Carolina
Presbytery.
332 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Henry Safford, received in 1821 from Royalton Associ-
ation; dismissed in 1829 to Buffalo Presbytery; received
in 1831 from Buffalo Presbytery; died in 1870.
A. Church*, received in 1824; died in 1862.
George Root*, received in 1825; dismissed in 1827 to
Brookfield Association.
A. Kirkpatrick, received in 1826 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1829 to South Carolina Presby-
tery.
Jos. C. Stiles*, received in 1826; dismissed in 1833 to
Georgia Presbytery; died in 1879.
James Gamble, received in 1827 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1840 to Flint River Presbytery.
S. K. Talmage, received in 1828 from Newton Presby-
tery; 'died in 1865.
Nathan Hoyt, received in 1828 from Albany Presby-
tery; died in 1866.
John Harrison*, received in 1828 from South Carolina
Presbytry; died in 1847.
J. G. Patterson, received in 1828.
S. J. Cassels*, received in 1829; dismissed in 1837 to
Flint River Presbytery.
W. B. Richards*, received in 1829; dismissed in 1833
to Flint River Presbytery.
■C. P. Beman, received in 1829; died in 1875.
D. M. Winston*, received in 1829; dismissed in 1832
to Georgia Presbytery.
Henry Reed, received in 1829 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1837 to Tombeckbee Presbytery.
Robert McAlpin, received in 1830 from Union Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1837 to East Alabama Presbytery.
John Boggs, received in 1830 from Georgia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1833 to South Carolina Presbytery.
H. C. Carter, received in 1830; dismissed in 1840 to
Etowah Presbytery; received in 1842 from Etowah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1852 to Cherokee Presbytery.
I. W. Waddell*, received in 1830, Lie. from South Car-
olina Presbytery; dismissed in 1832 to South Carolina
Presbytery; received in 1842 to from South Carolina Pres-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 333
bytery; dismissed in 1843 to Good iHope Presbytery; died
in 1849.
Thos. F. Scott*, received in 1830; dismissed in 1833 to
Good Hope Presbytery.
Wm. Quillen, received in 1831 from Holstein Presby-
tery; died in 1842.
Edwin Holt, received in 1831 from Elizabethtown Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1833 to Good Hope Presbytery.
Arthur A. Mooney, received in 1831 from Soutb Caro-
lina Presbytery; dismissed in 1835 to Flint River Presby-
tery.
W. K. Patton*, received in 1832; dismissed in 1833;
set off to Good Hope Presbytery.
John Baker*, received in 1833, Lie. -.'om Georgia Pres-
bytery; set off to Good Hope Presbytery 1833. .
J. W. Reid, received in 1833; died in 1867.
S. S. Davis, received in 1834 from Harmony Fresby-
tery; dismissed in 1843 to Albany Presbytery; received in
1845 from Albany Presbytery; dismissed in 1846 to Harm-
ony Presbytery; received in 1853 from Harmony Presby-
tery; died in 1877.
C. W. Howard*, received in 1834; dismissed in 1840;
joined Etowah Presbytery; died in 1876.
T. M. Dwight*, received in 1834; dismissed in 1840;
joined Etowah Presbytery; died in 1849.
P. iC. Shellman, received 1834 from Methodist Episco-
pal church; disappeared in 1840.
Samuel P. Pressley, received in 1834 from the Associ-
ate Reformed church; died in 1840.
Lawson Clinton, received in 1834 from the Georgia
Presbytery; died in 1838 or 1839.
John G. Likens, received in 1835 from Union Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1836 to South Alabama Presbytery; died
in 1840.
F. R. Goulding*, received in 1835; dismissed in 1853 to
Cherokee Presbytery; received in 1859 from Georgia Pres-
bytery, dismissed in 1867 to Macon Prest>ytery; died in
1881.
334 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
J. H. George*, received in 1836; dismissed in 1840;
joined Etowah Presbytery.
J. W. Baker*, received in 1836 Lie. from New Bruns-
wick Presbytery; dismissed in 1854 to Cherokee Presby-
tery.
R. H. Hooker*, received in 1837; died in 1857.
J. B. Cassells*, received in 1836 Lie. from Harmony
Presbytery; died in 1838.
F. Bowman, received in 1837 from West Hanover
Presbytery; dismissed in 1857 to Georgia Presbytery.
John Warnock, received in 1837 from Flint River Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1841 to South Alabama Presbytery.
A. N. Cunningham, received in 1838 from South Ala-
bama Presbytery; dismissed in 1845; withdrew from Pres-
bytery.
Jas. W; Freeman, received in 1838; dismissed in 1842
to Concord Presbytery.
Jos. Templeton*, received in 1839; dismissed in 1842
to Muhlenburg Presbytery.
A. M. Edgerton, received in 1839 from Harmony Pres-
bytery.
G. H. W. 'Petrie*, received in 1839 from- Harmony
Presbytery; dismissed in 1854 to Cherokee Presbytery,
Philo Phelps, received in 1840 from Troy Presbytery;
dismissed in 1840; set off to Florida Presby^tery.
Joshua Phelps, received in 1840 from Philadelphia
Presbytery; dismissed in 1840; set off to Florida ©resbj'-
tery.
R. M. Baker*, received in 1840; dismissed in 1841 to
Florida Presbytery; received in 1847 from Florida Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1853 to Cherokee Presbytery.
N. A. Pratt, received in 1840 from Georgia Presbytery;
dismissed in 1842; set off to Cherokee Presbytery; died
in 1879.
A. B. McCorkle, received in 1842 from W. Lexington
Presbytery; dismissed in 1842; set off to Cherokee Pres-
bytery.
I. W. Waddell, received in 1842.
Jno. C. Baldwin, received in 1843 from Flint River
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 335
Presbytery; dismissed in 1848 to Tombeckbee Presbytery.
C. S. Dodd*, received in 1844; dismissed in 1847 to
Cherokee Presbytery.
Homer Hendee*, received in 1845; dismissed in 1853
to Florida Presbytery; received in 1859 from Florida
Presbytery; dismissed in 1861 to Flint River Presbytery;
received in 1867 from Flint River Presbytery; dismissed
in 1871 to Louisville Presbytery.
Henry Newton*, received in 1847.
W. P. Gready*, received in 1847 Lie. from New Bruns-
wick Presbytery; dismissed in 1857 to South Carolina
Presbytery; died in 1882.
E. P. Rogers, received in 1847 from New Hampshire
Association; dismissed in 1854 to Philadelphia Presby-
tery.
W. Baird, received in 1847 from Georgia Presbytery;
dismissed in 1853 to Charleston Presbytery; died in 1868.
R. C. Ketchum, received in 1848 from Charleston Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1867 to Atlanta Presbytery.
W. H. Thompson*, received in 1849; dismissed in
1853 to Nashville Presbytery.
G. H. Cartledge*, received in 1849; died in 1899.
J. U. Parsons, received in 1849 from Georgia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1853 to the Barnstable Association.
C. B. King*, received in 1850; dismissed in 1850 to
Flint River Presbytery; dismissed in 1861 to Georgia Pres-
bytery.
J. L. Rogers, received in 1852 from Cherokee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1852 to Cherokee Presbytery.
J. R. Bowman*, received in 1852; dismissed in 1854 to
Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
D. McN. Turner, received in 1852 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1854 to Florida Presbytery.
Robert Logan, received in 1853 from Concord Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1854 to South Carolina Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1856 from South Carolina Presbytery; dismissed
in 1858 to Flint River Presbytery.
Wm. G, Williams, received in 1853 from Georgia Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1856 to Tuscambia Presbytery.
336 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
R. L. Br€ck, received in 1854 from W. Lrexington Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1858 to New Albany Presbytery.
R. K. Porters*, received in 1854; dismissed in 1867 to
Atlanta Presbytery; died in 1869.
R. W. Milner*, received in 1854; dismissed in 1867 to
Cherokee Presbytery.
I. S. K. Axson, received in 1854 from Georgia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1865 to Georgia Presbytery.
Wm. Flinn, received in 1855 from Tuscaloosa Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1865 to Augusta Presbytery.
E. D. Eldridge, received in 1855 from Hopkinson Asso-
ciation; dismissed in 1859 to Flint River Presbytery.
R. A. Houston*, received in 1855; dismissed in 1856
to East Alabama Presbytery; received in 1858 from East
Alabama Presbytery.
John Jones, received in 1856 from Georgia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1857 to Cherokee Presbytery.
C. W. Lane*, received in 1857; died in 1896.
L. A. Simonton*, received in 1857; dismissed in 1859
to Flint River Presbytery; died in 1859.
J. R. Wilson, received in 1858 from Lexington Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1872 to Charleston Presbytery.
G. W. Boggs, received in 1858 from Tuscaloosa Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1872 to Charleston Presbytery.
J. C. Humphreys*, received in 1858 Lie. from Flint
River Presbytery; died in 1859.
David Wells, received in 1860 from South Carolina
Presbytery.
J. B. Dunwody, received in 1860 from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1874 to Charleston Presbytery.
James Woodrow, received in 1860.
J. H. Kaufman, received in 1862 from Baltimore Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1864 to Cherokee Presbytery.
F. T. Simpson, received in 1862.
A. W. Pitzer, received in 1862 from Highland Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1865 to Montgomery Presbytery.
A. D. Montgomery, received in 1863 from South Caro-
lina Presbytery; dismissed 1868 to Concord Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 337
W. H. Adams*, received in 1863; dismissed in 1865 to
East Alabama Presbytery.
P. C. Morton*, received in 1866; dismissed in 1886 to
South Alabama Presbytery.
In 1867 the Presbytery of Hopewell ceased to exist,
as its name was then changed and afterwards divided by
the Synod of Georgia into the Presbyteries of Athens and
Augusta.
CHURCHES OF HOPEWELL PRESBYTERY.
Bethsalem — Now Lexington, organized about 1787.
Bethany — Organized about 1788.
Ebenezer — (Mt. Zion), organized about 1788. '
Richmond, organized about 1788.
Bethlehem, organized about 1789.
Siloam — (Greensboro), organized about 1790.
Goshen — "near Greensboro," organized about 1790.
New Hope — Madison County. Probably the third old-
est church in the Synod of Georgia.
Smyrna — Washington.
Providence — Wilkes County.
Carmel.
Joppa.
Sharon.
Shiloh.
Liberty — Woodstock.
Concord — Franklin County.
The above were the original churches at the organiza-
tion in 1796.
Hebron — Received 1797.
Unity — At confluence of Cedar Creek with Oconee
River.
Bethsaida — Sandy Creek, Jackson Co.
Jefferson.
Flat Creek— 1802.
St. Paul's— Augusta, enrolled 1806.
Mendham — Jackson County.
Pisgah — Madison County, organized by John Hodge,
1810.
Union— Oglethorpe County, first mentioned 1810.
338 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
P-ergamos — by Dr. Cummins, received 1810.
Currie's Creek, Thyatira, Jackson County, first men-
tioned 1810.
Thyatira — Morgan County, 1810; name changed to
Bethel, 1821.
Carmel — Organized by Rev. Thos. Newton, 1810.
Center — Oglethorpe County, Presbytery met there 1818.
Alcovia — Walton County, first mentioned 1820.
Goshen— (Walton County?), first mentioned 1820.
Eatonton, first mentioned 1820.
Danielsville, first mentioned 1820.
Mulberry — Jackson County, first mentioned 1820.
Madison, first mentioned 1820.
Athens, first mentioned 1820.
Clinton — Jones County, 1820.
Bethel — Lincoln County, .lirst mentioned 1823.
Bethesda — Elbert County, first mentioned 1824.
First Presbyterian Church — ^^Gwinnett County, Fair-
view, 1824.
Westminster — Decatur, De Kalb County, organized by
Dr. Wilson, 1825.
Harmony — "Near Decatur," De Kalb County, organized
by Dr. Wilson, 1825.
Philadelphia — Henry County, 1825.
Cherokee Corner — Oglethorpe County, 1825.
Hillsboro — Jasper County, first mentioned 1826.
Jackson — Butts County, by Chamberlain, 1826.
Milledgeville, by Gildersleeve, 1826.
Macon, 1826.
Covington, 1827.
Smyrna — Newton County, reported by Dr. J. S. Wilson
as organized December 1827.
First Presbyterian Church — Hall County.
McDonough — Henry County.
Newnan, by Chamberlain, 1828.
New Lebanon — (Homer), Franklin County, 1828.
South Liberty, 1828.
Zebulon— Pike County, 1828.
Forsyth — Monroe County, 1828.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 339
Mt. Olivet— Columbia County, 1828, extinct in 1839.
Hopewell — Crawford County, first mentioned 1828.
Bethel — Jasper County, 1828.
Greenville — Meriwether County, 1829.
Thomaston — Macon County, 1829.
LaGrange, 1829.
Nazareth— Hall County, 1829.
Columbus, 1829.
Ephesus, 1829.
Hamilton, 1829.
Monticello, 1829.
Hickory Grove— Hall County, 1829.
Lincolnton, 1829.
Concord— Hall County, 1829.
Burke County Church, received 1830. Formerly Con-
gregational.
Gainesville, first mentioned 1830, stricken from roll
1848.
Fayetteville— Fayette County, first mentioned 1830.
Berhesda— Bibb County, by Dr. Patterson, received
1830.
Providence— Heard County, by Carter, received 1831.
Oak Grove — Ja&per County, first mentioned 1832.
Hopewell— Jasper County, by Richards 1833, stricken
from roll 1848, dissolved 1855.
Bethel— Columbia County, by Moderwell 1833.
Livingston — ^Floyd County, Dr. Wilson, 1834.
Cassville, Dr. WilsOn, 1834.
Salem — Wilkes County, reorganized 1834, by Cassels.
Canton, by Quillin, 1835.
Gumming — Forsyth County, 1835.
Enon— Walker County, 1835.
Louisville— Burke County, reported 1825, reorganized
1846, committee appointed by Augusta Presbytery 1859 to
organize "if expedient."
Chattooga, by Quillin, 1836.
Ebenezer— Clarke County, by Dr. Church 1837, dis-
solved 1859.
Marietta, 1837, first mentioned.
340 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Mars Hill, 1839, first mentioned.
Walnut Grov€, 1840, first mentioned.
Sardis, 1840, first mentioned.
African Church — Augusta, 1840, first mentioned.
Roswell, received 1840.
Turkey Creek — Franklin County, by Freeman 1840;
name changed to Carnesville 1859.
Ebenezer — Walker County, first mentioned 1841.
Hickory Flat — Cherokee County, first mentioned 1841.
Harmony, received from Etowah Presbytery 1842.
'Salem, organized by Carter, 1842.
Crawfordville, first mentioned 1844, dissolved 1845,
Sparta, first mentioned 1844.
Clarksville, 1844.
Pleasant Hill— Elbert County, 1851.
Green St., Augusta, 1852, dissolved 18^6.
Waynesboro and Bath, received 1853. Oldest church
in Synod of Georgia, as it was in existence in 1760.
Irwinton, by Dr. Talmage, 1854.
Pleasant Green — Jackson County, 1856, from Thyatira.
Appling — Columbia County, 1858.
Harmony — Hart County, 1858.
Goshen — Lincoln County, first mentioned 1858.
Colored church — Macon, 1866.
Elberton— Elbert County, first mentioned 1867.
Gainesville, first mentioned 1867.
GEORGIA PRESBYTERY.
Set up 1820, Changed to Savannah 1867.
MINISTERS.
Wm. McWhir, received in 1815 from Killilah Presby-
tery; died 1851.
Murdock Murphy, received in 1813, dismissed in 1826
to East Alabama Presbytery; died in 1833.
N. S. S. Beman, received in 1813; dismissed to Troy
Presbytery in 1823.
Thos. Goulding; died in 1848.
Wm. Moderwell.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 341
S. S. Davis; dismissed in 1828 to Harmony Presby-
tery.
R. Chamberlain; dismissed in 1829 to Hopewell Pres-
bytery; died in 1877.
B. Gildersleeve.
Above were the original members.
Joseph Wood*, received in 1821 Lie. from Harmony
Presbytery; dismissed in 1823 to Tennessee Presbytery.
Horace S. Pratt*, received in 1822 Lie. New Bruns-
wick Presbytery; dismissed in 1839 to Tuscaloosa Presby-
tery.
G. G. McWhorter, received in 1823 from Harmony
Presbytery; dismissed in 1828 to Alabama Presbytery.
Robert Quarterman*, received in 1823 Lie. from Harm-
ony Presbytery; died in 1849.
N. A. Pratt, received in 1826 from New Brunswick
Presbytery; dismissed in 1840 to Hopewell Presbytery.
Lawson Clinton*, received in 1826; dismissed in 1834
to Hopewell Presbytery; died in 1838.
E. H. Snowden, received in 1827 from New York Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1830 to E. Hanover Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1833 from E. Hanover Presbytery; dismissed in
1834 to Waterton Presbytery.
H. M. Blodgett, received in 1828 from Andover Asso-
ciation; dismissed in 1833 to Charleston Union; dismissed
in 1838 to New Haven Association.
John Boggs, received in 1828 from New Brunswick
Presbytery; dismissed in 1829 to Hopewell Presbytery.
Jas. S. Olcott, received in 1830 from Newark Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1836 to Flint River Presbytery; 1839
deposed.
Daniel Baker, received in 1830 from District of Co-
lumbia Presbytery; dismissed in 1835 to W. Lexington
Presbytery.
C. C. Jones*, received 1831 Lie. from New Brunswick
Presbytery; died in 1863.
Jno. D. Mathews, received 1832 from Winchester
Presbytery; dismissed in 1833 to Philadelphia Presbytery.
342 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Thos. Alexander, received in 1833 from Harmony
Presbytery; died in 1836.
A. Benedict, received in 1833 from Fairfield Associa-
tion; died in 1833.
Jos. C. Stiles, received in 1833 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1835 to W. Lexington Presbytery; died
in 1879.
D. M. Winston, received in 1833 from Hopewell Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1835 to W. Lexington Presbytery;
died in 1839.
Benj. Burroughs, received in 1833 from New York
Presbytery; dismissed in 1846; set off to Florida Presby-
tery; received in 1847 from Florida Presbytery; died in
18'54.
Horace Galpin, received in 1835 from Ontario Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1841 to New York Presbytery.
W. Bairds*, received in 1836, Lie. from Charleston
Union; dismissed in 1847 to Hopewell Presbytery.
Jos. H. Jones, received in 1837 from Flint River Pres-
bytery; died in 1841.
J. C. Cosby*, received in 1837, Lie. from Hopewell
Presbytery; died in 1837.
I. S. K. Axson, received in 1838 from Charleston Un-
ion; dismissed in 1854 to Hopewell Presbytery; received
in 1854 from Hopewell Presbytery; dismissed in 1867 to
Savannah Presbytery; died in 1891.
Robert Dunlop*, received in 1838, Lie. from Philadel-
phia Presbytery; dismissed in 1840 to New Castle Pres-
bytery; died in 1891.
John Winn*, received in 1838 from Harmony Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1858 to Peoria Presbytery.
John Jones*, received in 1841; dismissed in 1848 to
Cherokee Presbytery; reeceived in 1855 from Cherokee
Presbytery; dismissed in 1855 to Hopewell Presbytery.
B. M. Palmer*, received in 1842, Lie. from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1843 to Charleston Presbytery.
Henry Axtel, received in 1842 from Newark Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1851 to Louisiana Presbytery.
A. W. McClure, received in 1844 from Suffolk Associa-
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 343
tion; dismissed in 1847 to Suffolk Association.
J. B. Ross, received 1844 from W. Hanover Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1854 to W. Hanover Presbytery.
J. B. Stevens, received in 1845 from Cumberland As-
sociation; dismissed in 1847 to Flint River Presbytery.
L. S. Beebee, received in 1845 from New Brunswick
Presbytery; dismissed in 1852 to Eastern Shore Presby-
tery; suspended in 1853.
R. K. Sewell*, received in 1846; dismissed in 1853
to Lincoln Association.
J. W. Quarterman*, received in 1846; dismissed in
1846 missionary to China; died in 1857.
M. A. Williams*, received in 1846; dismissed- in 1849
to Red Stone Presbytery.
T. S. Winn*, received in 1846; dismissed in 1855 to
Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
S. J. Cassels, received in 1847 from Hanover Presby-
tery.
H. K. Reese*, received in 1848, Lie. from Cherokee
Presbytery; joined Episcopal church in 1853.
W. G. Williams*, received in 1848 from E. Hanover.
Presbytery; dismissed in 1853 to Hopewell Presbytery.
J. M. Quarterman*, received in 1851; dismissed in
1855 to Florida Presbytery; died in 1858.
Donald Fraser*, received in 1851 ; dismissed in 1856
to Florida Presbytery; dismissed in 1872 to Atlanta Pres-
bytery; died in 1890.
J. H. Meyers, received in 1853 from Union (N. S.)
Presbytery; dismissed in 1854 to Atlanta Presbytery.
E. J. Williams, received in 1853, Lie. from New Castle
Presbytery; dismissed in 1853 missionary to Africa; died
in 1866.
Jas. Stacy*, received in 1853; dismissed in 1855 to
Flint River Presbytery; died 1912.
A. W. Sproull*, received in 1853, Lie. from Philadel-
phia Presbytery; dismissed in 1854 to Florida Presbytery.
D. L. Buttolp'h*, received in 1854 from Charleston Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 186'5 to Cherokee Presbytery.
344 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
T. B. Neil*, received in 1855 from Charleston Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1865 to Cherokee Presbytery.
D. H. Porter*, received in 1855 from Charleston Pres-
bytery; died in 1873.
R. Q. Mallard*, received in 1856; dismissed in 1863
to Flint River Presbytery; dismissed in 1866 to New Or-
leans Presbytery.
Geo. C. Fleming, received in 1857 from Florida Pres-
bytery; died in 1858.
H. L. Deane, received in 1857 from Flint River Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1868 to Atlanta Presbytery; died in
1886.
F. H. Bowman, received in 1857 Lie. from Hopewell
Presbytery; dismissed in 1859 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery;
died in 1873.
F. Bowman, received in 1857 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1862 to W. Hanover Presbytery.
F. R. Goulding, received in 1858 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; transferred to Macon Presbytery in 1866; died in
1881.
R. Q. Way, received in 1861 from Ningpo Presbytery;
dismissed in 1868 to Savannah Presbytery; died in 1895.
Geo. W. Ladson, received in 186'2; died in 1864.
C. B. King, received in 1862 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; transferred in 1881 to Savannah Presbytery.
Jas. S. Cosby*, received in 1864 Lie. from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1868 to Macon Presbytery.
N. P. Quarterman*, received in 1866; dismissed in 1877
to Florida Presbytery.
Name of Presbytery changed from Georgia to Savan-
nah in 1867.
CHURCHES.
Augusta — Received 1821, received from Harmony at
organization.
Mt. Zion — Received 1821, received from Hopewell at
organization.
Darien— Received 1821, dissolved 1823.
St. Marys— Received 1822.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 345
Louisville — Received 1823.
Clinton — Received 1822, Jones County.
St. Augustine — Received 1826.
Savannah — Received 1827.
Bryan Neck — Received 1830.
Waynesville— Received 1832, dissolved 1897.
Mandarin (Fla.)— Received 1834.
Bethel— Received 1834.
Tallahassee— Received 1834.
Linton Grove — Received 1837, Camden County, dis-
solved 1849.
Quincy (Fla.)— Received 1839.
Madison, (Fla.)— Received 1840.
Pleasant Grove — Received 1843, Liberty County.
Jacksonville — Received 1844.
Mt. Vernon — Received 1851.
Walthousville — Received 1856.
Flemington — Received 1866.
Bainbridge — Received 1867, set off to Macon Pres.
1898.
Brunswick — Received 1867.
NAME OF THE PRESBYTERY CHANGED TO
SAVANNAH 1867
Thomasville — Received 1868, set off to Macon 1898.
Quitman— Received 1868, set off to Macon 1898.
Bethany— Received 1868, set off to Macon 1898.
Mineral Spring — Received 1868.
Valdosta— Received 1868.
Stockton— Received 1868, dissolved 1871.
Pleasant Grove— Received 1870, set off to Macon 1898.
Dorchester — Received 1871.
Blackshear — Received 1872.
Mt. Horeb— Received 1875, set off to Macon 1898.
Cairo— Received 1878, set off to Macon 1898.
From 1881—1890 the Presbytery of Savannah was con-
nected with the Synod of South Georgia and Florida. The
condition of the churches remained the same with the fol-
lowing exceptions:
Hazelhurst — Received 1881.
346 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Savannah Col'd — Received 1881, dissolved 1884. .
Faceville— Received 1883, set off to Macon 1898.
Waycross — Received 1886.
Poulan— Received 1888, set off to Macon 1898.
PRESBYTERY OF SAVANNAH RESTORED TO 'SYNOD
OF GEORGIA 1890
Vidalia— Received 1890.
Bushy Park— Received 1890, dissolved 1896.
Savannah 2nd — Received 1890, changed to Westmin-
ster 1902.
Glenwood — Received 1891.
Mt. Zion— Received 1891.
Pooler — Received 1891, dissolved 1901.
Adel— Received 1891.
McEachern — Received 1892, dissolved 1894.
Oconee— Received 1892, dissolved 1896.
Marlow — Received 1892, changed to Helmy Chapel 1904.
Ebenezer — Received 1892.
Grant Chapel — Received 1892, (col'd) transferred to
Knox Pres. 1898.
Moultrie— Received 1892, set off to Macon 1898.
Climax— Received 1893, set off to Macon 1898.
Statesboro— Received 1896.
Offerman— Received 1896, dissolved 1898.
Fitzgerald— Received 1896.
Erick — Received 1897.
Daisy— Received 1898.
McRae — Received 1898.
Tifton— Received 1899.
Douglas — Received 1903.
Metter — Received 1903.
McGregor — Received 1903,
Aimwell — Received 1904.
Sadie — Received 1906,
Nashville — Received 1906,
Ludowici — Received 1906.
Swainsboro — Received 1907.
Jesup — Received 1907.
Lumber City — Received 1907.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 341
SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY
S€t up 1867.
MINISTERS.
D. L. Buttolph; died 1891.
D. H. Porter; died 1873.
Jas. S. Cosby; died 1894.
R. Q. Way; died 1895.
N. P. Quarterman; dismissed in 1877 to Florida Pres-
bytery.
I. S. K. Axson; died in 1891.
C. B. King; died in 1890.
J. H. Meyers.
H. L. Deane; died in 1886.
The above were the original members.
David Comfort, received in 1868 from Florida Pres-
bytery; died in 1873.
J. H. Alexander, received in 1868 from Florida Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1872 to North Alabama Presbytery.
Jno. McKittrick, received in 1868 from Florida Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1869 to South Carolina Presbytery.
W. E. Hamilton, received in 1868 from Florida Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1869 to Elizabeth Presbytery.
H. B. Cunningham, received in 1869 from Patapsco
Presbytery; dismissed in 1870 to W. Lexington Presby-
tery.
A. W. Clisby, received in 1869 from Florida Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1873 to Macon Presbytery.
J. W. Montgomery, received in 1871 from Florida
Presbytery; dismissed in 1893 to Dallas Presbytery.
J. W. Quarterman*, received in 1871; went out with
the Presbytery in 1881.
R. Q. Baker*, received in 1872; went out with the Pres-
bytery in 1881.
H. F. Hoyt, received in 1872 from Macon Presbytery;
dismissed in 1879 to Macon Presbytery.
S. H. Bell*, received in 1874 Lie. from Washington
Presbytery; name lost from roll in 1876.
J. A. Smith*, received in 1874; joined another church
in 1880.
348 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
J. A. McKee, received in 1874 from New Albany Pres-
bytery; transferred with Presbytery to Florida in 1881;
died in 1897.
E. C. Gordon, received in 1874 from Lexington Pres-
bytery; transferred with Presbytery to Florida in 1881;
died in 1887.
D. K. McFarland, received in 1874 from Chickashaw
Presbytery; transferred with Presbytery in 1881 to Pres-
bytery of Florida.
Jos. Washburn, received in 1875 from Augusta Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1880 to Athens Presbytery; died in
1886.
A. B. Curry*, received in 1875; went out with Pres-
bytery in 1881.
R. A. Mickle, received in 1858 from Charleston Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1880 to Mobile Presbytery; died in
1906.
J. J. Anderson*, received in 1868 candidate South Ala-
bama Presbytery; dismissed in 1876 to East Hanover
Presbytery.
D. C. Rankin*, received in 1877 Lie. from Harmony
Presbytery; dismissed in 1878 to Orange Presbytery.
R. P. Kerr, received in 1877 from Lafayette Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1880 to Macon Presbytery.
J. T. McBride, received in 1879 from Macon Presby-
tery; went out with the Presbytery in 1881.
M. C. Britt, received in 1879 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; went out with the Presbytery in 1881.
B. E. Goode*, received in 1879 Lie. from W. Hanover
Presbytery; name disappears in 1883.
From 1881 to 1891 the Presbytery of Savannah was
connected with the Synod of South Georgia and Florida.
T. M. Boyd, received in 1881 from Lexington Presbv-
'tery; dismissed in 1886 to Ovachita Presbytery; died ^n
1906.
I. W. Waddell*, received in 1883 Lie. from Cherokeft
Presbytery; dismissed in 1885 to Macon Presbytery.
G. W. Brown, colored, received in 1883.
J. W. Kerr, received in 1883 from Macon Presbytery;
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 349
in 1886 to Central Mississippi Presbytery; died in 1901.
J. W. Rogan, received in 1883 from Abington Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1890 to Baltimore Presbytery; died in
1891.
R. Henderson, received in 1884 from E. Hanover Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1885; died in 1886.
J. N. Bradshaw, received in 1885 from Atlanta Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1889 to Florida Presbytery.
Luther Link*, received in 1885.
J. H. Herberner*, received in 1886; dismissed in 1892
to Louisville Presbytery, U. S. A.
W. A. Jones*, received in 1886 Lie. from Baltimore
Presbytery; dismissed in 1890 to East Texas Presbytery.
W. H. McMeen, received in 1886 from Marion Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1891 to Atlanta Presbytery.
P. F. Brown, received in 1886 from W. Hanover Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1892 to Knoxville Presbytery.
H. H. N-ewman*, received in 1886 Lie. Columbia Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1889 to Florida Presbytery.
W. McF, Alexander, received in 1887; dismissed in
1890 to Memphis Presbytery.
W. C. Wallace, received in 1888 from Larned Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1893 to Larned Presbytery.
J. P. Word, received in 1889 from North Alabama
Presbytery; set off to Macon in 1881.
R. L. Fulton, received in 1889 from Tuscaloosa Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1889 to Augusta Presbytery.
L. B. Davis*, received in 1889; dismissed in 1893 to
Atlanta Presbytery.
N. Keff Smith, received in 1889 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1892 to Charleston Presbytery.
L. C. Vass, received in 1890 from Albermarle Presby-
tery; died in 1897.
R. E. Steele*, received in 1890; dismissed in 1891 to
New Orleans Presbytery.
After their return to the Synod of Georgia:
J. E. McLean, received in 1891 from North Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1892 to the Dallas Presbytery.
T. J. Allison, received in 1891 from Concord Presby-
350 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
tery; dismissed in 1893 to North Alabama Presbytery.
Robert S. Brown, received in 1892 from Mecklenburg
Presbytery; dismissed in 1894 to Columbia Presbytery.
W. S. Porter*, received in 1892 Lie. from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1895 to Florida Presbytery.
E. W. Way*, received in 1892; dismissed in 1895 to
Suwanee Presbytery.
J. D. Taylor*, colored, received in 1892 Lie. from Meck-
lenburg Presbytery; dismissed in 1898 to Knox Presby-
tery.
L. T. Way*, received in 1892; dismissed in 1899 to
Macon Presbytery.
C. C. Carson*, received in 1893 Lie. Holston Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1908 to Holston Presbytery.
J. P. Marion, received in 1893 from Concord Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1896 to South Carolina Presbytery; died
in 1907.
D. F. Sheppard, received in 1893 from North Missis-
sippi Presbytery; dismissed in 1893 to Atlanta Presbytery;
received in 1900 from Atlanta Presbytery; dismissed 1890
to Mecklenburg Presbytery.
M. McGillivary*, received in 1894 Lie. from Charles-
ton Presbytery; dismissed in 1896 to Macon Presbytery.
W. A. Nesbit, received in 1894 from Cherokee Presby-
tery.
T. M. Hunter*, received in 1895 Lie. from Nashville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1897 to Western District Pres-
bytery.
R. C. Gilmore*, received in 1895 Lie. from Lexington
Presbytery; dismissed in 1898 to Lexington Presbytery.
E. D. Viser, received in 1895 from Mississippi Presby-
tery; died in 1896.
J. W. Folsom, received in 1895 from Richland (Cum-
berland) Presbytery; dismissed in 1897 to Georgia (Cum-
berland) Presbytery.
Geo. L. Cook, received in 1895 from Columbia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1898 to Concord Presbytery.
N. M. Templeton*, received in 1896 Lie. from Enorea
Presbytery; died in 1897.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 351
R. A. Brown, received in 1896 Lie. from Orange Pres-
bytery.
Chas. Montgomery*, received in 1896 Lie. from Har-
mony Presbytery.
November, 1897, the counties of Decatur, Thomas,
Worth, Brooks and Colquitt were by the iSynod set off
from Savannah to the Presbytery of Macon.
A. J. Smith, received 1897 Classis of Greene; dismiss-
ed in 1901 evangelist.
E. D. McDougal, received in 1897 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; set off to Macon Presbytery in 1897.
R. A. QPair, received in 1897 from East Hanover Pres-
bytery; died in 1899.
Jas. Y. Fair, received in 1897 from East Hanover
Presbytery; dismissed in 1910 to East Hanover Presby-
tery.
W. F. Hollingsworth, received in 1898 from Cherokee
Presbytery; dismissed in 1905 to Concord Presbytery.
W. M. Hunter, received in 1899 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1903 to Norfolk Presbytery.
H. G. Griswold, received in 1899 from Macon Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1900 to Macon Presbytery.
L. R. Lynn*, received in 1899 Cand. Memphis Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1901 to Suwanee Presbytery.
A. S. Allen, received in 1899 from Nashville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1904 to Columbia Presbytery.
W. P. McCorkle, received in 1901 from Orange Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1907 to Roanoke Presbytery.
Edgar Tufts, received in 1901 from Concord Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1902 to Concord Presbytery.
J. Y. Yandle, received in 1901 from Fayetteville Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1904 to North Mississippi Presbytery.
J. B. Cochran, received in 1901 from Asheville Pres-
bj^ery; dismissed in 1903 to Kings Mountain Presbytery.
iS. W. DuBose, received in 1903 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1905 to Atlanta Presbytery.
W. C. Hagan, received in 1903 from Mecklenburg Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1905 to Macon Presbytery.
352 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
J. McD. A. Lacy, received in 1902; dismissed in 1903
to Abingdon Presbytery.
W. W. Edge, received in 1905 from Concord Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1907 to Westminster Presbytery.
F. D. Thomas, received in 1905 from Atlanta Presby-
tery.
H. E. McClure, received in 1906 from Tombeckbee
Presbytery.
Alex Kirkland, received in 1906 from Macon Presby-
tery; died in 1910.
W. S. Harden*, received in 1906 Lie; dismissed in
1910 to Macon Presbytery.
H. M. Perkins, received in 1907 from Rio Grande U. S.
A. Presbytery; dismissed in 1908 to Pecos U. S. A. PreslDy-
tery,
J. W. Atwood, received 1907 from Meridian Presby-
tery; dismissed 1908 to Louisville Presbytery.
W. S. Wadley, received in 1907 from Chickasaw Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1908 to Florida Presbytery.
Wm. Denham, received in 1907 from Nashville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1909 to Arkansas Presbytery.
Wm. Moore Scott, received in 1908 from Memphis Pres-
bytery.
Henry Rankin, received in 1908 from Reformed Epis-
copal Church.
C. B. Boyles, received in 1908 from Memphis Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1910 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
L. A. McLaurin, received in 1909 from Fayette^ille
Presbytery.
Geo. L. Bitzer, received in 1909 from Eastern Texas
Presbytery.
W. S. Milne, received in 1909 from St. Johns Presby-
tery.
C. 'G. Christian, received in 1910 from Albermarle
Presbytery; dismissed in 1911 to Central Texas Presby-
tery.
Rockwell S. Brank, received in 1910 from St. Louis
Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 353
R. M. Mann, received in 1911 from Mecklenburg Pres-
byterj^
A. \V. Pierce, received in 1911 from St. John Presby-
tery.
GOOD HOPE PRESBYTERY
(And Flint River and Atlanta.)
Set up 1834.
MINISTERS.
James Gamble, dismissed in 1838 to Hopewell Presby-
tery.
R. Chamberlain, dismissed in 1841 to Hopewell Presby-
tery; died in 1856.
Jno. S. Wilson, died in 1873.
J. Y. Alexander, died in 1857.
J. C. Patterson, died in 1866.
Thos. F. Scott, dismissed in 1837 to West Tennessee
Presbytery; joined Episcopal church in 1839.
W. B. Richards, joined Baptist church in 1839.
W. K. Patton, dismissed in 1842 to East Alabama Pres-
bytery.
John Baker, died in 1834.
Edwin Holt, dismissed in 1836 to Newburyport Presby-
tery.
Above were original members.
Michael Dickson, received in 1834 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1843 to East Alabama Presby-
tery; received in 1844 from East Alabama Presbytery;
dismissed in 1846 to East Alabama Presbytery.
James Stratton*, received in 1835; joined another
church in 1843.
Name of Presbytery changed to Flint River March 14,
1835.
Thos. Goulding, received in 1835 from Harmony Pres-
bytery; died in 1848.
A. M. Mooney, received in 1835 from Harmony Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1841 to South Alabama Presbytery.
Jno. Warnock, received in 1835 from Fayetteville Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1837 to Hopewell Presbytery.
354 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
T. F. Montgom€ry*, received in 1836; dismissed in
1857 to Cherokee Presbytery; received in 1858 from Cher-
okee Presbytery; dismissed in 1870 to Florida Presbytery.
Jos. L. Jones*, received in 1836; dismissed in 1837 to
Georgia Presbytery.
John Brown, received in 1837 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; set off to Florida in 1841.
S. J. Cassells, received in 1837 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1842 to East Hanover Presbytery; re<
ceived in 1850 (?) from E. Hanover Presbytery; dismissed
in 1851 to Georgia Presbytery; died in 1853.
Lyman Corbin*, received 1838 Lie. from Hopewell
Presbytery; died in 1844.
Jas. H. Saye*, received in 1838; dismissed in 1839 to
Bethel Presbytery.
J. G. Likens, received in 1839 from South Alabama
Presbytery; died in 1840.
R. J. Montgomery, received in 1839 from Union Presby-
tery; died in 1840.
R. T. Marks*, received in 1839; died in 1867.
S. W. Erwin*, received in 1839 from Concord Presby-
tery; died in 1840.
Geo. W. McKoy*, received in 1840.
Aaron H. Hand*, received in 1841; dismissed in 1843
to Northumberland Presbytery.
W. M. Cunningham, received in 1841 from Lexington
Presbytery; died in 1870.
Daniel Engles*, received in 1842; dismissed in 1851 to
Cherokee Presbytery.
Geo. Dunham, received in 1842 from Holston Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1849 to Greenbrier Presbytery.
H. L. Dean, received in 1842 from New Hampshire As-
sociation; dismissed in 1856 to Georgia Presbytery.
N. A. Pratt, received in 1843; added by Synod.
I. W. Waddell, received in 1843; added by Synod; died
in 1849.
A. B. McCorkle, received in 1843; added by Synod.
J. U. Parsons, received in 1845 from Evangelical Asso-
ciation; dismissed* in 1849 to Hopewell Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 355
W. J. Keith, received in 1846 from Union Presbytery;
died in 1874.
J. R. McCarter*, received in 1846; dismissed in 1855
to East Alabama Presbytery.
F. McMurray*, received in 1848; dismissed in 1857 to
East Alabama Presbytery.
Jos. Gibert*, received in 1848; dismissed in 1852 to
South Carolina Presbytery.
J. B. Stevens, received in 1848 from Georgia Presby-
tery; died in 1860.
A. G. Peden, received in 1849 from Harmony Presby-
tery; died in 1896.
Jas. Rosamond*, received in 1849; dismissed in 1852 to
Tombecbee Presbytery.
Albert Shotwell*, received in 1849; dismissed in 1854
to Louisville Presbytery.
Wm. Mathews*, received in 1850; dismissed in 1858 to
Florida Presbytery; died in 1862.
C. B. King, received in 1850 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; died in 1880.
J. L. King*, received in 1850 Lie. from Hopewell; died
in 1901.
S. D. Campbell, received in 1851 from Montgomery
Presbytery; dismissed in 1853 to Florida Presbytery; died
in 1962.
Jno. McKittrick, received in 1853 from South Caro-
lina Presbytery; dismissed in 1863; died in 1874.
S. H. Higgins, received in 1853 from Suffolk Associa-
tion; dismissed in 1867.
Jas. iStacy, received in 1855 from Georgia Presbytery;
died in 1912.
W. C. Smith, received in 1857 from South Alabama
Presbytery; went North in 1863, name stricken.
J. E. DuBose, received in 1853 from Cherokee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1858 to Florida Presbytery.
J. L. Rogers, received in 1857 from Tuscambia Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1867 to Cherokee Presbytery,
C. P. B. Martin*, received in 1854; died in 1908.
R. A. Mickle, received in 1858 from Charleston Presby-
356 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
tery; dismissed in 1862 to South Alabama Presbytery; died
in 1906.
Robt. Logan, received in 1858 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1868.
A. R. Liddell*, received in 1858; died in 1860.
G. H. Coit*, received in 1858 Lie. from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1867; died in 1877.
C. M. Shepperson, received in 1858 from Cherokee
Presbytery; dismissed in 1861 to East Alabama Presbytery.
H. C. Carter, received in 1859 from Cherokee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1867 to Cherokee Presbytery.
E. D. Eldridge, received in 1859 from Hopewell Presby-
tery.
H. F. Hoyt*, received in 1860 Lie. from Hopewell Pres-
bytery.
W. P. Harrison, received in 1861 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1865 to Florida Presbytery.
Homer Hendee, received in 1862 from Hopewell Pres-
bytery.
R. Q. Mallard, received in 1863 from Georgia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1866 to New Orleans Presbytery; died
in 1903.
John Jones, received in 1866 from Cherokee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1879 to Augusta Presbytery; died in 1893.
T. E. Smith, received in 1866 from Cherokee Presbytery.
J. N. Bradshaw, received in 1866 from Knoxville Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1885 to Savannah Presbytery.
L. H. Wilson*, received in 1866 Lie. from Knoxville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1875 to Augusta Presbytery.
Presbytery divided into Atlanta and Macon Presby-
teries in 1866. Name changed to Atlanta Presbytery 1867.
ATLANTA PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS.
J. S. Wilson; died in 1873.
John Jones; died in 1893.
W. J. Keith; died in 1874.
A. G. Peden; died in 1896.
W. M. Cunningham; died in 1870.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 357
Robert Logan; dismissed in 1867 to Cherokee Presby-
tery; received in 1868 from Cherokee Presbytery; dis-
missed in 1877 to Eastern Texas Presbytery.
Jas. Stacy; died 1912.
H. C. Carter; dismissed in 1867 to Cherokee Presby-
tery; died in 1870.
R. T. Marks; died in 1868.
T. F. Montgomery; dismissed in 1870 to Florida Pres-
bytery.
J. L. Rogers; died in 1892.
Above were original members.
James Wilson, received in 1867 from Knoxville Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1868 to Nashville Presbytery.
R. K. Porter, received in 1867 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; died in 1869.
M. D. Wood, received in 1867 from Bethel Presbytery;
deposed in 1871.
Henry Quigg, received in 1867 from Associate Re-
formed church; died in 1907.
R. C. Ketchum, received in 1867 from Hopewell Pres-
bytery; died in 1876.
Washington Baird, received in 1867 from Hopewell
Presbytery; died in 1868.
A. E. Chandler, received in 1869 from Florida Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1871 to Cherokee Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1883 from Macon Presbytery; dismissed in 1896
to Harmony Presbytery.
H. L. Deane, received in 1869 from Savannah Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1881 to St. Johns Presbytery; died in 1186.
J. T. Leftwich, received in 1870 from Chesapeake Pres-
bytery; dissmissed in 1879 to Baltimore Presbytery.
W. W. Brimm*, received in 1870; dismissed in 1873 to
East Texas Presbytery; received in 1901 from New Orleans
Presbytery.
J. N. Bradshaw, received in 1871 from Macon Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1885 to Savannah Presbytery.
F. McMurray, received in 1872 from East Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1884 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
R. H. Nail, received in 1872 from East Alabama Pres-
358 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
bytery; dismissed in 1878 to South Carolina Presbytery.
H. L. Harvey, received in 1872 from East Alabama
Presbytery; joined Methodist church, South, in 1875.
L. H. Wilson, received in 1872 from Macon Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1875 to Augusta Presbytery.
J. L. King, received in 1872 from Macon Presbytery;
died in 1901.
D. Eraser, received in 1872 from Florida Presbytery;
died in 1887.
Wm. Dimmock*, received in 1872; died in 1880.
J. H. Martin, received in ^1873 from Holston Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1883 to West Lexington Presbytery.
S. S. Gaillard, received in 1875 from Macon Presbytery
died in 1879.
T. D. Latimer*, received in 1875; dismissed in 1878 to
East Texas Presbytery.
J. L. Rogers, received in 1876 from Cherokee Presby-
tery; died in 1891.
W. A. Dabney*, received in 1876; dismissed in 1880 to
Ouichita Presbytery; received in 1902 from West Hanover
Presbytery; dismissed in 1904 to Lexington Presbytery.
R. F. Taylor, received 1877 from Cherokee Presbytery;
dismissed in 1880 to Bethel Presbytery.
F. Jacobs, received in 1877 from South Carolina Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1877 to East Texts Presbytery.
M. C. Britt*, received in 1877; dismissed in 1879 to
Savannah Presbytery.
W. T. Hollingsworth*, received in 1877; dismissed in
1887 to East Alabama Presbytery.
A, A. Jones, colored, received in 1879; joined Knox
Presbytery.
W McN. McKay, received in 1879 from East Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1890 to Washbourne Presbytery.
N. Keff (Smith, received in 1879 from Memphis Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1884 to Augusta Presbytery; received
in 1855 from Augusta Presbytery; dismissed in 1889 to
Savannah Presbytery.
W. E. Boggs, received in 1880 from Memphis Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1885 to Memphis Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 359
Andrew MeElroy, received in 1880 from Nashville
Presbytery; died in 1884.
J. F. McClellend*, received in 1881; died in 1885.
G. B. Strickler, received in 1883 from Lexington Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1898 to Lexington Presbytery.
E. H. Barnett, received in 1883 from Abingdon Pres-
bytery; died in 1898.
J. H. Alexander, received in 1883 from Abingdon Pres-
bytrey; dismissed in 1889 to Abingdon Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1895 from Abingdon Presbytery; died in 1910.
Z. B. Graves, received in 1883 from Macon Presbytery;
dismissed in 1885 to Tombeckbee Presbytery.
J. T. Bruce*, received in 1883; dismissed n 1893 to
South Alabama Prsbytery; died in 1897.
J. R. Harris*, colored, received in 1883 Lie. from
Abingdon Presbytery; dismissed in 1887 to Knox Presby-
tery.
K. P. Julian, received in 1884 from Montgomery Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1886 to Florida, St. Johns Presby-
tery; died in 1889.
J. E. DuBose, received in 1884 from Central Mississip-
pi Presbytery; died in 1895.
T. P. Cleveland, received in 1885 from Athens Presby-
tery.
W. D. Heath, received in 1886 from N. Ga. Conference
M. E. Church; dismissed in 1890 to South Alabama Presby-
tery.
Samuel Scott*, received in 1886; dismissed in 1889 to
Augusta Presbytery.
W. E. Dozier*, received in 1887.
W. H. Johnson*, received in 1888 Lie. from Cherokee
Presbytery; died in 1890.
W. H. Sheppard, colored, received in 1888 from Tus-
caloosa Presbytery; Missionary to Africa in 1890.
W. A. Nisbet*, received in 1888; dismissed in 1892 to
Cherokee Presbytery.
H. K. Walker, received in 1888 from Columbia Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1888 to Cherokee Presbytery.
860 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
F. R. Cowan, received in 1889; dismissed in 1889 to
Campinas Presbytery.
F. H. Gaines, received in 1889 from Montgomery Pres-
bytery.
N. B. Mathes*, received in 1889 Lie. from Nashville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1905 to Cherokee Presbytery.
A. A. Little, received in 1889 from West Hanover Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1890 to West Hanover Presbytery.
J. W. Pogue, received in 1889 from Nashville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1901 to Cincinnati Presbytery.
A. G. Wardlaw, reecived in 1889 from the North Ga.
Conference M. E. Church; dismissed in 1890 to Enoree
Presbytery.
A. R. Holderby, received in 1890 from East Alabama
Presbytery.
J. H. Colton, received in 1890 from Fayetteville Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1892 to Transylvania Presbytery.
J. B. Mack, received in 1890 from Fayetteville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1902 to North Alabama Presbytery; died
in 1912.
R. D. Perry, received in 1890 from Mecklenburg Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1896 to Bethel Presbytery.
R. N. Abraham*, received in 1891 Lie. from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1899 to Athens Presbytery.
W. G. Woodbridge, received in 1891 from Long Island
Presbytery; dismissed in 1905 to North Alabama Presby-
tery.
G. L. Cook, received in 1891 from South Carolina Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1893 to Columbia Presbytery.
W. H. McMeen, received in 1891 from Savannah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1896 to St. Johns Presbytery.
J. K. Smith*, received in 1891; dismissed in 1892 to
Augusta Presbytery.
Chalmers Eraser, received in 1891 from Bethel Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1899 to Bethel Presbytery.
J. P. Anderson, received in 1891 from Suwanee Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1899 to August Presbytery.
M. F. Duncan, received in 1891 from Paducah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1897 to Philadelphia Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 361
I. W. Waddell, received in 1892 from Macon Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1893 to Athens Presbytery.)
T. P. Burgess, received in 1893 from South Alabama
bytery; dismissed in 1899 to Augusta Presbytery.
R. A. Bowman, received in 1893 from North Alabama
Presbytery; died in 1898.
Edward Bailey, received in 1893 from Cheroke-e Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1895 to Cherokee Presbytery.
L. B. Davis, received in 1893 from Savannah Presby-
tery.
Samuel Young, received in 1893 from Alleghany U.
P. C.
T. B. Trenholm*, received in 1893 Lie. from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1901 to Charleston Presbytery.
D. F. Sheppard, received in 1894 from Savannah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1899 to Savannah Presbytery.
J. F. Pharr, received in 1894 from Augusta Presbytery;
dismissed in 1898 to Concord Presbytery.
W. P. Chevalier, received in 1894 from Louisville Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1895 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
R. O. Flinn*, received in 1894 Lie. from Harmony
Presbytery; dismissed in 1898 to Macon Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1899 from Macon Presbytery.
G. W. Bull, received in 1896 from South Alabama Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1903 to Nashville Presbytery.
P. P. Winn, received in 1896 from South Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1909 to Asheville Presbytery.
W. M. Hunter*, received in 1896 Lie, from Mecklen-
burg Presbytery; dismissed in 1899 to Savannah Presby-
tery.
W. P. Hemphill*, received in 1896; died in 1906.
J. G. Patton, received in 1896 from Paducah Presby-
tery.
T. H. Rice, received in 1896 from Chesapeake Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1908 to East Hanover Presbytery.
J. B. Hillhouse, received in 1896; dismissed in 1906 to
Augusta Presbytery.
R. L. Fulton, received in 1896 Irom Suwanee Presby-
tery; died in 1902.
362 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
F. R. Graves, received in 1897 from St. Johns Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1902 to North Alabama Presbytery.
D. G. Armstrong, received in 1897 from Macon Pres-
bytery; died in 1901.
J. S. Sibley, received in 1897 Lie. Upper Mississippi
Presbytery; dismissed in 1900 to Winchester Presbytery.
J. W. Lacy, received in 1908 Lie. from Greenbrier Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1900 to Norfolk Presbytery.
H. C. Hammond*, received in 1898; dismissed in 1911
to Harmony Presbytery.
J. W. Stokes*, received in 1898; dismissed in 1904 to
Macon Presbytery.
R. C. Reed, received in 1899 from Nashville Presby-
tery.
T. C. Cleveland*, received in 1898; dismissed in 1901
to N. E. Conference M. E. church.
C. P. Bridewell, received in 1899 from Fort Worth
Preebytery; suspended in 1907.
J. A. Clotfelter*, received in 1899.
W. H. Eraser*, received in 1899 Lie. East Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1901 to Macon Presbytery.
C. W. Humphreys, received in 1899 from Bethel Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1906 to Greenbrier Presbytery.
C. R. Nisbet, received in 1900 from Macon Presbytery;
dismissed in 1906 to Nashville Presbytery.
J. G. Herndon, received in 1900 from Bethel Presby-
tery.
E. W. Russell*, received in 1900.
C. O'N. Martindale, received in 1901 from Cherokee
Presbytery; dismissed in 1906 to N. Alabama Presbytery.
W. Lee Harrell, received in 1901 from Athens Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1904 to Augusta Presbytery; died in
1906.
R. L. Bell, received in 1902 from 2d Pres. A. R. Synod;
dismissed in 1903 to East Alabama Presbytery.
J. L. Martin, received in 1902 from Palmyra Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1906 to Suswanee Presbytery.
>B. H. Holt, received in 1902 from Western Texas Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1906 to North Alabama Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGLl 363
L. G. Henderson, received in 1902 from Macon Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1906 to Knoxville Presbytery.
J. W. Atwood*, received in 1902 Cand. Ouichita Pres-
byt-ery; dismissed in 1904 to Macon Presbytery.
J. E. Jam€s*, received in 1902 Lie. from Tuscaloosa
Presbytery; dismissed in 1904 to South Carolina Presby-
tery.
R. H. Overcash, received in 1902 from Asheville Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1903 to W. Lexington Presbytery.
R. H. Morris, received in 1902 from Suwanee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1903 to New Brunswick Presbytery.
J. B. Ficklen, received in 1904 from Cherokee Presby-
tery.
K. A. Campbell, received in 1904 from North Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1908 to Mecklenburg Presbytery.
E. Mac Davis, received in 1904 from Asheville Presby-
tery; died in 1905.
W. C. Young, received in 1904 from Fort Worth Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1906 to Lexington Presbytery.
L. R. Walker, received in 1904 from Florida Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1910 to Florida Presbytery.
F. D. Thomas, received in 1904 from Athens Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1905 to Savannah Presbytery.
T. E. Converse, received in 1905 from Louisville Pres-
bytery.
Homer McMillan, received in 1905 from Classis Re-
formed church of America.
S. W. DuBose, received in 1905 from Savannah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1908 to Macon Presbytery.
Jos. E. Hannah*, received in 1905.
J. S. Montgomery, received in 1906 from St. Clairville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1906 to Augusta Presbytery.
J. H. Dixon, received in 1906 from Mecklenburg Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1907 to Fayetteville Presbytery.
W. W. McMorries, received in 1906 from 2d Pres. As. Ref.
J. B. Mack, received in 1906 from Mecklenburg Pres-
bytery; died in 1912.
Moses C. Liddell, received in 1906 from the Baptist
church; dismissed in 1906 to Durant Presbytery.
364 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
R. F. Otts, received in 1906 from Tuscaloosa Pres-
bytery; demitted ministry in 1908.
T. H. Newkirk, received in 1906 from Peedee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1910 to Athens Presbytery.
Jno. B. Gordon, received in 1906 from Louisville Pres-
bytery.
W. A. Murray, received 1906 from Kings Mountain
Presbytery.
Jno. I. Simpson, received in 1906 from Transylvania
Presbytery.
Jno. I. Armstrong*, received in 1906 Lie. from West
Hanover Presbytery.
B. F. Guille, received in 1907 from Cairo Presbytery;
dismissed in 1908 to Cherokee Presbytery.
H. J. Williams, received in 1907 from Kanawha Pres-
bytery.
W. L. Lingle, received in 1907 from Bethel Presbytery.
F. D. Hunt, received in 1907 from Enoree Presbytery.
T. W. Winfield, received in 1907 from New York Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1909 to Ottawa, Canada, Presbytery.
James Bradley, received in 1907 from Enoree Presby-
tery.
E. D. Brownlee*, received in 1907.
P. H. Moore*, received in 1907 Lie. from Bethel Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1908 to Bethel Presbytery.
Jno. W. Grier*, received in 1907 from Mecklenburg
Presbytery; dismissed in 1908 to Mecklenburg Presbytery.
Robert H. Orr, received in 1908 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1911 to Florida Presbytery.
John David Keith, received in 1908 from Ga. Conf, M.
P. church; dismissed in 1910 to Suwanee Presbytery.
A. W. Grigg, received in 1908 from Philadelphia Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1910 to Newark U. S. A. Presbytery.
H. W. Flinn, received in 1908 from North Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1911 to Norfolk Presbytery.
Fritz Rauchenberg*, received in 1908.
A. A. Little, received in 1908 from Tuscaloosa Pres-
bytery.
L. B. Fields, received in 1908.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 365
R. D. Stinson, received in 1908 from Macon Presby-
tery; died in 1910.
N. B. Mathes, received in 1909 from Cherokee Presby-
tefry.
D. H. Ogden, received in 1909 from Knoxville Presby-
tery.
C. C. Carson, received in 1910 from Mangum Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1911 to Mecklenburg Presbytery.
J. P. Smith, received in 1910 from Chesapeake Presby-
tery.
A. L. Johnson, received in 1910 from Augusta Pres-
bytery.
W. C. Young, received in 1910 from Lexington Pres-
bytery.
W. H. Chapman, received in 1910 from Chattanooga
U. S. A. Presbytery.
Thornwell Jacobs, received in 1910 from Enoree Pres-
bytery.
C. E. Wehler, received in 1910 from Reformed church
U. S. A.
W. McC. Miller, received in 1911 from Ebenezer Pres-
bytery.
J. M. Harris, received in 1911 from Kings Mountain
Presbytery.
W. Beale, received in 1911 from Mangum Presbytery.
M. C. Liddell, received in 1911 from Mangum Presby-
tery.
G. R. Buford, received in 1911 from Louisville Presby-
tery.
W. P. Chevalier, received in 1911 from Louisville
Presbytery.
GOOD HOPE PRESBYTERY.
CHURCHES
Alcovia — ^^Organized 1823, first mentioned 1823; drop-
ped 1889.
Bethesda — Organized 1830, Bibb County; dissolved.
Carmel — Organized 1810, dissolved 1840.
Columbus — Organized 1829; with 5 members.
366 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Covington— Organized 1827, dissolved 1847; reorgan-
ized 1877.
Decatur — Organized 1825 by Dr. Wilson, as Westmin-
ster Church.
Ephesus — Organized 1829.
Fairview.
Fayetteville — Stricken 1841.
Forsyth — ^Organized 1828.
Hopewell— Organized 1828, Crawford County; dis-
solved 1856. '
Hamilton — ^Organized 1829.
Harmony — Organized 1825, DeKalb County, near Deca-
tur, by Dr. Wilson.
Greenville — Organized 1829.
Goshen— Organized 1834, name changed to Norcross
1884.
Jackson— 1826, declared extinct 1875. Reorganized
1889.
LaGrange — ^Organized 1829.
Macon — Organized 1826, transferred with Bibb County
to Hopewell 1842.
McDonough — ^Organized 1827.
Newnan — Organized 1828.
Providence — Organized 1831, Franklin, Heard County.
Philadelphia — Organized 1825.
Smyrna — ^Organized 1827.
Thomaston — ^Organized 1829.
Union Chapel — Organized 1834, Fayette County, chang-
ed to Fayetteville 1847.
Zebulon — Organized 1828, stricken 1868; reorganized
1898; dissolved 1905.
Mt Zion— Organized 1834, Talbot County. (Nam€
changed to Flint River 1835.)
FLINT RIVER PRESBYTERY.
Friendship — Received 1835, set off from Zebulon.
Muscogee — Received 1835, organized by Dr. Goulding.
Mt. Zion— Received 1836, Talbot County.
Franklin— Received 1836, Heard County, dissolved
1844.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 367
Mt Tabor— Received 1836.
Long Cane — Received 1837, changed to Loyd, 1887.
White Oak — Received 1838, name changed to Turin,
1888.
Ebenezer — Received 1838, set off from LaGrange.
Berea — Received 1838, name changed to Cuthbert,
1847.
Florence — Received 1839, dissolved 1884.
Monroe — Received 1839, merged in Social Circle, 1843.
West Point — Received 1841.
Griffin — Received 1842, organized by Rev. L. M. Cor-
bin, with 6 members.
Carrollton — Received, 1842.
Salem — Received 1842, dissolved, 1867.
Brainerd— Received 1843, dissolved 1882.
Bethany— Received 1843.
Marietta — Received 1843, added by change of bound-
ary by Synod, 1842.
Hickory Flat — Received 1843, added by change of
boundary by Synod, 1842.
Mrs Hill — Received 1843, added by change of boundary
by Synod, 1842.
Fellowship — Received 1843.
Central Church, Walton County — Organized 1843 Social
Circle; dissolved 1848.
Americus — Received 1846.
Emmaus — Received 1847, Muscogee County.
Perry — Received 1847.
Pachitla — Received 1850.
Lumpkin — Received 1853.
White Sulphur— Received 1856, dissolved, 1888.
Central — Received 1857.
Villa Rica— Received 1858.
Conyers — Received 1860.
Bethel — Received 1863, Mitchell County.
Atlanta Col'd. — Received 1866.
Rock Spring — Received 1871.
Thomaston — Received 1871.
368 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Bowenville — Received 1873, Carroll County; dissolved
1878.
Stone Mountain — Received 1847.
Atlanta 3rd. — Received 1874, name changed to Moore
Memorial, 1891.
Lithonia — Received 1875, reorganized 1891.
Salem— Received 1875, at Flat Shoals.
Midway— Received 1876, DeKalb County.
Hunter St — Received 1876.
Mt Sinai Col'd. — Received 1876, joined Knox Pres.,
about 1894.
Jonesboro — Received 1880.
Timber Ridge— Received 1880..
Zion Col'd.
Atlanta — Received 1880, added to roll 1885; dissolved
1894.
Flat Rock— Received 1884, Henry County.
West End— Received 1887.
Mountville — Received 1887.
4th Atlanta— 1888, name changed to Druid Park, 1910.
Tallapoosa — Received 1888.
Georgia Ave. — Received 1890.
Palmetto— Received 1890.
Buford— Received 1891.
Lawrenceville — Received 1891.
Barnett— Received 1891.
Barnesville — Received 1891.
Kirkwood — Received 1892.
Senoia — Received 1893.
Manchester — Received 1894, changed to Hapeville
1896.
Stacy — Received 1896, at Greenville.
Morris Grove — Received 1896, dissolved in 1909.
Bamah — Received 1898, at Luxomni; dissolved 1901.
North Ave.— Received 1899.
Kelley— Received 1900.
Ingleside — Received 1900.
College Park— Received 1900.
Westminster — Received 1901.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 369
Prior Street — Received 1902.
Pantherville — Received 1902.
Bremen — Received 1902.
McTyre Chapel — Received 1903, dissolved 1909.
Stock Bridge — Received 1909.
Battle Hill, 1911.
PRESBYTERY OF FLORIDA
Set up 1840
MINISTERS.
John Brown, received in 1841, set off from Flint River
Presbytery; died in 1842.
Phiilo F. Phelps, reecived in 1841 from Troy Presby-
tery; died in 1841.
Benj. Burroughs, received in 1841; died in 1854.
Joshua Phelps, received in 1841 from Philadelphia
Presbytery; dismissed in 1853 to Iowa Presbytery.
R. M. Baker, received in 1841; dismissed in 1846 to
Hopewell Presbytery.
Joel S. Graves, received in 1841.
Eli Graves, received in 1841; died, in 1866.
The above were set off from Flint River Presbytery
in 1840.
Jno. C. Baldwin, received in 1842 from South Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1843 to Hopewell Presbytery.
Edmond Lee*, received in 1845; died in 1892.
W. E. Buell, received in 1846 from E. Hanover Presby-
tery.
James Wood, reecived in 1846 from West Tennessee
Presbytery.
William Neil, received in 1847; dismissed in 1853 to
W. Hanover Presbytery.
Jno. H, Rice, received in 1848; dismissed in 1850 to
W. Hanover Presbytery.
W. H .Crane, received in 1850.
Jesse Hume, received in 1851 from Nashville; died
in 1854.
W. E. Hamilton*, received in 1851; dismissed in 1867
to Savannah, Boundary changed.
S. D. Campbell, received in 1853 from Flint River
370 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Presbytery; dismissed in 1862 to E. Alabama Presbytery;
died in 1862.
Samuel S. Milleken*, received in 1853.
D. J. Auld, received in 1853 from Bethel Presbytery;
died in 1857.
Henry Cherry, received in 1853 from Rochester Pres-
bytery.
Homer Hendee, received in 1853 from Hopewell Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1857 to Hopewell Presbytery.
D. McNeil Turner, received in 1855; dismissed in 1860
to South Carolina Presbytery.
J. H. Meyers, received in 1855 from Georgia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1857 to Elizabethtown Presbytery; died
in 1890.
A. W. Sproull,, received in 1854 from Georgia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1856 to Philadelphia Presbytery.
A. R. Wolfe, received in 1855; dismissed in 1860 to
Newark Presbytery.
Geo. C. Fleming*, received in 1855; dismissed in 1857
to Georgia Presbytery; died in 1858.
Donald 'Eraser, received in 1856 from Georgia Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1872 to Atlanta Presbytery.
Wm. N. Peacock, received in 1856 from Fayetteville
Presbytery; died in 1863.
Joseph Brown, received in 1857 from Mississippi Pres-
bytery; set off in 1878 to St. Johns Presbytery; died in
1880.
Jos. M. Quarterman, received 1857 from Georgia Pres-
bytery; died in 1858.
A. W. Clisby*, received in 1857 from Florida Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1867 by change of boundary.
William Mathews, received in 1858 from Flint River
Presbytery; died in 1862.
E. O. Frierson, received in 1858; dismissed in 1862 to
Harmony Presbytery.
Henry Brown, received in 1858 from Lexington Pres-
bytery; dismissed to Lexington Presbytery.
E. P. Crane, received in 1858 from Hudson Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1868 to Ohio Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 371
A. E. Chandler, received in 1858 from Harmony Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1868 to Atlanta Presbytery.
W. J. McCormick, received in 1859 from Bethel Presby-
tery; died in 1883.
J. E. DuBose, received in 1859 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1871 to Muhlenburg Presbytery.
Archibald Baker, received in 1860 from Concord Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1873 to Fayetteville Presbytery.
G. W. Butler, received in 1860; dismissed in 1860 to
East Alabama Presbytery.
James Little*, received in 1860 Lie. from New York
Presbytery; dismissed in 1876 to Whitby, Canada, Pres-
bytery.
S. S. F. Holliday, received in 1862.
Jas. E. Dunlap*, received in 1862 Lie. from Bethel
Presbytery.
E. T. Williams*, received in 1863 from Georgia Pres-
bytery; died in 1866.
W. P. Harrison, received in 1865 from Flint River
Presbytery.
J. H. Alexander, received in 1866; died in 1910.
David Comfort, received in 1866; dismissed to Savan-
nah Presbytery; died in 1873.
T. A. Carruth, received in 1866; joined elsewhere in 1866.
W. B. Telford, received in 1865 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; died in 1891.
T. L. Deveaux, received in 1868; dismissed in 1873 to
Fayetteville Presbytery; died in 1876.
J. W. Montgomery, received in 1869; dismissed in 1871
to Savannah Presbytery.
Chas. Kenmore, received in 1869 from Central Mis-
sissippi Presbytery; died in 1871.
T. F. Montgomery, received in 1871 from Atlanta Pres-
bytery; died in 1875.
B. C. Robertson*, received in 1871; died in 1872.
B. L. Baker, received in 1871 from Bethel Presbytery.
F. Jacobs, received in 1871 from Augusta Presbytery.
J. C. Grow*, received in 1871; dismissed in 1878 to
Augusta Presbytery.
372 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Henry Brown, received in 1871 from Knoxville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1877 to Lexington Presbytery.
Samuel Donelly, received in 1874 from South Carolina
Presbytery; died in 1878.
P. M. McKay*, received in 1874; died in 1875.
S. R. Preston*, received in 1874 Lie. from Harmony
Presbytery.
W. H. Dodge*, received in 1874 Lie. from Macon Pres-
bytery.
T. T. Johnson*, received in 1874 from Toronto Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1875 to Toronto Presbytery.
N. M. Long*, received in 1875 Lie. from Holston Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1878 to Columbia Presbytery.
A. H. Mathes, received in 1876 from Macon Presby-
tery; died in 1878.
J. C. Sturgeon, received in 1876 from East Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1878 to East Alabama Presby-
tery.
J. H. Myers, D. D., received in 1876 from North River
Presbytery.
E. H. Briggs*, received in 1877 Lie. from Macon Pres-
bytery.
N. P. Quarterman, received in 1877 from Savannah
Presbytery.
R. Henderson*, received in 1878; dismissed in 1880 to
Harmony Presbytery.
A. Duncan, D. D., received in 1879 from Schuyler Pres-
bytery.
H. R. Raymond, Jr., received in 1880 from Tuscaloosa
Presbytery.
D. W. Humphries, received in 1880 from North Mis-
sissippi Presbytery.
H. Anderson, received in 1880 from East Hanover
Presbytery.
K. P. Julian, received in 1885 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; died in 1889.
CHURCHES
Tallahasee — Received 1841.
Monticello — Received 1841.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 373
Marianna — Received 1841.
Quincy — Received 1841.
Madison — Received 1841.
Thomasville — Received 1842.
Ft Gaines — Received 1842.
lamonia — Received 1844.
First Church Lowndes County — Received 1842.
Manhattee — Received 1846, dissolved 1853.
Boston — Received 1851, name changed to Bethany in
1862.
Greenfield (ville) — Received 1855.
Uchee Valley — Received 1853.
Bainbridge — Received 1853.
Attapulgus — Received 1853.
Currys Church — Received 1853, proper name (Damas-
cus) dissolved 1862.
St Augustine — Received 1854.
Jacksonville — Received 1854.
Micanopy — Received 1854.
Thomasville — Received 1854.
Newport — Received 1855.
Tampa — Received 1855.
Palatka— Received 1856.
Alligator — Received 1856.
Orange Springs — Received 1856.
Little River— Received 1858.
Ocala — Received 1858.
Fernandina — Received 1858.
Hamilton — Received 1858.
New Providence — Received 1858.
Kanapaha — Received 1859.
Ocklocknee — Received 1859.
Mineral Springs — Received 1859, dissolved 1862.
Union — Received 1860.
Houston — Received 1867.
Quitman — Received 1867.
Ocala— Received 1867.
Suwanee — Received 1867.
Oakland— Received 1867
374 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Friendship — Received 1867,
Valdosta — Received 1867.
Bethlehem — Received 1867.
Ellisville— Received 1869.
Sumter — Received 1869.
Gainesville — Received 1870.
Silver Lake — Received 1870.
Live Oak— Received 1870.
Ebenezer — Received 1872.
Leesburg — Received 1874.
Enterprise — Received 1874.
Cedar Keys — Received 1876.
Orlando— Received 1876.
Freeport — Received 1876.
Andrews Memorial — Received 1877.
New Hope — Received 1877.
Apopka — Received 1877.
Mikesville — Received 1877.
Magnolia Springs — Received 1879.
Waldo— Received 1879.
PRESBYTERY OF ST JOHNS.
The 7th Presbytery set up by the Synod of Georgia at
its meeting at Columbus October, 1877, held its first meet-
ing April, 1878, and organized with 7 Ministers and 11
Churches, viz:
Ministers— W. B. Telford, 1877; E. H. Briggs, Edmund
Lee, Joseph Brown, dismissed to Brazos Presbytery 1879;
W. H. Dodge, J. H. Myer, A. H. Mathes, died 1878; John
Daniel, received from Holston Presbytery; dismissed in
1878 to Holston Presbytery in 1879; T. M. Smith, received
1880; died, 1888.
Churches — Jacksonville, Andrews Memorial, Silver
Lake, Fernandina, Palatka, Appoka, Leesburg, Ocala, En-
terprise, Orange Creek, Orlando. Two churches were re-
ceived in 1880 — Acron and Lake Beresford.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 375
CHEROKEE PRESBYTERY
Set up 1844.
MINISTERS.
James Gamble; received from Flint River Presbytery;
dismissed in 1843; died in 1867.
N. A. Pratt, received from Flint River Presbytery;
dismissed in 1843; died in 1879.
I. W. Waddell, received from Flint River Presbytery;
dismissed in 1843; died in 1849.
A, B. McCorkle, received from Flint River Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1843 to East Alabama Presbytery; died
in 1886.
Richard A. Milner*, received in 1844 Lie. from Etowah
Presbytery; died in 1855.
Chas. R. Smith*, received in 1845; dismissed in 1845 to
East Alabama Presbytery.
J. M. M. Caldwell, received in 1845 from Concord
Presbytery; dismissed in 1866 to Concord Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1870 from Orange Presbytery; died in 1892.
W. H. Moore*, received in 1845 Lie. from Bethel Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1847 to East Alabama Presbytery.
A. Y. Lockridge, received in 1846 from Concord Pres-
bytery; died in 1876.
Ben DuPree, received in 1846 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1853 to Flint River Presbytery;
died in 1866.
W. H. Johnson*, received in 1846; dismissed in 1858 to
Bethel Presbytery; died in 1890.
Chas. S. Dodd, received in 1847 from Hopewell Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1850 to Chickasaw Presbytery.
Jas. McLin, received in 1847 from Chattahoochee N.
S.,; died in 1849.
J. F. Lanneau, received in 1849 from Charleston Pres-
bytery.
John Jones, received in 1849 from Georgia Presbytery;
dismissed in 1855 to Georgia Jresbytery; received in 1857
from Georgia Presbytery; dismissed in 1866 to Flnt River
Presbytery.
376 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Wm. Swift, received in 1849 from Chattahoochee' N. S.
T. C. Crawford*, received in 1850; died in 1885.
A. G. Johnson*, received in 1850; died in 1902.
J. L. Rogers*, received in 1851; dismissed in 1851 to
Hopewell Presbytery; received in 1852 from Hopewell
Presbytery; dismissed in 1855 to Tuscambia Presbytery;
received in 1857 from Tuscambia Presbytery; dismissed
in 1875 to Atlanta Presbytery; died in 1891.
J. E. Du'Bose*, received in 1851; dismissed in 1854 to
Flint River Presbytery.
H. C. Carter, received in 1852 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1859 to Flint River Presbytery; died in
1869.
Daniel Engles, received in 1852 from Flint River Pres-
bytery; died in 1855.
C. M. Shepperson, received in 1853 from Lutheran
Synod; dismissed in 1858 to Flint River Presbytery.
D. F. Smith*, received in 1854; dismissed in 1859 to
East Alabama Presbytery; received in 1883 from Holston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1885 to Knoxville Presbytery.
F. R. Goulding, received in 1854 from Hopewell Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1858 to Georgia Presbytery; received
in 1872 from Macon Presbytery; died in 1881.
G. H. W. Petrie, received in 1854 from Hopewell Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1857 to East Alabama Presbytery.
J. W. Baker, received in 1855 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; died in 1901.
R. M. Baker, received in 1855 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; died in 1896.
W. B. Telford, received in 1855 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1865 to Florida Presbytery.
H. B. Pratt*, received in 1855 Lie. from New Bruns-
wick Presbytery; dismissed in 1862 to Orange Presbytery.
T. B. Neil, "received in 1856 from Georgia Presbytery;
dismissed in 1856 to Orange Presbytery.
W. P. Harrison, received in 1857 from East Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1861 to Flint River Presbytery.
T. F. Montgomery, received in 1857 from Flint River
Presbytery; dismissed in 1858 to Flint River Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 377
E. P. Palmer, received in 1858 from Harmony Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1869 to Red River Presbytery.
J. A. Wallace, received in 1859 from Harmony Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1869 to East Alabama Presbytery,
R. F. Taylor, received in 1859 from Associated Re-
formed Pres. Tenn.; dismissed in 1876 to Atlanta Presby-
tery; received in 1884 from Bethel Presbytery; died in
1896.
H. Brown, received in 1859 from Florida Presbytery;
dismissed in 1866 to Lexington Presbytery.
T. E. Smith, received in 1863 from Harmony Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1866 to Flint River Presbytery; died in
1899.
J. H. Kaufman, receved in 1866 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1866 to Baltimore Presbytery.
E. M. Green*, received in 1866; dismissed in 1866 to
Hopewell Presbytery.
R. W. Milner, received in 1866 from Hopewell Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1873 to Augusta Presbytery.
S. E. Axson, received in 1866 from Charleston Pres-
bytery; died in 1884.
H. C. Carter, received in 1867 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; died in 1870.
R. H. Walton, received in 1867 from Lexington Pres-
bytery; connection terminated in 1870.
D. L. Buttolph, received in 1867 from Georgia Pres-
bytery; died in 1905.
Robert Logan, received in 1868 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1869 to Atlanta Presbytery.
A. W. Gaston*, received in 1869 Lie. from Charleston
Presbytery; died in 1897.
J. L. Milburn, received in 1871 from Hiawassee
(Cumb.) Presbytery; dismissed in 1874 to Georgia (Cumb.)
Presbytery.
A. E. Chandler, received in 1871 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1872 to Knoxville Presbytery.
J. G. Lane*, received in 1872; dismissed in 1881 to
North Alabama Presbytery.
W. A. Milner*, received in 1873; died in 1897.
378 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
J. DeW. Burkhead, received in 1874 from Augusta Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1879 to North Alabama Presbytery.
J. B. Hillhouse, received in 1874 from South Carolina
Presbytery; died in 1887.
J. E. Jones*, received in 1875; dismissed in 1890 to
Central Mississippi Presbytery.
S. W. Newell*, received in 1877 Lie. from Chickasaw
Presbytery; dismissed in 1883 to Western District Pres-
bytery.
T. W. Raymond*, receiver in 1883 Lie. from South
Alabama Presbytery; dismissed in 1883 to Western Dis-
trict Presbytery.
I. W. Waddell*, received in 1881; dismissed in 1882 to
Savannah Presbytery; received in 1899 from Athens Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1905 to Suwanee Presbytery.
J. J. Robinson, received in 1884 from East Alabama
Presbytery; died in 1895.
R. F. Bunting, received in 1884 from Brazos Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1885 to Nashville Presbytery.
J. S. Hillhouse*, received in 1884; dismissed n 1893 to
North Mississippi Presbytery.
T. S. Johnson*, received in 1885; dismissed in 1892 to
Paris Presbytery.
G. T. Goetchius, received in 1886 from Augusta Pres-
bytery; died in 1900.
H. C. Brown, received in 1886 from Potosi Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1890 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
Edward Bailey*, received in 1886; dismissed in 1893
to Atlanta Presbytery; received in 1896 from Atlanta Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1900 to Central Texas Presbytery.
C. Eraser*, received in 1888 Lie. from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1889 to Bethel Presbytery.
W. E. Baker, received in 1888 from Lexington Pres-
bytery; died in 1905.
H. K. Walker, received in 1889 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1891 to North Alabama Presbytery.
W. W. Brimm, received in 1889 from North Alabama
Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 379
M. A. Matthews, received in 1890 from Georgia (Cum.)
Presbyiery.
G. F. Robertson, received in 1891 from Holston Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1892 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
M. W. Doggett, received in 1892 from Abingdon Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1894 to Dallas Presbytery.
J. H. Patton, received in 1892 from North Alabama
Presbytery.
W. A. Nisbet, received in 1892 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1894 to Savannah Presbytery.
W. L. Harrell*, received in 1892; dismissed in 1895 to
Orange Presbytery.
R. P. Baird*, received in 1892 Lie. from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed to Brazil in 1895; died in 1909.
E. D. McDougal*, received in 1893 Cand. Paducah
Presbytery; dismissed in 1896 to Savannah Presbytery.
C. B. Berryhill, received in 1894 Cand. Western Dis-
trict Presbytery; dismissed in 1899 to Central Texas Pres-
bytery.
W. S. Hamiter, received in 1895 from Bethel Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1898 to South Carolina Presbytery.
W. S. Wallace, received in 1896 from Suwanee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1900 to Boston Presbytery.
M. D. Smith, received in 1896 from M. E. Church, South
W. H. Darnall, received in 1896 from North Alabama
Presbytery.
J. M. Mecklin*, received in 1896 Cand. Central Mis-
sissippi Presbytery; dismissed in 1901 to Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
G. T. Bourne, received in 1896 from Western District
Presbytery.
W. F. Hollingsworth, received in 1897 from Harmony
Presbytery; dismissed in 1898 to Savannah Presbytery.
B. R. Anderson, received in 1897 from Enoree Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1903 to Mobile Presbytery,
C. B. MeLeod, received in 1898 from Tuscaloosa Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1901 to East Alabama Presbytery.
E. M. Craig, received in 1898 from Macon Presbytery;
dismissed in 1901 to North Alabama Presbytery.
380 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
W. L. Lingle, received in 1898 from Concord Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1902 to Bethel Presbytery.
R. H. Rusk, received in 1900 from Charleston Presby
tery.
C. O'N. Martindale, received in 1900 from East Ala-
bama Presbytery; dismissed in 1901 to Atlanta Presbytery.
H. E. McCliire, received in 1900 from Tuscaloosa Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1902 to Tombeckbee Presbytery.
John Milner*, received in 1900 Lie. from North Ala-
bama Presbytery; dismissed in 1903 to North Alabama
Presbytery.
Wm. Goddard, received in 1900 Cand. from Nashville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1904 to Dallas Presbytery.
D. W. Hollingsworth*, received in 1901 Lie. from East
Alabama Presbytery; dismissed in 1902 to Abingdon Pres-
bytery.
A. D. P. Gilmore,* received in 1901 Lie. from E. Hano-
ver Presbytery; dismissed in 1901 to Holston Presbytery.
J. B. Ficklen,* received in 1901 Lie, from M'ontgomery
Presbytery; dismissed in 1904 to Atlanta Presbytery.
G. G. Sydnor, received in 1901 from Augusta Presbytery.
H. C. White, received in 1902 from Kansas City Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1901 to Union Presbytery, U. S. A.
L. A. Simpson, received in 1902 from Athens Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1903 to Athens Presbytery.
W. R. McCalla, received in 1902 from North Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1905 to Tombeckbee Presbytery.
Asahel Enloe, received in 1901 from St. Johns Presby-
tery; died in 1904.
F. L. McFadden*, received in 1902 Lie. from Memphis
Presbytery; dismissed in 1904 to Meridian Presbytery.
S. W. DuBose*, received in 1902; dismissed in 1903
to Savannah Presbytery.
H. B. Searight*, received in 1902; dismissed in 1908 to
Albermarle Presbytery.
E. W. Way, received in 1903 from Suwanee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1907 to Suwanee Presbytery.
G. W. Tollett, received in 1904 from Florida Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1905 to Nashville Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 381
W. A. Cleveland, received in 1904 from Columbia
Presbytery; dismissed in 1909 to Mecklenburg Presbytery
N. B. Mathes, received in 1905 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1908 to Atlanta Presbytery.
R. S. Burwell, received in 1905 from Nashville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1908 to East Alabama Presbytery.
A. E. Spencer*, received in 1905; dismissed in 1907 to
Red River Presbytery.
K. P. Simmons, received in 1905 from Abingdon Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1908 to St. Clairsville Presbytery, U.
S. A.
Wm. N. Sholl*, received in 1906; dismissed in 1908 to
Boise Presbytery, U. S. A.
C. B. Ratchford, received in 1906 from Transylvania
Presbytery; dismissed in 1908 to Concord Presbytery.
F. K. Sims, received in 1907 from Mobile Presbytery.
W. W. Powell, received in 1907 from W. Lexington
Presbytery; dismissed in 1910 to Mangum Presbytery.
R. H. Orr, received in 1907 from Albemarle Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1908 to Atlanta Presbytery.
Jonas Barclay, received in 1908 from Enoree Pres-
bytery.
B. F. Guille, received in 1908 from Atlanta Presby-
tery.
E. D. Patton, received in 1908 from Nashville Pres-
bytery.
J. T. Wade, received in 1909 from Athens Presbytery.
J. C. Hardin, received in 1909 from Durant Presbytery.
R. C. McRoy, received in 1909 from Dallas Presbytery,
J. C. Clarke*, received in 1909.
L. W. Mathews*, received in 1909.
L. G. Hames, received in 1910 from Tuscaloosa Pres-
bytery.
E. A. Thomas, received in 1911 from Ebenezer Pres-
bytery.
CHURCHES.
Lafayette.
Roswell.
Marietta.
382 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Pleasant Green, dissolved 1861.
Mars Hill.
Hickory Flat.
Walnut Grove.
Sardis.
Sweet Water, dropped 1848.
Chickamauga.
Dahlonega, transferred to Athens Pres. 1867.
Cummin, dissolved 1859.
Rome — Received 1846.
Peavine — Received 1846, dissolved 1857.
Friendship — Received 1847.
Armuchee — Received 1847, merged into Bethel 1880.
Cassville — Received 1847, name changed to Manassas
1862; dissolved 1870; restored 1871; dissolved 1872.
Dalton— Received 1847.
Hightower — Received 1847.
Bethel— Received 1848, near Dirttown,, S. E. of Sum-
merville.
Harmony — Received 1848, dissolved 1877.
Mt. Zion— Received 1848, dropped 1849.
Cedar Branch — Received 1848, dissolved 1849.
Concord — Received 1849, received from New School;
dissolved 1867.
Carthage — Received 1850, name changed to Hickory
Flat, 1885.
Summerville — Received 1850.
Canton — Received 1850,, merged into Carthage 1866,
reorganized 1891.
Midway — Received 1850.
Adairsville — Received 1850; reorganized 1858, and
again 1883.
Resaca — Received 1850, dissolved 1868.
Calhoun— Received 1852, dissolved 1867; reorganized
1874.
Chattoogata— Received 1852, merged into Tunnel Hill
1859.
New Lebanon — Received 1852, dissolved 1874.
Euharlee — Received 1854.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 383
Hopewell — Received 1854, merged into Resaca 1859.
Floyd Springs — Received 1854, dissolved 1870; reor-
ganized 1874; dissolved 1883.
Alpine — Received 1855.
Kingston — Received 1855, dissolved 1874.
Beersheba — Received 1855. •
Nazareth — Received 1855, dissolved 1867.
Dallas — Received 1856, dissolved 1860.
Tunnel Hill — Received 1858.
Spring Place — Received 1867, reorganized.
Red Clay— Received 1868, name changed to Cohutta
1891.
Bethesda— Received 1869.
Talking Rock — Received 1869, received from New-
School; dropped from roll 1897.
Sonora — Received 1870, dissolved 1890.
Cave Spring — Received 1871.
Van Wert— Received 1871.
Shiloh — Received 1872, dissolved 1875.
Cedar Valley — Received 1873. Name Cedartown 1854-
1857; Cedar Valley 1857-1870 when dissolved; reorganized
1873; name again changed to Cedartown 1886.
Smyrna — Received 1874.
Silver Creek — Received 1875, name changed to Lindale
1897.
South Rome — Received 1882, name changed to Rome
2nd 1893.
Acworth — Received 1882.
Blairsville — Received 1883, transferred from Athens
Presbytery.
Brasstown — Received 1883, transferred from Athens
Presbytery.
Austell — Received 1891, transferred to Atlanta Pres.
1891.
Salem — Received 1895, name changed to Milner Mem-
orial 1895.
Blue Spring — Received 1895.
Powder Spring — Received 1898.
Woodstock — Received 1900.
384 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Ellijay— Received 1903.
Blue Ridge— Received 1903.
Ringgold — Received 1906.
Chicamauga — Received 1911.
PRESBYTERY OF MACON.
Set up 1866.
MINISTERS.
J. C McCain, received in 1869 from West Texas Pres-
bytery.
J. N. Bradshaw, received in 1871 from Atlanta Pres-
bytery.
Homer Hendee, received in 1869 from Augusta Presby-
tery; died in 1881.
H. F. Hoyt, received in 1871 from Savannah Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1879.
F. R. Goulding, received in 1868 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; died in 1881.
J. L. King, received in 1871 from Atlanta Presbytery,
C. P. B. Martin, received in 1875 from Brazos Presby-
tery.
L. H. Wilson, received in 1866.
David Wills, received in 1875 from Washington City
Presbytery.
T. E. Smith, received in 1868 from Cherokee Presby-
tery.
W. A. Hall, received in 1869 from Red River Presby-
tery.
S. S. Gaillard, received in 1868 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed 1875 to Atlanta Presbytery.
J. R. Mcintosh, received in 1868 from East Alabama
Presbytery; died in 1881.
S. H. Higgins, received in 1867; dismissed in 1867.
E. D. Eldridge, received in 1867; dismissed in 1867.
G. H. Coit, received in 1867; dismissed in 1867.
J. H. Nail, received in 1868 from East Alabama Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1879 New Orleans Presbytery.
J. S. Cosby, received in 1869 from the Savannah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1873 to Harmony Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 385
A. H. Math€s, received in 1869 from East Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1872 to Florida Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1874 from Florida Presbytery; dismissed in 1876
to Florida Presbytery.
Wm. McKay, received in 1869.
G. W. Maxson*, received in 1871 Lie. from Louisville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1878 to Knst Alabama Presbytery.
G. T. Goetchius*, received in 1871 Lie. from Augusta
Presbytery; dismissed in 1873 to Augusta Presbytery.
J. S. White*, received in 1872 Lie. from Bethel Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1874 to Bethel Presbytery.
A. W. Clisby, received in 1873 from Savannah Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1892 to Savannah Presbytery; died in
1903.
R. A. Mickle, received in 1874 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1876 to Savannah Presbytery.
J. T. McBride, received in 1874 from South Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1879 to Savannah Presbytery.
John Beveridge, received in 1876 from Cincinnati
Presbytery; died in 1882.
T. R. English, received in 1877 Lie. from Harmony
Presbytery; dismissed in 1880 to Bethel Presbytery.
A. E. Chandler, received in 1878 from Concord Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1882 to Atlanta Presbytery.
G. T. Chandler, received in 1879; dismissed in 1890
to Nashville Presbytery.
L. H. Wilson, received in 1880 from Bethel Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1882 to East Texas Presbytery.
J. W. Kerr, received in 1880 from Mississippi Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1881 to Savannah Presbytery.
R. P. Kerr, received in 1880 from Savannah Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1881 to Savannah Presbytery.
W. A. Carter, received in 1881 from East Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1883 to East Hanover Presby-
tery.
J. V. Worsham, received in 1881 from Potosi Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1882 to Paducah Presbytery.
Z. B. Graves, received in 1881 from Athens Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1883 to Atlanta Presbytery.
386 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
M. C. Britt, received in 1883 from Savannah Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1886 to Enoree Presbytery.
I. W. Waddell, received in 1886 from Savannah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1892 to Atlanta Presbytery.
B. D. D. Grier, received in 1886 from South Alabama
Presbytery; dismissed in 1887 to Dallas Presbytery.
Robert Adams, received in 1887 from Augusta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1895 to Enoree Presbytery.
W. B. Jennings, received in 1887 from Bethel Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1895 to Louisville Presbytery.
Alex Kirkland, received in 1887 from Wilmington Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1904; died in 1910.
S. L. Morris, received in 1890 from South Carolina
Presbytery.
W. W. Elwang, received in 1891 from New Orleans
Presbytery; dismissed in 1892 to St. Johns Presbytery.
C. H. Hyde*, received in 1891 Lie, from Atlanta Pres-
bytery; died in 1904.
E. D. Covington*, colored, received in 1891 Lie. from
Tuscaloosa Presbytery; dismissed in 1895 to Central Ala-
bama Presbytery.
W. W. Brimm, received in 1892 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1895 to Atlanta Presbytery.
G. W. Bull*, received in 1892 Lie. from East Hanover
Presbytery; dismissed in 1894 to South Alabama Presbytery.
H. G. Griswold*, received in 1895; dismissed in 1900
to Savannah Presbytery; died in 1905.
R. R. White, received in 1895 from Winchester Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1901 to New York Presbytery.
E. M. Craig, received in 1896 from Roanoke Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1898 to Cherokee Presbytery.
D. G. Armstrong, received in 1896 from Rio de Jane-
rio Presbytery; dismissed in 1897 to Atlanta Presbytery.
M. McGillivry, received in 1897 from Savannah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1899 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery,
L. G. Henderson*, received in 1897; dismissed in 1902
to Atlanta Presbytery.
J. P. Word, received in 1898; dismissed in 1899 to
North Alabama Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 387
E. D. McDougal, received in 1898; dismissed in 1902
to North Alabama Presbytery.
R. O. Flinn, received in 1898 from Atlanta Presbytery;
dismissed in 1899 to Atlanta Presbytery.
H. T. Darnall, received in 1898 from Norfolk Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1903 to Harmony Presbytery; died in 1908.
W. R. O wings, received in 1898; died in 1905.
W. F. Strickland*, received in 1898 Lie. from South
Carolina Presbytery; dismfssed in 1901 to South Carolina
Presbytery.
J. C. Tims, received in 1898 Lie. from Central Mis-
sissippi Presbytery; dismissed 1899 to Suwanee Presby-
tery; received in 1902 from Suwanee Presbytery; dis-
missed in 1907 to St. Johns Presbytery.
C. R. Nisbet, received in 1898 Lie. from Athens Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1900 to Atlanta Presbytery.
G. A. Hough, received in 1899 from Mecklenburg
Presbytery.
L. T. Way, received in 1899 from Savannah Presby-
tery; divested of office without censure in 1901.
F. D. Jones, received in 1900 Lie. from Bethel Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1901 to Charleston Presbytery,
K. L. Mclver, received in 1901 Lie. from Fayetteville
Presbj^ery; dismissed in 1904 to St. Johns Presbytery.
I. M. Auld, received in 1901 from St. Johns Presbytery;
dismissed in 1902 to St. Johns Presbytery.
R. W. Alexander, received in 1901 from Fayetteville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1902 to Albermarle Presbytery.
W. H. Fraser, received in 1902 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1906 to South Carolina Presbytery.
J. W. Quarterman, received in 1902 from Savannah
Presbytery.
R. E. Douglas, received in 1902 from West Lexington
Presbytery.
W. H. McMeen, received in 1902 from Savannah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1908 to Harmony Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1910 from Harmony Presbytery.
Fred Perkins, received in 1903 from Binghampton
Presbytery; dismissed in 1905 Classis D. Ref.
388 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
J. L. Irvin, received in 1903 from Ebenezer Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1910 to Suwanee Presbytery.
A. McLaughlin, received in 1903 from Fayetteville
Presbyt-ery.
S. L. McCarty, received in 1903 from Florida Presby-
tery.
W. O. Stephen, received in 1903 from Meridian Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1910 to North Alabama Presbytery.
W. H. Zeigler, received in 1903 from West Lexington
Presbytery; dismissed in 1907 to Florida Presbytery.
R. D. Stimson, received in 1903 from Mecklenburg
Presbytery; dismissed in 1908 to Atlanta Presbytery;
died in 1910.
W. E. Phifer*, received in 1903 Lie. from Concord
Presbytery; dismissed in 1905 to Mississippi Presbytery.
E. B. Witherspoon, received in 1904 from Brownwood
Presbytery; dismissed in 1910 to Meridian Presbytery.
J. W. Atwood, received in 1904 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1904 to North Alabama Presbytery.
J. W. Stokes, received in 1904 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1909 to St. Johns Presbytery.
Luther Link, received in 1904 from St. Louis Presby-
tery.
E. S. McFadden*, ordained in 1905; died in 1909.
W. H. Dodge, received in 1905 from Transylvania Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1907 to Suwanee Presbytery.
W. C. Hagan, received in 1905 from Savannah Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1907 to Dallas Presbytery.
I. S. McElroy, received in 1905 from West Lexington
Presbytery.
J. H. Taylor, received in 1905 from Louisville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1907 to Chesapeake Presbytery.
J. M. W. Elder, received in 1906 from Roanoke Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1907 to East Alabama Presbytery.
G. T. Bourne, received in 1906 from Cherokee Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1909 to North Alabama Presbytery.
D. N. McLaughlin, received in 1906 from Fayetteville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1908 to Central Texas Presbj'-
tery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 389
T. R. Best, received in 1907 from Arkansas Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1908 to Transylvania Presbytery.
J. S. Kennison, received in 1907 from West Texas
Presbytery; dismissed in 1910 to Greenbrier Presbytery.
J. L. Brownlee, received in 1907 from Tuscaloosa
Presbytery.
S. W. DuBose, received in 1907 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1911 to Athens Presbytery.
J. G. Venable, received in 1907 from Lafayette Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1911 to Suwanee Presbytery.
G. E. Fogartie, received in 1907 from Muhlenburg Pres-
bytery.
B. R. Anderson, received in 1908 from Florida Pres-
bytery.
C. P. Coble, received in 1908 from Pee dee Presby-
tery.
C. A. Campbell, received in 1908 from Asheville Pres-
bytery.
R. G. Newsome, received in 1909 from Nashville Pres-
bytery.
C. M. Chumbley, received in 1910 from E. Hanover
Presbytery.
J. E. Ward, received in 1910 from East Alabama Pres-
bytery.
C. B. Currie, received in 1910 from Muhlenburg Pres-
bytery.
W. S. Harden, received in 1910 from Savannah Pres-
bytery.
H. C. Ray*, received in 1910 from Central Alabama
Presbytery.
Wm. McKay, Jr.,* received in 1910.
S. E. Crosby*, received in 1910 from Mobile Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1911 to East Alabama Presbytery.
S. G. Hutton, received in 1911 from Palmyra Presby-
tery.
J. W. Stokes, received in 1911 from St. Johns Pres-
bytery.
G. W. Tollett, received in 1911 from Nashville Pres-
bytery.
390 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
CHURCHES.
Ft Gaines.
Lumpkin, dropped from roll 1891.
Cuthbert.
Pachitla, changed to Whitney 1872.
Americus.
Mt Tabor.
Albany.
New Hopewell, dissolved 1872.
Perry.
Mt Zion, dissolved 1875.
Muscogee, dissolved 1900.
Smyrna (New).
Eph€sus.
Macon.
Emmaus, dissolved 1870.
Columbus.
Newton — Received 1867.
Bethesda— Received 1867, Bibb County, dissolved.
Hamilton— Received 1867, reorganized 1873; dropped
from roll 1891.
Forsyth— Received 1867.
Jackson — Received 1867.
Dawson — Received 1872, dissolved 1877, reorganized,
1889 and 1901.
Ft Valley— Received 1873
Wootten Station— Received 1873, changed to I^ees-
burg.
Geneva — Received 1874.
Hawkinsville Received 1877.
Eastman — Received 1877.
Camilla— Received 1880.
Macon 2nd— Received 1887, changed to Tattnall
Square 1892.
Hicksville (Col)— Received 1890.
Cordele — Received 1891.
Smithville — Received 1891.
Pleasant Hill— Received 1892.
Rochelle— Received 1892.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 391
Talbotton— Received 1893, dissolved 1897.
Rose Hill— Received 1897.
Poulan — Received 1898.
Moultrie — Received 1898.
Quitman — Received 1898.
Mt Horeb — Received 1898, changed to Morven 1900.
Bethany— Received 1898.
Thomasville — Received 1898.
Cairo— Received 1898.
Climax— Received 1898.
Paceville— Received 1898.
Pleasant Grove — Received 1898.
Bainbrldge— Received 1898.
Dublin — Received 1898, changed to Henry Memorial
1902.
Danolsonville — Received 1898.
Butler — Received 1901.
Pelham — Received 1903.
Vineville — Received 1904.
Blakely — Received 1905.
East Macon— Received 1906.
Mantezuma — Received 1910.
South Macon — Received 1910.
AUGUSTA PRESBYTERY
Set up 1867
MINISTERS.
Original Members: S. S. Davis, died 1877; C. P. Re-
man, D. D., died 1875; Henry Safford, Henry Newton, G. H.
Cartledge, died 1899; Wm. Flinn, C. W. Lane, J. R. Wilson,
R. A. Houston, died 1869; James Woodrow, died 1907; F.
T. Simpson, died 1906; J. B. Dunwody, J. J. Robinson, T.
P. Cleveland, E. M. Green, J. D. Burkhead, dismissed to
Cherokee Presbytery in 1873; P. C. Morton, F. Jacobs — 18.
Momer Hendee, received in 1869 from Macon Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1871 to Louisville Presbytery.
Robt. Irvine, received in 1871 from Hamilton, Canada,
Presbytery; died in 1881.
392 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Wm. LeConte*, received in 1872; dismissed in 1872 to
Sao Paulo Presbytery; died in 1876.
W. S. Bean*, received in 1873; dismissed in 1884 to
Harmony Presbytery.
G. T. Goetchius, received in 1873 from Macon Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1885 to Cherokee Presbytery; died in
1900.
R. W. Milner, received in 1873 from Clierokee Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1881 to Atlanta Presbytery; died 1889.
W. P. Gready, received in 1873 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1880 to Athens Presbytery; died
in 1882.
Jos. Washburn*, received in 1873; dismissed in 1876
to Savannah Presbytery.
R. C. Smith, received in 1873 from East Alabama Pres-
bytery (Unused Certificate) dismissed to Augusta Pres-
bytery; died in 1874.
J. B. Morton*, received in 1874; dismissed in 1879 to
Athens Presbytery (Division); received in 1885 from Ath-
ens Presbytery; dismissed in 1887 to St. Johns Presby-
tery.
F. P. Mullally received in 1875 from Ebenezer Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1877 to Lexington Presbytery.
O. P. Fitzsimmons*, received in 1875; divested of
office in 1883.
R. N. Smith*, received in 1875; dismissed in 1877 to
Eastern Texas Presbytery.
W. H. Davis, received in 1876 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1885 to East Alabama Presbytery.
J. C. Grow, received in 1879 from Florida Presbytery;
dismissed to Brownwood Presbytery; died in 1903.
D. McQueen*, received in 1880; dismissed in 1892 to
North Alabama Presbytery.
John Jones, received in 1880 from Atlanta Presbytery;
dismissed in 1886 to Atlanta Presbytery.
N. H. Smith, received in 1881 from Platte Presbytery;
dismissed in 1882 to Athens Presbytery.
A. M. Hassell, reecived in 1881 from Harmony Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1885 to South Carolina Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 393
Wm. Adams, received in 1882 from Louisville U. S. A.
Presbytery; dismissed in 1889 to Boston Presbytery.
N. Keff Smith, received in 1884 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1885 to Atlanta Presbytery.
A. S. Doak, received in 1885 from Central Texas Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1888 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
J. D. A. Brown, received in 1885 from Charleston
Presbytery; dismissed in 1892 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
Robt. Adams*, received in 1886; dismissed in 1887 to
Macon Presbytery.
T. M. Lowry, received in 1886 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1896 to Mecklenburg Presbytery.
M. C. Britt, received in 1889 from Enoree Presbytery.
Samuel Scott, received in 1889 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; died in 1890.
R. L. Fulton, received in 1889 from Savannah Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1892 to Florida Presbytery.
J. T. Plunkett, received in 1890 fK)m Detroit U. S. A.
Presbytery; dismissed in 1909 to North Alabama Presby-
tery.
E. G. Smith, received in 1891 from Pee Dee Presby-
tery; died in 1910.
W. K. Boggs, received in 1891 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1893 to Bethel Presbytery.
J. K. Smith, received in 1892 from Atlanta Presbytery;
dismissed in 1895 to Transylvania Presbytery.
N. M. Plowden, received in 1893 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1894 to Lexington Presbytery.
J. F. Pharr, received in 1893 from Pine Bluff Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1894 to Atlanta Presbytery.
D. W. Brannen*, received in 1893.
T. D. Cartledge, received in 1895 from Athens Pres-
bytery; dismissed 1902 to Athens Presbytery.
S. J. Cartledge, received in 1895 from Athens Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1901 to South Carolina Presbytery.
T. P. Burgess, received in 1895 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1899 to South Carolina Presbytery.
B. M. Shive, received in 1896 from Columbia Presby-
- tery; dismissed in 1898 to Transylvania Presbytery.
394 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
G. G. Sydnor, received in 1898 from Montgomery Pres-
bytery; dism^issed in 1901 to Cherokee Presbytery.
J. P. Anderson, received in 1899 from Atlanta Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1902 to Tuscaloosa Presbytery.
A. L. Whitfield; received in 1899 from Marshall
(Cumb.) Presbytery; dismissed in 1902 to Oklahoma Pres-
bytery.
D. S. McAlister, received in 1901 from Enoree Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1907 to Florida Presbytery.
H. W. Burwell, received in 1901 from Pee dee Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1904 to New Orleans Presbytery.
M. E. Peabody*, received in 1901; dismissed in 1906
to Athens Presbytery.
C. I. Stacy*, received in 1902; dismissed in 1906 to
Athens Presbytery.
P. S. Rhodes*, received in 1903; dismissed in 1904 to
East Alabama Presbytery.
W. Lee Harrell, received in 1904 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; died in 1906.
J. W. Lafferty, reecived in 1904; dismissed in 1906 to
Concord Presbytery.
D. M. Stockard, received in 1905 from Western Dis-
trict Presbytery.
R. E. Telford, received in 1906 from Durant Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1910 to South Carolina Presbytery.
J. A. Thompson, received 1906 from West Lexington
Presbytery; dismissed 1910 to Holston Presbytery.
J. S. Montgomery, received in 1906 from Atlanta Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1911 to Montgomery Presbytery.
J. B. Hillhouse, received in 1906 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1907 to South Carolina Presbytery.
D. N. Yarbro, received in 1907 from Nashville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1910 to Lexington Presbytery.
Jas. L. Martin, reecived in 1907 from Suwanee Pres-
bytery.
A. L. Johnson, received in 1907 from Greenbrier Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1909 to Atlanta Presbytery.
Geo. N. Howerton, received in 1907 from Harmony
Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 395
Jno. F. Matheson, received in 1908 from Soutli Caro-
lina Presbytery; dismissed in 1911 to Enoree Presby-
tery.
J. T. Plunket, received in 1907 from North Alabama
Presbytery.
Geo. F. Mason, received in 1910 from Knoxville Pres-
bytery.
Jos. R. Sevier, received in 1911 from Chesapeake Pres-
bytery.
L. A. Simpson, received in 1911 from Athens Presby-
tery.
A. M. Lewis, received in 1911 from Chicago Presby-
tery.
E. P. Mickle, D. D., received in 1911 from Florida
Presbytery.
CHURCHES.
Bethany.
Mt Zion, transferred to Sparta 1903.
Woodstock.
Pleasant Grove, dissolved 1871.
Milledgeville.
Greensboro.
Augusta.
Sparta.
Madison.
Monticello.
Washington.
Waynesboro. •
Bath.
Eatonton.
Lincolnton.
Union Point — Received 1872.
Penfield— Received 1877.
Augusta 2nd — Received 1879; now Greene Street.
Crawfordville — Received 1880.
Sibley— Received 1891.
Hastings — Received 1895, changed to Siloam 1903.
Lexington — Received 1906, received from Athens Pres-
bytery.
396 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Gough— Received 1907.
Mt Olive— Received 1909.
Poplar Springs — Received 1909.
Millen— Received 1910.
Sandersville — Received 1910.
Sylvania — Received 1910.
Thomson — Received 1910.
PRESBYTERY OF ATHENS.
Set off 1880.
MINISTERS.
J. R. Baird; died 1900.
G. H. Cartledge; died 1899.
T. P. Cleveland; dismissed in 1885 to Atlanta Presby-
tery.
W. P. Gready; died in 1882.
J. C. Grow; dismissed in 1886 to Paris Presbytery; died
in 1903.
C. W. Lane; died in 1896.
R. W. Milner; dismissed in 1884 to Tuscaloosa Pres-
bytery.
J. B. Morton; dismissed in 1883 to Augusta Presby-
tery.
The above were the original members.
Jos. Washburn, received in 1881 from Savannah Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1881 to Ouichita Presbytery.
Z. B. Graves, received in 1881 from Western Texas
Presbytery; dismissed in 1882 to Macon Presbytery.
N. H. Smith, received in 1882 from Augusta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1884 to Augusta Presbytery.
E. P. Mickle*, received in 1882; dismissed in 1883 to
West Lexington Presbytery.
H. F. Hoyt, received in 1883 from Macon Presbytery;
died 1912.
L. A. Simpson*, received 1884 Lie. from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1902 to Cherokee Presbytery; re-
ceived in 1904 from Cherokee .Presbytery; dismissed in
1911 to Augusta Presbytery.
J. L. Stevens, received in 1885; died in 1901.
C. A. Baker, received in 1885 from East Alabama Pres*
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 397
byt€ry; dismissed in 1886 to East Alabama Presbytery.
J. L. Cartledge*, received in 1886; died in 1910.
J. H. Dixon, received in 1887 from Lousville Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1889 to Harmony Presbytery.
W. F. Wallace, received in 1888 from St. Johns Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1889 to Enoree Presbytery.
W. C. C. Foster*, received in 1888; dismissed in 1889
to Mecklenburg Presbytery.
S. J. Cartledge*, received in 1889; dismissed in 1895
to Augusta Presbytery; received 1911 from Bethel Pres-
bytery.
E. P. Burns, colored*, received in 1889; name dropped
in 1898.
T. D. Cartledge*, received in 1890; dismissed in 1894
to Augusta Presbytery; received in 1902 from the Augusta
Presbytery; dismissed in 1905 to South Carolina Presby-
tery.
Henry Newton, received in 1891 from Augusta Pres-
bytery.
R. E. Telford*, received in 1891; dismissed in 1903
to Indian Presbytery.
W. E. Boggs, received in 1892 from Memphis Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1901 to Suwanee Presbytery.
W. O. Phillips, received in 1892 from Parkersburg
Presbytery; dismissed in 1895 to Congregational Church.
H. S. Allyn*, received in 1893; dismissed in 1896 to
Rio Janerio Presbytery.
I. W. Waddell, received in 1894 from Atlanta Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1899 to Cherokee Presbytery.
H. C. Fennell, received in 1895 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1896 to South Carolina Presby-
tery.
J. A. Young*, received in 1895 Lie. from Atlanta Pres-
bytery; died in 1900..
T. Thompson, colored*, received in 1895.
W. L. Barber*, received in 1896; dismissed in 1903 to
Lafayette Presbytery; received 1906 from Lafayette Pres-
bytery; dismissed 1911 to Atlanta Presbytery.
J. W. Walden, received in 1897 from New Orleans
398 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Presbytery; dismissed in 1908 to Florida Presbytery.
S. W. Wilson, received in 1897 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1889 to South Carolina Presby-
tery.
W. Lee Harrell, received in 1897 from Orange Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1901 to Atlanta Presbytery; died in
1906.
J. J. Harrell, received in 1897 from Muhlenburg Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1899 to Muhlenburg Presbytery,
S. J. Morrow, colored, received in 1897 from Asheville
Presbytery; dismissed in 1899 to Catawba Presbytery.
F. D. Thomas, received in 1899 from Albermarle Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1904 to South Carolina Presbytery.
R. N. Abraham, received in 1899 from Atlanta Presby-
tery.
J. A. Black*, received in 1900; dismissed in 1903 to
South Carolina Presbytery.
W. F. Tims, received in 1902 from Central Mississippi
Presbytery; dismissed in 1904 to Central Mississippi Pres-
bytery.
D. J. Blackwell, received in 1902 from South Carolina
Presbytery; dismissed in 1907 to East Alabama Presby-
tery.
T. M. McConnell, received in 1903 from Enoree Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1905 to Harmony Presbytery,
J. T. McBride received in 1904 from Enoree Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1905 to Knoxville Presbytery.
J, E. Stevenson, received in 1904 from Harmony Pres-
bytery; died in 1905.
J. T. Wade, received in 1904 from South Carolina Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1909 to Cherokee Presbytery.
C. I. Stacy, received in 1905 from Augusta Presby-
tery.
T, J, Ponder, received in 1905 from East Alabama
Presbytery.
C. C. Carson*, reecived in 1905; dismissed in 1905 to
Durant Presbytery.
M. E. Peabody, received in 1906 from Augusta Pres-
bytery; dismissed in 1909 to South Carolina Presbytery.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 399
E. L. Hill, receieved in 1907 from East Alabama
Presbytery.
J. F. Pharr*, received in 1908 Can. Altanta Presbytery;
dismissed in 1892 to Pine Bluff Presbytery; received in
1892 from Pine Bluff Presbytery; dismissed in 1894 to
Atlanta Presbytery; received in 1903 from Enoree Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1908 to North Alabama Presbytery.
J. D. McPhail*, received in 1908.
J. K. Coit, received in 1909 from Bethel Presbytery.
C. H. Ferran, received in 1909 from Suwanee Presby-
tery; dismissed in 1909 to St. Johns Presbytery.
E. L. Siler, received in 1910 from Orange Presbytery;
dismissed in 1910 to Asheville Presbytery.
Geo. M. Telford, received in 1910 from East Hanover
Presbytery.
J. R. McAlpine, received in 1910 from East Alabama
Presbytery.
T. H. Newkirk, received in 1910 from Atlanta Presby-
tery.
S. W. DuBose, received in 1911 from Macon Presby-
tery.
W. T. Wadley, received in 1911 from North Alabama
Presbytery.
Chalmers Frazer, received in 1911 from Bethel Pres-
bytery.
CHURCHES OF ATHENS PRESBYTERY.
Hebron.
Homer.
Maysville.
Gainesville.
Chesnut Mountain.
Toccoa.
Thyatira.
Mizpah.
Pleasant Groce, dissolved 1890.
Athens.
Dahlonega.
Concord, dissolved 1896.
Hopewell.
400 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
Lexington, transferred to Augusta Presbytery 1906.
New Hope.
Elberton.
Bethaven, incorporated with Athens Church 1900; re-
organized 1910.
Woodstock, transferred to Augusta Presbytery.
Nacoochee.
Clarksville.
Blairsville, transferred to the Pres. Cherokee 1889.
Pleasant Hill.
Danielsville.
Sandy Creek, dissolved 1910.
Harmony, dissolved 1896.
Above were the (original churches, 1880.)
Hartwell, 1882.
Brasstown, 1883; transferred to Cherokee Pres, 1889.
Hoschton, 1883.
Harmony Grove, 1883; name changed to Commerce
1905.
Carnesville, 1883.
Bowman, 1884; dissolved 1896.
Mt Hermon.
Bowersville, 1888; dissolved 1893. ,
Falling Water, 1888; dropped from Roll 1899.
Jefferson, 1888.
Sardis (Col), 1889; transferred to Presbytery of Abbe-
ville 1898.
Lavonia, 1890.
Mt Zion (Col), 1890; transferred to Presbytery of
Abbeville 1898.
Demorest, 1891; dissolved 1896.
Mt Airy, 1891; dissolved 1896; reorganized 1906.
Royston, 1891.
Center, 1892.
Mt Olivet (col), 1892; transferred to Presbytery of
Abbeville 1898.
Bogart, 1893.
Cedar Grove (col.), 1893; transferred to Presbytery
of Abbeville 1898.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 401
Comer, 1894.
Edgefield, 1896; dissolved 1901.
Athens Broad St., 1901; dissolved 1905.
Nacoochee reorganized 1902.
Nacoochee reorganized 1902.
. Cornelia, organized 1905.
M't Airy, organized 1906. ,
Colbert, organized 1908.
Bethanen, organized 1910.
Prince Avenue, organized 1910; changed to Central
1912.
Sharon, organized 1911.
MODERATORS OF THE SYNOD OF GEORGIA.
1845— Rev. Thomas Goulding, D. D., Macon.
1846 — Rev. Alonzo Church, D. D., Milledgeville.
lg47_R€v. S. K. Talmage, Marietta.
1848 — Rev. Francis Bowman, Columbus.
^ 1849— Rev. N. A. Pratt, Greensboro.
1850 — Rev. J. C. Patterson, Augusta.
1851— Rev. Jno. B. Ross, Griffin.
1852— Rev. N. Hoyt, D. D., Savannah.
1853 — Rev. J. F. Lanneau, Athens.
1854 — Rev. W. M. Cunningham, Macon.
1855— Rev. C. P. Beman, D. D., LaGrange.
1856 — Rev. S. D, Campbell, Atlanta.
1857— Rev. Jno. S. Wilson, D. D., Rome.
1858 — Rev. John Jones, Augusta.
Ig59 — Rev. I. S. K. Axson, D. D., Jacksonville, Fla.
1860 — Rev. Jno. K. Baker, Columbus.
1861 — Rev. J. R. Wilson, D. D., Marietta.
1862— Rev. S. H. Higgins, D. D., Macon.
1863 — Rev. Wm. Flinn, Athens.
1864 — Rev. R. K. Porter, Augusta.
1865 — Rev. C. W. Lane, Augusta
1866 — Rev. David Wills, Savannah.
1867 — Rev. Donald Eraser, Atlanta.
1868 — Rev. D. H. Porter, Rome.
1869— Rev. D. L. Buttolph, Tallahassee, Fla.
1870— Rev. Jno. S. Wilson, D. D., Macon.
402 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
1871— R«v. A. W. Clisby, Athens.
1872 — Rev. James Stacy, Albany.
1873 — Rev. W. J, McCormick, Newnan.
. 1874— Rev. Robt. Irvine, D. D., Savannah.
1875— R«v. J. H. Martin, Cuthbert.
1876 — Rev. J. W. Montgomery, Augusta,
1877— Rev. J. T. Leftwich, D. D., Columbus.
1878— Rev. J. W. Baker, Atlanta.
1879 — Rev. James Woodrow, D. D., Gainesville.
1880— Rev. J. L. Rogers, Thomasville.
1881. — Rev. T. E. Smith, Decatur.
1882— Rev. W. E. Boggs, D. D., Milledgeville.
1883— Rev. G. T. Goetchius, Macon.
1884— Rev. Henry Quigg, D. D., Marietta.
1885— Rev. T. P. Cleveland, LaGrange.
1886— Rev. C. W. Lane, D. D., Sparta.
1887— Rev. G. B. Strickler, D. D., Rome.
1888— Rev. H. F. Hoyt, D. D., Athens.
1889 — Rev. J. J. Robinson, D. D., Griffin.
1890 — Rev. James S'tacy, D. D., Americus.
1891— Rev. L. C. Vass, D. D., Decatur.
1892 — Rev. W. B. Jennings, Cartersville.
1893— Elder J. A. Billups, Newnan.
1894— Rev. E. H. Barnett, D. D., Savannah.
1895— Rev. J. T. Plunket, D. D., Macon.
1896— Rev. S. L. Morris, D. D., Athens.
1897^Rev. J. H. Patton, Rome.
1898— Rev. F. H. Gaines, D. D., Thomasville.
1899— Rev. J. W. Walden, D. D., Marietta.
1900— Rev. W. G. Woodbridge, D. D., Milledgeville.
1901— Rev. T. H. Rice, D. D., Valdosta.
1902 — Rev. Jas. Y. Fair, D. D., Atlanta.
1903— Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., Brunswick.
1904— Rev. D. W. Brannen, Dublin.
1905— Rev. J. G. Patton, D. D. Griffin.
1906 — Rev. J. W. Quarterman, Waycross.
1907— Rev. C. C. Carson, D. D., Macon.
1908— Rev. R. O. Flinn, Athens.
1909 — Rev. I. S. McElroy, D. D., Cedartown.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA 403
1910 — Rev. G. G. Sydnor, D. D., Commerce.
1911 — Rev. R. E. Douglas, Decatur.
TABULAR VIEW.
1705 — Presbytery of Philadelphia organized.
1717 — Synod of Philadelphia set up.
1745 — Synod of New York formed by a secession.
1758 — Reunion of the Synods of New York and Phil-
adelphia.
1770 — Orange Presbytery set off from Hanover.
1784— Presbytery of South Carolina set off from
Orange.
1788 — General Assembly formed by the division of the
Synod of New York and Philadelphia, into four Synods,
viz: New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia, Virginia,
and the Carolinas.
1813 — Synod of South Carolina and Georgia formed by
the division of the Synod of the Carolinas.
1796 — Presbytery of Hopewell set up.
1809 — Presbytery of Harmony set up.
1821 — Presbytery of Georgia set up.
1824 — Boundary of Hopewell enlarged.
1833 — Presbytery of Good Hope set up.
1834 — Name of Good Hope changed to Flint River.
1836 — Boundary between Flint River and Hopewell
fixed.
1840 — Florida Presbytery set up.
1843 — Cherokee Presbytery set up.
1845 — Synod of Georgia set up.
1866 — Flint River Presbytery divided into Atlanta and
Macon.
1867 — Readjustment of boundaries, and change of
names of Presbyteries.
1867 — Hopewell changed to Augusta.
1867 — Georgia changed to Savannah.
1877 — Presbytery of St. Johns set up.
1878 — Whole of Mitchell county put in Macon Presby-
tery.
1879 — Athens Presbytery set off from Augusta Presby-
tery.
404 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GEORGIA
1881 — Savannah Presbytery transferred to form Synod
of South Georgia and Florida.
1891 — Savannah Presbytery restored to Synod of
Georgia.
1892 — Wilcox County declared in Macon Presbytery.
1897 — Counties of Worth, Colquitt, Brooks, Thomas
and Decatur transferred to Macon Presbytery.
1904 — Oglethorpe County transferred to Athens Pres-
bytery.
1907 — Jenkins and Screven Counties transferred to
Savannah Presbytery.
CLERKS OF THE SYNOD.
FIRST STATED CLERKS.
Rev. John S. Wilson— 1845— 1872.
Rev. R. C. Ketchum— 1872— 1876.
Rev. James Stacy— 1876— 1908.
Rev. John I. Armstrong, 1908.
Rev. J. G. Herndon— 1909—
PERMANENT CLERKS.
Rev. Geo. T. Goetchius— 1887— 1900.
Rev. E. D. McDougall— 1901.
Rev. W. A. Nisbet— 1902— 1909.
Rev. Geo. E. Guille— 1910—
PRESS OF THE STAR
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